2015 Algarve Classic

[delta]

Looks like we arnt alowed to say twits .😳😳😳

[356sc]

Organisers could not be more helpful but the guys on the gates almost go out of their way to be "difficult". Such a shame as the circuit itself is spectacular! Sadly I think this will be the last year we come down here....just can't be bothered dealing with the aggro to get into the circuit!

[terence]

Thier approach to develope future busines is "we dont want it".Not only racers who are treated in a bad way.I doubt there to be enough indigenous racers to keep it going.

[delta]

Hope all those in Burkett have a good day . You will be pleased to know it's raining heavy here . Had fun karting last night and I've had the call for a couple of drives so the hassel from getting in seems a long time ago now . Bumped into JR and team yesterday which was nice to catch up . Will report in later on how qualy went .

[john ruston]

It's raining and it's heavy

The circuit people are at pains to ensure we get as wet as possible by making us walk in the open in the rain.

Decision made

B8 went well considering it was the first time Gareth had driven it anywhere.

Only arrived at beginning of week.

Quickest B8 but Mr Oconnel had a problem so he would have been quickest

The circuit is not a Suitable for Talbot so third overal was OK

Porsche 356 so only interested in doing minimum number of laps . If we can get within 4 secs of the Stevens, Stephens etc 356 SC will be more than happy

Interesting Will's take on it as he is driving my car and family job.Hard work for youngster.

If it continues to rain cars will go back on trailer

To old to be a hero

[Speedy norm]

This will be my third Algarve classic as a spectator. Now my home circuit.
Last year felt us spectatators were not wanted. No programme, expensive to get in and restricted to paddock. Circuit looks great for drivers but does not seem poss to wander round like UK circuits. Good entry though and welll done to all ten tenthers who made the journey.
As you say raining here but forecast is better tomorrow so will give it a miss today. Being soaked at Spa is a right of passage but not in the Algarve!

[delta]

Come and say hello speedy garage 7 . Got spare passes

[delta]

Sorry garage 11 I've moved

[Speedy norm]

Kind offer Ian. I will look you up Hope to be there round 10 am. Hope went well today, light showers all day here ( about 30 km east of you ) improving tomorrow.

[delta]

Had a great day thanks but feel for my Spa 6 Hour team mate . Through no fault of his the TVR he was driving is out with engine damage . Absolutly gutted for Mike as I know how much he was looking forward to racing this weekend .

[delta]

Just finnished work . Been a long day ,couple of beers and bed time . That's Funny I can hear Elvis singing . Blooming French . No offence Louis

[terence]

It is funny, I never had him down as a singer.
Sorry you didnt get a run Mike, bloodly long way just to spectate.

[delta]

Heavy rain for last couple of hours . Must spare a thought for the marshals . On duty at 8am yesterday and the racing finnished gone 10pm . They all seemed in good spirits in the bar after .😄

[Speedy norm]

Enjoyed the meeting yesterday. Nice mix of uk historics and some local races.
Good to meet Delta too. The event is moving in the right direction the first one i attended was back in 2010. Pitts special flown down the pit lane at about 50 feet and a full Masters meeting. Very few spectators not sure if there is a large classic car movement over here to boost attendance as is done at Good Cup

Hope the meeting continues and is supported by uk entrants, I understand from Ian that there were a few issues this year. I will certainly be back next year if it does continue.
Safe journey home evey one and the sun is shining here now!

[john ruston]

Many of gang have no intention of making return trip with bad circuit organisation and officious officials

Lots of dosh to be buggered about.

To many races in short period and no allowance for any incidents or weather .

First time I had watched a single seater race in dusk.

[delta]

Well never say never . Had more than enough motor sport this year and was not looking forward to Portimao . Come Thursday things could not get much worse. There after things got better with the offer of a couple of drives which included the most fun I have had this year racing wheel to wheel with Will. Spent most of the weekend in the paddock mixing with officials , Marshall's good mates and we had great fun karting as well . I might just change my mind for next year 😄

[356sc]

Well that was a weekend of highs and lows!

Racing was fabulous! For those that have ever driven Portimao in the wet, will know that it stays treacherous long after the rain has stopped, and this was the case for our race on Sunday. The benefit is that the under powered minnows like ourselves have a chance to go and mix it with e-types, Cobras, TVRs etc for the whole race...and boy is it fun! The last stint annoying Iain in the etype was particularly enjoyable.....sadly age vanquished over youth!

Company was great with many 10/10 regulars being present, good to catch up with them all.

As mentioned in previous posts aggro getting in and out spoilt what could have been a great weekend, and whichever barsteward nicked our 2nd in class trophy that we left on the car I hope you enjoy it!

[john ruston]

That 356SC bloke was due to drive my 356 as well as their family 356.

Pity we had problems in practise as Will would have had a second trophy that hopefully would have not been nicked. Lots of maybe's! The two 356's qualified on same second but because of age were in different classes.

We sat waiting for Ryan Air at Faro, two and a half hours late, and wondered why we didn't bring the spare engine! It's ready to bolt in.

Idea is be called Management by Surprise racing next year!

Not best weekend for us as didn't bother racing Talbot due to weather and the B8 was quickest B8 in practise but we didn't want to chance it in the rain on Sunday

Now know it needs a rewire.

Sit down over the winter and decide what to do

Whole thing revolves around Le Mans Classic.

Seems ideal programme would be Patrick Peter series with B8,356 and Elva 160 GT

Or as my wife suggested last night sell the lot!

Lots of trips to Bloomingdales!

[delta]

Ment to say to you in the cafe john . Any more thoughts on joining Hostoric FF2000

[john ruston]

Bought the B8 instead ,Had it ten days , The car belonging to Nick Fleming .

Didn't have enough time to test it before Portimao but test in Portugal was worth it.

Gareth still thinks it's a great idea to have a Formula Ford!

Told him that should he ever finish the Chevron B40 may think about it.

There were a few major highlights.

Will's drive in 356

Martin O Connel dominating CER 1 and showing why he is now best regular driver in Historics

Julian Bronson getting into Coopersingle seater and nearly won race. Not bad for a pensioner.

Phil King running away from field in GT car in CER 2 with all flash sports cars with DFV's and stuff.

Again showing that a good young driver from moderns is another class up from the best in Historics

PBE being unbeatable in Nash.Lad has really got quick as he approaches middle age!

Just the thoughts of an old fart!

[zefarelly]

Interesting GAreths got the FF bug . . . many have, I've been talking to a few people about engines, seems not many left doing them.

[john ruston]

He will do the engine!

Problem is that it stops him working on the cars I am allowed to drive!

Amazing that his/my race cars are always first in line!

[zefarelly]

I think that's why not many 'specialists' left doing them, many do their own, and set them up to their own style.

[john ruston]

Gareth could start doing the engines at Pace?

Problem is that our Talbot engines will be delayed

Not a good idea!

[Mike Bell]

OK, few of my thoughts on 7th trip to this meeting!

Whoever thought that having McLaren road car division using circuit, some garages and paddock on same day we were supposed to be setting up and testing deserves the boot. Understand Macca had hired the circuit for several, if not many days to track demo their 570S to potential owners. Fair enough, but how come the last day was also published as a test day for the Classic meeting, and this didn't become apparent until week before? So finishes up with 'our' free practice starting after 4pm, and sessions had to be combined! With inevitable red flags worked out about €120 for 3 laps for some.....

The clash with McLaren also resulted in the bizzare Classic access situation Wednesday and Thursday. With many people arriving mid Wednesday ready to test Thursday, to be told that no access until 5pm was not acceptable. And then to find that they had to vacate the circuit by 6am, and not return until after 2pm, was ridiculous! There are no facilities outside the 'wall', not even a loo, and one pro car moving truck driver was not even allowed in for a comfort break on arrival Tuesday eve. Come 5pm wed, there were many trucks, m/homes, cars with trailers etc queued up at 'security', and it almost erupted into WW3. Blame on both sides, but why does it have to get to that state? Every year it happens, but this time worse than ever. Only circuit I've ever been to where you get the impression they genuinely don't want you there....

As for vacating circuit before 6am, 4 of us with nowhere to stay wanted to sleep in the paddock, but also wanted to get some food! When we approached security about coming back in after a trip to local village, we were told 'NO'. It took 20 min to get him to change his mind. Next morning 0600, two of the group 'gave themselves up' and were escorted to the gate. The guard did call a taxi for them, however! Two others hid in the paddock all morning, unbeknown to the staff....

So Thursday finished up as a mad rush for all to catch up with a lost morning.

If any Algarve circuit administrator reads this, if you want the Classic competitors to return, you need to sort it before next year.