Spin Off August 11 - Nottingham Sports Car Club

NOTTINGHAM SPORTS CAR CLUB
August 2011
1
CLUB WEBSITE
www.gosprinting.co.uk
Don’t forget to visit the Club Web Site.
Its full of useful information from Club events and dates to
results, Championship positions, downloadable regs and
membership forms and details.
If you’ve got something that could be useful to other NSCC Club
members, then why not advertise it on the Web site.
For further details contact
Andrew Warren on :[email protected]
SPIN OFF ARTICLES
Breaking news, adverts, for sale items, letters, views and race &
event write ups should be sent to the Editor.
Copy date for the next Spin Off:-
14th September 2011
And sent to :
Paul Marvin.
4 Marriott Drive, Kibworth Harcourt,
Leicester LE8 0JX
Tel : Mobile : 07715 353440
or Email : [email protected]
2
IN THIS ISSUE
Chairmans Chatter
4
Editors Mutterings
5
2011 NSCC Speed Championship Calendar
6
2011 Championship & Trophy Positions
7 - 8
Major Motor Sport Event dates for 2011
9
Target Times 2011
10 - 11
Event Contacts List
12
Classic Corner Finale!!
13
Marshals Update
14
DID YOU SEE …..
/ H.S.A sprint 9th October
15
MIRA from the Novice perspective
16 - 17
MIRA results August 13th 2011
18 - 22
Mole Racing Report
23 - 26
MSA News
27 - 30
Official & Committee contacts
35
Acknowledgement
The artwork on the front cover is re-printed with the kind permission of the well known
motorsport cartoonist Jim Bamber. Jim has very kindly allowed me to use his illustrations. For a sneek preview why not visit his web site
www.jimbamber.co.uk
3
Chairman's Chatter
First a big thank you to all the Committee members, officials et al who pulled us out of
the 'mire' at MIRA caused by a few senior moments by yours truly. The absence of fire
extinguishers & red flags was entirely down to me – the first because they were absent off my check list and, with the blinkers on, my mind had somehow computed that
they were supplied by MIRA themselves, never mind that as soon as it came to light I
remembered that I had ordered, collected, delivered and returned them to our supplier for the last three years! The red flags are still in the Club caravan which I visited
earlier in the week to collect the 'marshal's boxes', banners & flag (the one we run up
the flagpole)– having picked up the latter I can only assume I mentally ticked the 'flag'
box in my brain and took my leave. It was 7.00am and I am not a 'morning' person
but it all adds fuel to my wife's contention that multitasking is not one of my strengths
From what I've heard it sounds that with a little indulgence from the MSA steward and
the ingenuity of members the meeting got under way a little late and a good day was
had by all with two practice and three timed runs and, looking at the results, some
close fought battles in many of the classes. I console myself that in the ten years or so
I have been on the committee it is the first time we have had a major 'cock-up' but
those present rose to the task of sorting it out and averted a disaster – once again
thanks to everyone.
The good news is that, with a much improved entry, we should show a surplus for the
first time since we started organising a MIRA event, justifying our confidence in persevering with the venue.
Our provisional 2012 calendar is already sketched out and follows this years events
but with the probable addition of a single lap April Curborough, making 22 events in
all – the success of MIRA means we can consider going back to Curborough as we can
risk one loss making event but not two. At the present time Blyton Park hire costs are
ruling it out as a possible venue.
I am pleased to announce that our 'web master', Andrew Warren, has accepted our
invitation to join the Committee as a co-opted member pending elections at the AGM –
this will build on the contribution Andrew has made over this past year in re-vamping
the website and ensure that we continue to develop it as the 'public face' of the NSCC
and the centre of information for members and competitors.
The Thoresby weekend approaches and with it our usual plea for helpers to set-up on
the Thursday and Friday. We start about 10am each day and usually finish around
4.00pm if we have enough 'bodies', particularly on the Thursday when we try to break
the back of the main fencing, bales etc. If you can help drop me an e-mail or give me
a ring – we must get 6-8 each day.
Roger C
[email protected]
4
Editors
Mutterings
Well I have to hold my hands up and say I didn’t think MIRA was worth
running this year…. And I’ve been proved wrong. As one of the early
advocates in pushing for an NSCC-run event at this superb facility near
Nuneaton, I, like some of the other committee members, felt it was not
being supported enough to make it viable for the club to continue with.
However, due to the hard work of our Competition secretary, this year
we have in excess of 80 entries! which is an immense improvement on
the previous years where we have struggled to get 50 entries.
Blyton Raceway seems to be raising its head again for 2012. The committee have considered this newly tarmaced venue for the last 18
months or so now but have held back on taking on another venue that
might not produce a surplus for us. We now appear to have sorted
MIRA with a very healthy turnout recently. We are also considering putting an NSCC-run Curborough Short back on the calendar for 2012.
Our confidence in getting better numbers for our events has been restored but we must be careful not to be over confident. If any of the
membership have any views or better still, experiences of Blyton Park
Raceway, then we would be interested to hear your views. Emails in
the first instance should be sent to our Competitions Secretary Steve
Brown who is also taking with other championships to try and ascertain
if there is enough interest for a possible 2012 event.
Thoresby Park is just around the corner now on the weekend of September 17th / 18th. This is the finale to our season and I hope that as
many of the NSCC membership will be entered as possible. This has
been a very successful event for the club over the last few years and
coupled with a large portion of the track having been resurfaced last
year, it’s a double event not to be missed. Entries should be sent to the
Chairman Roger Carrington.
Paul
2011 NSCC SPEED
CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
Round
Date
Day
Circuit
1
17-Apr
Sunday
Harewood
BARC (Yorks)
2
17-Apr
Sunday
3 Sisters
Longton & Dist’ MC
3
17-Apr
Sunday
Silverstone
Sheff’ & Hallamshire
4
30-Apr
Saturday
Aintree
Liverpool Motor Club
5
07-May
Saturday
Shelsley Walsh
MAC
6
08-May
Sunday
Shelsley Walsh
MAC
7
14-May
Saturday
MIRA
MAC
8
04-Jun
Saturday
Pembrey
BARC (Wales)
9
05-Jun
Sunday
Pembrey
BARC (Wales)
10
11-Jun
Saturday
Anglesey
Chester MC
11
12-Jun
Sunday
Anglesey
Chester MC
12
19-Jun
Sunday
Curborough
Westfield Sports CC
13
25-Jun
Saturday
Aintree
Liverpool Motor Club
14
10-Jul
Sunday
Curborough (L)
NSCC
15
16-Jul
Saturday
Llandow
BARC (Wales)
16
13-Aug
17
28-Aug
Sunday
18
03-Sep
19
Saturday Mira
Organising Club
NSCC
Harewood
BARC (Yorks)
Saturday
Aintree
Liverpool Motor Club
10-Sep
Saturday
Loton Park
Hagley & District LCC
20
11-Sep
Sunday
3 Sisters
Longton & District MC
21
17-Sep
22
18-Sep
Saturday Thoresby Park
Sunday
Thoresby Park
6
NSCC
NSCC
Championship Positions Up to Round 15 Llandow
Pos
cc
Points
1st
Steven
Miles
5D Van Diemen RF96mm11
1999
95.82
2nd
John
Allen
1B Peugeot 205 GTI
1900
88.01
3rd
Robert
Smith
1B Peugeot 205 GTI
1900
87.39
4th
Richard
Abraham
2A Westfield SE
1700
86.48
5th
Tim
Burrill
1B Peugeot 205 GTI
1908 85.29
6th
Tony
Hart
SB Renault Alpine/Clio Wil/1C liams
1997
84.48
7th
Gordon
Peters
1C Nissan 350Z GT
3500
79.25
8th
Nigel
Cresswell
3F Fisher Fury
1398
71.32
9th
Peter
Hart
SB Renault Alpine/Clio Wil/1C liams
1998
63.95
10th Gary
Thomas
5A Force PT
1070 60.09
11th Martin
Parkes
2A Westfield SE
1700
50.23
12th John
Clarke
2A Caterham 7
1588
44.04
13th Richard
Stephens
1A Peugeot 106 Rallye
1294
42.64
14th Reginald Wild
SA Renault 5
1397
33.77
15th Dave
3B Opel Manta
1998
31.63
Purdy
7
HARRY DRIVER TROPHY POSITIONS
Van Diemen
RF96mm11
1999
60
Richard Abraham
2A Westfield SE
1700
39
3rd
Gordon Peters
1C Nissan 350Z GT
3500
38
4th
Nigel
Cresswell
3F Fisher Fury
1398
34
5th
Gary
Thomas
5A Force PT
1070
28
6th
John
Allen
1B Peugeot 205 GTI
1900
21
1st
Steven
2nd
Miles
5D
CLASSIC CAR (MILLER TROPHY) POSITIONS
1st
Rodney Ellis
SB Lotus Elan
1558
63.46
2nd
Ben
Stanbridge
3B Bond Equipe
1496
42.19
3rd
Calvin
Andrew
3B Bond Equipe
1496
38.50
4th
Stephen Morrison
3C Ford Sierra XR4i
2900
30.15
5th
John
3C Ford Sierra XR4i
2900
23.33
Savage
DES RICHARDSON TROPHY POSITIONS
1st
Nigel
Cresswell
3F Fisher Fury
1398
20.81
2nd
Gary
Thomas
5A Force PT
1070
20.21
3rd
Steven
Miles
5D
Van Diemen
RF96mm11
1999
19.11
4th
Richard Abraham
2A Westfield SE
1700
18.68
5th
Gordon Gunn
SA Peugeot 205 Rallye
1360
18.08
6th
Martin
2A Westfield SE
1700
17.17
Parkes
8
MAJOR MOTOR SPORTS EVENTS FOR 2011
F1
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Round 8
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Round 12
Round 13
Round 14
Round 15
Round 16
Round 17
Round 18
Round 19
Round 20
MOTO GP
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Round 8
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Round 12
Round 13
Round 14
Round 15
Round 16
Round 17
Round 19
BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX (Melbourne)
March 13th
March 27th
Malaysian Grand Prix (Kuala Lumpar)
CHINESE GRAND PRIX (Shanghai)
TURKISH GRAND PRIX (Istanbul)
SPANISH GRAND PRIX (Catalunya)
MONACO GRAND PRIX (Monte Carlo)
CANADIAN GRAND PRIX (Montreal)
EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX (Valencia)
BRITISH GRAND PRIX (Silverstone)
GERMAN GRAND PRIX (Nurburgring)
HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX (Budapest)
BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps)
ITALIAN GRAND PRIX (Monza)
SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (Singapore)
JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Suzuka)
KOREAN GRAND PRIX (Yeongam)
April 10th
April 17th
May 8th
May 22nd
May 29th
June 12th
June 26th
July 10th
July 24th
July 31st
July 28th
Sept’ 11th
Sept’ 25th
October 9th
October 16th
INDIAN GRAND PRIX (New Delhi)
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX (Yas Marina Circuit)
BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX (Sao Paulo)
October 30th
Nov’ 13th
Nov’ 27th
QATAR (Losail)
SPAIN (Jerez)
JAPAN (Motegi)
PORTUGAL (Estoril)
FRANCE (Le Mans)
CATALUNYA
GREAT BRTAIN (Silverstone)
NETHERLANDS (Assen)
ITALY (Mugello)
GERMANY (Sachsenring)
USA (Laguna Seca)
CZECH REPUBLIC (Brno)
USA (Indianapolis)
SAN MARINO (Misano)
March 20th
April 3rd
April 24th
May 1st
ARAGON MOTORLAND (Aragon)
AUSTRALIA (Phillip Island)
MALAYSIA (Sepang)
SPAIN (Valencia)
9
May 15th
June 5th
June 12th
June 23rd
July 3rd
July 17th
July 24th
August 14th
August 28th
Sept’ 4th
Sept’ 18th
Oct’ 16th
October 23rd
Nov’ 6th
NSCC TARGET TIMES
CLASS
Capacity
Aintree Pembrey
Short
Long
Harewood
3 Sisters April
SA
Standard Saloon & Sports
up to
1400cc
59.04
144.53
39.86
72.10
74.90
55.59
SB
Standard Saloon & Sports
1401 to
2000cc
55.09
134.13
36.99
67.10
69.49
52.82
SC
Standard Saloon & Sports
over
2000cc
54.14
127.35
35.12
64.70
68.60
52.82
1A
Road Modified Saloon &
Sports
up to
1400cc
54.15
135.36
37.33
66.26
67.65
50.98
1B
Road Modified Saloon &
Sports
1401 to
2000cc
52.79
130.89
36.20
64.46
66.92
51.45
1C
Road Modified Saloon &
Sports
over
2000cc
49.52
130.88
34.52
64.23
65.63
49.78
2A
Road Modified Kit, Replica, etc.
up to
1700cc
48.80
117.64
32.67
60.40
61.54
48.18
2B
Road Modified Kit, Replica, etc.
over
1700cc
46.74
121.74
31.43
56.27
59.74
47.30
2E
Road Modified Lotus Elise
1800cc
49.62
122.32
34.20
62.00
63.88
47.80
3A
Mod Prod exclu kit/space
framed
up to
1400cc
51.18
127.11
33.15
60.12
63.70
46.92
3B
Mod Prod exclu kit/space
framed
1401 to
2000cc
48.04
129.97
32.27
60.61
60.51
46.59
3C
Mod Prod exclu kit/space
framed
over
2000cc
47.36
115.85
31.95
59.03
59.32
44.46
3F
Mod Prod Kit/space frame
up to
1800cc
46.21
114.11
31.12
59.65
57.32
44.60
3G
Mod Prod Kit/space frame
over
1800cc
43.93
110.05
30.35
54.71
58.10
42.93
4A
Sports Libre & Hillclimb S/
Sports
up to
1700cc
45.14
108.35
29.88
53.21
54.34
43.12
4B
Sports Libre & Hillclimb S/
Sports
over
1700cc
43.78
110.77
28.88
53.28
52.98
44.02
5A
Racing Cars
up to
1100cc
41.80
99.11
28.59
52.95
52.97
40.38
5B
Formula Ford
1600cc
48.43
119.13
33.37
58.94
60.95
45.65
5C
Racing Cars
1101 to
1600cc
40.30
94.95
28.55
51.23
51.34
40.76
5D
Racing Cars
1601 to
2000cc
40.09
92.69
28.07
51.39
51.87
40.10
5E
Racing Cars
over
2000cc
35.82
91.53
26.84
49.21
49.13
38.60
10
2011 CHAMPIONSHIP
3 Sisters Alt layout
Loton
MIRA
Shelsley
Silverstone
55.10
69.98
61.45
59.62
99.23
39.56
131.44
118.52
149.91
53.78
64.00
57.20
54.93
90.29
36.71
124.33
109.98
139.11
53.10
63.58
55.48
53.16
90.62
34.85
115.81
104.42
132.08
51.65
63.66
57.98
56.67
90.80
36.67
123.10
103.94
143.74
51.93
61.91
55.32
55.40
86.70
36.02
119.37
107.63
129.90
52.20
61.33
53.90
50.92
82.66
33.47
113.83
98.14
122.09
49.20
55.77
50.96
51.00
79.52
32.78
107.73
96.05
122.69
47.53
55.57
48.72
50.19
80.01
29.41
103.64
93.31
118.20
50.08
58.39
51.66
51.29
83.49
32.73
112.78
106.30
128.62
48.59
57.52
49.00
54.06
82.98
33.31
109.31
98.57
123.13
48.34
56.96
49.86
53.42
80.36
31.02
106.41
103.56
130.75
46.69
54.71
47.71
49.95
80.88
30.40
105.36
95.00
123.34
45.24
52.10
46.33
45.76
76.80
30.85
122.35
89.63
114.49
44.81
52.22
46.17
46.86
72.88
30.12
100.08
90.24
114.14
45.61
49.48
45.95
49.33
71.79
27.49
101.34
98.39
113.06
45.28
48.33
46.43
46.50
76.79
25.83
95.23
88.96
108.61
42.52
47.62
43.69
45.61
69.39
26.09
93.76
82.60
101.78
46.51
57.82
51.03
52.25
80.76
36.68
112.51
97.11
117.77
42.32
46.62
43.61
44.51
67.84
25.12
87.88
85.34
103.53
43.25
46.33
42.63
n/a
67.73
25.39
88.45
81.06
99.35
36.51
45.03
41.13
n/a
64.84
23.15
85.87
75.50
93.80
Thoresby Llandow
11
Anglesey Anglesey
Int' Nat
Nat
Venue
Harewood
3 Sisters
Silverstone
Aintree
Shelsley Walsh
Shelsley Walsh
MIRA
Pembrey
Pembrey
Anglesey
Anglesey
Curborough
Aintree
Curborough (2 lap)
Llandow
MIRA
Harewood
Aintree
Loton Park
3 Sisters
Thoresby Park
Thoresby Park
Date
17th April
17th April
17th April
30th April
7th May
8th May
14th May
4th June
5th June
11th June
12th June
19th June
25th June
10th July
16th July
13th August
28th August
3rd September
10th September
11th September
17th September
18th September
12
NSCC
NSCC
Longton & District MC
Hagley & District LCC
Liverpool Motor Club
BARC Yorks
NSCC
BARC (Wales)
NSCC
Liverpool Motor Club
WSCC
Chester MC
Chester MC
BARC (Wales)
BARC (Wales)
MAC
MAC
MAC
Liverpool Motor Club
Sheffield & Hallamshire
Longton & District MC
BARC (Yorks)
Club / website
tba
tba
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mike Simpson [email protected]
[email protected]
Martin Pickles [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Contact
Classic Corner – August 2011
Incorporating Memorable Moments
Welcome to this the last of my missives to the Club magazine. I
now feel that the time has come for me to stand aside. Looking
at the last issue of Spin Off, I was delighted to see that the MIRA and Thoresby marshal lists are now full – great news and thanks to those who have volunteered.
Quite understand that the visit to Simon Hadfield’s classic car works near Shepshed
had to be restricted in numbers – and good that current marshals were put first, I’m
sure that the others selected appreciated the gesture.
Some of you may not know that Simon provided a quality classic car at each of our
Mallory Park parades in 2006, 2007 and 2008. One year we were going to get the ex
Sid Taylor Lola T70 that Simon was working on, but it was too big to bring on the
available transporter on the day, so we had to “make do” with an AC Cobra instead.
Sid was a visitor to our Sliverstone meetings in this car which dominated in racing at
our level – he went on to greater things including shared driving with Denny Hulme
who was otherwise an F1 driver and I was delighted to see the car again in 2006 at the
Goodwood Revival meeting, although sadly it was damaged quite extensively in an
incident during the race. On a more cheerful note, earlier in the year, Sid himself was
at Mallory Park as a guest of the circuit owner Chris Meek at the Sir Stirling Moss
statue unveiling.
I’ll leave you with one particular memory that stands out in my mind from the NSCC’s
old multi-disciplined days. During the mid 1960s, we ran a rally that was routed south
with the furthest away point not far from the steel works at Corby, the distant lights
and noise of the night shift made a ghostly backdrop to the check-point, especially as it
was absolutely pouring down with rain! Anyway, a Vauxhall Victor approached
slowly from the correct direction and the car appeared to have a very low slung suspension, more a race format that a rally one – also only sidelights were displayed. After some hestitation which I assumed was to check his sealed watch time, the car crept
forward to me and the window opened, but on the driver’s side not the navigator’s.
Only then it became clear that he was not in fact a competitor, rather a “local” coming
from the steel works. Having confirmed that I was a rally marshal checking competitors he went on his way, apparently much relieved.
After a few minutes, the penny dropped. It dawned on me that with my black saloon
car and my rain cape and sou’wester and torch, he must have thought that I was a policeman and his low slung car was in fact a standard model laden down to the axles
with what was no doubt knocked off goods from the works!
On that note, I’ll bid you all farewell.
Bruce Widdowson
13
Marshals Page
Thanks to you all for your support at Mira - after a late start due to the fire extinguisher and red flag issue our apologies for that, this has already been addressed
for future events.
Thanks to Mark Walker who used his recovery vehicle bottles to get the meeting
started and marshalling for us too.
Special thanks to the startline marshals Greg and Kerry and Steve and Paul who
had a very tiring day when a late work commitment left us a marshal short.
Hope you all had a good day,but I am sure the early finish was welcome! Hope to
see you all at Thoresby Park.
Vi
THORESBY PARK REPORTS
I would be pleased if any competitors entering our Thoresby
Park event(s) on September 17th / 18th would put a few
words together for the magazine. Due to the timing of the
event the results may not appear until Octobers issue, but if
I have a good response to those volunteering to provide
some words for the membership to read about the event
then I may well hold back the issue to include the full results
and your write ups.
Drop me an email to [email protected] if you are willing to pen to paper or finger to keyboard for some words on
the Thoresby Park Event(s).
Paul Marvin
14
DID YOU SEE……..
Recently in one of the tabloid newspapers a report was printed about the
Mayor in the town of Vilnius, Lithuania. His angst was with the cars being
parked by their irresponsible owners in cycle lanes around the city. So the 43
year old Mayor took it up on himself to drive a Russian tank over the illegally
parked luxury cars effectively writing them off. Superb. His printed quote was
“I wanted to send a clear message that people with big expensive cars can’t
park wherever they feel like and ignore the rights of pedestrians and bike riders”
Try that in the UK and see what happens!!
In another tabloid newspaper there was a report of a man in Angelholm in
southern Sweden trying to split the atom …… in his kitchen!! An amateur scientist somehow managed to acquire radioactive chemicals and then tried to
cook them in a bid to recreate a nuclear reaction in his home. Apparently all
he managed to do was blow up his stove. He was subsequently arrested
when he felt compelled to own up to the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority
to check if what he had done was illegal! Deuurrrr!!! The man said he just
wanted to see if it was possible to split the atom at home. Using radium, americium and uranium in his failed bid, he insisted there was nothing sinister in
his efforts. The would be scientist has now promised to stick to the “theory”
of splitting the atom.
That would be a good idea then!
Dear Club Official
I'm organising the Hillclimb & Sprint Association Sprint on 9th of
October at the Curborough Sprint Course. The H.S.A. would like to invite any member
of the Nottingham Sports Car Club to compete in the above event, and the
Nottingham Sports Car Club will be listed on the permit as an invited club. It is our
championships final event of the year and is on the short course ( 1 lap ) and will feature
a Class Winners Run-Off for the Alan Payne memorial trophy. (time permitting of
course). It is a national 'B' event and regs will soon be available to download from the
H.S.A. Website ( www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk ).
If any member is unable to download the regs & entry form, I can post a copy to
them, - just write to :Eric Morrey, 4 Central Street, Countesthorpe, Leicester, LE8 5QJ, or phone
0116 2477851 during the evening.
Regards
Eric Morrey
Secretary of the Meeting - Hillclimb & Sprint Assoc.
15
MIRA from a novice’s perspective
Hi all, I did have a big intro about my trials and tribulations of getting this far but I
thought I would save it for a rainy day and get to the point (as it’s long enough as
it is).
I’m Andrew Warren (some may have seen my name before, I have been involved
with the latest incarnation of the NSCC website) this year I’m competing in a Burgundy coloured Citroen Saxo, it was my first MIRA event. I had already been told
about a car rolling at the event earlier in the season so I was somewhat apprehensive to say the least. However, I pulled myself together and set my alarm for
6:30am as there’s no camping at MIRA. There were a few showers on the way but
as I got closer the roads dried up and the weather was looking positive.
I arrived at 7:45 and there was already a lot of competitors in the parking area, I
didn’t see anyone I knew so I pulled up beside Gordon Gunn in his lovely example
of a 205 Rallye, and had a brief chat. Shortly after we were chaperoned into the
depths of MIRA, I was a little disappointed not to see any exciting test cars especially as I had my phone stickered preventing any potential photo taking opportunities.
The sky was overcast but with the exception of a little spitting of rain it looked like
we were in for a good day.
After a drivers briefing the scrutineer arrived to check my car over, I was a little
nervous as it was the same guy from Prescott which had previously pointed out I
needed to put an aluminum cover over a hole in place of a plastic cover on my
back seat bulkhead. This wouldn’t be a problem, but I’d left the cover I used as a
template on my workbench at home so now there was a new hole.. I did a bodge
job with a bit of duct tape and fortunately it wasn’t questioned so I collected my
fourth MSA sticker of the season!
There were eight of us in class 3B which is the modified production class upto
2000cc which for the unfamiliar means you can pretty much do anything to the
car as long as you retain the original block, meaning you get some pretty quick
cars. Realistically I should put some interior in mine and drop into the Road Modified 1B class but I just haven’t had the chance to get all the annoying little fixings
that have been stripped from mine (something for end of season I think).
The first run was a bit of a sighting lap, especially after my overly enthusiastic first
run at Curborough in May which resulted in a sideways pass of the mole hill!
I was surprised to find the track was a lot more fun that when I walked it earlier
in the morning. The long sweeping bend into the speed trap seemed to go on forever, but on the run I found myself swapping cogs a plenty and there were plenty
of corners to gain time.
I finished my first run with a 66.47 which when the lead car of David Marshall was
pulling a 56 second run it left me thinking I had a wheel missing but a second look
saw the rest of the field were over the 60 second mark. Another practice run saw
me knock nearly 3 seconds off my time and although I was pushing the car at this
point I was sure I could brake a bit later after the speed trap into the 90 right and
90 left mid-section.
16
By the second practice the times had settled and you could see a pattern
emerging with David Marshall first with a 56.12 followed by Dave Purdy in his
old skool Opel Manta pulling a 57.21 and a non-NSSC entrant Ben Morse doing
a 58.14 in a very well prepped Peugeot 106 Rallye.
The first of the timed runs came, I managed a 62.35 there wasn’t much more I
could do around the first sweeping bend as I never lifted but there had to be
more from the mid section! Dave Marshall reduced his time by another 0.11
seconds holding the lead but Dave Purdy was now locked on pulling in a time
of 56.80, with Ben Morse in third not managing to decrease his time but putting his first timed run of 58.19.
After the lunch break everyone was ready to best their first run. I went all out
around the first section but only managed to match my split time losing just
0.01 second due to my launch, I guessed there wasn’t too much to be had
there. I attacked the middle section harder but ended up going slightly wide on
the exit, clipping a cone. Despite the heroics, I dropped slightly with a 62.66
second run. Up front David Marshall reduced his time further to 55.41 and Dave
Purdy responded with a 55.96, just 0.55 seconds separating two completely different cars! Ben Morse put in another consistent run dropping just 0.01 of a
second from his previous time.
The final timed run of the day it was all or nothing! I decided to give the rear
tyres a little more pressure as there are too many other adjustments to be
made on a road car. This time I lost 0.11 seconds on the first split but passed
the speed trap for the 3rd time at a consistent 90 mph. I think only more
power was going to help there! I attacked the middle section harder again but
the first right hander by the control tower is quite deceiving and I still could
have gone in later and faster. I was feeling satisfied with my run but was
slightly disappointed to find I was 0.04 down on my best run maybe if I have
left the tyres alone I might have bettered my time who knows but there’s always next year!
Up front David in his 205 but in a stonking time with a 54.78 second run, Dave
tried but lost out I think he may have missed a gear in the first split as he was
down 4.15 seconds. Despite this he must have gone all out to pull in a time of
56.72 which is less than a second behind his best time - maybe he might of
pipped first in class if he hadn’t missed the gear? Ben Morse also went all out
putting in his best time of the day just shy of 57 seconds with a 57.08, now
there’s a goal for next year!
All in all it was a great day, a big thank you to all the Marshals and everyone
involved organising and running the event!
Well done to David Marshall for his first in class, it is worth mentioning that
Ivan Evans despite being in the class below (upto 1400) put in a time of 56.46
which for a 1380cc was a great time - who says there’s no substitute for cubic
capacity!
Next stop Harewood…
Andrew Warren
17
No.
Driver
Car/Model
RENAULT 5
FORD KA
REG WILD
ANDREW ROLLASON
2
3
8
RICHARD WINDMILL
10
GEOFF DARK
FERRARI 355 GTB
14
15
17
18
107 Peter Hart
114 Tim Burrill
115 Martin Harrison
1
7
2
8
5
3
6
22
23
24
25
4
1
3
2
Darren Spooner
Ben Woodcock
Andrew Cottrill
Paul Andrews
Class 1C - over 2000cc
Neil Billingham
John Allen
Paul Darch
Bob Smith
7
18
4
Tony Hart
Class 1B - 1401cc up to 2000cc
Subaru Impreza
BMW M3
Subaru Impreza
Reliant Scimitar
Toyota MR2 Roadster
Peugeot 205 GTi
Renault Clio Williams
Opel Manta Excl.
Peugeot 205 GTi
Toyota MR2 Roadster
Peugeot 205 GTi
Renault Clio Williams
ROADGOING MODIFIED PRODUCTION CARS
1
Class SC over 2000cc
1
RENAULT CLIO CUP
PEUGEOT RALLYE
GORDON GUNN
1
Class SB 1401cc 20 2000cc
3
2
1
STANDARD PRODUCTION CARS : Class SA - up to 1400cc
Pos’
61.96
68.15
56.48
69.17
64.50
60.44
60.53
66.96
59.83
67.20
58.84
61.39
62.98
62.39
75.31
67.38
64.92
Prac 1
58.92
63.41
55.99
66.05
61.91
58.45
59.52
64.83
59.22
65.68
57.54
60.22
62.61
60.21
73.41
65.68
64.43
Prac 2
58.45
60.33
52.93
65.37
61.56
58.34
59.03
64.61
59.19
64.89
57.56
58.49
59.08
58.98
73.25
65.36
64.28
57.87
63.33
57.63
58.89
58.62
59.61
71.73
65.43
afwo
Run 3
59.01
58.72
afwo
66.44
60.22
59.30
59.33
57.47
57.95
65.68
60.07
59.37
58.99
65.82 64.58
59.23
62.89
57.70
59.25
58.24
59.35
72.32
65.78
64.74
Run 1 Run 2
45
49
24
80
67
53
57
78
48
74
46
54
52
56
81
79
77
FTD
MIRA August 13th 2011 Final Results
John Palmer
Stu Hill
Martin Parkes
Colin Way
Ian Davenport
John Loudon
David Hussey
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Martin Hepworth
John Clarke
27
35
Richard Abraham
26
38
39
40
41
42
44
1
2
6
5
4
3
Stephen Laing
Anne Ballantyne
Steve Lewis
Graham Frankland
Neil McKinstrie
Stephen Everall
Michael Skidmore
Caterham R500
Westfield Seight
Westfield Speedsport
Westfield SE
Westfield Sport 2000
Westfield SEW
Westfield Sport 2000
Westfield SEIW
Westfield SEI
Westfield SE
Westfield SE
Westfield SEIW
Westfield SE
Westfield SEI
Westfield SE
Caterham 7(S3) Roadsport
Westfield SEI
1
46 Jeff Allan
TVR T350C
Class 2D: Road-going TVR Cars not eligible for class 2C.
37
7
Class 2B - over 1700cc
8
2
3
7
9
6
5
1
10
4
Class 2A - up to 1700cc
63.97
61.31
58.12
58.91
63.29
55.44
58.92
64.49
60.16
52.63
53.56
58.15
58.59
64.20
55.74
51.34
69.17
55.07
61.39
57.10
57.54
AFWO
61.55
54.86
53.47
60.06
58.26
51.66
51.47
56.62
57.98
57.66
55.98
54.89
62.64
53.41
61.24
55.88
56.55
59.02
61.43
53.92
53.17
61.80
55.86
51.32
50.95
54.86
57.04
55.22
54.72
50.54
60.58
52.56
60.48
55.51
55.59
57.75
59.91
54.26
54.08
62.21
55.49
50.81
50.69
55.43
56.60
54.61
54.43
50.49
59.38
52.27
60.39
54.94
56.60
58.32
61.65
53.49
54.32
60.77
56.47
50.25
50.27
54.96
56.88
54.53
54.07
50.22
60.12
52.03
69
37
39
47
65
27
26
70
38
16
17
36
43
31
28
15
61
23
ROAD MODIFIED KIT, REPLICA, SPACE-FRAMED AND NON FERROUS CHASSIS CONSTRUCTION CARS WITH SINGLE ENGINES
19
Timothy Heron
Nigel Hinson
49
50
Lotus 2 Eleven
Lotus Elise
63.43
55.41
60.90
54.59
60.40
54.51
60.18
54.54
53
Ivan Russell
Ford Anglia
58.95
56.87
56.46
Dave Purdy
Andrew Warren
57
58
156 Calvin Andrew
8
Bond Equipe
Peugeot 306 Rallye
Peugeot 106 Rallye
Peugeot 205
Citreon Saxo
Opel Manta
Bond Equipe
Peugeot 205 GTi
69.82
63.79
60.02
56.35
66.47
61.59
71.70
65.90
67.57
60.57
58.14
56.12
63.83
57.21
64.43
63.32
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
7
10
8
1
2
6
5
3
Gordon Peters
Peter Goldthorp
James Carter
Chris Eades
Trevor Shortt
Nick Hall
John Louch
Stephen R Morrison
Nissan 350Z
Volkswagen Vento VX6
Reliant Scimitar GTE
Reliant Scimitar SS1 Ti
Reliant Scimitar GT
Scimitar SS1 Turbo
Scimitar GTE
Ford Sierra XR4i
56.78
57.85
63.39
AFWO
60.25
62.76
63.40
62.64
55.35
56.59
60.41
56.81
55.39
59.77
61.74
60.54
Class 3C: Modified Production Cars excluding Kit, Replica and Space-framed cars over 2000cc.
Matthew Staley
61
4
Ben Morse
60
David Marshall
Ben Stanbridge
56
59
Peter Messer
16
3
1
6
2
7
5
54.81
AFWO
59.32
55.95
54.58
59.75
60.56
60.18
64.02
60.69
58.19
56.01
62.35
56.80
63.73
60.37
Class 3B : Modified Production Cars excluding Kit, Replica and Space-framed cars over 1400cc up to 2000cc.
1
55.00
58.40
58.56
54.79
54.36
59.54
60.27
59.56
64.18
59.71
58.20
55.41
62.66
55.96
63.60
59.96
56.84
MOD PROD CARS : Class 3A - Modified Production Cars excluding Kit, Replica and Space-framed cars up to 1400cc
2
1
Class 2E - Road going Lotus Elise and Elise derived cars
20
54.91
56.63
60.97
54.59
54.62
59.41
59.94
59.17
63.46
59.29
58.08
54.78
62.39
56.72
63.20
59.67
57.25
59.05
54.38
34
44
55
32
29
62
66
59
76
60
50
33
72
41
75
63
42
58
30
Reliant Scimitar Coupe
21
121 Adam Trigg
Reliant Scimitar Coupe
Scimitar GTE
164 Steve Louch
John Eldridge
Ford Sierra XR4i
163 Barry Savage
Tim Nunn
Steve Clark
73
74
Westfield SEIW
Westfield SE
Paul Morcom
79
83
84
85
86
87
177 Matt Hillam
178 Paul Jones
43
6
7
14
9
5
1
13
12
Paul Dew
Adrian Clinton-Watkins
Peter Goulding
David Birch
Barry Slingsby
Gary Bunn
Keith Adams
82
10
Derek Hodder
81
Terry Everall
Kevin Jones
78
80
Craig Sampson
77
4
3
11
8
2
Westfield SEiW
Westfield Megabusa
SBD Westfield S 2000
Westfield GGR
Westfield SEIW
Westfield Sport 2000S
Westfield SEIW
Westfield SEI
Westfield SEI
Westfield Type R-SC
Westfield Sport 2000S
Westfield SEIW
Westfield Megabusa
SBD Westfield S 2000
Class 3G - Modified Production Kit, Replica and Space-framed cars over 1800cc.
2
1
68.13
66.46
58.87
66.77
53.42
NTR
48.29
50.82
53.37
57.39
50.01
53.17
51.78
50.22
49.02
AFWO
NTR
57.97
58.70
AFWO
Class 3F - Modified Production Kit, Replica and Space-framed cars up to 1800cc.
11
9
4
12
21
51.39
60.49
69.35
48.91
51.06
53.31
49.36
51.20
50.61
49.39
48.33
51.76
56.71
49.65
56.67
49.92
65.28
62.93
56.86
63.53
51.92
53.53
46.05
48.90
50.06
53.05
48.96
49.87
50.57
49.32
47.88
51.16
52.75
47.15
56.69
49.63
65.14
60.82
55.54
64.94
50.87
52.64
45.97
48.92
50.23
53.01
50.35
50.52
51.13
48.63
48.41
50.77
51.23
47.23
55.74
49.15
62.68
60.47
55.80
63.11
51.01
51.45
45.80
48.71
50.06
AFWO
48.97
48.75
50.36
48.97
47.95
50.98
49.82
46.37
56.24
49.02
60.09
59.84
54.83
62.15
20
22
3
9
14
25
11
10
18
8
6
19
13
4
40
12
68
64
35
71
No
Driver
Car / Model
Philip Day
Gerry Fincham
90
91
Caterham R400
Fiat X19
Gary Thomas
Stephen Chaplin
Alan Cleveland
94
95
96
Megapin NSR197
Jedi Mk6
Force PT
98
197
3
2
1
97
Richard Keen
David Hunter
Simon Keen
TOTAL ENTRIES 81
Dallara F302
Royale RP31M Zetec
Dallara F302
Class 5D - Racing Cars over 1600cc up to 2000cc.
3
2
1
RACING CARS : Class 5A - Racing Cars upto 1100cc
1
2
SPORTS LIBRE & HILLCLIMB SUPERSPORTS : Class 4B - over 1700cc
Pos
22
NTR
61.06
46.24
xxxxxx
51.32
46.35
56.02
71.49
Prac 1
48.42
59.72
NTR
51.03
46.83
52.93
67.51
Prac 2
48.09
60.09
44.23
49.59
45.05
52.57
64.87
Run 1
48.57
60.36
44.29
49.49
45.30
52.62
64.09
Run 2
47.34
58.21
44.19
48.47
57.00
51.41
62.77
Best
5
51
1
82
7
2
21
73
FTD
moleracing – with K2 Consultancy &
TEW Engineering
2011 Event reports from British Sprint Championship
rounds at
Kirkistown & Cadwell plus NSCC Curborough Long
The forecast held true and we enjoyed a glorious weekend of sunshine
in Northern Ireland that was worth the 900mile round trip. A leisurely
crossing on the High Speed Seacat brought us to Belfast, and then a
quick trip down the side of Strangford Lock gets you to the circuit.
A good turn out of cars from the mainland UK completed a strong
Saturday entry, although Sunday was a bit thinner on the ground.
The warm welcome and knowledge of the locals always surprises me
and it is one of the reasons why I like this 'overseas' event!
Mike Musson had repaired his driveshafts and now the complete
gearbox in the last few months and was hoping for a good weekend
following 3 scores and 7 DNF's -that is a very annoying “Did Not Finish” ratio. Anyway, 400m into his first practice run the chain snapped
and the thrashing item smashed the gearbox casing and it was another
DNF and an expensive round trip. The next casualty was Angus Buchan's clutch, followed by Pete & Brian's gearbox selector fork. A locally welded repair still left them struggling the following day in their
V8 and they went home pointless. Colin Birkbeck (right)was pumping
out methanol all day over the engine, car and track and very lucky not
to catch fire, especially since the exhaust manifold cracked later in the
day.
Colin Calder discovered progressively cracking brake discs, and
risked the final run of the weekend knowing that the front disc had a
crack running right though!
The Saturday course ran the upper half the track for 1 3/4 laps. I allocated the first practice to a gentle run to scrub in and gently heat cycle
a new set of tyres – thank you K2 and TEW!, and the second practice
to get my eye in. Timed run 1 was a few hundredths outside my PB at
95.17; T2 was slower as I only pushed in a few areas with an experimental line in the chicane complex.
So 6th fastest into the run offs behind Stewart Robb, Colin Calder,
both in their monster V8s, Simon Bainbridge in the all carbon fibre V8
Audi and Jim Belt in the Le Mans style Juno and Colin B were all faster
than me to qualify. However, new tyres refitted and ready to be
abused!
23
This dropped my time 1/2 sec inside my PB to 94.51 to leave me lying
4th. I let rip with a do or die 2nd run which was most enjoyable/buttock
clenching whichever way you look at it and I sliced over 3
seconds off by attacking one particular corner like I hadn't all weekend
and posted 91.21 to beat Colin B for the first time this season by just 7
hundredths!
Simon didn't have such a good ending however. Whilst braking - recording over 2G longitudinally with a 998kg, 800bhp car, the front right
hand suspension broke, pitching the car into a big crash. Simon was
taken to hospital for a check up but was OK and joined us all later for a
big meal. The following day was similar on the full circuit, but with even
less runners, I just took one timed run to
qualify. Stewart and Colin C continued the good form and Stewart cemented his position at the head of the championship with 2 wins and a
course record on every run. I couldn't pip Colin Birkbeck this day but we
were only tenths apart. But 2 bonus points were added to the total by being inside the old 2 litre class record on each run!
A mad dash to the catch the 7pm ferry saw most of us on it, musing over
the weekend over a glass or two of wine - well it was 3 hours on the water before we had to drive again! A day at Silverstone watching the F1
cars practice in the wet - see this snap of Rosberg I took going past the
new pit complex - got me in the mood for the
following days round at the local
Curborough venue. International Racing to Club Sprinting!
The round was not a British event, but I wanted to compete at my local
Nottingham Sports Car Club’s event and see how I fared with the new car
on a track I had driven many times. A PB of 55.10 had never been bettered since I set it in 2000, but the weather was
perfect and I was spurred on by excellent competition. I opened the gearbox and optimised the gear ratios from Kirkistown, the previous weekend,
as the top speed at Curborough was only 109mph,
compared to 140 in Ireland.
A first practice run of 54.69 bode well and this was followed up with a
53.11, but Lee Griffiths, who competes in the British Hillclimb championship was out in his brand new OMS 25 and laid his mark
down with a 54.42 followed by a 53 dead, and Gary Thomas in his Force
PT ended his practice on a 54.82 and David Owen in another OMS was
also in the 53's.
A long lunch, a change to the best set of tyres and removal of the starter
battery lightened the car by 7kgs and we were set for the first of only 2
timed runs.
Gary was first of the quick cars to run and had a stunning 1.92 second 064ft time which means he was pulling more than 1G of longitudinal accel-
24
eration away from the line and he stopped the clocks at 52.76 to
break the 10 year old class record. No chance I thought of FTD today
then! Lee had a smooth and rapid run in the mid 53's. I was always
conscious of not crashing the car bearing in mind the following weekend I was out at Cadwell Park in the 'British', but...... as you spin the
tyres to clean and warm prior to launch, that all goes out the window!! Steady, committed and with not much margin for error I put up
a 52.61 to snick ahead of Gary by a tenth! During the long wait for
the final timed run, I hoped it would rain so that I didn't have to go
and defend the time, but it stayed hot and warm, despite rain dropping a few miles away. Gary tried perhaps too hard to improve and
went a few tenths slower, which left Lee out on track as I queued for
the line. I needed feedback on how he did and Emma Williams, who
was helping run her Dad, winced as the clock stopped and she saw
how close it was, but Lee was still 0.06 seconds slower so FTD was in
the bag. So I didn't need to push too hard, but I had an empty track
in front of me, fully marshalled and with ambulance cover, a commentator and a large crowd on the main straight waiting in anticipation - pootling round or giving up wasn't an option.
Revs held at 6500, drop clutch and progressively feed in more throttle, rev to 9000, 2nd gear at 3 seconds and 70mph, rev to 90mph
past the sweeping paddock gate, hit the brakes over the brow, turn
in, left, right, hard on the power to the Molehill, brake, smoke, 1st,
back out, control oversteer on throttle, 2nd, hard brake, 1st, deep
entry at hairpin feeding back onto main straight, 2nd, 3rd, 100mph,
extreme brake, blue smoke, 1st, turn in right over kerbs, back out,
catch oversteer, feed throttle smoothly to release all 272bhp, 2nd,
Molehill, smoke, 1st, 2nd, hairpin, 1st, 2nd , 3rd, 4th 110mph over
the line and rewarded with 52.28. Beer time! (Video on YouTube, via
website)
With another gear ratio change, a week later we were in the Cadwell
Park paddock sharing the meeting with the Super Kart British Grand
Prix. We were also sharing the rain with them though! I was ably assisted by Chris and Jonny who had driven down from the North East
to help.
The two practice runs were in wet conditions, but not enough for full
wets. As the conditions were so changeable, the first timed qualification run could have been the driest, even though it was damp, so
best tyres were put on. A slithery but 'must stay on the track' type of
run put me 9th fastest, but not comfortable. Conditions for the 2nd
timed run were much better and the time dropped by almost 7 seconds and 8th fastest! Bad move!
Why I hear you ask????
25
Well as we all queued on the track for the top 12 run off, the rain
started again. The slowest runners and shared cars were away first on
the driest track and so most of these early runners got good times in
the bag, while those running last (the fastest qualifiers) had a soaked
track and lost out. I was 7th away and that's where I ended up,
Heather Calder had a great run making the 1000mile round trip from
Thurso to take 11 points well worth it and Stewart Robb Jnr took the
win, but more importantly, Stewart Robb Snr took the 2011 British
Sprint Championship after coming so close last year.
2 rounds to go and we currently lie in 6th overall, a position I intend to
defend vigorously at Kames in
Scotland next weekend!
British Sprint Championship 2011
Top 12 after round 13 of 15
NAME
CAR
POINTS
Stewart Robb
4.0 Pilbeam-Judd MP88
116
Colin Calder
4.0 Gould GR37
101
Mark Smith
2.0 SBD Reynard
86
Terry Holmes
3.5 Lola-Judd ERH
79
Colin Birkbeck
2.0 Dallara 301
72
Steve Miles
2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm11
64
Steve Broughton
2.0 SBD Reynard
55
Heather Calder
4.0 Gould GR37
52
Ross Napier
4.0 Gould GR37S
47
Graham Porrett
3.5 Lola-Judd ERH
42
Phil Lynch
2.0 Dallara 301
34
26
MSA News ISSUE 16 : August 2011
Taking the sport to Westminster
The Motor Sports Association joined the Motorsport Industry Association for the annual ‘Motorsport in Parliament’ day last month. Coming just days after the British
Grand Prix, at which the MSA had hosted more than 20 parliamentarians, the MSA
was able to reinforce its key messages to government and opposition representatives in the more formal surroundings of the Palace of Westminster.
The evening reception, hosted by Rt Hon the Lord Drayson of Kensington, was attended by more than 200 guests. During the proceedings, Adrian Newey was presented with the MIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding personal
contribution to the Motorsport Industry, following his exceptional success over the
past thirty years.
Adrian Newey joins a highly impressive list of previous MIA Awards winners, including Harvey Postlethwaite, Ross Brawn OBE, Sir Frank Williams CBE, Sir Stirling
Moss OBE, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, Tom Wheatcroft and Bernie Ecclestone
amongst others.
***********************************************************************************************
Parker and Robb crowned first 2011 MSA champions
Barrie Parker secured his seventh MSA British Car Trial Championship title with victory in July’s HCC Wales Trial.
Parker, who won his first title in 1987 and took a further five between 1999 and
2004, has dominated this season in his Toyota MR2, taking five successive victories
to deny Duncan Stephens a second consecutive crown.
“The championship is usually won by older cars because they’re small and light,
with narrow tyres and low gearing, so it was great to win in a modern car,” said
Parker, a member of the MSA Trials Committee. “I’ve dipped in and out of the
championship over the last few years, but I’ll be back next year to defend my title.”
Meanwhile Stewart Robb Senior claimed his maiden championship victory in the
MSA British Sprint Championship, having taken the runner up spot on numerous
occasions. Robb took the crown at the final meeting of the season at Kames, where
son and 2008 champion Stewart Robb Jnr, who has missed most of the campaign
through work commitments overseas, took victory in both rounds. Asked if his son
would be returning for a full title challenge in 2012, the new champion replied: ‘Not if
I have anything to do with it!’
***********************************************************************************************
BBC feature sparks marshals interest
More than 5000 unique visitors logged onto the British Motorsport Marshals Club
website (www.marshals.co.uk) after the BBC screened a ‘how to be a marshal’ feature during its British Grand Prix coverage.
Arranged by Go Motorsport to encourage more people to get involved in the sport
27
as volunteers, the cameras followed BBC F1 reporter Ted Kravitz as he donned the
orange overalls at a British Touring Car Championship meeting at Thruxton. As well as
spending a couple of hours trackside, Kravitz assisted on the grid and visited the timekeepers’ office.
BMMC chairman Chris Hobson said: “As a direct result of the coverage we received
more than 5000 hits on the website and had more than 300 taster day enquiries. It
looks like our recruitment volunteers will be working overtime for the considerable
future!”
**************************************************************************************************
Combe set for more Sprints next year
Castle Combe has added extra dates for Sprint events to next year’s calendar, after
receiving permission from local authorities.
Circuit chairman Howard Strawford said: “The existing sprints here have always been
fully and often oversubscribed, so we know there is pent up demand and are therefore
happy to help out local clubs to meet this.”
Clubs wishing to run a Sprint should contact Graham Marshallsay or Maria Fisher at
the circuit.
**************************************************************************************************
Extra Euroclassic spaces available
A limited number of extra spaces have been made available for the MSA Euroclassic, a
pan-European car tour that takes place from 4-11 September this year.
“This year’s route through the Alps and many of the most historic sites in Northern Italy
has proven extremely popular and all the official accommodation is now fully booked,”
said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports (IMS).
“With many potential drivers clearly still finalising their plans and not wanting to miss
out on what promises to be the best MSA Euroclassic to date, we are willing to accept
a handful of further entries. Our team of travel experts will be able to assist those participants where possible to find suitable hotels en route.”
The 1425-mile non-competitive Euroclassic features track time at four different race
circuits, and an itinerary that includes visits to the official Ferrari and Mille Miglia museums. There are further halts at many of Europe’s most fashionable and historic destinations, such as St Moritz, San Marino, Venice, Rome, Siena and Pisa.
For more information and full details of the 2011 route, log onto the official website at
www.msaeuroclassic.co.uk.
**************************************************************************************************
Towing points
The MSA has received reports of towing points failing. Competitors who use webbing
straps as towing points are advised that a 4mm cut in the strap’s edge reduces its tensile strength by around 50 per cent. The requirements for towing points are set out in
MSA Regulations (R)48.1.13 and (Q)19.1.3.
**************************************************************************************************
28
Fraudulent homologation and standard labels
The MSA understands that FIA homologation and standard labels may be being
forged. Competitors are advised to check labels carefully before purchasing items
such as seats, harnesses, helmets and overalls. Forgeries can usually be identified
by careful examination of details such as colour, shape, size and font. If in doubt,
contact the original manufacturer, a UK-based agent or the MSA Technical Department.
***********************************************************************************************
Silverstone session for national squad
Team UK spent two days at Silverstone’s Porsche Performance Centre last month
for its latest group training session, overseen by National Race Coach David Brabham and National Rally Coach Mark Higgins.
Highly experienced race engineer Andy Miller was on hand to develop the drivers’
understanding of data analysis, while fitness training was overseen by Vo2, which
has worked with top drivers such as Mark Webber, Jenson Button and Heikki
Kovalainen’. TV presenter Louise Goodman, who fronts ITV’s BTCC coverage, was
engaged to improve the national squad’s media skills – a vital tool for the modern
driver – and there were also anti-doping and time management workshops with
MSA coaches.
“Everything I learn on the programme is designed to make me a more complete
package and therefore increase my chances of making it as a top-level driver, and I
feel it’s having the desired effect,” said 22-year-old rally driver Harry Hunt. “Before
joining the programme I barely gave my preparations a second thought but I’m now
much more disciplined and mentally focused. I also feel I’ve become much more
professional and have a better technical understanding of the sport.”
***********************************************************************************************
Campaign continues support for school competitions
Go Motorsport continues to work closely with many motor sport-focused schools initiatives such as F1 in Schools, Formula Student, Formula Schools, the British
Schools Karting Championship and Greenpower.
In July Anthony Dunn, Go Motorsport’s Regional Development Officer in the North
East, joined no fewer than 32 schools at Croft as they battled for a place in the final
of Greenpower, which challenges pupils to design and race eco-friendly electric
cars.
Dunn subsequently arranged several school visits so that the Go Motorsport message can be delivered directly into classrooms. Go Motorsport also arranged for regional BBC and ITV film crews to attend, further promoting both Greenpower and
Go Motorsport.
Croft Circuit Manager Tracey Morley said: “What a wonderful initiative Greenpower
is. In recent years it’s been particularly heartening to see more and more girls getting involved in what many may perceive as having been something for the boys!”
Further regional heats are scheduled at Bedford Autodrome, Aintree, RNAS Merryfield near Ilminster and Castle Combe during September in the run up to the National Final at Goodwood on Sunday 16 October.
29
****************************************************************************************************
Curtain closes on AASE 2010/11 as next intake prepares
to begin apprenticeship
The current crop of Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) students
gathered at Loughborough College last month for their final residential session of the
term. AASE is a government-funded human performance initiative for 16- to 18-year-old
potentially elite athletes. The two-year programme is essentially an educational sports
science course for motor sport, and focuses on all of the human performance elements
that combine to create successful drivers.
Overseen by MSA Coaches Greg Symes and Tom Gaymor, the apprentices had oneon-one and group sessions with sports psychologists, nutritionists and Loughborough
College Elite Sport Tutors. “AASE has quite simply made me a better driver; my results
have certainly improved while I’ve been on the programme,” said 17-year-old Max
Coates, who competes in the Ginetta Junior Championship. “The great thing about
AASE is that it’s free, and I wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to work with professional
psychologists, nutritionists, media professionals and other experts.
“It’s also a great opportunity to be able to train at the Porsche Performance Centre at
Silverstone, and to work and socialise with other young drivers whose experiences I can
learn from. I’d definitely recommend the programme to other young drivers.”
Coates and his fellow apprentices will continue to receive support and guidance from the
MSA Academy as they progress their motor sport careers. Meanwhile the next cohort
will begin the programme in a few weeks’ time; their induction will be covered in a future
edition of MSA News.
****************************************************************************************************
Stuttgart Uni wins Formula Student 2011
The University of Stuttgart was crowned the winner of the world’s largest student motor
sport engineering competition, Formula Student, at Silverstone in July.
Run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Formula Student challenges
universities from across the world to design and build their own cars, which are then
raced at Silverstone; this year 2300 students from 125 teams and 34 countries gathered
at the Northamptonshire venue. The cars are judged on their speed, acceleration, handling and endurance, while the teams are tested on their design, costing and business
presentation skills.
“Formula Student gives you the chance to learn much more than you ever could through
studying, internships and diplomas,” said 26-year-old Peter Leipold, of the victorious
Renntea Stuttgart squad. “You have to deal with ideas and concepts, design, manufacturing, costing, materials, testing, logistics – there’s such a huge range of work you have
to do.”
Ross Brawn, Formula Student Patron and Team Principal of the Mercedes GP Petronas
F1 team, added: “Designing, building and financing a race car from scratch, with almost
no limitations to the design or the shape, can instill creativity in young engineers that will
be absolutely crucial to them throughout their careers.”
The top British team this year was the University of Hertfordshire in a highly commendable third place.
30
NSCC OFFICERS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS
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