2002 racing season
Discussion
So, who's going to be out there this year putting their old jalopy through it's paces in competition?
What motorsport are you doing, where, and when?
I'm going to be peddling my grantura MkIIa in the HSCC Classic Sports Cars Championship agian this year, kicking off at Donington Park on April 7th. Are any of you boys and girls going to be joining in the HSCC fun on the track?
It's always good to get together with like-minded TVR pilots in the paddocks, diners and bars visited during the season.
If you're not competing, why not come along and cheer us on. There's normally a handful of Granturas, Griffiths and Vixens doing their thing out there, and we need all the help we can get.
What motorsport are you doing, where, and when?
I'm going to be peddling my grantura MkIIa in the HSCC Classic Sports Cars Championship agian this year, kicking off at Donington Park on April 7th. Are any of you boys and girls going to be joining in the HSCC fun on the track?
It's always good to get together with like-minded TVR pilots in the paddocks, diners and bars visited during the season.
If you're not competing, why not come along and cheer us on. There's normally a handful of Granturas, Griffiths and Vixens doing their thing out there, and we need all the help we can get.
We should be out in the Vixen at a fair few hillclimbs/sprints. So far we've not done anything too dramatic to the engine/suspension as we have shelved ideas for racing it with the HSCC. I will try to get along to support you, though.
The MSA (Alan Putt) have confirmed it will be almost impossible to get it through the FIA paperwork as the car was never homologated. My 10 lapper days are well in the past - much more interested in longer distance races, so will have to rethink!
FB-S
The MSA (Alan Putt) have confirmed it will be almost impossible to get it through the FIA paperwork as the car was never homologated. My 10 lapper days are well in the past - much more interested in longer distance races, so will have to rethink!
FB-S
Dates and venues aren’t finalised yet – the hassle over the Brit. GP meant the MSA is only just accepting dates, I understand.
We’ll be in the TVR class in the Aldon/HSA Championship which is a class for fully road-going vehicles. The car does not have to be modified in order to stand a chance as it’s a handicap class - I'm not going 'overboard' with the car. I drove the car to events last year (except the first one – security!!) and probably will do the same this year. Much less hassle!
Venues will be, for example, Loton Park, Wiscombe, Prescott, Shelsley Walsh, Curborough, MIRA, amongst others. We won’t be doing all of them.
Will you be out ?
FB-S
We’ll be in the TVR class in the Aldon/HSA Championship which is a class for fully road-going vehicles. The car does not have to be modified in order to stand a chance as it’s a handicap class - I'm not going 'overboard' with the car. I drove the car to events last year (except the first one – security!!) and probably will do the same this year. Much less hassle!
Venues will be, for example, Loton Park, Wiscombe, Prescott, Shelsley Walsh, Curborough, MIRA, amongst others. We won’t be doing all of them.
Will you be out ?
FB-S
Hi guys. Plans for hubby and my first outing in the Griffith 200 are underway. Due to budget difficulties at the moment, we are curtailing our racing a bit and intend to compete in the Cloth Cap races(Donington 5 May and Snetterton 19/20 Oct) with the annual race at Spa on 14/15 Sept which both Top Hat and HSCC attend.
Hubby and I are HSCC stalwarts having driven our Lancia's in the 70's Roadsports championship for some 5 years or so. We may get the Lancia's back on track and do a few rounds or may even enter the Griff in the HRS or Classic Sports Car races. I haven't got the regs for the Classic Sports Car - does the car need to actually have FIA papers or just run to FIA regs? Also, what is the race format - are they going to do any long distance races two driver races?
FYI provisional dates for HSCC are: Donington 7 April; Silverstone 4 May; Snetterton 18/19 May; Brands (GP) 22/23 June; Cadwell 14 July; Castle Combe 3 August; Oulton Park 25 August; Mallory Park 6 October; Silverstone 20 October. All subject to change of course.
Fatboy, think you should give some consideration to the Historic Roadsports races with the HSCC. The regs are pretty okay (and you get extra points for driving too and from the circuit). The big pitful for you (think you've got an 1800cc?) is that class C is swamped by Elans which are unbeatable in both class and overall in the race. Still, it would still be great fun.
Hubby and I are HSCC stalwarts having driven our Lancia's in the 70's Roadsports championship for some 5 years or so. We may get the Lancia's back on track and do a few rounds or may even enter the Griff in the HRS or Classic Sports Car races. I haven't got the regs for the Classic Sports Car - does the car need to actually have FIA papers or just run to FIA regs? Also, what is the race format - are they going to do any long distance races two driver races?
FYI provisional dates for HSCC are: Donington 7 April; Silverstone 4 May; Snetterton 18/19 May; Brands (GP) 22/23 June; Cadwell 14 July; Castle Combe 3 August; Oulton Park 25 August; Mallory Park 6 October; Silverstone 20 October. All subject to change of course.
Fatboy, think you should give some consideration to the Historic Roadsports races with the HSCC. The regs are pretty okay (and you get extra points for driving too and from the circuit). The big pitful for you (think you've got an 1800cc?) is that class C is swamped by Elans which are unbeatable in both class and overall in the race. Still, it would still be great fun.
Hi LAK,
I'll check the detail of the CSC regs, but the HSCC site just states that cars must conform to FIA Appendix K regs, and doesn't say that they must have the FIA HVIF (historic vehicle identity form). Obviously, in order to comply, the car must have been homologated in period, and conform to both the Appendix K regs, and the original homologated spec.
One thing to watch with the HSCC is that, due to the occasionally low number of championship entries, they don't run to FIA Period classes, just to engine capacity and body type. Thus every car with the same cappacity/body type runs together, from 1947-1971. My car is FIA Period E (1947-1961), but ends up racing not only Elites..etc, but also against Elans, and even an Elan 26R (the class winner in 2001).
According to the HSCC provisional calendar, there will be long distance races at Snetterton, Brands, and Spa in 2002. The Club office can't confirm the distance/format, but have said that they will all be suitable for 2-driver entries.
All the best with the Griff. I remember chatting to you about it at Brands last year. As I recall, it's come from the 'States, is it LHD?
What's happening with the Lancias? I have a friend who's on the lookout for a Fulvia to race.
I'll check the detail of the CSC regs, but the HSCC site just states that cars must conform to FIA Appendix K regs, and doesn't say that they must have the FIA HVIF (historic vehicle identity form). Obviously, in order to comply, the car must have been homologated in period, and conform to both the Appendix K regs, and the original homologated spec.
One thing to watch with the HSCC is that, due to the occasionally low number of championship entries, they don't run to FIA Period classes, just to engine capacity and body type. Thus every car with the same cappacity/body type runs together, from 1947-1971. My car is FIA Period E (1947-1961), but ends up racing not only Elites..etc, but also against Elans, and even an Elan 26R (the class winner in 2001).
According to the HSCC provisional calendar, there will be long distance races at Snetterton, Brands, and Spa in 2002. The Club office can't confirm the distance/format, but have said that they will all be suitable for 2-driver entries.
All the best with the Griff. I remember chatting to you about it at Brands last year. As I recall, it's come from the 'States, is it LHD?
What's happening with the Lancias? I have a friend who's on the lookout for a Fulvia to race.
Hi Simon (8113SF). I also recall chatting to you at Silverstone. Wasn't until I posted the last reply that I checked your details.
We will be getting FIA papers at some point this year so that we can race in FIA events in 2003. We are being rather sensible by learning to drive the car this year in invited races and then going for it next year. I think also that it takes some time to get the papers so don't want to be in a rush to get them. The car will be prepared tothe homologated papers (206) anyway so I am hopeful that getting the papers will just be a formality. I will speak to Grahame White re the regs and long distance races - which reminds me, got to send in our membership papers.
Re the Lancia's - not a hugely happy tale to tell. In the torrential rain at Castle Combe, Jason crashed the Beta rather badly whilst fighting for 4th overall. In sympathy, my Fulvia Sport dropped a valve on the very same lap. We got the Beta rebuilt for Silverstone (lots of work) and I did the HRS race. Hubby doing well in the 70's race till a nasty buzzing in the engine bay forced him to retire. Not sure of the damage to his engine (but 2 spark plugs mashed) but my engine is pretty much destroyed all bar 3 pistons and the bottom end. Lack of fund means that the Lancia's are sitting in our garage at the moment whilst we concentrate on the Griffith. Once we get some funds we hope to repair the Beta for sure. My Fulvia may have to wait a little while unfortunately.
How is your race preparation coming on? Are you going to take part in all the HSCC rounds or pick & choose? Are you going to take part in any other races outside of the HSCC?
We will be getting FIA papers at some point this year so that we can race in FIA events in 2003. We are being rather sensible by learning to drive the car this year in invited races and then going for it next year. I think also that it takes some time to get the papers so don't want to be in a rush to get them. The car will be prepared tothe homologated papers (206) anyway so I am hopeful that getting the papers will just be a formality. I will speak to Grahame White re the regs and long distance races - which reminds me, got to send in our membership papers.
Re the Lancia's - not a hugely happy tale to tell. In the torrential rain at Castle Combe, Jason crashed the Beta rather badly whilst fighting for 4th overall. In sympathy, my Fulvia Sport dropped a valve on the very same lap. We got the Beta rebuilt for Silverstone (lots of work) and I did the HRS race. Hubby doing well in the 70's race till a nasty buzzing in the engine bay forced him to retire. Not sure of the damage to his engine (but 2 spark plugs mashed) but my engine is pretty much destroyed all bar 3 pistons and the bottom end. Lack of fund means that the Lancia's are sitting in our garage at the moment whilst we concentrate on the Griffith. Once we get some funds we hope to repair the Beta for sure. My Fulvia may have to wait a little while unfortunately.
How is your race preparation coming on? Are you going to take part in all the HSCC rounds or pick & choose? Are you going to take part in any other races outside of the HSCC?
Hi LAK,
Met an old sparring partner from the past at the AutoSport show who now races his very early Westfield 11 in the JCC long distance races. As we know, Locaterfields normally took the top 10 places but he told me that they will experiment with 100km races this year, and Locaterfields are not accepted. The races include real classics and replicas (remember the old Replica series with the GTD40s?). Sounds fun, and even with his old A Series Westie-11 he's well up there..
Met an old sparring partner from the past at the AutoSport show who now races his very early Westfield 11 in the JCC long distance races. As we know, Locaterfields normally took the top 10 places but he told me that they will experiment with 100km races this year, and Locaterfields are not accepted. The races include real classics and replicas (remember the old Replica series with the GTD40s?). Sounds fun, and even with his old A Series Westie-11 he's well up there..
Hmmmm. Ready for 2002?
As you would expect, with months and months left before the first race, the car's in bits!
Trying to cure the (historically correct) overheating problems. The car's OK for a 8-10 lapper, only just, but starts to boil if the race is any longer. I had hoped to spend the winter looking for more horses, but I guess it's more prudent to protect the ones I currently have. Most of the Grantura racers had Ferrari 250 GTO style holes cut in the bonnet to aid radiator airflow but mine doesn't, and I don't reallly want to cut holes out of a 40 year-old bonnet.
I won't be doing all the HSCC races due to family commitments, lack of dosh....etc. I'll be at Donington April 7th, Silverstone May 4th, and Brands June 22-23rd. Not really sure after that, apart from Spa September 14-15th. Seeing that I've got my International licence this season, so I can't miss that. Apart from these I'd like to do some hillclimbs/sprints, and see what else is out there.
What's the deal with the Top Hat/Cloth Cap series? What's eligible, who do I contact for details, regs, entries...etc?
What's the JCC Long Distance Races?
So many questions, so little time.
As you would expect, with months and months left before the first race, the car's in bits!
Trying to cure the (historically correct) overheating problems. The car's OK for a 8-10 lapper, only just, but starts to boil if the race is any longer. I had hoped to spend the winter looking for more horses, but I guess it's more prudent to protect the ones I currently have. Most of the Grantura racers had Ferrari 250 GTO style holes cut in the bonnet to aid radiator airflow but mine doesn't, and I don't reallly want to cut holes out of a 40 year-old bonnet.
I won't be doing all the HSCC races due to family commitments, lack of dosh....etc. I'll be at Donington April 7th, Silverstone May 4th, and Brands June 22-23rd. Not really sure after that, apart from Spa September 14-15th. Seeing that I've got my International licence this season, so I can't miss that. Apart from these I'd like to do some hillclimbs/sprints, and see what else is out there.
What's the deal with the Top Hat/Cloth Cap series? What's eligible, who do I contact for details, regs, entries...etc?
What's the JCC Long Distance Races?
So many questions, so little time.
8113SF,
JCC run the Tom Rowe Centurian Challenge which is a series of 100mile races. You would expect that there would be a lot of classics out in that, but it doesn't seem to be that way. They can be two-driver (I think..) which can make it more fun. I've done some two-driver races, and they are fun while you're out there, a bit nerve-wracking when you're waiting to go out - depends whose car your're driving!
On the cooling front do you regs allow you to lift the back of the bonnet at all? Old trick used to be to fit small rubber blocks on the pins. Problem with getting air in the front is that it must have an easy exit, otherwise it won't (excuse tortology!). The small vents in the Grantura can't help much. Even 1/2" gap at the back would be 24 sq. inches area - you try finding a 24in2 hole somewhere else! If they don't like that, you can cut away the vertical return on the back of the bonnet in sections and lift it just a little - this will go some way to getting the same effect.
On the Vixen I've 'cheeked' the inlet to the rad and made a very small lip spoiler that comes about level with the ARB, so not easy to spot but pulls in about 20sq.in more air. Every bit helps.
Have you tried 'water wetter'? Rumours are that it works well - DT have it.
Spin
JCC run the Tom Rowe Centurian Challenge which is a series of 100mile races. You would expect that there would be a lot of classics out in that, but it doesn't seem to be that way. They can be two-driver (I think..) which can make it more fun. I've done some two-driver races, and they are fun while you're out there, a bit nerve-wracking when you're waiting to go out - depends whose car your're driving!
On the cooling front do you regs allow you to lift the back of the bonnet at all? Old trick used to be to fit small rubber blocks on the pins. Problem with getting air in the front is that it must have an easy exit, otherwise it won't (excuse tortology!). The small vents in the Grantura can't help much. Even 1/2" gap at the back would be 24 sq. inches area - you try finding a 24in2 hole somewhere else! If they don't like that, you can cut away the vertical return on the back of the bonnet in sections and lift it just a little - this will go some way to getting the same effect.
On the Vixen I've 'cheeked' the inlet to the rad and made a very small lip spoiler that comes about level with the ARB, so not easy to spot but pulls in about 20sq.in more air. Every bit helps.
Have you tried 'water wetter'? Rumours are that it works well - DT have it.
Spin
Fatboy, got in touch with the Jaguar Car Club yesterday and got a reply from their co-ordinator Herman. He has furnished me with the draft regs to both the long distance race series they are running this year. There is a 100 miler for roadgoing sports cars with MOTs. Only problem appears to be that the classes are set up for Westfields/Caterhams etc, although Herman did say that E-Types, Porsches and Morgans have taken part. The 100k is for non-road going cars and is new for this year. Herman advises that he has had interest from MGs, kit cars, Alfa's, Lotus Elises etc. Lokking at the regs it looks like anything goes - even (possibly) slick tyres. Both series can be 2 driver. There is a mandatory 1 minute pit stop for everyone and there is no refuelling. I will send on the email. Not sure about it at the moment as all the cars look fairly new (and fast!)
Re Cloth Cap - this looks a real hoot. Essentially there are only 2 UK races (Donington and Snetterton) and 2 European races (Spa - which HSCC is going to anyway so assume it is the same race as per last year). Julius Thurgood is the person to speak to/email: julius@tophatracing.co.uk. They are one hour 2 driver races with no refuelling. We are pretty much setting up our seaon around Cloth Cap as it looks like tremendous fun. Essentially it is for pre-65 sports cars - your car has to be eligible to your normal championship regs (i.e. HSCC) although Dunlop tyres are required.
Re water wetter - I used this on my Fulvia and it was pretty good when you first put it in but started to lose it's effectiveness after a while (can't remember how long). I decided to get the radiator re-cored and I have to say it was one of the best £200 I've spent on the car.
Re Cloth Cap - this looks a real hoot. Essentially there are only 2 UK races (Donington and Snetterton) and 2 European races (Spa - which HSCC is going to anyway so assume it is the same race as per last year). Julius Thurgood is the person to speak to/email: julius@tophatracing.co.uk. They are one hour 2 driver races with no refuelling. We are pretty much setting up our seaon around Cloth Cap as it looks like tremendous fun. Essentially it is for pre-65 sports cars - your car has to be eligible to your normal championship regs (i.e. HSCC) although Dunlop tyres are required.
Re water wetter - I used this on my Fulvia and it was pretty good when you first put it in but started to lose it's effectiveness after a while (can't remember how long). I decided to get the radiator re-cored and I have to say it was one of the best £200 I've spent on the car.
Thanks for advice on cooling. I hadn't really considered the thought of air escaping the underbonnet area.
Unfortunately,the regs don't allow bonnet to be lifted at rear, however many cars last year seemed to be doing so. maybe a combination of a small lift at the rear, and the removal of the rear return flange on the bonet will help.
I already use water wetter, not sure of its useful life, as I change the coolant after every 1-2 races, on the advice of the previous owner.
Cloth Cap does indded look like fun. Maybe see you there.
Unfortunately,the regs don't allow bonnet to be lifted at rear, however many cars last year seemed to be doing so. maybe a combination of a small lift at the rear, and the removal of the rear return flange on the bonet will help.
I already use water wetter, not sure of its useful life, as I change the coolant after every 1-2 races, on the advice of the previous owner.
Cloth Cap does indded look like fun. Maybe see you there.
one light, two lights, three lights, four lights, five lights.......Go Go Go
Old Jalopy racing starts at Donington this weekend (7th April). I'll be there with the Grantura, as long as the engine is back in it by then!
Anyone else going to be there?
I noticed another Grantura(a mark III I believe) on the start list for the Classic Sports Car race, owned/driven by J. Ward. Any other classics likely to be out there this year?
Old Jalopy racing starts at Donington this weekend (7th April). I'll be there with the Grantura, as long as the engine is back in it by then!
Anyone else going to be there?
I noticed another Grantura(a mark III I believe) on the start list for the Classic Sports Car race, owned/driven by J. Ward. Any other classics likely to be out there this year?
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff