Daytona 24 hrs 1970

[FatBoy Spin]

Can anyone tell me more about the Vixen that raced (qualified?) for the GT class in the 1970 Daytona 24 hrs?

[hansgerd]

It went dead last on the 27th place. But still it finished with Ray Walle and Bob Speakman (both from the USA) at the wheel. It was a TVR Vixen number 71. The race winners were Pedro Rodriguez and Leo Kinnunen in their fabulous Gulf Porsche 917K. These were great times.

[FatBoy Spin]

Thanks, Hansgerd. I might be looking to go FIA with our Vixen eventually so it helps to have some history as far as International competition is concerned.

[hansgerd]

That sounds like a great idea. There are quite a few Griffiths around with FIA papers. Maybe they can help. I know that the little yellow Griffith of Erik de Vyver is FIA approved.

[FatBoy Spin]

Hansgerd, To date there seems to be no FIA homologation for the Vixen. Fine for the Grantura and the Griffiths, and I've seen them at Spa, Nurburgring, etc. To get the homologation papers you usually have to prove International competition, so let's hope we can get there. Of course, the car prep. has to be spot-on with plumbed-in extinguishers and full FIA cage,etc. so it ceases to be a practical car for going down to the pub! It's already a pain with the 6 point Luke harness! That's a big step when we enjoy it just the way it is...... I'll keep you informed

[hansgerd]

I know, the tricky bit is to homoligate (?) the car, not the fitting of security stuff. In the market section of pistonheads is a Tuscan of 1967 from Holland and the owner claimed the car was racing 10 years ago. Good luck.

[hansgerd]

At the weekend I met someone with a Griffith with FIA papers. He gave me a telefon number of someone who worked for the FIA and is now with the RAC. Mail me ([e-mail]) for his number. I'm sure he can help you.

[LAK]

Fatboy Spin, you may have problems gaining FIA papers for your Vixon. As you're probably aware, any car can apply for FIA papers if they were built/registered before January 1966 provided they comply with the homolgated papers/FIA regs. After that time, the actual car must have been raced in period. Let me know if I can be of further help. I am not up with Vixons but have knowledge of 60's Griffiths (am applying for papers myself some time soon).

[FatBoy Spin]

LAK, Thanks for replying. I ‘dug’ a bit more over the weekend. I had already downloaded the FIA Appendix K (you can get it from the FIA website) a year or so ago, when we first bought the car. The Vixen would be in Period G, 66 – 71, and depending on how you prepare it, in groups GT or GTS. Of course the Daytona 24 entry is very important in this respect, as nearly all historic race series require International competition ‘in period’. The regs. are not that easy to read and I have yet to completely understood them! You may be interested to know that TVR (Layton in respect of the first four submissions) have 5 sets of homologation papers for classic TVR (again a PDF list of all papers/dates for all lapsed cars can be downloaded from the FIA website) as follows: Hom. No. Car (capacity) 32 Grantura Moteur MGA (1588) 68 Mk.III (1622) 160/1 Mk.III 1800 (1798) 206 Griffith 200 (4727) 237/1 Mk.IV 1800S (1798) If you don’t have no. 206 it would be crucial to your submission to get it – the MSA can supply a copy for a fee. Having said that there have been enough Griffiths about in FIA events…… I am still investigating where & what to do! I hope yours goes well – I hope to be back out on the tracks next year doing something!! Edited by FatBoy Spin on Monday 20th August 20:59

[LAK]

FatBoy, I do indeed have form 206 for the Griff (copied from a friend). I also have the relevent application form. Sounds like we are struggling with the same issues. Why not email me off line and we can go through.

[Factory Hound]

FatBoy Gerry Sagerman, President of TVR Cars of America from 1965 to 1980, may be able to assist with more information about competition Vixens in the USA. I have his email address if you want to get in touch with him.

[FatBoy Spin]

Factory Hound, Thanks - please mail it to me. He may have supported the car or at least know of it. The FIA don't accept comments or substantiation 'out of period', but all information is useful. Keep sniffing! Ta

[FatBoy Spin]

FH, Thanks again - GS has mailed me and it's all clear now!