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

[Peter Mallett]

I just hate sports racers.

Andy, the poll is posted in a different thread as explained.

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

[simon drabble]

Peter - try one and you will be converted!!!

[andy97]

Peter
Thanks, got it, I was just a bit confuse by the poll at the top of this thread, until I noticed that it was closed!

[Peter Mallett]

Apologies again. I tried to post a new poll based on the closed template but it won't let me, even though I have special powers for I am Darth Va................ er sorry.

[johngee]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Yes, that was my thought too, run it to regs that are already existing.

I really think that caterhams or similar, mixed with larger cars is a recipe for disaster, mainly because they tend to fall into blind spots and can be a real safety risk. Again though that is my opinion.

I'd agree on both counts. 'Importing' existing technical/eligibility regs would save us a lot of time, heartache and endless debate and open out potential entries to cars which are, effectively, already built and prepared.

The second point I'd agree wholeheartedly.....mixing saloons with small and nimble Caterhams and the like could be a recipe, if not for disaster, then, at least, potential for too many incidents for exactly the reason Peter has stated.

[john ruston]

Peter,What problem do you have with Sports Racers?
From a historical perspective they have more to do with the evolution of the race car than any of the tarted up road cars.
If you are to start a poll thought you would make it democratic and open to other peoples ideas,perhaps not!

[Peter Mallett]

Not my decision John. I have nothing against them actually. Although I'll tell Simon that, just because it means so much to him.

Mind you, who said this was a democracy?

[John Turner]

John, see here:-

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

Whilst I also prefer sports racers and GTs, they are undoubtedly better catered for in historic endurance racing than saloons, and it would be good to see the latter provided with a long distance race also. We have quite a few saloon car racers on here who would clearly like to do it. Personally, I'd love to see more endurance racing for historic cars across the board but there are, of course, wear and tear implications, leading to increased costs for competitors.

[Peter Mallett]

Yep,

Let's not forget also that the person who got this ball rolling then buggered off to gawd knows where, races a saloon car (Fiat 128 IIRC) so he'd certainly be upset if a load of low slung Merlyns, Lotii etc. muscled in.

[terence]

Absolutely agree John.With the amount of events that do cater for SRs,the three hour to name just one,and we all know what type of car will win that.It would be good to give the saloon boy's the opportunity of an endurance event,rather than having to enter something like Britcar etc.
What with the BMWs,Fords etc I dont see too much of a problem reaching the grid number we are looking for.

[andy97]

I am really hoping that this idea takes off & catches the imagination of club racers with Capris, Escorts, XR2 & 3s, Golf GTis, Pug 205s, Alfas by the bucket load, Fiats, Dolomite Sprints, BMWs etc etc, but I am also hoping that owners of MGs, TRs Lancias, Porsche 924 & 944s, Marcos and Scimiters etc etc come out to play.

[fasted]

They say a camel is in fact a horse designed by a commitee. Something as unnattractive as a camel is what the proposed race is turning into. To capture the imagination of sponsors, spectators and all those not actually sitting in the car the event needs the sort of appeal a genuine "Historic" event generates. What is currently being proposed sounds like a six hour race for historic Mini-Cabs!

[Peter Mallett]

Just doing a quick calc;to complete 500 miles in 6 hours on the Silverstone International Circuit would require an average lap of 96 secs.

So we can't really call it the Silverstone 500 can we?

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by fasted

They say a camel is in fact a horse designed by a commitee. Something as unnattractive as a camel is what the proposed race is turning into. To capture the imagination of sponsors, spectators and all those not actually sitting in the car the event needs the sort of appeal a genuine "Historic" event generates. What is currently being proposed sounds like a six hour race for historic Mini-Cabs!

Well that's one first class stamp saved.

Actually on a more serious note I recall we used to be able to run races on a closed door basis, in other words if there were spectators they turned up on spec, no tickets. This then reduced the circuit fees. Does this still happen?

[simon drabble]

Originally Posted by fasted

What is currently being proposed sounds like a six hour race for historic Mini-Cabs!

superb post - I laughed out loud!!!

sitting in the back of Terry's workshop is his Dolly Sprint he raced in period - I hope to god he doesn't see this thread otherwise I will have to listen to its racing expoilts again!! However a grid of Batmobiles, Broadspeed Jaguars, GTam's and Cologne Capris etc does sound great

[andy97]

Originally Posted by fasted

They say a camel is in fact a horse designed by a commitee. Something as unnattractive as a camel is what the proposed race is turning into. To capture the imagination of sponsors, spectators and all those not actually sitting in the car the event needs the sort of appeal a genuine "Historic" event generates. What is currently being proposed sounds like a six hour race for historic Mini-Cabs!

Well, in my view, the reason that this is the ALTERNATIVE 6 hours race, is precisely because several historic/ classic events already exist but don't cater for the more typical clubman and their cars. No one said anything about this being an alternative "genuine historic event". I suspect that the OPs view is that it should be at the affordable end of the scale, ability to participate being the key, not the ability to attract big names or big chequebooks.

Whats wrong with the idea of a club endurance event? If its unattractive to you, don't take part.

[andy97]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

...a grid of Batmobiles, Broadspeed Jaguars, GTam's and Cologne Capris etc does sound great

I agree, but thats a very different event in my view - the Silverstone Classic perhaps - aimed a very different participant and audience.

What is being proposed here is essentially a club endurance event, that just happens to be for cars of a given period, in this case 1968-85 (ish).

[terence]

Well said that man! It is,after all,the Alternative Six Hour,an opportunity for Saloon drivers to partake in an endurence event on these shore's at an affordable price.
Peter,I belive there are one or two events that have free admission for spectators,it saves on insurance.

[terence]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

superb post - I laughed out loud!!!

sitting in the back of Terry's workshop is his Dolly Sprint he raced in period - I hope to god he doesn't see this thread otherwise I will have to listen to its racing expoilts again!! However a grid of Batmobiles, Broadspeed Jaguars, GTam's and Cologne Capris etc does sound great

Simon,that was my original hope!

[Peter Mallett]

I thought you didn't want Broadspeed Jags and other group 2 machinery? Make up your mind.

Actually I also know the wherabouts of a Group 2 Dolly.

[terence]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

I thought you didn't want Broadspeed Jags and other group 2 machinery? Make up your mind.

Actually I also know the wherabouts of a Group 2 Dolly.

Not quite like that Peter,that was how I had originally imagined the grid.Problem is that I doubt if there would be enough cars,hence having to change.I suppose there could always be a split grid.Grp1 leaving the grid first then Grp2,could be quite something.

[Peter Mallett]

Hmm,

Firstly my personal view would be that it is unlikely that any Grp2 cars would enter. If they can't be arsed to turn up for 45mins at Castle Combe I don't think they'd be interested in a low profile event like this.

Secondly I doubt they'd last six hours anyway!

Finally as far as I know this event specifically excludes Group 2 or Group A.

[johngee]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Well that's one first class stamp saved.

Actually on a more serious note I recall we used to be able to run races on a closed door basis, in other words if there were spectators they turned up on spec, no tickets. This then reduced the circuit fees. Does this still happen?

On the assumption that 'we' are doing this ourselves on the 'not for profir principle, it would be a first time Clubmans permit and that would preclude it being a promoted meeting.....although dispensation from that aspect may be requested and sometimes given.

[Peter Mallett]

Ta for that. Would non promotion mean mags couldn't mention it?

[johngee]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Ta for that. Would non promotion mean mags couldn't mention it?

No Peter. We're really talking about 'circuit promotion' and although they can still put it in their 'year book' but make it plain that that it's not an event for which there is public admission.