CTCRC Discussion 2006

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

What about the car? From posts I have read here (Zefs and Peter Mallet's for example) it seems they have to be to some sort of FIA standards.

Those comments refer to FIA meetings which Zef and I enter. Unless things have changed the CTCRC runs to MSA regs no matter which part of Europe it goes to.

[Al Weyman]

Oh right, I did not know they could do that. All joking aside, is there really not enough British tracks about struggling for grids as well to make this sort of trip a bit unneccessary.

[Peter Mallett]

To pick the two you seem to have latched on to (and this is my personal opinion), Coombe has limited running days (as has been discussed) and its a BRSCC circuit (unless Strawford has declared UDI) so its unlikely it would jeopardise its own well supported championships for a BARC club meeting (as good as it would be).

Cadwell has a busy schedule and is part of Dr Jon's plan for world domination but is out of the way. Why would the BARC risk going to an out of the way circuit where the risk of smaller grids would hit its credibilty.

They run Pembrey and Lydden so the risks at those out of the way locations is minimal.

[Ian Sowman]

Combe is not a BRSCC circuit. All meetings bar one are organised by CCRC now, and they have invited championships from many clubs, including BARC and including CTCRC specifically (plus HSCC, AMOC, MGCC, 750MC, BRSCC etc).

The reasons for going to Croix? Circuit hire is cheap and a lot of people enjoy it.

[carrera]

Even with an "extra" round for CT at Oulton there is still a huge gap between races 3 and 4 and also 4 and 5. With all the CT rounds at meetings with Pre'93 bar one then I could double up. Pre'93 will be bolstered by BMs so perhaps I would not be on my own. Question is, how many will bother to do the CT championship? Surely TRC is a better option for the CT drivers, and for the Ford boys there are a number of options.

[Al Weyman]

The reasons for going to Croix? Circuit hire is cheap

So does that mean the entries are going to also be cheap

[Ian Sowman]

Not sure how they work out to be honest, Al.

There was a feature about British clubs going to Croix in MN a couple of years back...

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by Ian Sowman

Combe is not a BRSCC circuit. All meetings bar one are organised by CCRC now,

UDI.

Originally Posted by Ian Sowman

and they have invited championships from many clubs, including BARC and including CTCRC specifically (plus HSCC, AMOC, MGCC, 750MC, BRSCC etc).

Yes but apart from contradicting your above statement the CTCRC has four races to run, that takes a large lump of time out of the day for the Combe championships. The last time the CTCRC was there was '99.

I know the 750 mc runs there but they have a bigger bill and can run a two day meeting thus still allowing the local championships into the event.

[greenamex2]

Al, if you like going sideways in relative safety then Croix is a really fun circuit in RWD car. You won't be fast but you will enjoy it.

There are a lot of arguments about "but it is cheaper than going to Pembrey etc". Do your own costings before believing these, they can miss out a few expenses/considerations.

A couple of times we ventured out into the nearby towns and had a real laugh. A couple of my mates ended up coming back about 5 in the morning from a french rave!

Not so pleasant to camp in a tent in though, some of it is next to a MAJOR lorry route and take your own portaloo!

[Ian Sowman]

CTCRC is there at the March 25th meeting represented by the Classics/Historics and the Production BMWs.

Not sure when 750MC last ran their own meeting at Combe - quite some time ago. I think the last races were there in 1999, slotted into a BRSCC bill. This year two 750MC championships will race there - Formula Vee on March 25th and Stock Hatch on May 29th.

[big andy]

whats the ctcrc doing to suport , classic thunder ,is it going to do nothing and just watch it die which would be a great shame

[johnw]

The numbers diminished last year Andy, and has been discussed many times on these boards, minimum numbers are required in order to maintain a championship.

There seemed to me an obvious merger with another similar(ish) championship, but it has apparently been turned down.

CT might get an uplift from Pre-93 competitors this year, particularly with the news that running list 1 tyres would enable you to drop down a class.

[Al Weyman]

Why did they take on this Miltek BMW thing, I don't understand the thinking behind that, the club has IMO always been about variety which to me is one of the attractions so why get involved with all these boxy (I said boxy, not poxy) E class tubs.

[Al Weyman]

John I think understand the reason you were turned down from that merger, the CT rules were far more flexable than the championship you wanted to merge with (unless I have the wrong one but I don't think so) and I can see why they did not want to go along with it (with respect). Some of those cars running in CT are extremelly quick and very lightweight and running on slicks and fully dry sumped, the other championship was far more akin to your pre 93 proposal but hey they came first. Never mind though I will come out in my big black beasty for a couple of rounds:-).

[johnw]

Al,
IMO the Production BMW Championship (nee Miltek) is a good fit with the CTCRC. The cars are the right age and it provides a lower cost of entry to race within the CTCRC, something that was missing.

The PBMW's had done a great job in their second season - more than enough to become a Championship. The Kumho BMW's didn't want to let them have championship status within the Kumho fold, in case a boxy 3 series tub won overall. So it was a case of seeing where they fitted, and were welcomed, best and CTCRC was it.

[Al Weyman]

I guess you are right John it is just me, I have a real mental blockage against one make racing and championships as I believe variety is really the spice of life and no less so than in this game. Take the WHT for example, what a good spread of interesting cars, as a forced spectator on the day although not brilliant racing as such it was all very watchable.

[johnw]

No its isn't just you Al. I have never done a one model championship so can't really say what they are like to drive in. The PBMW's have delivered some exciting racing though, so it's not all bad news. Might even get a go in one this year.

I like variety too and really enjoyed driving the WHT, but agree that there was a fairly big spread in the field. Still good to see the variety of machinery out.

Rod Birley has done a great job with TRC series, but slicks and wets are not for me. A decent List 1B tyre at a sensible price makes it more affordable.
We're working on it

I still think that the proposed merger would have generated a strong single championship in place of two ailing ones. As usual though, politics intervened and stopped it in it's tracks. Just hope that they both keep going as there are some great cars out there.

Whatever, I look forward to seeing the Camaro at a few rounds.

[Al Weyman]

You will see both of them John, guaranteed.

[Tim Wilkinson]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

Oh right, I did not know they could do that. All joking aside, is there really not enough British tracks about struggling for grids as well to make this sort of trip a bit unneccessary.

I think it's just meant to be a bit of a beano, something enjoyable and out of the ordinary. The T&R guys seemed to enjoy it last year.

Shame about so few CT events, I do hope that it can keep running as that's the main appeal of the CTCRC meetings for me. Ideas on a postcard..... (nearly everyone already seems to think the championship is actually called Classic Thundersaloons *hint*)
John - it seemed to me that numbers were slightly up last year, tho '04 wasn't particularly good at some rounds. The cars are out there : 30+ reserves at Brands and Donnington shows that. Maybe with a limited calendar those can be out for the large majority of the races.

Lydden and Brands pre-93 might be a bit too early in the season to have the car ready for (plus first race at the CSMA meet is a bit of a daunting prospect!), but Snetterton looks tempting. T&R has a very local calendar from June onwards, so I might end up with a busy and expensive summer.

[johnw]

Teej
You can't take it with you
I think that the limited number is to assist with keeping the averages up. If they drop, championships are in danger of losing status or disappearing.
Look forward to seeing you.

And indeed both Camaros Al. A fine sight

[Dellow]

Looking at the BARC site it says the Silverstone race on 25 March is on the Stowe circuit. That appears to be a little 0.79 mile affair on the infield. is that right? - Michael

[Al Weyman]

I hope not because if it is I won't be going, I like to get the old girl out of 2nd gear now and then :-). Actually I think there is a TRC round on the Stowe circuit I think the CTRCC races are on the SUNBAC event on the National.

[Ian Sowman]

Correct - the CTCRC rounds at Silverstone are on National on March 26. The ones on March 25 are at Combe.

[Stacy]

Originally Posted by teej

I need to get hold of the homologation papers for the car, before knowing for sure if I can do pre-93, as I have to check wheel sizes.

Teej,

Papers aren't available for every car, so don't panic if you can't get them.

I would restate that we're looking for 06 for cars in the spirit of what we're doing, and yours is. On that basis it's fair to say that no regular supporter of the championship in 06, assuming they are in the spirit of what we're doing, is going to be told to reengineer their car for 07!

Pre-93's is obviously hitting a note however, it already has the largest number of registrations than any of our other championships...

Engage us and lets chat in detail offline.

Sincerely,

Stacy

[Stacy]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

John I think understand the reason you were turned down from that merger, the CT rules were far more flexable than the championship you wanted to merge with (unless I have the wrong one but I don't think so) and I can see why they did not want to go along with it (with respect).

Al, for info the offer was based on significant compromises from the CTCRC, and indeed effectively allow the other party to become the stronger voice for the greater good. I think such a move would have benefitted us all, but it was not to be for this year.

Stacy