Silverstone Classic 2012 - Big Engine Touring Cars

[JonWolfe]

Does anyone know why the Big Engined Touring Cars races seem to have been dropped from this year's Classic event?

[morninggents]

Presumably because of the new Touring Car series from JD/Ken Clarke. With U2TC also on the card it was probably felt that three Touring Car races was too much. Shame the big engined cars are casualties.

[Colin McKay]

We had two good years, which was one more than I expected. There will always be a rotation of grids at these sort of events, it's the variety that keeps the punters interested, so hopefully we might get another go in a year or two.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by morninggents

Presumably because of the new Touring Car series from JD/Ken Clarke. With U2TC also on the card it was probably felt that three Touring Car races was too much. Shame the big engined cars are casualties.

The MRL / JD series isn't at the Classic- but there is a one off Touring car double header (much discussed on here) for Gp2 through to Super Touring cars.

[Moosehead]

It was hoped that the new V8 Series would get a race but that doesn't look likely now. Its a shame on both accounts as the 'Big Engined Touring Cars' were seemingly the most popular with the general punter, certainly from where we was sitting in the Grandstand anyway as half the crowd were on their feet cheering every lap. For most other races they just sat and watched. The V8 series inaugural event at Snetterton also attracted quite a number of spectators, I know of at least 20 that came as a result of me mentioning it on another forum. Next year maybe

[Gerry Taylor]

Originally Posted by Moosehead

It was hoped that the new V8 Series would get a race but that doesn't look likely now. Its a shame on both accounts as the 'Big Engined Touring Cars' were seemingly the most popular with the general punter, certainly from where we was sitting in the Grandstand anyway as half the crowd were on their feet cheering every lap. For most other races they just sat and watched. The V8 series inaugural event at Snetterton also attracted quite a number of spectators, I know of at least 20 that came as a result of me mentioning it on another forum. Next year maybe

Ask any of the older drivers, and they will always tell you the reason organising clubs kept Special Saloons until last on the programme, was to keep the crowd buying the beer! They knew they wouldn't leave until the Special Saloon cars had performed.

[Al Weyman]

Originally Posted by Moosehead

It was hoped that the new V8 Series would get a race but that doesn't look likely now. Its a shame on both accounts as the 'Big Engined Touring Cars' were seemingly the most popular with the general punter, certainly from where we was sitting in the Grandstand anyway as half the crowd were on their feet cheering every lap. For most other races they just sat and watched. The V8 series inaugural event at Snetterton also attracted quite a number of spectators, I know of at least 20 that came as a result of me mentioning it on another forum. Next year maybe

We could have been there Moose but Bernie declined I believe as the entry fee was astronomic.

[Moosehead]

I was expecting it to be, would have been nice though as it probably my only chance to do the event as normally its all AppK stuff only.

[Colin McKay]

Not all appx K cars, my Jag certainly isn't, still can't catch those V8's though. Maybe time for a new nut behind the wheel!

[morninggents]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

The MRL / JD series isn't at the Classic- but there is a one off Touring car double header (much discussed on here) for Gp2 through to Super Touring cars.

But presumably similar cars to the MRL/JD cars.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by morninggents

But presumably similar cars to the MRL/JD cars.

MRL/JDC 1967 to 1985/6. Silverstone Race 1973 to 2000, so yes, a period of commonality in the middle! This race at the Classic was first aired on tenths 10th November, before Ken broke cover with the JDC series on Dec 1st, so don't think he or MRL should take the blame for the big pre 66s not being there! Wouldn't mind betting though that MRL would have pitched for a slot had one been available....

[Al Weyman]

Originally Posted by Colin McKay

Not all appx K cars, my Jag certainly isn't, still can't catch those V8's though. Maybe time for a new nut behind the wheel!

Nothing to do with you Colin you just wont get the BHP out the old XK engine simple as that. I would say you have a marginally better chassis with IRS but still as heavy or heavier than most yank Pony cars.

Yes Wayne I think a fee in excess of a grand was mentioned which currently would put me out straight away as that sort of money is I am afraid well out of my league although I have the cars. For me personally I think this is going to be the toughest year yet to continue racing and I bet I am not alone! Its about time some of those gate reciepts started filtering back to the guys putting the show on for free.

[morninggents]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

Its about time some of those gate reciepts started filtering back to the guys putting the show on for free.

Agree with this Al, but it will never happen.

[Gerry Taylor]

Al, I remember bringing this to the table regularly with meetings with most of the organising clubs. As driver liasion at BRSCC I would keep on asking why a little money couldn't be filtered the way of the performers? Always, I was told that there wasn't enough money to do that, and it was hard enough to put on races let alone pay drivers. Remember that this was when we had circuits full too; Huge gates wherever we raced, and yet the answer was a firm no. I guess this would be even harder to achieve in todays climate.

[Alex E]

Strange to think that 25 years ago most circuits were locked up during the week with zero income. Now the likes of Brands, Silverstone etc.. must be taking in £10,000 a day most days with track activities etc....

[JonWolfe]

Thanks for everyone who responded to my query!