Mini racing in the south east.

[Minicross424]

Originally Posted by Robert Morris

Chris got pushed off at the start line not sure why.

Tris what broke in the clutch , its unusual for a clutch to lets go now days.

Do you know what engine that red and black mini uses looks like he was catching Bill towards the end of the second race.

I thought that light blue midget was awesome what engine does he run.

Hi Rob, the red and black one was parked next to me and runs a Vauxhall engine.
It was a real nice bit of kit.
Not sure about the midget but at Lydden it does low 45 sec so its quick!
As for the clutch, im not sure what happened.
As I drove back to the paddock i went to change gear and the clutch pedal went solid.
I knocked it out of gear as i rolled back to my trailer and after that there was no resistance on the clutch, like it was stuck in but not working.
We tried changing the slave cylinder but it made no difference.
By then they were calling us so it was game over.

[rww]

Originally Posted by Minicross424

Hi Rob, the red and black one was parked next to me and runs a Vauxhall engine.
It was a real nice bit of kit.
Not sure about the midget but at Lydden it does low 45 sec so its quick!
As for the clutch, im not sure what happened.
As I drove back to the paddock i went to change gear and the clutch pedal went solid.
I knocked it out of gear as i rolled back to my trailer and after that there was no resistance on the clutch, like it was stuck in but not working.
We tried changing the slave cylinder but it made no difference.
By then they were calling us so it was game over.

I stand corrected re. James Guest's 1800 Mini. A Vauxhall engine sounds more likely. Is it a space frame Tris ?
Sorry to hear about the clutch. There's always something with a Bloody Mini!

[winkle]

James Guests mini is definitely Honda Vtec powered not sure about the chassis, could be semi space-framed. A fast car.

[winkle]

PS sorry to hear you had clutch problems Tris, there is just enough time between races to re fuel and that's about it.

I was talking to the guy with the blue midget on the dummy grid he says its an A series engine. I was looking for a handle on top of the car it must weigh the same as a suitcase!

[Chris_w]

Originally Posted by Minicross424

Good drive from you today Chris.
I never made it out for the second after the clutch let go.
I did not see you?

Thanks Tris, really enjoyed race 1 - made up for the terrible starts in the Miglia races at the Festival Dad linked to above - this time round I got up to 5th by Druids on the first lap before the quicker cars came back through and I ended having a good scrap with the Clio Cup car.

Here's my in car:
http://youtu.be/pl7aQaJCYAk

James Guest's car has a Honda badge on the back. Not sure if it's a space frame but it's definitely lower - maybe a cut down shell like a Mini Sprint? And wide rear arches that are nicely integrated. Certainly goes well.

That Midget is very impressive, looked absolutely planted as it came past me.

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by Chris_w

James Guest's car has a Honda badge on the back. Not sure if it's a space frame but it's definitely lower - maybe a cut down shell like a Mini Sprint? And wide rear arches that are nicely integrated. Certainly goes well.

If it's the same Mini he used in rallycross then I'm pretty sure it's spaceframed - used to run in supermodified so there might be an original bulkhead in there somewhere but not a lot else!

[Minicross424]

I never got time to talk to James but I did notice it has a solid rear beam on disc brakes.
I am not sure if thats the same one as James used for rallycross or a new build.
Spaceframe is a good way to go but it does limit where you can race.

[Minicross424]

Chris what in car equipment do you use?
I have had nothing but trouble with my Gopro and Want to find something better

[Chris_w]

Originally Posted by Minicross424

Chris what in car equipment do you use?
I have had nothing but trouble with my Gopro and Want to find something better

I struggled with vibration but have beaten it with a damped mount (same design as the Demon Tweeks mount but by a US company, I lucked in and got it second hand off eBay).

And I now have a proper action camera, the Drift HD 170. Apart from being cheaper than the GoPro it has a screen (which helps with setting up) and a remote control so I can operate it from the drivers seat.

The only negative is the wide angle lens (170 degrees) which is a bit too wide, places you too far back in the car. Will see if we can mount further forward but options a bit limited with our cage, if I was buying again I'd see if they do a less extreme angle.

The GoPro normally gets a good write up, what sort of problems have you had?

[Cujo]

Tris, I use Contour HD cams. And so far they have been brilliant. They are also more portable than GoPro and easily fit onto the side of a helmet. I've used them to good effect while karting and Ski ing.

[Robert Morris]

Well guys was great watching is there any results to view.

[rww]

Originally Posted by Robert Morris

Well guys was great watching is there any results to view.

Guess they will be here when the Semsec guys receive them.


http://www.semsec.org.uk/results.html

[rww]

Originally Posted by Cujo

Tris, I use Contour HD cams. And so far they have been brilliant. They are also more portable than GoPro and easily fit onto the side of a helmet. I've used them to good effect while karting and Ski ing.

Where's your Spa master work Steve? You've tempted us with a magnificent trailer. Still in Hollywood for the Emmy's eh?

[Minicross424]

Originally Posted by Chris_w

The GoPro normally gets a good write up, what sort of problems have you had?

It just eats batteries!
Its not the HD version just a standard Gopro that I got from MSVR safety.
As you have seen on youtube its good but to transfer from the camera to the computer is a bit of an arse but that might just be me.
I use Windows live movie maker as the Gopro software is rubbish.
It must use a set of Lithium batteries each meeting and now I am learning if you dont swap them it just cuts out after 3 minutes hence no fottage other than me strapping up from last weekend!

Nice footage Chris would love a go in the Miglias but mines a bit slower than yours on lap times.

[kjw]

We all use the HD GoPro in the historic, it seems to be fine. To transfer to the computer just plug the SD card into the computer slot and they automatically download. You can buy an extra battery that clips on the back to extend the run time but the standard battery does qualy and the race OK. You can also buy a screen that clips to the back so you can see what you a viewing.

[Chris_w]

Originally Posted by Minicross424

It just eats batteries!
Its not the HD version just a standard Gopro that I got from MSVR safety.
As you have seen on youtube its good but to transfer from the camera to the computer is a bit of an arse but that might just be me.
I use Windows live movie maker as the Gopro software is rubbish.
It must use a set of Lithium batteries each meeting and now I am learning if you dont swap them it just cuts out after 3 minutes hence no fottage other than me strapping up from last weekend!

Pretty easy with the Drift - stick the SD card in your laptop and away you go. My laptop is epically slow so I was expecting problems working with a chunky HD file but it's been ok as long as I stay away from Windows Movie Maker. Bought a cheap editing programme (Magix I think it's called) which is basic (like WMM) but doesn't freeze up on me, fine for chopping the beginning and end off your footage and sticking a titles page on.

Battery on the Drift is charged via USB and so far has lasted longer than it takes to fill the 8GB memory card. The remote control is also useful for making sure you only switch it on (and off) when you need it running.

[Minicross424]

Originally Posted by kjw

We all use the HD GoPro in the historic, it seems to be fine. To transfer to the computer just plug the SD card into the computer slot and they automatically download. You can buy an extra battery that clips on the back to extend the run time but the standard battery does qualy and the race OK. You can also buy a screen that clips to the back so you can see what you a viewing.

My Gopro is not the same as yours i think.
I just went on the site (gopro) and checked out the add on battery pack but the battery and the way it switches on at the back are nothing like mine.
I think my one is the last of the series 1 cameras.
I think I will try some better quality batterys and if that dont work save up for some thing else.

[rww]

Originally Posted by Chris_w

The only negative is the wide angle lens (170 degrees) which is a bit too wide, places you too far back in the car. Will see if we can mount further forward but options a bit limited with our cage, if I was buying again I'd see if they do a less extreme angle.

Ah, but with the 170 angle lens we get all the flailing arms and the wide eyed look. And I thought Mini's were supposed to understeer.

[Minicross424]

Come on Cujo! Whens the world premier??

[mig]

I went to Currys and bought a samsung video camera for £80 and stuck it on the rollcage, it dont miss a beat, works every time and is a piece of pee to use and download.

[Cujo]

I don't think it will live up to the hype, twas a lonely race

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk-_bdoq6pk

ps: The dodgy 2009 JB impersonation at the end was a dare from ‘the team’

Now got to focus on getting the car ready for the Nurburgring

[Cujo]

Originally Posted by rww

Ah, but with the 170 angle lens we get all the flailing arms and the wide eyed look. And I thought Mini's were supposed to understeer.

They generally do, unless you forget the three rules of racing a Mini



1. Don't lift in the corners




2. Don't lift in the corners




and of course:
3. Don't lift in the corners




Well held Chris

[Minicross424]

Nice video steve!
But i want music, action and drama next time like in the trailer!
Perhaps some fighter jets and a huge explosion!
By the way its great this thread has come alive again.

[Copperbottom]

Originally Posted by Robert Morris

I thought that light blue midget was awesome what engine does he run.

1460 A series.

[rww]

Originally Posted by Cujo

I don't think it will live up to the hype, twas a lonely race

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk-_bdoq6pk

ps: The dodgy 2009 JB impersonation at the end was a dare from ‘the team’

Now got to focus on getting the car ready for the Nurburgring

Excellent drive Steve (or Gentleman Steve after all that waiving) and great production qualities on the video. Presumably flat through Eau Rouge with the speed scrubbing off on the hill and corner? One day we'll get there !