Any last thoughts

[Carlos]

Hi everyone
Its my first race (ever) this weekend (28th) in the Stock hatch and was wondering if anyone had any last minute words of advise or top tips for me? I only hope I make it past the first corner without trashing the car.
Nerves are building but I am realy looking forward to it.

[Stephen Green]

However you do, I wish you all the luck and safe racing.

[Carlos]

Thanks Stephen

[RoyG]

Carlos -

Your targets for Saturday should be -

1. Stay safe
2. Watch and learn
3. Have fun!!!!!

Please come for a chat (Stock Hatch Nova 601). I think you'll find that the Stock Hatch brigade are a friendly & helpful bunch.

See you on Saturday.

[Carlos]

Sounds good Roy
Ill see you there
ps
do you have a standard packing list or anything you take with you or any info I might find usefull?

[RoyG]

Carlos -

My checklist below - I'm a pessimist! You may not want to bring everything on the list - chances are you can borrow what you don't have.

ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS -

Car, log-book, licence, helmet, overalls, tickets.

Plus....

RALLYCROSS CHECKLIST.
Overalls, Helmet, Gloves/socks/balaclava, SPECS, Licences, MSA Log-book, Club membership card, Championship registration card, Stopwatch, Tickets

Spares etc.
Alternator, Ball joint, Belts - cam & fan, Brake pads, Brake shoes, Bulbs/fuses/wire, Clutch cable, Coil, Distributor, Drive shaft(s), Electrical connectors & wire, Exhaust clamps/rubbers, Fuel pump, Funnel, Gasket set, Gear cluster, Gear linkage, Header tank, Hose & exhaust bandages, Hoses (set), Nuts & bolts etc., Plug lead, Rack, Radiator, Rotor arm, Spark plugs, Starter, Thermostat, Throttle cable, Track rod end, Water pump, Wheels/tyres, Windscreen, Wiper motor/linkage

Tools etc.
Axle stands, Brake fluid, Cleaning rag, Drive shaft fitting tools, Engine oil, Gearbox oil, Hose bandage, Instant gasket, Insulating tape, Jack, Jerry can, Lock wire, Nuts/bolts, Portapower, Pump, Rad Seal, Strobe light, Tank tape, Tie-wraps, Tool box, Tow-rope, WD40, Wheelbrace

O & S
Bucket & sponge, , Waterproofs, Hat, Scarf, Gloves, Stopwatch

Hope this helps.

[Carlos]

Thanks Roy
Better start packing know by the look of it
all good info
cheers
Carl

[Carlos]

Roy
Out of interest do many people camp near by or do most get B&Bs? Just wondering as my budget is just about at copper level before my first race (not a great start)
Carl

[Stephen Green]

Sleep in the car perchance?

[RoyG]

Plenty of people camp, though I usually find a B&B in a pub nearby. For Croft I stay with brother who lives in Teesside!

[RoyG]

P.S. They're forecasting rain & snow showers for next Saturday!!!

[Carlos]

should make it a fun day
I must remember an umbrella and hat

[Alan Green]

Carlos,
The Chequers pub up the road from Croft does accomodation. Not many rooms but very friendly. May be booked up at this late notice but might be worth giving Barry a call. 01325 721213. Tell him the marshals sent you!!!

Good luck for next weekend - I'm hoping to be marshalling there. Hints & tips - don't go bouncing off the pitwall at the start (can get hairy, stock hatches nearly wiped my crew out there last year!), and take your time learning the circuit - sliding off into the clervaux gravel trap (first corner) can cause your world to turn upside down!

What number are you running?

Al.

[Carlos]

Thanks for the advise Al
Hope to see you there (not to closely though) My car No. is 739 (red and white 205) Ill be carefull of the pit wall.

[Queen]

Carlos Hope you have a great day on Saturday. You won't find a more we friendlier bunch of drivers and us marshals are not so bad either. Hope to see you there.

[Carlos]

Thanks Queen
I will lap extra slowly so I can see all you marshals and give you a wave (Thats my excuse asorted)

[Queen]

I like your answer Carlos. Just don't start waving other wise you might fall off like Kirk does 613

[Carlos]

Ill try and remember
if not, Kirk ill see you in the gravel

[Cryos]

Carlos,

RoyG pritty much told you everything their is to know,bring etc when rallycrossing!

So all i can say is (since im a rookie also) is Good Luck!

Just one bit of advice that i found usefull is when the back end of a car starts to break loose Keep the foot in!! or you will be falling off the track ! (Christy Grimes told me that, very good info for first time rookies!)

[Queen]

I hope you enjoyed your self Carlos
It was nice of you to come and see us. It could have been in person you didnt have to bring your car as well. Tyre walls and cars dont mix. I hope it wont cost you to much. See you at the next round.

[RoyG]

Carlos -

Hope you enjoyed your first taste of Rallycross - good to meet you there.

You managed to keep it on the track (most of the time!!) and took the car home in one piece.

See you at Blyton.

[Carlos]

Realy nice to see you both there, everyone was realy friendly. It was a great day and im still smilling know. Couldn't resist popping over to see you Queen (thanks for the push). Thankfully managed to get through the day without causing any damage to anyone else and just a minor scratch (Hmmmmm) to my car. Cars all fixed know and ready for Blyton. Hope to see you there.

[Queen]

Carlos Im glad to hear the cars still ok. Yes we will see you at Blyton. It was a good day. Did you enjoy playing on the snow?

[Carlos]

The snow was very interesting, but I would like better weather for Blyton. I just felt far more comfortable with some grip.

[Twin Airbags]

Hi Carlos - I helped Queen give you a push out the tyres at Croft. Only a snow problem, you gave it a good go when it dried up a bit. Glad to hear you enjoyed your first day, and had no damage to the car. Hope to see you at Blyton, but don't take that literaly.