Comeback

[jumboross]

Hello all

As you've probably guessed from the thread title I'm looking to get back to racing.

I did a bit of Toyo Tyres stuff in an Escort (ex Tony Pococck car if you remember that?)in the mid 90s and some saloons at Lydden in a Gp N Escort Cosworth late 90s.

Don't really want to spend fourtunes. Want full grids, value for money (I hear it's not all 500 mile round trips for ten laps these days!), and something I'll be competitive in. I should explain the last comment - I'm 6'4" tall and weigh 18 stone. So single seaters are out.

I've been thinking of Radicals (driver weight included in minimum?), VW Cup, Mazda MX5s or Britcar production S1. Does anyone have any feedback or alternative ideas?

For some rason Britcar and VWs smell expensive if you know what I mean? I'm looking at a transit, trailer and a couple of pals. Is that viable in these series?

Any responses appreciated.

[Peter Mallett]

Unless you really want to stay conemporary I'd give serious thought to CTCRC or Top Hat. Both have date ranges and regs to suit a reasonable (not small) budget and provide diverse racing.

And welcome to our friendly forum JR.

[Ali Rushforth]

CSCC Tin Tops has been good this year.

2WD Production saloons up to 2.0l are allowed.

Full grids, 40min races and practice, 2 drivers can share and the entry fees have been dead cheap this season. They may creep up a bit next year, but it's still better value when you consider the track time you're getting and the fact you can share car/cost with another driver.

[b1ackcr0w]

I hear lots of good things about the Max5 (Mazda MX5) Championship. I think the sign of a good championship is having a waiting list of people wanting to get in, which they have i believe.

[Chris Y]

MGOC and/or MGCC. I drive an MG Maestro in the MGOC series. Not glamorous really, but the cars are cheap, easy to work on, and easy to get bits for, and handle really well. Lots of 'man with van' competitors, cheap(er) entry fees, and low cost to join club in the first place. Weight of driver is included in minimum limit. Choice of 2 litre cars or 1600s in Maestros - 2 litres have minimum engine mods, 1600s have more freedom to tune.

Usually grids of over 25, close racing, and a good spread of people and abilities - you'll always be racing someone, and it's a lot of fun.

Cars can also be raced with the CSCC TinTops as above, and I believe with the Total Butler series.

MGOC also race MGFs, MG ZRs, Midgets, MGBs and the occasional MGA.

[dtype38]

Originally Posted by Ali Rushforth

CSCC Tin Tops has been good this year.Full grids, 40min races and practice, 2 drivers can share and the entry fees have been dead cheap this season. They may creep up a bit next year, but it's still better value when you consider the track time you're getting and the fact you can share car/cost with another driver.

Yeh... while they are trying to generate interest in the series by subsidising the races with the fees of the other drivers at the meetings

[Ali Rushforth]

Wouldn't know about that.

Are you saying your entry fee have been higher coz mine are cheeper?

[dtype38]

I only know that at every meeting I've been to where the Tin-Tops have been there, they get more track time for a lower entry fee. So either they are being heavily sponsored (by?) or getting preferential rates (=subsidised). Don't get me wrong... I'm not against preferential rates for getting a series off the ground... just don't think that the fees won't rise steeply once full grids are secured.

[dtype38]

If your want actual numbers....

Jaguar & Classic Meeting - Brands Hatch 13/14th August 05 (organiser - CCSC)

Jaguar races 15 min practice + 2 x 15 min races = 45 mins for £295 (JEC members £275)

Tin tops 30 min practice + 30 min race = 60 mins for £195 (CCSC subsidised) [and that's quoting the entry form]

So how much do you think the hour of track time the Tin-tops got would have cost if it wasn't subsidised? Particularly considering that the Jaguar boys were already being subisidised by their club as it was a Jaguar Race Meeting! I shall refrain from speculating where the CCSC got the funds for that level of subsidy, but it was the most expensive track time I've ever known for my race series.

Sorry, sorry.... couldn't help it!

[Al Weyman]

Jumbross I am or was almost in the same position as you (apart from not having two guys to help me) not having raced since 97. I decided to get my old 70 Camaro refetteled to Classic Touring Car Pre 73 rules and did my first proper race(s) last weekend at Pembrey (tried at Snetterton but had teething probs). I found the racing and the company and club very good and was worth the effort of making a comback and I would recommend any of their championships from my brief experience with them.

[RushyRacer]

The TinTops were not subsidised races by increased costs on other races / organisors, the early ones made a loss for the Club so I suppose by inference that is sponsorship/ subsidising.
We have never made any secret of the fact that the correct entry fee for a 20min quali and 40 min race should be around £245 and have publisised that fact however if you compare even that figure to other events the cost per mile/track time is still good value.
You should come and try it............you know it makes sense !!

[jumboross]

Thank you all very much for the feedback. It's given me another couple of options to consider that I wasn't even aware of. With a bit of luck might meet some of you out there next season.

Thanks again.

James.