TVRCC Speed Championship
Discussion
Just re-read this months Sprint and the article about the TVRCC Speed Championship results from ‘Three Sisters’ caught my eye, written by Marcus Clay.
For those that do not 'take' the magazine 1st was Steve Lyle in a V8S
, 2nd was Simon Bridge in a 60’s Griffith :calp: and 3rd was Mike Catania in a modern Griff500 .
Looking at the pictures the modern Griff500 looks far from standard with a modified bonnet housing an induction system that looks like the old Rover V8 Tuscan racer’s (same engine as well maybe?), so I can assume the car must be a bit special, also assuming that the picture is of Simons car?
It raises some interesting points, which would be made more interesting if any of the previously mentioned drivers post on here? and could comment?
What is the spec of these cars, Peter H may know of the V8S and Steve H may know of the Griff? ( an assumption on my part that, forgive me if it's a bit too presumptuous) BTW Peter did you compete in this round?
From the article it states that the circuit had a tight infield where handling was more important than the grunt, is that why the V8S won? (I'd like to think it was a superior car to begin with
) or is it a regular occurrence for the V8S to win?
Does any one else know of these cars, if so perhaps you could 'chip in' any ditties to make the article more rounded so to speak.
Harry
For those that do not 'take' the magazine 1st was Steve Lyle in a V8S
, 2nd was Simon Bridge in a 60’s Griffith :calp: and 3rd was Mike Catania in a modern Griff500 . Looking at the pictures the modern Griff500 looks far from standard with a modified bonnet housing an induction system that looks like the old Rover V8 Tuscan racer’s (same engine as well maybe?), so I can assume the car must be a bit special, also assuming that the picture is of Simons car?
It raises some interesting points, which would be made more interesting if any of the previously mentioned drivers post on here? and could comment?
What is the spec of these cars, Peter H may know of the V8S and Steve H may know of the Griff? ( an assumption on my part that, forgive me if it's a bit too presumptuous) BTW Peter did you compete in this round?
From the article it states that the circuit had a tight infield where handling was more important than the grunt, is that why the V8S won? (I'd like to think it was a superior car to begin with
) or is it a regular occurrence for the V8S to win? Does any one else know of these cars, if so perhaps you could 'chip in' any ditties to make the article more rounded so to speak.
Harry
OK, I'll own up to the fact that I wrote the article!
(Mine is the 'Ocean Haze' Griff at the bottom centre of the page.)
None of the cars are 'standard', and this is quite openly acknowledged by all who compete (e.g. Simon Coles '350i' is actually a 4.6).
The racing green Griff 400 (1960's) is Simon Bridge's car - as is the detail of the engine with the Ford Cobra rocker covers.
The Rover V8 with the fearsome looking (and sounding) throttle bodies belongs to Mike Catania's car - it's the metallic red Griff with (logically enough) the huge bonnet bulge.
The V8s is (I think) slightly more standard - just a few suspension tweeks etc. - and belongs to Steve Lyle.
The reason Steve won is clear from the totally committed attitude of his car shown in the sideways pic. This was a 2nd/3rd gear corner, with a fast downhill approach, and f*** all in the way of run off (the pit wall armco/tyrewall starts just out of shot, at the end of the outside rumble srtip).
Basically, all TVR pilots who regularly top the time sheets at these events are IMHO, very talented.
You missed a treat if you didn't see the Loton Park round of the TVRCC Speed Champ's this Sunday - some spectacular performances. You ought to go see the cars in action (and you can probably have a nose under some of the bonnets if your lucky) at an event.
My next public shaming is at Curborough on 21st July.
(Mine is the 'Ocean Haze' Griff at the bottom centre of the page.)
None of the cars are 'standard', and this is quite openly acknowledged by all who compete (e.g. Simon Coles '350i' is actually a 4.6).
The racing green Griff 400 (1960's) is Simon Bridge's car - as is the detail of the engine with the Ford Cobra rocker covers.
The Rover V8 with the fearsome looking (and sounding) throttle bodies belongs to Mike Catania's car - it's the metallic red Griff with (logically enough) the huge bonnet bulge.
The V8s is (I think) slightly more standard - just a few suspension tweeks etc. - and belongs to Steve Lyle.
The reason Steve won is clear from the totally committed attitude of his car shown in the sideways pic. This was a 2nd/3rd gear corner, with a fast downhill approach, and f*** all in the way of run off (the pit wall armco/tyrewall starts just out of shot, at the end of the outside rumble srtip).
Basically, all TVR pilots who regularly top the time sheets at these events are IMHO, very talented.
You missed a treat if you didn't see the Loton Park round of the TVRCC Speed Champ's this Sunday - some spectacular performances. You ought to go see the cars in action (and you can probably have a nose under some of the bonnets if your lucky) at an event.
My next public shaming is at Curborough on 21st July.
Ed, Abingdon, and the other TVRCC Speed Championship events are listed on Pete H's updated Sprinting section of the PH, TVR area:
www.pistonheads.com/tvr/index.asp?storyId=4054
P.S. For those of you interested in spectating, or (hopefully) competing with us, this section is excellent reading.
www.pistonheads.com/tvr/index.asp?storyId=4054
P.S. For those of you interested in spectating, or (hopefully) competing with us, this section is excellent reading.
DIGGA - I beg to differ. I can't comment on the other competitors but my blue 350i is TOTALLY standard. Although this was my first event, I did manage to beat a Griff 500 at Three Sisters (no names mentioned but you know it wasn't you Marcus!). This leads me to believe that the circuit is better suited to handling and not grunt BUT there again, my car is bog standard so maybe I did O.K unless Griff suspensions are worse than wedges? Great day out all round! 
>> Edited by lazyitus on Tuesday 14th May 19:40
>> Edited by lazyitus on Tuesday 14th May 19:40
Blimey, just read Peter H's article as pointed out by DIGGA's post.
If Steve Lyle's V8S is pretty well standard he must have bigger b*lls than an elephant as he is the reigning champion Obviously helped by the type of car 
, every circuit can't be too twisty so as you can't get the power down though 
I'll make sure that I get to see some of the racing this season, particularly when it is south of the M4.
I read somewhere that a few of the drivers also compete in the ACSMC(?) series, if so are there any Tivs at Goodwood on the 25th May, Peter, Steve maybe?
Harry
If Steve Lyle's V8S is pretty well standard he must have bigger b*lls than an elephant as he is the reigning champion
Obviously helped by the type of car , every circuit can't be too twisty so as you can't get the power down though I'll make sure that I get to see some of the racing this season, particularly when it is south of the M4.
I read somewhere that a few of the drivers also compete in the ACSMC(?) series, if so are there any Tivs at Goodwood on the 25th May, Peter, Steve maybe?
Harry
Jon, you were far too quick in your first sprint! - Obviously not spending enough time fretting over modifications and set-up cahnges on the car.
BTW You missed a brilliant event at Loton this w/e - you'll have to try & get there sometime.
Harry, as far as Steve Lyle goes, I think he'd be quick whatever TVR he was in, but it is interesting that the V8S chassis - technically speaking less sophisticated than the Tuscan racer derrived Griff/Chim - is extremely competant, particularly in sprints.
Some drivers seem to 'specialise' in a particular venue - a guy I was only 0.4 sec behind at Aintree, was in the top of the class at Loton - but the great drivers are quick anywhere. (I'm sort of average everywhere - not sure what that says about my adbility!)
BTW You missed a brilliant event at Loton this w/e - you'll have to try & get there sometime.
Harry, as far as Steve Lyle goes, I think he'd be quick whatever TVR he was in, but it is interesting that the V8S chassis - technically speaking less sophisticated than the Tuscan racer derrived Griff/Chim - is extremely competant, particularly in sprints.
Some drivers seem to 'specialise' in a particular venue - a guy I was only 0.4 sec behind at Aintree, was in the top of the class at Loton - but the great drivers are quick anywhere. (I'm sort of average everywhere - not sure what that says about my adbility!)
quote:
I read somewhere that a few of the drivers also compete in the ACSMC(?) series, if so are there any Tivs at Goodwood on the 25th May, Peter, Steve maybe?
The 520 will be there and hopefully we will not repeat the "hmmm my world is revolving at Fordwater at 138 mph" followed by the "my world is still revolving" at Woodcote after breaking from about 147 mph.
Steve L is quick. The driver and experience can make a big difference and some cars are better suited to other circuits. I won the championship in 2000 when the 520 was a mere 390. Last year I had several mechanical failures on Championship days but this year we seem to be doing a bit better. Major disadavantage I have is a greater than 1 handicap for some reason.
Steve
quote:
quote:
I read somewhere that a few of the drivers also compete in the ACSMC(?) series, if so are there any Tivs at Goodwood on the 25th May, Peter, Steve maybe?
The 520 will be there and hopefully we will not repeat the "hmmm my world is revolving at Fordwater at 138 mph" followed by the "my world is still revolving" at Woodcote after breaking from about 147 mph.
Steve L is quick. The driver and experience can make a big difference and some cars are better suited to other circuits. I won the championship in 2000 when the 520 was a mere 390. Last year I had several mechanical failures on Championship days but this year we seem to be doing a bit better. Major disadavantage I have is a greater than 1 handicap for some reason.
Steve
Brilliant I'll be able to see the beast in action
, definite date for the calendar then, is Peter H going to be there as well? What time dos practice start? Does the beast meet the strict Goodwood noise regs, or do you have to put additional silencing on for the day?
Another silly question what’s this handicap 1 all about then?
Harry
quote:
Brilliant I'll be able to see the beast in action
What time dos practice start? Does the beast meet the strict Goodwood noise regs, or do you have to put additional silencing on for the day?
Another silly question what’s this handicap 1 all about then?
The noise is 105 and the beast is 105 exactly. I do have a spare silencer just in case! Practice starts at around 0900 . There is normally a sighting lap followed by a two lap practice followed by a couple of timed laps. Apparently the 520 flames on the overrun down the straight and into the corners which can be visible from the stand roof!
Goodwood is where the beast has recorded its fastest 0-100 and highest speeds. No guarantee but looking at the data logs afterwards usually scares the willies out of everyone including myself.
Come on over and say hello.
Steve
PS The handicap is based on a PH calculation that is effectively based on power to weight ratios and means that any TVR driven well can get good points. The time is mutiplied by the handicap to give the handicap time and it is this that defines the TVR positions in the championship. The problem is I have something like about +125 bhp which means my handicap is 1.something whereas all the others are usually less than one. Means that on non-power circuits I have to drive like a nutter.
PPS I don't know if Pete will be there. The last time was a definite pampers moment coming out of Fordwater sideways at 130+
>> Edited by shpub on Wednesday 15th May 19:42
quote:
Means that on non-power circuits I have to drive like a nutter.
Come off it Steve you *always* drive like a nutter!
I definitely won't be competing at Goodwood, but not because of that 'brown trousers' moment Steve! Hope you keep Les under your thumb!
Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)
quote:
Where are you competing this year Pete?
The rumour, here in the Midaland Speed Champ's, is you're out of action whilst a secret and drastic modification is made to the V8S. Amy truth in this? Enquiring minds nee dot know!
What a crazy idea, pay no attention to those rumours.
Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)
quote:
I can vouch for that !! It also blows perfect smoke rings
Whens it getting the purple then Steve ??
Smoke rings were caused by a couple of plug leads not quite right and so the engine was running as a V6...
Purple is now planned for June after Abingdon. Had to spend more time on the suspension replacing wheel bearings and UJs. I've a three week break which gives Tower View time to do the body repairs and respray and me some time for the next set of go faster goodies. Still a lot work to do on the suspension in particular.
Last week was not a good day at the office still pulled about 0.8 G off the start line which bodes well for Saturday.
See you tomorrow.
Steve
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