Anyone for a Thundersaloons mini-series?

[R59]

Alright then, I posted this in the Super Tourers thread, but it deserves it's own... so..

If enough of the "Thundersaloons" can be tempted out, would anyone be up for a similar "series" like the one Garry has worked his nuts off for with the Super Tourers in mind?

Three races, mid season, when the weather is nice, dates chosen not to clash with other championships which will no doubt provide some of the cars.

Cars that fall into Formula Saloons Class A (IE: former SuperSaloons, and Thundersaloons)

Four classes - up to 2500cc, and 2500cc and up. With an age split. Cars from the Super Saloons era fill classes A & C, and Thundersaloon era cars fill classes B & D.

Minimum 30 laps. 2 drivers sharing.

Now who, other than Mr djinvica is up for it? I feel that we need at least 16 cars to make it worth even thinking about. As Garry's setup - it'd have to be money up front, so you'd have to be committed.

Just think of it, racing against cars of the same type, which gives a much better feeling than thrashing the pants off Road Saloons surely?

Rob.

[Woolley]

Go for it, guys. IMO these are the sort of series that club racing should be running. Great cars, bit of nostalgia, fun the most important thing. The years have shown that there probably isn't a championshop for effectively niche cars, but there is an audience and enthusiastic drivers out there for short series like these. Good luck with it.

Now I'll just dream. Thundersaloons. Mmmmmmm....

[G.Walker]

Bring back the Thundersaloons !!

its optimistic but the original type rules maybe appealing, longer races, 2 drivers cos these machines are expensive.. etc

current active cars like the calibre, camaro, omega, prelude, escort wrc, RS500s would make a great grid. whilst many which disapeared from FS like the Lloyd and Maidment cossies would be good to see again.

the smaller up to 2500cc class was popular in original thundersaloons with fiestas, escorts, BMWs, Peugeots, mantas etc, but did not take off in formula saloons. these will be the cars to fill the grids!

lets hope something can happen !

[djinvicta]

Thank you Rob; about time too.......

[peter thurston]

Sorry guys but it will never happen. Think back to earlier in the year when i tried a similar thing I could not even get people to come forward and tell us which cars are still out there let alone consider racing them.The sad thing is that I have a monthly mag that will feature the cars that run in the series and promote it for us.So it looks like I will be off doing the track and race car series with rod and the likes.

[djinvicta]

Ouch Pete, that hurt..

[peter thurston]

As they say dave, the truth hurts.Nobody would like to see it happen more than us but can you honestly see enough people bringing there cars out .

[djinvicta]

I know youre right. Was hoping for the odd Camaro (!) plus all these great racers on 10 10 getting them all out!

[peter thurston]

Rod tells me that there is going to be a class change to allow us and nathan out to play.That will also me these other cars.When they are all out and the grids are full then you start another class or series.Simply

[djinvicta]

Ok Ok; let a fella dream some!

[djinvicta]

Mind you; if we got 30 guys/ladies to put a £1000 in a pot each, we would be away and racing, wouldnt we?

[R59]

Yes, we would, and I'm sure with that sort of pot - a prize fund could be created?

If we could get enough people/cars interested, the issue is who's umbrella to run under, and where.

One idea, a silly one, is to run as a support to Days Of Thunder at The Rock. We'd be the right sort of cars, but maybe, just maybe, too awesome for them!!

The other is to run a headline, two day meeting, where it's two races for the Thundersaloons - one on Saturday, one on Sunday - both of 30laps or more, with two drivers, just like the old days.

I shall keep dreaming of the day...

Peter is most likely to be right. The cars that count are either all mothballed away as almost museum pieces, or have been sold off, stripped, modified, and now are running as anything but their original form.

Certain cars still exist as they were, Stars N Stripes, the Carlton, to name but a few, but I think it's extremely unlikely that you'll see either of those out, unless the circumstances are exceptional.

Maybe an exhibition race could tempt them out?

Rob.

[avro]

Peter, What is it about Lydden and the Silverstone Stowe circuit that appeals to you in the Track & Race Cars series, surely with all this talk of Thundersaloons your car should be racing on the longer circuits, Donnington, Snetterton, Silverstone Nat etc, seems a strange series for the Prelude.

But heres another way to look at the situation, love or hate the ideas behind Euro Saloons, the ideas ofthe sponsor is to get lots of saloons out in diferent classes then split them into their own races when there is enough, but you guys have got to stop moaning that theres nowhere to race Thurndersaloons and get out there, unfortunatly the only people stopping Thundersaloons racing in 2005 is the owners and drivers of the cars.
By the way that is not a critisism of the Track and Race cars series, but lets think long and hard, with all the other threads about to many series, why not merge Track & Race Car Series and Euro Saloons, totals around 40 cars, and at least 6 or 7 are Thundersaloon style cars, that will then bring out a few more and by the end of the year you could end up with your own races to take into 2006.

Only a thought !!

[R59]

Avro, very true indeed.

My thoughts were to have a, or a couple, of thundersaloon races to the old rules as a toe in the water to stimulate more interest in a pukka National A grade series.

As you say, the idea and intent of the Euro-saloons is good, and to try to get the Track & Race Car series to merge, even though a good idea, is probably a non-starter as the latter is a regional series, against Euro's which are national.

The regional championships area a good idea for those that don't want to travel hours and hours on our delightful roads for a 15 minute practice, and a 15 minute race. But that's another argument.

Rob.

[Rod Birley]

Unfortunately it is a valid argument. The T&R championship has listened to its drivers and they want one practice and two races which is what they will get at most venues next year. Also they don't want to spend endless hours travelling up and down motorways. There will only be one visit to Stowe for the championship.

[djinvicta]

Avro; I think Peter meant the V8 Escort, not the Prelude. At the mo, we are fielding 3 cars next year; 2 V8 Escorts and the Prelude in different events. Dave

[avro]

Thanks for that Dave, be good to see Pete out with us again in the Prelude.

[djinvicta]

Will be better to whip your ass with the Escort again!!!

[avro]

If I remember rightly the last time the Escort raced us at Brands we both ended up with hefty rebuild costs thanks to a nice yellow camero and Paddock Hill gravel trap.

Probably best if we stick to racing against the Prelude !!!!!!!

Maybe we can guest a few of the Brands races but lets wrap both cars in cotton wool, no more money or parts to rebuild again.

Happy racing.

[djinvicta]

We mix it with the best. "Back in Black" will mix it again with the best, and do her best with no fear. Sideways racing will return!

[peter thurston]

Avro it would be nice to be out and beat you in the prelude if I ever get used to it!!. But more than likely it will play second fiddle to the escort when done, as I race to play and the honda is more of a no nonsense race car.Having wanted it since rod built it I still just enjoy owning and looking at it. Besides just short of 400 bhp and a live rear axle with no grip and no brakes, makes for 'fuller pants per pound'racing with the escort.

[djinvicta]

Hooray!! Here we go again!!

[R59]

Well I'm a happier camper. Just had a call from my friendly local engine builder, and he tells me ITS FINISHED!
Yipeeeee!
Couldn't believe the price! I'll be back there - no worries!

All I have to do now, is slot it into Harry's nether regions and we're off... Anyone fancy doing my job for a few weeks while I do something more important - put my car back together!

So, watch out, I'll be there, not too sideways at first, I have to get to grips with it!! Formation Saloons Dancing Team?

Rob.

[Tony_Simpson]

Formation Saloons Dancing Team.

Now thats a great name for a Birkett 6 hour team......

You could do that race as a Thundersaloons team, Just think, the Astra V8, Escort V8/Prelude, the Calibra V8, a Cossie or two.......

[big andy]

there is always the K/N saloon car championship theres ex thunder saloons ,special saloons, modsports cars in this champion ,as good grids and plenty of competition for every one ,it would be nice to see the the escort of peter thurston on the grid it may have some competiton for a change