15 August 2010 - Alternative 6 hour? (YES, organised by the 360MRC)

[Podd37]

Ok this is just a germ of an idea thats arisen from another thread but....would there be any interest in a race of say 4/6 hours for cars up to 1980, maybe newer, split into age groups (pre '70, 80 etc) and engine classes within that, running to CSCC/ FISC/ Maxi 1000 type regs? I.E. cars that look like they should (no big arches/ wings etc) but relatively free under the skin on E marked tyres or Dunlop historics.
Before you all start on the problems of re-fuelling, non availability of circuits, App K or anything else, I am just trying to gauge possible interest.

[Moosehead]

I would be interested but I'm a bit of a loner so would want to do it solo which probably wouldn't be allowed.

[Peter Mallett]

I am lucky enough to run in the real 6hrs (again this year), but the thought of a Group 1 pre 76 class appeals. It would however depend entirely upon the circuit.

[midgetman]

Whets my appetite

[Podd37]

Moose, I Feel the same!! Some kind of relay type thing could be incorperated though.
Peter, only rules would be bodyshell, classes based purely on engine size and age , thinking of Anglesey maybe.
As I say just trying to see if the interest is there.

[MGDavid]

I'd be up for that; how about if the 6 of us organise it and give ourselves 50% off?

[Moosehead]

Without perousing the blue book does anyone know if there is a maximum time limit for a driver?

Anglesey would be fine by me and I know it has its attractions for you Podd but I have a feeling that it could be a problem as many people seem to think its the other side of the planet.

I guess the first thing would be to find out how much it costs for a day/weekend.

[Celia Stevens]

We'd be interested in something like that. Have you had any further thoughts as to how where and when?

[JP12]

I would definitely be interested in a 6 hour race. Not sure about Anglesey though.

[Alan Morgan]

I guess the first thing would be to find out how much it costs for a day/weekend.

Obviously, somewhere like Anglesey will be considerably cheaper, but I was recently quoted £150 per minute for Brands GP, £115 per minute for Brands Indy, and 200 Euros per minute for Spa - ie A four hour race with one hour qualifying would cost £45000 at Brands GP at those prices.

[terence]

Brands GP would be a good starting point but there is the problem of how many days would be allowed for its use.Perhaps Donington would be glad of some business?I would be up for something like this.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by Alan Morgan

Obviously, somewhere like Anglesey will be considerably cheaper, but I was recently quoted £150 per minute for Brands GP, £115 per minute for Brands Indy, and 200 Euros per minute for Spa - ie A four hour race with one hour qualifying would cost £45000 at Brands GP at those prices.

With 40 starters it compares favourably with Spa @ £1125.00.

[Celia Stevens]

I know it would perhaps be difficult in the current financial climate but there always is the possibility of sponsorship, especially with a "different" race. Reallistically if it is going to be a 4/6 hour race it does need to be at a track at least 2 miles round. Spa would of course be fantastic but perhaps it should be kept to this country both for sponsorship reasons and the fact that some drivers would not want to go abroad or may only have a Nat "B" licence. I will have a word with a friend who has organised stuff like this before. If interest is ongoing we could put a poll out on it. All speculation I know but well done Podd for bringing the subject up.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by Celia Stevens

I know it would perhaps be difficult in the current financial climate but there always is the possibility of sponsorship, especially with a "different" race. Reallistically if it is going to be a 4/6 hour race it does need to be at a track at least 2 miles round. Spa would of course be fantastic but perhaps it should be kept to this country both for sponsorship reasons and the fact that some drivers would not want to go abroad or may only have a Nat "B" licence. I will have a word with a friend who has organised stuff like this before. If interest is ongoing we could put a poll out on it. All speculation I know but well done Podd for bringing the subject up.

Agreed re track length. We then must consider what's available and it comes down to (IMO) Silverstone International, Donington National(?), Snetterton and I think possibly Angelssey. Anything in Ireland? My reasoning is noise issues.

If it were to run to CSCC regs then it does open up the opportunities for interesting interpretations of historic cars.

[andy97]

It would be great to have an opportunity to race at such an event - I'll never have car elible for an FIA type event & even Production S1 of Britcar is probably beyond me so something aimed at a lower level of clubman would be great. I agree with Peter, something along the lines of the CSCC Swinging Sixties, Tin Tops & Future Classics regs (perhaps with a suitable date cut off - 1990?) would cover a host of cars without flooding the entry with bewinged monsters!!!.

I would be in favour of Anglesey because its is one of my favourite circuits in the UK now and is probably cheaper to hire than most others. The circuit seems to have sometimes struggled for entries at some meetings but perhaps people would be persuaded to attend a 6 hour race. The downside of anglesy is that there's no pit garages. It does host 6 hour rounds of the "FunCup" so must be used to the endurance race requirements, though.

Some practical questions, though. What happens about refuelling, ie would cars need dry break refuelling systems & "bag tanks" (might be difficult/ expensive to fit to the sort of cars i think we are envisaging attending). Similarly, what about tyre changes or do we expect tyres to last the race??

[fasted]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Agreed re track length. We then must consider what's available and it comes down to (IMO) Silverstone International, Donington National(?), Snetterton and I think possibly Angelssey. Anything in Ireland? My reasoning is noise issues.

TT circuit on the Isle of Man. Now there is a dream.

[Cliff Ryan]

Hi Podd, sorry I couldn't make it to Oulton, would definately be up for this, as I am sure a lot of people would. FWIW, the length of track time IMHO would make up for long distance travel to the circuit for all involved.

[banbury]

I`d be interested.

What about Oulton Park International?

[johngee]

It sounds a great idea but don't forget that, on top of circuit hire, you have MSA permit fees, expenses for timekeepers, scrutineers, rescue and recovery/snatch vehicles etc....and some sort of refreshment subsidy for the marshals to factor in to the 'cost per minute'. You also need an MSA organising club to take it on and get the permit. Nothing there that's insurmountable however.
If you want a clerk of the course, I'm cheap to the point of being free!

[PenelopePitstop]

Fantastic idea, how about a double 6 hour race in a similar vain to the double 12 hours that Brooklands staged

[John Turner]

Originally Posted by johngee

If you want a clerk of the course, I'm cheap to the point of being free!

[MartinSmith]

Originally Posted by johngee

....I'm ......free!

you sure you're not John Inman rather than Johngee?

Right, so we have the poll about where ...but, realistically, money unfortunately , makes the world go round...just out of interest...
Peter,

Could you do another pole?, lets say, that somewhere in the region of a 1.5 to 2k stump up per entry, and, after all the xxx's have been paid (including Terry's sandwich bill if he is gonna do safety car ) we could with what money is left over (please let there be some!!!)...return it, and run it purely at cost for pleasure therefore no one making money out of it at all...as mentioned above...Johngee is free
I am making it very simple I know, and as we all know, there is quite a lot to put this together , may need someone/group to bank roll it (did I tell you I worked in the city!! whoopsss) and its far too late in the season to make it happen this year I think but, a good meeting is well planned and if there is enough take up ...who knows!....

[terence]

SC? I want to be racing in this one!

[MartinSmith]

Originally Posted by terence bower

SC? I want to be racing in this one!

lol I know!!! ...thought that would get ya

[MGDavid]

getting back to previous comments on reliability (or lack of) - would it be possible at a UK circuit to do snatch / tow recovery under yellows and whites like they do abroad, or would a breakdown out on the track mean retirement?