Sunday 12th January 2003

Mallory gets Kinky

Changes to layout at Mallory Park

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[bob pearson]

New corner at Mallory? Did you say it should make it more challenging? Getting through the existing right hand part of the esses quickly was challenging. The chances are this current mod will just be a reverse layout of Snetterton's Russels. Just a case of bumping over two kerbs and accelerating away. Motor Racing is about speed, slowing corners down eats away at the very fabric of the sport and gradually makes it less worth doing.
Thank God for Thruxton and Croft.

[PetrolTed]

Motor racing about speed? I thought it was about skill?

[woodster]

I think it's about skill and entertainment for the spectators and it would appear adding a new spectator banking demonstrates the ambition to create an interesting viewing area.
Although I agree too many corners can kill a circuit (reference to the Indianapolis F1 track layout), I think a good circuit should contain a mix of quick, slow and 'arse clenching' sections.

[PetrolTed]

It's a tricky balance. Mallory is quite a small circuit to start with. Shame they can't add an extra half mile in

[bob pearson]

I agree PetrolTed that Motor Racing is about skill, but far more skill is required to make a good job of a quick corner than is needed for a 50 mph corner(s).
From a personal point of view, not only do I get a bigger thrill from driving through a quick corner I find it more interesting to watch cars through quick corners.
I don't agree with changing the sport to suit spectators, I think they should come and watch because they like what they see.

[bob pearson]

Maybe I should have asked some questions before I got on my high horse.
It has just ocurred to me that this new complex may be along the same scheme as the bus stop between the Hairpin and Devils Elbow, used only for the bikes and by-passed by the cars.
Does anyone know for sure one way or the other?

[ehasler]

I'd heard that part of the reason for this change was a fatal accident there last year, plus several other big offs. Apparently it's not possible to extend the run off area there any more, hence this new layout.

[bob pearson]

Still seems strange, there is a slight shortage of run off, generally not enough to spin without hitting the barrier, but I would have thought there was enough to bring the speed well down at the time of impact.
If that is thier reason, there are a lot of other places with less run off.
I won't mention them in case someone thinks i want chicanes there as well.

[tvrinbfg]

You can all try the new day out at the www.Team-Proactive.co.uk, TVR and Lotus track day there on 3 Jun 03. Book soon.

[diver944]

I spectated at a Heritage race meeting at Mallory last year and witnessed an ex Le Mans Jag 220 go straight on at the esses in the wet. The car was a mess after hitting the banking/ barrier. I imagine that owner is probably sponsoring for the alterations himself.