RE: Knockhill Race Report
Sunday 12th May 2002
Knockhill Race Report
GT boring, GTO thrilling!
Discussion
The Eclipse Tuscan was excluded because the rubber seal on the airbox had split. This meant that the car could not pass the mandatory scrutineering test whereby a hand held over the restrictor intake must cause the engine to stall. It didn't because air was being drawn through the split.
Ironically, the main effect of extra air being drawn into the engine is to blunt the car's performance but airbox irregularities leave the scrutineers and Clerk of the Course with little room for manoeuver. The fact that the seal was new this week and had, we think, split when Shane Lynch had his rather lurid spin, counted for little and the car had to be excluded.
'Disappointed' is a rather gentle term to describe the team's mood after the news was given to us, but we don't want to win races if we haven't complied with the regs. Shane and Ben are just going to have to do it all again at Croft, and that was our resolution as we started the long trek back from Knockhill.
In passing, what a great meeting it was. Not enough GTs, sure, but shame on those who passed because they missed a great race on a track which, though perhaps not best suited for barge-like GTs, was just amazing for the GTOs. They also missed great hospitality from all at the circuit, a big, friendly knowledgeable crowd and ten times the sense of occasion provided by Silverstone's empty acres last week.
In spite of the outcome, in spite of the 450-mile journey, I'd go back next week (provided they guaranteed more of that great weather).
Ironically, the main effect of extra air being drawn into the engine is to blunt the car's performance but airbox irregularities leave the scrutineers and Clerk of the Course with little room for manoeuver. The fact that the seal was new this week and had, we think, split when Shane Lynch had his rather lurid spin, counted for little and the car had to be excluded.
'Disappointed' is a rather gentle term to describe the team's mood after the news was given to us, but we don't want to win races if we haven't complied with the regs. Shane and Ben are just going to have to do it all again at Croft, and that was our resolution as we started the long trek back from Knockhill.
In passing, what a great meeting it was. Not enough GTs, sure, but shame on those who passed because they missed a great race on a track which, though perhaps not best suited for barge-like GTs, was just amazing for the GTOs. They also missed great hospitality from all at the circuit, a big, friendly knowledgeable crowd and ten times the sense of occasion provided by Silverstone's empty acres last week.
In spite of the outcome, in spite of the 450-mile journey, I'd go back next week (provided they guaranteed more of that great weather).
Thanks for that update Chris. Everyone must have been gutted. The sight of Martin Short chasing Shane around the track with barely a hair's breadth between them was one of the most exciting battles I've seen in GT(O) for a long time.
I'll echo those commentsregarding the circuit. Knockhill is one of the most spectacular tracks in the country and is set in beautiful surroundings.
For anyone who typically just goes to race day I'd recommend going up for the weekend, taking in the action on qualifying day (fewer people around, more chance to chat to the drivers/teams) and cheap accommodation all around.
I'll echo those commentsregarding the circuit. Knockhill is one of the most spectacular tracks in the country and is set in beautiful surroundings.
For anyone who typically just goes to race day I'd recommend going up for the weekend, taking in the action on qualifying day (fewer people around, more chance to chat to the drivers/teams) and cheap accommodation all around.
Don't give me any of that rubbish Ted. It's the one freak day per millenium that Knockhill isn't in the clouds 
I'd much rather go to Spa for the weekend....and everyone from Scotland could fly there instead
Large commiserations to the Eclipse team though - great to see them so competitive (and love purple anodising)....and can't wait to see that Nitrous-Rocket engine in the Xavex car
I'd much rather go to Spa for the weekend....and everyone from Scotland could fly there instead
Large commiserations to the Eclipse team though - great to see them so competitive (and love purple anodising)....and can't wait to see that Nitrous-Rocket engine in the Xavex car
I agree that the GT race at Knockhill wasn't the best (difficult when only 5 cars turn up) but the sight and sound of those monsters around Knockhill certainly wasn't boring! To be honest, the only real battle would have been between the Speed 12 and the Lister so the absent "also rans" weren't really missed. Glad to hear that the competitors appreciated the atmosphere at Knockhill - Silverstone was like a very cold deserted ghost town last week!
Just a note to those of you who think ox carts takeover north of Newcastle. Yes it rains in Scotland. Yes Knockhill's altitude can lead to fairly extreme conditions (it also means we don't have a curfew). But no, sunny weather is not a freak event - sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you're not! I have attended three race meetings over the years which were abandoned due to rain - one at Knockhiil (F3 last year) and two at Silverstone! I also remember getting well and truly drenched on my only visit to Spa!
Just a note to those of you who think ox carts takeover north of Newcastle. Yes it rains in Scotland. Yes Knockhill's altitude can lead to fairly extreme conditions (it also means we don't have a curfew). But no, sunny weather is not a freak event - sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you're not! I have attended three race meetings over the years which were abandoned due to rain - one at Knockhiil (F3 last year) and two at Silverstone! I also remember getting well and truly drenched on my only visit to Spa!
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