[TIMELORD]

Any more news as to whether or not the 1400 challenge will be held at any events in 2008?

Considering the fact that thus far entries haven’t been high, why not promote the entire Standard Production Class in general, Class 0, S, whatever (Steve Wilkinson makes a valid point in post 44 of this thread, when he says that speed events need standardisation, especially so regarding class structures).

The Standard Prod class provides a wonderful opportunity for people to compete at very little cost: especially attractive for novices, those with a small budget and those without any great technical or mechanical knowledge with which to modify their cars, but who still have a love of motor sport and a desire to compete. I think that the chance to publicise the class and attract newcomers to the sport should embrace all eligible Standard cars, not just those up to 1400cc.

Publicising the class and its attractions in local press, motoring-orientated and other motor sport publications would make people aware of the ease with which they can compete – indeed, virtually “arrive and drive”, no matter what car they have! Interested parties could be provided with carefully prepared guides: i.e. a rundown of the essentials that need to be done to the car, a detailed guide to the MSA regs and a guide to Speed events and how they are run, plus advice on how to prepare and take part in an event, and how to progress in the sport if desired. Their appetites could be truly whetted.

It would be nice to think that, given a little cooperation between the regional MSA associations, regional championships could be organised with a national final held at the end of the year for the leading contenders from each region. Given the standard production nature of the competing cars there should be plenty of motor trade bodies/companies that would like to lend their support to such a national championship – especially if it was promoted in the right way.

By the way...Merry Christmas!