Spa 6 Hour 2024

[Gerard C]

I think that the towing car went out of the track using the exit located behind Bamber/Gilbert wall. I wondered why one pit stop had been so long but now seing the rear left wing it must have been quite a challenge to fit another tail light in the middle of a missing part! Delta will tell us more and better.

[delta]

Just seen the film . Up until then driving standards were fine . I honestly think the Mustang driver made a mistake . I was very upset at the time but on reflection it’s just a racing incident . We had a difficult 6 hour . I had built a new engine and we were hoping for better lap times . Not to be and we were slow up the Kemal straight . I was flat through Blaunchemont so we must of been down on straight line speed. Anyway first qualy and David went out and scrubbed tyres and brakes in for me . I took over and little Gilbert was flying along in the rain . Wow passed loads of cars and we ended up P 6 in class and P66 overall. The session got red flagged so I pitted to get David back out only to be told by Alex his son they they had all gone off for Dinner .!!!!!!. Second qualy was even wetter and a lot of cars did not go out . We ended up P44. . David started the race and was flying along nicely but then after 1 hour 15 min stopped out on track . Reported in loss of power and no oil pressure . Well I was quietly upset having spent a lot of time on the rebuild . We got lifted back to the pits and after cranking engine it sounded ok but not firing . Quick Look in the dizzy and eureka the rotor arm was loose . Well I went from deflation to elation and set of to do my stint . We had lost 45 mins now just cracked on until we ran low on fuel then to hand back to David to finish and refuel to the end . After an hour or so water temp started to Climbe up. Pitted to top up coolant and carried on. Still no sign of running low on fuel . Then after a few more laps I got hit by the Mustang . Thought that was it for us but I got out and looked at damage and it was just bodywork and the fuel pump was hanging down. Sorted that out track side and got back to the pits . By this time I was hopping mad but David “ Mary’s husband “ worked miricles and patched up using tank tape tie wraps and a bike light and we got David back out to finish the last two hours with a couple of pit stops to top up the coolant . I finally came back down and apologised to the team for most inappropriate behaviour which when I look back now was very poor of me considering all the 6 hours we have raced in . David finished and we were all delighted . Group photo to be posted later . So little Gilbert has had another Spa 6 Hour adventure . I hope Mike was looking down on us and is happy. Sunday was very emotional for me as we got Mary out to drive the circuit . Wonderful and she was not hanging around . Lots of Team Gilbert supporters came to see us over the weekend . We even got the croud doing a Mexicans wave opposite out pits . Great fun . Thank you to all my tenth friends for your support . Signing off special thanks to Martin H for all your help . I’m now just outside Dijon and going for a quiet walk . Still feel rubbish with Covid or Flu but show goes on .?

[E.B]

Thanks Iain for a great report of events. Filled in the gaps from following on live timing.
Brilliant work from the whole team and you got to be running at the end which is better than many others. Well done all
Hope you feel better soon and safe journey .
Great to hear Mary had a post race run.
Mike will for sure have had a smile from ear to ear all weekend.

[Mike Harte]

What he said from me too!

[delta]

So you will never guess what we found today . A new race track .”Circuit Auxois Sud. You can test for 120 euro a day . Think there is strict noise control . Most odd as it’s in the middle of no where . Only cows around .

[Gerard C]

Yes here https://circuit-auxois-sud.fr
His little boy https://www.google.com/search?client...vjfy&vssid=lcl
75 dB average, 100 dB peaks admitted.

[Gerard C]

Some tracks are hard to find on internet because most of websites list homologated tracks in priority. But if its only for a track-day it will be cheaper and the ambiance will be more relaxed. Only issue, the noise level.

[delta]

We walked to the track and there was a motor bike and side car , Subaru and Opel . They were all very noisy . If I’m feeling better might take the Alexis for a spin tomorrow .

[Gerard C]

Good place to stay and test. One hour and a half south from where you are, you've this one, but they make NO fun about noise level… https://circuitdebresse.com

[midgetman]

Well done Team Gilbert! Glad it was a load of fun, which is after all why we do it.

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[delta]

Me and Delta son cycled up to Dijon today 50 miles . Along the Baugogone canal . Got soaking wet which did not do the Covid much good . Hey Ho . Would be a lovely bike ride n the summer .

[Gerard C]

You're sooo romantic tonight, Iain. I confirm, the Bogogone canal in summer is a real jewel. Some locks are very pleasant to visit for a drink or more…

[kipper]

Originally Posted by andy97

Maybe it’s time for a club level 6 hour race??? Oh, I think we have been here before. Perhaps not. Very sadly.

Interestingly, Equipe Classic Racing will have a six hour race at Donington next summer along the lines of the historic Spa race about 20 years ago.

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by delta

Me and Delta son cycled up to Dijon today 50 miles . Along the Baugogone canal . Got soaking wet which did not do the Covid much good . Hey Ho . Would be a lovely bike ride n the summer .

Why Iain, why? You thoroughly deserve several days of rest and recuperation after Spa!!!!! Rest up, throw that old COVID out the window and you can get back to enjoying yourself!

I know after three days at a kart track I'm wiped, I don't know how you do it......

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[delta]

Yea you are right Max. Was a bit stupid but that’s what I do . We are at Dijon now . I prepped the car this morning and have slept the rest of the day .Good advice . Yes yes Kipper . Rob from Equipe had long chat with me at Spa with his 6 hour plans . Might be ideal for Mary to join Dave and me with the driving . ?

[andy97]

Originally Posted by kipper

Interestingly, Equipe Classic Racing will have a six hour race at Donington next summer along the lines of the historic Spa race about 20 years ago.

That is interesting. I hope it’s a success for them.

Announced only2 days ago I see. No GT40s!!!

Details here if anyone is interested:
https://equipeclassicracing.com/6hour/

[Gerard C]

Entry free from £ 3000 to £ 3500, four drivers allowed, all the same day, Donington. Only fourty places on a grid which won't be long to be filled and even more. Andy, isn't Donny the garden next yours?

[andy97]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Entry free from £ 3000 to £ 3500, four drivers allowed, all the same day, Donington. Only fourty places on a grid which won't be long to be filled and even more. Andy, isn't Donny the garden next yours?

I may be able to offer bed and breakfast, lol. Mind you, a guest may have to share with one of the dogs!!

Nearest I will get to taking part!

[Gerard C]

With your Escort (car!)? I didn't fully get the refueling thing. Its up to every team I, the garage?

[andy97]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

With your Escort (car!)? I didn't fully get the refueling thing. Its up to every team I, the garage?

The escort isn’t eligible, sadly.

I am sure all will become clear in the regs, but I am assuming that refuelling will be in the garages with dump churns, engine switched off, fire extinguishers to hand, refuelling crew in race suits etc. We will see.

[Gerard C]

Yes I think so too. It's what we had at Spa back in the day for other races (I'll say till 2016 but not sure). Anyway, what a brilliant idea it is.

[midgetman]

That's what we did in the 360.

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