Rise and decline of race series

[bdwoody]

The Idea Seems To Work For Tim Most Of The Time (dmn Brands 2006 Excluding)

[Al Weyman]

Originally Posted by bdwoody

The Idea Seems To Work For Tim Most Of The Time (dmn Brands 2006 Excluding)

I totally agree and more power to Tim for sticking to his guns however its not for all.

[tim dodwell]

Actually I am not alone in driving to my races - John Wrightson in his Jag occasionally joins my Classic Mini in the CTCRC series, also some of the BMW crowd, plus a few in other series. We all race hard, but obviously do not subscribe to Jason Plato's school of "racing is rubbing".
It can be done (MOT and drivability), although you are unlikely to be as competitive as those that trailer their cars. That is why we set up the Road Saloons, but unfortunately we kept getting the wrong sort joining us (sorry Al) and then pressing for trailers to be allowed. They see a booming series, join (with reservations about the driving to the track), want to get higher up the grid, over-modify their car/drive too hard, have problems, then press for trailers. It takes just a few determined to succeed, and then only the hard core road-salooners stay. Super Road Saloons managed to keep going for some time afterwards due to being a good formula, but the Budget Road Saloons series (initially Slick 50, finally Lumenition) died soon after trailers were allowed. I did try to restart the idea with the Highway Saloons, but could only get it fitted into Rod Birley's series (now DMN). This put off most people from joining - the only reason the original Road Saloons got off the ground, was that the BRSCC took a risk in giving us our own stand alone series (which fielded 4 full grids in only 3 years - only F.Ford was bigger than us!
We were happy with Al and Brian Sheridan setting up their trailered version, but not with those who wrecked our series by getting trailers allowed. I must admit my heart is not in trying to fight anymore (although I suspect a genuine road going series could be a success again) - too old for all that now (cue wobbly voice again). Better to just carry on as I have for the last 40 odd years.

[Highside]

Originally Posted by tim dodwell

Actually I am not alone in driving to my races...

Yep - I have driven my E30 M3 to every race it has ever been in. Including it's very first race where I drove it from Düsseldorf (where I was living at the time) to Pembrey and back (about 2000 miles and five countrys!).

Although I can't honestly say I wouldn't rather trailer the car, for very practical reasons this is impossible, and I'll continue doing it next year.

Yes, my car is compromised, but I'm not too far off the pace, and still have a lot of fun.

Besides, as Tim says, it stops you from going to mental with the car. However, when you have something out of the ordinary happen (in my case catastrophic gudgion pin failure at Silverstone), it does seem like a pretty daft idea...

[SAMD]

[/quote]It is very easy to get disallousioned with some aspect of a championship and for that to spread like wildfire, what is in one year could be finished the next. Take any leading championship/series, its riding high but something could easy change maybe guys getting fed up with being blown into the weeds by a handful of front runners, anything. As racing is run generally by unpaid amatuers it can creep up on you then wham its too late to address as organisers are often last to hear paddock gossip and mumblings. Prehaps with the internet and boards like this what is going down can feed back and be addressed by organisers more readilly than in the old days.[/quote]

There is of course an answer to this perennial problem, and it resolves just about all of the difficulties listed. It is not perfect of course, but it is an answer. Its called Formula Ford.

[Chris Y]

Is it the answer to "I want to go saloon racing, what can I race?"

No

[greenamex2]

Originally Posted by SAMD

There is of course an answer to this perennial problem, and it resolves just about all of the difficulties listed. It is not perfect of course, but it is an answer. Its called Formula Ford.

Which particular version of Formula Ford would that be then?

Kent engined?
Duratec engined?
Zetec engined?
UK?
USA?
Formula Ford 2000?

[Al Weyman]

I would never fit in a Formula Ford so thats me out!

[Alan Cherry]

OK Gents (& Ladies)
2 more suggestions for poor race series

1. Interclub Rivalry/politics/ownership of championships - a couple of years ago (I don't know current situation) SEMSEC ran a single seater championship with just a handful of cars. BARC SE ran a single seater championship, similar rules , also with only a few cars. If the organisers had got together, they could have run a cracking series for the competitors. Should clubs go their separate ways, or should someone like the MSA 'encourage' them to work together - There are arguments for both - I don't know the answer - any suggestions.

2. Rules - How strict should rules be to maintain a successful series ? Too strict and you put people off, too lax, and you put people off. Myself I'm quite black and white, although for example - If the white square that your number goes in is 1/2" to short, I couldn't give a toss (technical term) , but if a car is running a carbon floor, and modified suspension pick up points etc when it specifically prohibits them in the rules, I have no sympathy if a driver gets chucked out, or moved to a different class. Those are probably both extremes, but can you happily live somewhere in the middle , and keep everyone happy ? Any Suggestions ?

[Al Weyman]

1. Interclub Rivalry/politics/ownership of championships - a couple of years ago (I don't know current situation) SEMSEC ran a single seater championship with just a handful of cars. BARC SE ran a single seater championship, similar rules , also with only a few cars. If the organisers had got together, they could have run a cracking series for the competitors. Should clubs go their separate ways, or should someone like the MSA 'encourage' them to work together - There are arguments for both - I don't know the answer - any suggestions.

Don't get me started again I am already on a yellow card!

[Alan Cherry]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

Don't get me started again I am already on a yellow card!

Merry Christmas Al

[Al Weyman]

Merry Chrismas Al!

[Eddy V]

Merry Christmas Als.

[Al Weyman]

Merry Christmas Eddy!

[Alan Cherry]

Merry Christmas Eddy

p.s Off to Germany in the morning (Altenahr) Whats the weather like over there at the moment ?

[Eddy V]

Off topic comment alert I have to type this or my brain will explode! Guess you found out before I could reply Alan; if not: it is (was) murky and chilly. But I'm at home anyhow today. Next time you are there, visit us, we are not that far from there. Thanks for reading, you've been a wonderful audience. Don't forget to try the veal and tip your waitress. We now return you to the topic

[ss_collins]

Which particular version of Formula Ford would that be then?

*Cough*Vee.

anyway its all been said - the MSA need to be more draconian - I think every series should have to justify itself annually.

[Al Weyman]

Originally Posted by ss_collins

*Cough*Vee.

anyway its all been said - the MSA need to be more draconian - I think every series should have to justify itself annually.

ANd also stop series/championships similiar to existing ones starting up at the drop of a hat.