Star of the Midlands or Star of Mallory

[JohnMiller]

Amid seemingly persistent rumours of a return to a Mallory only series, I wonder what peoples opinions might be and what facts/rumours/bull**** they've heard?

[JohnMiller]

Clearly no one does give a **** although they'll likely complain if next year series is exclusively on The Mallory Mile.

[Ian Sowman]

I wouldn't mind one race on the oval - just for variety. The entries were never as big for those races but they were always good to watch as I recall.

[DALY]

John,....well observed.

on a higher note, we are able to arrive at Mallory with helicopters next year.

I personally have been trying to get some details / ideas.

[JustinDawkins]

I wouldn't do SOM if it was just Mallory. Its not a particularly good circuit, and the facilities are laughable.

The only reason I can see for keeping to Mallory is based on tradition.

Combe and NW's success isn't just down to having a largely singular venue, it's partly down to having good venues!

Why not have the whole c'ship at Silverstone?

[JohnMiller]

Originally posted by DALY
on a higher note, we are able to arrive at Mallory with helicopters next year.

I personally have been trying to get some details

I was at the Walkers Stadium this morning and saw a private jet just after take-off as I passed the airfield near the A47.

I waved to you DALY - you could at least have waggled the wings or something in reply!

[JohnMiller]

Originally posted by JustinDawkins
I wouldn't do SOM if it was just Mallory.

Should keep the damage down then.

[diz]

Originally posted by JohnMiller
Should keep the damage down then.

Damage to whom? LOL

[JustinDawkins]

Originally posted by JohnMiller
Clearly no one does give a **** .

We have yet to be graced with your thoughts!

[JustinDawkins]

Originally posted by JohnMiller
Should keep the damage down then.

I shall steer clear of the obvious "you don't need me to knock a corner off a an FR01" - related jokes!

[JohnMiller]

At least I crash the 'FR01' by myself, unlike your magnetic RF90.

[JohnMiller]

I think we do have to do something as the Series is not strong enough numbers-wise. I have also long been concerned about the few newcomers about which worries me when people might move on.
I'm not overly excited about Mallory only but it would be cheaper (testing etc.) and if we had grids of 20 it could be seen as a good move. It tends to be cyclical anyway - retreat to Mallory then let it grow out again over five years then retreat back to Mallory.

Maybe a Mallory/Silverstone only series offers the best overall with some variety but little testing/circuit-learning, set-up changes.

Mind you, I'd do the Champion of Cadwell anyday.

[diz]

Dawkins at Cadwell !!!!!!!!
It doesn't bear thinking about.

[DALY]

I understand the unhappiness at a Mallory only, however, look at the complaints ALL YEAR by ALL COMPETITORS....entry fees entry fees entry fees.

Then look at the number of competitors. 10 in a race will cost the same as 25 in a race. Now look at the numbers that showed up at Donington, Silverstone etc. How can people race at circuits with super facilities (Oulton etc) and then complain about having to pay for the facilities by high entry fees.

If we can get a sponsor with an interest in a multi circuit championship, then that's a good idea. Sponsorship is for commercial gain and not for fun. Mallory themselves may assist and we can work towards gettting full grids. What we need is new blood into the sport. If we have no entrants for a race, there will be no racing.

[PaulSands]

Is the idea of a Mallory only series being suggested to test the water or is it a real possibility?
What sort of numbers are anticipated for next year and would these be affected if it was purely Mallory based? Given that an oft heard reason for drivers from other series not attending Mallory was that it was seen as a "specialists" circuit would the whole series being based there just make that problem, perceived or otherwise, worse?

[DALY]

Specialists?

If you look at the last two years you will find most of the non Mallory (none regional FF1600) races have been dominated by SoM competitors. So does Mallory produce specialists or is it just a myth?

Good drivers can race at any circuit.

I do not know if a decision has been made for Mallory only, but looking to test the water here.

[JEB]

I think a move for Star of Midlands to become a Star of Mallory would be a good idea.
I don't usually feel it is my place to comment on these sort of things, but putting a 'spectators' hat on I suggest just ask the Mallory regulars.
They love FF1600 and the series will get top billing at Mallory events when it is on the programme - tradition dictates!
Don't knock it. It could work really well, and I bet Peter D would be happy to hear your views.

[PaulSands]

Of course it would drastically reduce the earning potential for photographers
I don't suppose there's been any more on this has there?

[Redracer77]

Is the Star of Midlands dead?

With the North West Formula Ford Championship attracting a good number of new drivers for next year does this mean the end of the SOM Series?

With a turn out of 12 or so cars this year numbers have been low but with a number drivers leaving the nest, where does this leave the championship - should it be amalgamated with the North West Championship to become a Northern Championship?

With Justin investing in a new house and Peter Daly dedicating some time to work and family and Gavin having been there done that. I also hear that Mark Bates has sold his car for the NW and Nick Hewitt has retired?

Where does this leave the Championship? Anyone know what Stuart or John Miller are going to do?

[JohnMiller]

Looks like I might win the SoM next year then!

[Ian Sowman]

Average grids have been a bit higher than 12 Chris. It is a valid question - a number of good drivers won't be appearing next season so who will come in to replace them?

[Barny]

Has Nick Hewitt realy retired, I would of thought he would have a good chance next year?

Is his car up for sale?

[Nick Hewitt]

Although I feel very old I haven't retired just yet and Mark Bates has actually added another car to his fleet along with his Reynard so I'm sure he is hoping to do something next year.

[Andrew Gunnell]

Is there a web site for the SOM Series?

[JustinDawkins]

Try www.clubff1600.co.uk Andrew

We get this BS every year. NW boys always seem to think that SOM is being canned and that they have nicked the 5 drivers we had to start off with!

The truth is it will still be there, Nick is likely to be there, as is Bates. I don't believe for one second that Peter Daly is keeping his two engines as paperweights, and won't be back with a new car next year. The west-tec guys are likely o be there as are many others.

If half of redracer "speculations" were true then the world would be a very strange place.