Mallory changes

[Snapper Baz]

News on the text said that the changes to the Esses are now underway at Mallory Park possibly adding a couple of seconds a lap. I heard that it was going to be a left right flick-does anybody know what the changes actually concist of? (Ian??)

[Chris Y]

How odd!

I'd really like to hear more about this.. Seems like a few circuits are getting a winter makeover.

[Ian Sowman]

There were various rumours as to possible configurations when I was there on Boxing Day, as well as a digger which presumably was in position ready. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to talk to anyone with anything definite.

Apparently the Esses is too quick for the bikers so they want to make it a thir gear corner. My bet is that it will be a smooth left-hander into a tighter right-hand entry than before, with the exit left as it was. I'm not sure whether the changes will apply to cars as well as bikes, but I think they might have to. If so, the Incarace meetings may be scuppered.

Interestingly, I'm not sure that they've actually applied for planning permission (though I don't know if they need to)...

Ian

[Ian Sowman]

I know it's bad form to reply to oneself but I've just found this (on the Mallory website, of all places):

Work started today (2 January) on changes to the layout of Mallory Park race circuit.

The new section of track will be located between Stebbe Straight and the Esses corner and will feature a sharp left hand bend followed by a right hander then a short straight rejoining the current circuit at the Esses.

Circuit director David Overend commented "The £250,000 scheme has been designed to slow competitors through the Esses and to add a couple of seconds to the lap times. However, because we are removing a great deal of earth, we are taking the opportunity of creating a new spectator viewing area around the new section and through the Esses. This can only add to Mallory's reputation as one of the best spectator viewing circuits in the country"

Mallory Park's 2003 race season kicks off on Sunday 2 March, followed by at least one race meeting every weekend until the end of October. General practice and track days re-commence early February. Further details from 01455 842931 or www.mallorypark.co.uk

I'll post the provisional fixtures when I get chance.

[Edgar Jessop]

The first plan was for Gerrards to continue through another 45 degrees down a short hill [!] then a left to run parallel to the Stebbe Straight but at a lower level a bit like the Stowe/Club revisions at Silverstone. Up a short hill at the Esses, test your brakes and away!

[Dan Friel]

Must get to Mallory sometime soon.. sounds an interesting layout.

Almost definitely don't need planning permission for the work.

[Andrew Kitson]

I guess something had to be done as there is no room for any more run off at the Esses with another lake directly behind the spectator bank. Chris Meek has often planned changes to his circuit ( new pits etc) with planning permission difficult to come by. This news means that Mallory will no longer be the only circuit in the country to remain in its original form - although not sure on Cadwell(?) Even Goodwood added a chicane to their layout in the 50s. Let us hope that bigger national Championships can be attracted back to 'the friendly circuit'!

[Ian Sowman]

I really doubt that major championships will ever come back to Mallory. The loss of the Superbikes for 2003 is a big blow.

[Peter Mallett]

I doubt if they'll ever get the big championships back but does that matter? If they keep up the interest in what they've got then I doubt they'll mind. Its a bit like Coombe in that there always seems to be a reasonable crowd for club events.

[mpj]

although the superbikes are not going you will be able to still see them there at the race of the year
most if not all of the teams will enter it because they like mallory, as do many of the top riders and want to show there support for the circuit.

unfortunatley these smaller circuits that often provide a much better standard of racing suffer now with all the politics and money in motorsport

[Dave Brand]

Originally posted by Andrew Kitson
This news means that Mallory will no longer be the only circuit in the country to remain in its original form - although not sure on Cadwell(?)

Cadwell has been extended from its original form, but the Woodland Circuit is pretty much as I remember it from when I first went there around 1960.

[candfracing]

Oh Bugger, just as I was getting used to the circuits, they go and change them!!!

At least I've got an excuse already!

"It was never like that last year????....."

[Chris Y]

No excuse - everyone's in the same boat..

However, there's the MGOC test day early in march.. The circuit changes will probably be finished by then. Good chance to sneakily learn the new layout

Sorry to hear about your difficulties with the sponsors, Craig. I think the same has happened to me too. I hope we both find new sponsors for next year

[candfracing]

Cheers Chris, it's a real pain, as I took the step to do the whole car last year in their colours etc... ok, there was never any long term comitment from them, but I've still not even been told, I've just found out from other people. Therefore, apart from the trillions of things to fix and change, I've also gotta strip all the graphics down.

Hmmm, never mind, they never brought me any luck anyway!

Still......We'll have a laugh even on a shoestring!

As for the test day, I hope to make it this year, as the car wasn't finished in time for last year.

The real problem is I've gotta change my website AGAIN!!!! AGGGHHH!!!

[Maisie]

Craig, do you think you could borrow next door's cat to peel the stickers off since it did such a good job on your skin?

[Snapper Baz]

...and the other thing boys, is that there is now a new lap record to break...which one of you is going to get their name in the "Mallory record books" then????

[Maisie]

Dunno. Do they have a "closest to the tyre wall without actually hitting it" record?

[Snapper Baz]

Strewth! that was quick Maisie...I think that record only stands at Snetterton...held by a certain silver and blue Mighty possibly driven by some sort of stunt man!!!

[Maisie]

How about the "loudest scream by a spectator" I take it you missed Chris's gravel surfing out of Devil's Elbow then!

[Chris Y]

I'm up for a shot at the "most amount of times you can throw away a good race position" this year

[candfracing]

...and I'm looking to break my record for not finishing!!!!

[Snapper Baz]

I heard that somebody did the "thing at the elbow" (I was at the hairpin)...surely not Chris???

[Maisie]

Yep. Got the in-car footage to prove it! Just missed the tyres AGAIN (avoiding someone else's accident!) and yet again, right in front of me!

[Ian Sowman]

I read on etracks.freeserve.co.uk that the chap who designed the chicane says that the 'old' circuit will be intact and should get an MSA licence - so I would suspect that the original circuit may well be used in the majority of cases.