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

[Peter Mallett]

Cool. This is what the old SUNBAC meeting used to be.

[simon drabble]

have you not got this race in the Birkett?

[andy97]

The Birketts a relay, this is meant to be an endurance race. More like Britcar, I suppose, but for older cars.

[simon drabble]

I thought the birkett you could run as many (or few) cars as you wish. For what its worth I think you will have to be more focused on what is eligible as a "race what ya brung" 68-85 will end up with a scrappy grid.
What was the eligibility of Willhire as this seems to be the nearest historical race as I see it?

[MGDavid]

hmmm I cannot see agreement on this, so I'd better duck out for now; a bit of work then off to Spa on Thursday anyway :-)

[delta]

Simon scrappy grid or not i don't care this is going to be the "alternative 6 hour"

[andy97]

[QUOTE=simon drabble;2493309 For what its worth I think you will have to be more focused on what is eligible as a "race what ya brung" 68-85 will end up with a scrappy grid. [/QUOTE]

Define "scrappy". Do you mean varied? Le Mans has a pretty varied (or is it scrappy?) grid, and always has had.

This concept is deliberately aimed at attracting as wide a participation as possible, within reasonable limits, so that mainstream competitors are not frightened off by a few "hot rods". We can't all race E-Types, Chevron B8s, ex Works Alfa GTAs etc. etc. but that doesn't mean we don't want to enjoy the challenge of a 6 hour race.

[simon drabble]

I think you are missing the point - I am saying you need a coherent theme linking the cars - the Willhire was pretty much club level and the "Britcar" of its day. That is why I asked what the regs were to that.
If you are a 1968 MGBGT or even a Cortina Mk2 in fairly standard form do you want to be racing with a full all out Porsche Open 911? Equally the amount of prep required to make a car last 6 hours (and run 2 hours between fuel stops) already puts it to the upper end of club...

[andy97]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

I think you are missing the point - I am saying you need a coherent theme linking the cars - the Willhire was pretty much club level and the "Britcar" of its day. That is why I asked what the regs were to that.
If you are a 1968 MGBGT or even a Cortina Mk2 in fairly standard form do you want to be racing with a full all out Porsche Open 911? Equally the amount of prep required to make a car last 6 hours (and run 2 hours between fuel stops) already puts it to the upper end of club...

Simon, I agree that the standard of prep required will be pretty high in order to last but I don't see many Porsche Open cars racing as not that many of those will be pre 85, and turbos probably won't be allowed. It is also probable that standard shape bodyshells will be required (although alternative materials may yet be allowed), along with original engine type and induction system to ensure that no bubble arched, be-winged monsters frighten everyone else off.

The regs and eligibility are not finalised yet but this is all contributing to the thought process, I'm sure.

[Moosehead]

Ahh, now I see that I'm not eligible not only because my car is over 3.5litres its also too young!!

Somewhat disapointed in the direction this is going.

If you go back to the first page of the thread you will see that both Podd and myself were looking at a way of having and enduro style event not necessarily an alternative 6 hour (yes I know that is the thread title!!). We discussed the possibility of splitting the race into two 3hour segments in order to allow running repairs etc and also to enable other races to take place in between the segments to help pay the way for the meeting.

Not everyone wants to have a shared drive, I don't like the idea of anyone driving my car and I'm not keen on driving anyone elses and hence I would rather do the race(s) by myself.

[Peter Mallett]

The Willhire was prod saloons.

[Peter Mallett]

Seems there's already an endurance for Sports and GT cars so it may be just as well to stick with saloons?

http://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116771

[terence]

You know it makes sense.

[John Turner]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Seems there's already an endurance for Sports and GT cars so it may be just as well to stick with saloons?

http://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116771

And, here!

http://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115476

More exciting times for historic racing ahead. Enjoy it while we can!

[Peter Mallett]

Yes but the second one is sports prototypes surely?

Anyway in the car type etc. poll the current majority favour sports/gt/saloons mixed.

http://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116757

[John Turner]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Yes but the second one is sports prototypes surely?

Anyway in the car type etc. poll the current majority favour sports/gt/saloons mixed.

http://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116757

Nope, see my review of the 3 hours. However, I was merely defending the approach by some for a preference for saloons, as we now have two enduros for sports and GTs. I look forward to seeing developments.

[Peter Mallett]

Chevrons and merlyns etc?

But yes there's certainly more openings for sports cars.

[terence]

I would have thought there is more than enough in the way of Roadsport type events through-out the UK,just about every Organizer has some series or other.I think its a perfect opportunity to offer the Saloon boys a chance.[And I dont own one,so I cannot be accused of having my own interest's in mind!]

[Peter Mallett]

Personally I think the only real criteria for this event is bums in seats. Although an upper capacity limit may encourage more of the budget end cars (smaller engine = lower costs). Ultimately it would be up to any organiser to decide the regs.

[simon drabble]

Originally Posted by terence bower

I would have thought there is more than enough in the way of Roadsport type events through-out the UK,just about every Organizer has some series or other.I think its a perfect opportunity to offer the Saloon boys a chance.[And I dont own one,so I cannot be accused of having my own interest's in mind!]

seconded... replicate the spirit of the Willhire

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

seconded... replicate the spirit of the Willhire

Yup, and of course the first one included at least one MGB GT.

[terence]

And also a roadster,a friend has owned and raced it since it was last used in the Willhire in 88,its still in the same colour scheme as well!

[simon drabble]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

The Willhire was prod saloons.

I presume MG's are so versatile that they are prod saloons as well.....!!!
I am too young to really remember but family friends who were very involved with the Willhire tell me it was a great "clubman's" race
Although outside of my normal racing car period I would consider running a car for this - an Alfa 2000 GTV seems to be the perfect tool - cheap, reliable and in 2000 litre form if they are not too badly penalized on the weight could be quite a competitive car. I presume Yoki's would be allowed given the eligible years?

[John Turner]

Ah, I'll say it before anyone else - a 'B' appears in the thread! In fact, there were several in the Austosport 3 hours event which is why I said 'no' to just sports prototypes in that race; it was an eclectic mix. However, I agree that a 'Willhire' style grid would be appropriate, and as you say it's a numbers game - clearly it needs to attract sufficient numbers to make it viable.

[terence]

Yes John,they crop up everywhere! Simon,Yoko's are in list 1B so they are eligible.
There were even Skodas grinding around,with some amazing results,one car did the whole event[89,I think] on one set of brake pads and no other maintenance!