Where to guest in a 120bhp 1050kg RWD 1988 car?

[shivars]

Hi

I race in the Red Dragon MR2 series, but because of calendar conflicts this year I've missed the first race and will miss at least another couple. From the season of 7 events that doesn't leave a lot of racing

So, I've had a hunt about but can't see too much - can anyone tell me where I could guest in a race or two (preferably in May or early June), and hope to be competitive?

Car is a 1988 Toyota MR2 - 1050kg (or just over) with 120bhp approx.

So, its a relatively slow car; amongst others of the same class I don't do too badly (usually around 6th). Say around 1:31 at Snetterton, 1:04 at a wet Brands.

Anyone any ideas?

[andy97]

Have a look at the Classic Sports Car Club's "Future Classics" series - we have had a few MR2s in that already.

30 minute practice & 40 min races for one or two drivers & there's also a race at Spa in July.

Have a look at the CSCC web site. It's a good club and offers good value for money club racing with good grids.

[RogueMotorsport]

It goes without saying, but you'd also be welcome in the MR2 Championship. A well driven mk1 can still find it's way into the middle of the pack, and the regulations will allow you to remove an extra 50 kilos of weight if you can find it! We're at Anglesey at the end of May and Brands Hatch in the middle of June. Full calendar here:

http://www.mr2championship.com/calendar.asp

You can also compete in class C of the MR2 Super GT series that runs on the same weekends, and if two double headers at one meeting aren't enough there are also all-comers races that you would be eligible for!

[shivars]

Thanks - unfortunately the MR2 Championship dates are the same as the Series so I can't make them.

CSCC has some different dates though, with permission from her-who-holds-the-calendar that could be an option...

[RogueMotorsport]

The next CSCC Future Classics meeting at Brands Hatch is fully subscribed, but I'm thinking of giving the Anglesey meeting a try. Perhaps I'll see you there?

[shivars]

as it turns out I'm also at a Christening the Brands weekend (why am I everywhere except at a bl**dy track...)

Anglesey is an option, but a very long way from Portsmouth. Will have to see about that one.

[MMC Andy]

Not by boat.

The MR2's fit well into Class B in FC's and usually one or two of them end up with class podiums each weekend.

[Al Weyman]

CTCRC will be holding their annual Festival at Lydden Hil on the 17th / 18th July and there will be a scratch race or two there you can have run out in, will be good value for money as well.

[shivars]

Ahh the Lydden festival - yes my MR2 series will be there...and I was really looking forward to going until the wife reminded me its our wedding anniversary...of and her friend is coming over from Australia to sing with the Syndey Philharmonic so we have to go see that.

I am in despair and disbelief that of 7 race weekends of the FIFTY TWO in this glorious year of 2010 I can only make TWO.

grrrr

At the moment I think I'm going to be guesting in a few CSCC rounds (the MR2 championship runs mostly on the same dates as my series so can't really do that).

thanks for your help all, if anyone has any other ideas please let me know...

[andy97]

shivars said:

At the moment I think I'm going to be guesting in a few CSCC rounds (the MR2 championship runs mostly on the same dates as my series so can't really do that).

thanks for your help all, if anyone has any other ideas please let me know...

The CSCC series has grown in popularity year on year & this year is often getting full grids & reserves. If you want to race get an entry in quick!

[MMC Andy]

To back up Andy's statement - there are 38 cars entered for the 32 car grid this Sunday for the Future Classic race. Mind, it is at Brands, and whether Anglesey & Oulton will be as popular . . . fingers crossed.

THE MR2's fit well in this Series.
Look forward to seeing you out on track (and in our Class).

Andy

[anonymous-user]

castle combe open sports and saloons, not sure if they run a race each meeting but on easter monday it was a good "catch-all" field and a fair few novices using it as another race to lose thier cross. it had everything from a lairy exige, a few caterhams to an old nova and an old clio cup car. worth a look.

[andy97]

MMC Andy said:

To back up Andy's statement - there are 38 cars entered for the 32 car grid this Sunday for the Future Classic race. Mind, it is at Brands, and whether Anglesey & Oulton will be as popular . . . fingers crossed.

THE MR2's fit well in this Series.
Look forward to seeing you out on track (and in our Class).

Andy

Oulton is usually a very popular CSCC meeting - always get good grids there. For eg, I think for the forthcoming CSCC Oulton meeting, priority in the "Swinging Sixties" series is being given to those that have also raced at Anglesey. Not sure about the other CSCC series.

I understand that Anglesey is that bit further away to travel for a lot of people but for my money it is one of the best (and most underated) tracks in the country now and definately worth the trip.

[shivars]

Thanks guys - CSCC looks like a really good option!

One thing; the MR2 series is quite restrictive around car mods and weight (which is a good thing; keep costs sane!)

...so I'm after the regs for the CSCC FC series, but they seem very very short, is there a longer/fuller version only available after joining?

I'm looking at the "Regulations" box on the left side of this page: http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/futureclassi... - its only 1 page long and basically says this:

"Cars originally fitted with forced induction will have a cc weighting of 1.7 as per the MSA rule book, as do rotary engine cars. Original silhouette, engine, gearbox and induction system type to be retained. No sequential gearboxes. Cars to run on MSA list 1A/1B treaded tyres."

Is there any minimum weight? restrictions on air filters? Any restrictions on internal ducting and/or underbody airflow? Suspension geometry, components and adjustability?

Maybe not for all the above; if so many different cars are eligible I guess it'd be nigh on impossible to enforce.

...but obviously if my car needs to remain legal for the MR2 series I can't do anything too serious to it, and would want to be at least competitive in FC

Edited by shivars on Tuesday 4th May 14:29

[fieldl]

There are no additional regs for Future Classics. CSCC have a very inclusive regulation policy, which makes scrutineering less daunting and quicker.
Great bunch, and great grids this year. Looking forward to Brands on sunday

[wildman0609]

fc is pretty relaxed about rules. if its original silhouette, doesn't have some mental engine you'd fit in pretty well.
and list 1b tyres.

the entries have been very good recently so you need to enter early to avoid being a reserve.

[wildman0609]

38 cars in qualy on sunday will be chaos. worked it out to be 1 car every 42 metres of track.

[andy97]

shivars said:

Thanks guys - CSCC looks like a really good option!

One thing; the MR2 series is quite restrictive around car mods and weight (which is a good thing; keep costs sane!)

...so I'm after the regs for the CSCC FC series, but they seem very very short, is there a longer/fuller version only available after joining?

I'm looking at the "Regulations" box on the left side of this page: http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/futureclassi... - its only 1 page long and basically says this:

"Cars originally fitted with forced induction will have a cc weighting of 1.7 as per the MSA rule book, as do rotary engine cars. Original silhouette, engine, gearbox and induction system type to be retained. No sequential gearboxes. Cars to run on MSA list 1A/1B treaded tyres."

Is there any minimum weight? restrictions on air filters? Any restrictions on internal ducting and/or underbody airflow? Suspension geometry, components and adjustability?

Maybe not for all the above; if so many different cars are eligible I guess it'd be nigh on impossible to enforce.

...but obviously if my car needs to remain legal for the MR2 series I can't do anything too serious to it, and would want to be at least competitive in FC

Edited by shivars on Tuesday 4th May 14:29

The regs you see, are all the regs there are. The club does not believe in having lots of regs that it can't easily police - this is club motorsport so the aim i to get as many people out racing as possible & give good value for money. So, to answer your specific questions - No min weight, no restrictions on air filters, no restrictions on internal ducting or underbody airflow, no restriction on suspension etc.

Note, the phrase about original silhouette is taken to mean in all directions, so, whilst lightweight panels can be used they cannot be wide arches unless originally supplied as original equipment or an original option by the manufacturer. Can't also have a space frame if the car didn't originally have one either (I think). No wings and splitters either, unless original equipment. What this tends to mean in practice is that because cars have to have the same size and shape panels as original then you can't usually have 19 inch wheels, & therefore can't usually have super expensive large brake systems and there's no point therefore in having a "touring car engine" etc etc. You get the idea. It tends to be self limiting.

Cars can only be super/turbochared if originally done so for production by the manufacturer

Original engine type means that a car can't have a 16V head unless there was a 16v head in that model range originally (eg No Mi16 conversions in a Pug 205)

Hope that all helps.

[shivars]

That's really helpful - thanks all!

My club and series reg forms are off in the post today....

[Greensleeves]

See if they'll let you have number 11 Shane.

Let us know how you get on.

I was looking at branching out myself due to date clashes with business and social functions. With the control tyres and membership fees, it was going to cost me 400 quid extra over the entry fee to do the 750 MR2 race at Cadwell and I'm struggling to justify that to myself.

I reccon the FC will be a bit boring with a car every 42 metres though, the full field of MR2s are normally within 42 metres for the first lap or two and there's 42 of them this year. Should look good at Combe when they can all set off together!