Combe GTs - Class structure - 2006

[Paul V]

There is talk of redefining the class structure for next year.
Simply put the current idea is to have 5 classes (all running to 108dB(a) )

Open - up to 2000cc & over 2000cc
Closed - up to 2000cc & over 2000cc
GTS - essentially for production cars that could be made road legal.

Any suggestions/comments please?

Thanks

[topwelshman]

I think it's criminal that they have to even consider changing it for a bunch of old farts that don't like the sound of people having fun!

[Paul V]

Originally Posted by topwelshman

I think it's criminal that they have to even consider changing it for a bunch of old farts that don't like the sound of people having fun!

Don't go there - lets not give them any satisfaction from it - don't forget a full grid of totally legal 108dB(a) cars makes more overall noise than one of 10 cars.

Would you want to bring your BMW along - there was one running on Saturday.

[soper]

structure looks ok
how about introducing rolling starts, its much kinder to the transmission, looks better for spectators and saves a bit of time as well

[topwelshman]

Yeah I might, it's still in for works but will be battle ready very soon

[Paul V]

Tony, rolling starts would be entertaining , and having your Harrier would be good too, you could certainly challenge for class honours with it.

Top, (if I may) you might need to sleeve it down, to fit in the 2 litre class if the Harrier is entered though.

[greenamex2]

The GT bit sounds interesting to me. Would that encompass genuine road legal kit cars, albeit with wings etc?

[Paul V]

I have asked some questions, the results are:-

There used to be rolling starts, there were some accidents, maybe thats the reason.

Any sports car, kit car, sports racing or sports prototype is eligible provided that it complies with MSA safety requirements and is a genuine two seater.

I would like to think that rolling starts could be implemented.

Dennis, can you let me know what the Kit Car is, so I can find out more?
Have a look here http://www.brscc.co.uk/championships...egs%202005.pdf at the current regs.

[greenamex2]

As my car (AM Sportscars EX2) is such low volume (about 5 so far) I guess it would still run in the Open class. A bit too quick for me!

[Paul V]

Just had a look, I would expect it to be in GTS (GTO on in the Regs).
What engine/bhp?

[greenamex2]

If the bl**dy engine builder ever pulls his finger out, 3 litre and around 350BHP. It's a Nissan V6 connected to an Renault Touring Car gearbox. The normal EX2 kit car is fitted with the ubiquitous Vauxhall 2 litre 16 valve engine and box.

The only other significant departure is a front air dam/splitter and single element rear wing.

Predominately a road and track day car but it would be nice to race it occasionally somewhere that whilst I won't win I won't look silly/be dangerously slower than everyone else.

[darcym]

they should scap the whole championship.

[greenamex2]

Three or four years ago I would have agreed with you but recent grid sizes have been very impressive proving a demand for it.

Why should they scrap it?

[gixxer]

Originally Posted by darcym

they should scap the whole championship.

i agree with you matt but perhaps if they change the classes that may well inprove things further,i think this should be the last chance to bring ot back to its former glory!

To be honest it'll never compete with the other two strong championships they both seem to have a bigger fan base than the GT's

[Tuscan 6]

I'm curious - exactly how do you tell which of the spectators at a meeting have come to see which race? In other words, how are you measuring the relative sizes of 'the fan base'?

I suspect that whilst most people will have their favourite type of race cars, most ordinary punters go to a race meeting for the package of races that make up the day. Unless the Tuscans were on the bill, in which case everything else was a suport race

[alfaman]

Originally Posted by darcym

they should scap the whole championship.

I can see where you're coming from Matt.

But at last it looks like things are picking up - last Saturday had quite an eclectic mix including that V8 Star Opel, the Juno, the Lola etc...

The annoying thing about the championship is its lack of consistency one meeting there'll be 20+ cars that actually appear - the next meeting there'll be 10 or so.

I think with these suggested class changes next season should be seen as a trial and if the grids are on average 15 or below then bin it.

Buy why do the GTs get 12 laps and the other 2 Combe series only get 10? Doesn't seem fair to me.

[RobC]

I'll be plonking my arse on the grid next year, doing my bit to bolster numbers. Also now that the faster toys i.e. Radicals, Jades etc are getting within clubmans budgets I don't see why this class won't grow *fingers crossed*

[R59]

Originally Posted by alfaman

Buy why do the GTs get 12 laps and the other 2 Combe series only get 10? Doesn't seem fair to me.

It's down to track time. If you give each race 15mins, including warm-up lap, then the GT's will (could) do 12, where the Salon's will only (should) do 10.

I hope the series continues. I'm not sure about the class changes, but you never know what they will do until it happens.

Hopefully I can get mine quiet enough to definitely pass the drive-by test, as well as the static test (with ease).

Rob.

[Ian Sowman]

Yes, but FF1600s would also do 12 - possibly 13 - laps. Why not just make the races 15 minutes long?

[greenamex2]

How do you know when to make that sudden last lap overtaking manouver?

My car has a clock in it as part of the data logging/dash display but many don't.

[gixxer]

Originally Posted by Ian Sowman

Yes, but FF1600s would also do 12 - possibly 13 - laps. Why not just make the races 15 minutes long?

yes ian better value for the drivers too!

[Ian Sowman]

Dennis, a last-lap board would soon sort that problem out. A majority of races in the UK are now timed (probably).

[gixxer]

Originally Posted by RobC

I'll be plonking my arse on the grid next year, doing my bit to bolster numbers. Also now that the faster toys i.e. Radicals, Jades etc are getting within clubmans budgets I don't see why this class won't grow *fingers crossed*

So what you gonna be on the grid with Rob?

[RobC]

Will be in a ProSport, trying to keep up with Louis (in my dreams!)

[gixxer]

Originally Posted by alfaman

I can see where you're coming from Matt.

But at last it looks like things are picking up - last Saturday had quite an eclectic mix including that V8 Star Opel, the Juno, the Lola etc...

The annoying thing about the championship is its lack of consistency one meeting there'll be 20+ cars that actually appear - the next meeting there'll be 10 or so.

I think with these suggested class changes next season should be seen as a trial and if the grids are on average 15 or below then bin it.

Buy why do the GTs get 12 laps and the other 2 Combe series only get 10? Doesn't seem fair to me.

Looking at the entry list for the bank holiday raceday a third of the grid is taken up by Tuscans [7] so with out them there would be 14 so nothing really has changed but like last time there will more than likely be a few late entry's.......hopefully