They think it's all over... Not quite!

Chris Y · 20 Nov 2001, 17:34 (Ref:176832)

I'm an idiot, but I also enjoy my racing. Both of those reasons made me sign up for the BRSCC winter series, and the final round of that is at Brands Hatch this weekend (Sunday 25th of November).

I'm entered with Voggie the Mini in the 'Open Saloon Challenge'. Originally, I was entered in the 'up to 1300cc' class, but I've just received the final instructions, and it looks like some of the classes have been merged or changed..

So, with me in class D (up to 1500cc) is a Vauxhall Corsa, a Suzuki Swift GTI (

), a 'T-Car', and 2 other Minis, one at 1425cc, and the other at 1380cc. Then there's me with my standard 1275

I've not heard of the drivers before, so my only hopes for a decent result are: a) heavy rain, or b) lack of experience from the other drivers in my class (unlikely), or possibly c) my car being better set up (depends on what tyres they're running)..

Elsewhere in the race will be a Porche GT3 (

), a B*W M3, 2 Sierra Cossies, an Escort WRC (

), an XR2, a few Alfa 33s, a Toyota Carina (Taxi cab!), a Civic, a CRX, a Golf GIT, a Puggy 205 and a lone Lotus Cortina mk1! Pretty wierd mix there!

There's also the Zip Fords, the Ford Challenge, the Mini 7 and Miglia winter finals (See if Pitstop Ralph can get past the 1st corner

), FF Zetec, German and Italian Challenge, and Pre-Zetec FF2k and Kent...

So - anyone feel like freezing various appendages off at Brands this weekend? Some of the racing could be quite 'interesting'

Chris Y · 20 Nov 2001, 17:42 (Ref:176836)

Here's a timetable of sorts:

Qualifying:
Zippy Ford - 10:00
Ford Challenge - 10:20
Winter Mini 7s, etc - 10:45
FF Zetec - 11:10
German and Italian challenge -11:30
Pre-Zetec FF - 11:50
Open season on challenged saloons - 12:15

Racing:
Zippy Ford - 12:40 (12 laps)
Ford Challenge - 13:00 (14 laps)
Mini 7s and Migs - 13:25 (14 laps)
FF Zetec - 13:50 (15 laps)
German and Italian - 14:10 (14 laps)
Pre-Zetec FFs - 14:35 (14 laps)
Open-Sesame Saloonatics - 14:55 (14 laps, although I expect to be lapped at least 3 times!)
Zip Ford (what, again?) - 15:20 (12 laps if they make it round Paddock Hill intact)

SL · 20 Nov 2001, 18:21 (Ref:176852)

As it's Brands Hatch there is a chance that I will turn up. However I do have an invite to a wedding on Saturday night so do not expect me too early. Also if it is anywhere near what I call Cold I will be huddled beside the fire.

Simon

PS Best of luck anyway, don't forget the snow tyres

**Aysedasi** · 20 Nov 2001, 21:49 (Ref:176996)

Sounds like bloody good fun Chris, wish I could be there. Good luck.

(I would take that GT3 around Paddock, if I were you!!).

BAR Babe · 20 Nov 2001, 22:32 (Ref:177023)

Surprise!

Was going anyway.... what a lovely one to find your racing too!!!!

Will now have to dig the air horn out of the car to make sufficient noise to wake everybody up!

I take it the timetable is for Sunday, but is there much practice on the Saturday?... well i can't spend the weekend at home can I ?!

look forward to seeing you again so soon!!!!

Ta for the timetable, knowing me i'd of missed half of it tyring to get over some kind of alcohol induced stuper!

AndyF · 20 Nov 2001, 22:51 (Ref:177029)

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Y

So, with me in class D (up to 1500cc) is a Vauxhall Corsa, a Suzuki Swift GTI ( ), a 'T-Car', and 2 other Minis, one at 1425cc, and the other at 1380cc. Then there's me with my standard 1275

I've not heard of the drivers before, so my only hopes for a decent result are: a) heavy rain, or b) lack of experience from the other drivers in my class (unlikely), or possibly c) my car being better set up (depends on what tyres they're running)..

[/i]'

Who else is entered in your class, I may be able to give a bit of background info?!

Chris Y · 20 Nov 2001, 23:36 (Ref:177042)

Ms. Babe - the final instructions state no testing for this meeting, so I don't think anything's happening on the Saturday, bar a few teams and people arriving.. I could be wrong though (not for the first time)

My class consists of:

1 - Charles Atherton (Backwell) - Vauxhall Corsa 1400cc
26 - Bill Richards (Brookland) - Rover Mini Cooper 1425cc
69 - Ryan Lewis (Royston) - SHP T-Car 1500cc
97 - Andy McLennan (London Colney) - Suzuki Swift GIT (err, GTI) 1300cc
98 - Allan Rawlings (Ashford) - Rover Mini 1380cc

Also:
36 - Chris Yates (Glossop) - Rover Mini Cooper 1275

BAR Babe · 20 Nov 2001, 23:51 (Ref:177050)

Ta sweetie!
see you, Voggy and Maisie on Sunday !!!
Yea!

Chris Y · 20 Nov 2001, 23:59 (Ref:177053)

That's 'Voggie' to you

He's feeling a bit better now. I think I've cured the slight misfire I had over the charity weekend. Still have to fit the new clutch though, although I have been out and bought one.

Oh yeah, got to remove the passenger seat as well!

Dan Friel · 21 Nov 2001, 08:21 (Ref:177162)

I'll be there.. marshalling but not sure where though..

I know who your class winner should be: Charles Atherton (Backwell) - Vauxhall Corsa 1400cc

He runs in the Pagid series at Combe and has about 180 bhp under his bonnet - he ususally finishes quite well up in the races (overall)..

Will the T car be allowed to run on slicks as per ususal??

Any old BTCC cars on your grid Chris???

TimD · 21 Nov 2001, 09:08 (Ref:177172)

If it rains, I think the T-Car should be forced to run slicks...

180bhp in a Corsa. That's officially silly.

AndyF · 21 Nov 2001, 09:20 (Ref:177174)

#1 Charles Atherton - as Dan says, top player in Castle Combe Saloon series. Not sure of Brands Hatch speed or experince, but a good lap at Combe for the Swift is 1:16.00. A bit quicker than the Mighty Minis, where you're looking at over 1:30.00.

#26 Bill Richards - Has competed in the SEMSEC Sports and Saloon championship this year. Former multiple champion of the DJ Invicta Silhoulette Saloon Car Chamionship, claiming the titles in a Metro Cosworth (not sure if he has the same car now). Raced in the SEMSEC race at Brands on September 11th - so has plenty of recent experience.

#69 Ryan Lewis - Finished fourth in this year's T-Car Championship. A good T-Car lap at Brands is a 0:56.00. So about eight seconds faster than the Mini.

Afraid I don't know anything about the other two, but I hope this helps!

**Stephen Green** · 21 Nov 2001, 12:04 (Ref:177200)

Bill Richards did quite well a few weeks ago in the same car at Brands. I notice Rod Birley is not on the list?

Weather forecast for Sunday.....................RAIN!

Sadly I won't be there this weekend. Dan enjoy marshalling and try to get on Post 5 with my mate Don Basins the American Observer.

Dan Friel · 21 Nov 2001, 12:37 (Ref:177210)

it won't rain - I'm totally confident...ish..

Corsas at Combe seem to have stupid power. Tony Dolley's car in the higher class has over 200 horses - apparently. He eats driveshafts and rarely finishes though.

Lots of cars to get out've the way of Chris!! the Pug 205 isn't driven by a Mr Williamson is it?? (keep well clear if so!!)

Chris Y · 21 Nov 2001, 15:12 (Ref:177278)

Ooh eck

I don't feel so well now - I'm going to be eaten alive

I've seen that Corsa before, both at Combe, and recently at Brands (possibly a SEMSEC race?) - I think it's currently for sale, isn't it?.. Either it'll win the class, or the T-Car.

Rod Birley is on the list - he's driving the Escort Cossie WRC - class B (2001-2800cc)

No BTCC cars on the list, as far as I can see. (There is an Alfa 156 in the Italian Challenge, but god knows where it came from)

The Puggy 205 is being driven by Craig Dawson, from Ashford..

I'm going to start my rain dance later this afternoon. I reckon I'll be quite competitve in the rain (as long as I don't mist up!). Last weekend at Snetts I was faster than most cars through the corners in the pouring rain..

If not - I'll have some ducking and diving to do!

**Stephen Green** · 21 Nov 2001, 16:20 (Ref:177307)

Actually in the first round of the winter series the Woodcock Brothers were out, as were about 4 other ex BTCC cars, but I guess they would have been in a seperate race?

Rod Birley raced the Prelude last time Chris, so he's getting the old Escort out for an airing!

Slowcoach · 22 Nov 2001, 12:45 (Ref:177679)

Chris - good luck - I shall dust off my anorak and come along but alas I couldn't be bothered to get the gearbox fixed and the poor car still languishes in the garage(well I think it is - havent been anywhere near it since then and vowed not to until after xmas) after it let me down at Rockingham

again. Shame coz I had planned on entering the open saloon winter series , anyway roll on 24th March Thruxton !

Chris Y · 22 Nov 2001, 17:06 (Ref:177770)

Hope to see you there then, Mr Coach!

Let me know what colour your anorak is and I'll look out for you..

I'd better get on with fixing my clutch. Got a bit fried at the charity weekend, and I've just about grazed all the skin off my knuckles getting it apart. Oh for a flip-front Mini

Lee Purnell · 22 Nov 2001, 18:09 (Ref:177801)

Hello!
Latest news is that Gus Singh is due to be driving the crazy corsa in the Castle Combe Saloons(!!!!

!!!!!) Next year.
But, looking at the rest of your class Chris, I think Charley will win, thats of course, asuming that you don't!

Jonny b 61 · 23 Nov 2001, 23:07 (Ref:178308)

Good luck Chris ,lets hope it rains. ps you could have used a set of my wheels and tyre's.When are you setting off??

Dan Friel · 25 Nov 2001, 18:57 (Ref:178770)

They think it's all over... it is now!!

And one dented mini... hope you're ok Chris - perhaps a sore neck?? Mr Vento looked a bit muscley as he took you off, but was surprised that he couldn't walk away, hope he's ok??

Was at the other side of Clearways.. so too far away to assist, sorry.

Hope the damage is mostly bodywork and that engine / subframe are all ok. A winter project no doubt!!

Rest of the day was ok, Zipfords however are a waste of time, overtyred and not enough grunt.

**Craig** · 25 Nov 2001, 19:03 (Ref:178771)

What a total and utter joke that was

I've come away from banger racing meetings having seen less panel damage and general all round carnage. Surely the C of C should have had words after the qualifying ? Seemingly not cos it was no better in the races... not good.

Anyway, Chris is fine apart from a bit of a stiff neck, and hopefully the car isn't too badly damaged. I wonder how the other guy who pushed him off is though... the Vento was abandoned all day with no sign of the drver, can only presume he was at the medical centre ? If anyone knows, please let us know.

All in all a total shambles... word of advice to anyone considering racing in a free for all like this - DON'T.

Chris Y · 26 Nov 2001, 13:42 (Ref:178985)

Quite agree with Craig's assessment, although multi-class races are usually quite fun - if respect is shown all round to other drivers, which was certainly not the case on Sunday.

The standard of driving in the Open Saloon race was laughable. I saw cars overtaking in the most dangerous of positions, with suicidal impatience. I saw cars swerving across the racing line for no apparent reason, and going off the track and rejoining without looking in mirrors, etc. And this was just qualifying!

The full story (as I remember it), was:

The weather had been wet in the morning, and the track was drying, but still slippery.. I was coming up to Surtees corner (the left-hander after the back straight), and I had been watching a VW Vento closing on me in my rear view mirror. At the point of turning in for the corner, he was too far back to overtake, and he was directly behind me, not up the side (so not challenging for the corner). I turned into the corner at my usual speed (almost flat out) and took the usual line, and then suddely *bang*, I was hit on the left rear quarter. Before I could correct the slide, I was on the wet grass on the exit of Surtees (no gravel), and had nothing to slow me
down before I hit the tyre wall head on..

I reckon I'd normally be doing about 80-90 around that corner (almost flat out in 4th), and as it was wet, I had no real way of slowing down before I hit the tyre wall. I hit it more-or-less square, and when I came to a rest, I jumped out and headed for the barrier. The Vento driver (John Quartermaine) hit the tyre wall on the driver's side of the car, and although he managed to climb out, he was badly winded, and looked like he had neck injuries. As Craig said, he was taken to the medical unit, and I don't think he re-emerged for the rest of the day.. I escaped with no injuries at all, save a slightly sore neck this morning. I was wearing a foam neck collar, and I'm bloody glad I was, or else I could have been far worse off.

Interestingly enough - moments after the crash, as I was taking my helmet off, and getting behind the barrier, another car (possibly an Alfa) lost it at Surtees and headed into the same strip of Armco! I thought my car was going to be hit again, but the driver managed to steer clear of both stationary cars..

Dan, did you see what happened before the Vento hit me? I assumed that he'd just mis-calculated how fast I was going and tapped me, but thinking about the Alfa that went in after us, was there oil on the corner? Was the Vento in a spin before he hit me?

Anyway, I'd like to thank the marshalls on that post for their swift actions. They knew exactly what to do with the injured Vento driver, and got me out of the way of any further accidents.

There were at least 6 cars badly damaged as a result of incidents in that practice session alone. It was hardly surprising when the race itself was declared null and void after about 3 laps and 2 red flags. I was glad to be out of it in some respects.

As for Voggie - well, the front panels are creased beyond reasonable repair, so I'll need a new front panel, new wings (just one maybe), and bonnet. The subframe's intact, although one of the floor-mounting points has been moved back, so is in need of jigging. The engine looks okay, but was hit pretty hard by the grill and front panel, so will need looking at, but things like the dizzy and oil filter are okay. I've got a lot of work to do over the winter now.

**bella** · 26 Nov 2001, 13:52 (Ref:178986)

well, it'll keep you off the streets for the winter...

bad luck this weekend

Dan Friel · 26 Nov 2001, 13:53 (Ref:178987)

There was quite a big speed difference between you two.. Vento on slicks and would have been about fourth on the grid I think. The problem with where you met was that at Surtees there's pretty much only one line I guess. I was standing by the Foulston Centre at the time, so couldn't see that detail. All a bit unfourtunate.

Alfa just lost it on it's own I think - paniced by yellow flags maybe?? Looked very dangerous though and lucky the mini was molested again!!

Race was carnage - another damaged mini, but again, just unforunate that it was at Surtees with no room to play with..