Motor Racing Legends

[Peter Mallett]

As per the anouncement on 02 May, Aythorpe Promotions, a company led by Shaun Lynn, has taken over Motor Racing Legends.

Yesterday, I received the following:

Originally Posted by MRL

Motor Racing Legends Introduces Exciting New GT3 Category
to Historic Racing Series

Motor Racing Legends, the highly respected organisation behind some of the most well-regarded motor sport events, in collaboration with Jarrah Venables, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its prestigious series with the introduction of a new grid: GT3 Legends...............................

Eligible cars will include 2006-2012 homologated GT3 cars, with vehicles allowed to run up to 2015 specification, and the grid will comprise of three classes, relating to the age of the vehicle, which will allow for competitive racing for both early and late models.

Any thoughts?

[morninggents]

No particular interest in that. Nothing to do with historic racing.

[Willmaz223]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

As per the anouncement on 02 May, Aythorpe Promotions, a company led by Shaun Lynn, has taken over Motor Racing Legends.

Yesterday, I received the following:



Any thoughts?

Not surprising to see the Lynn and Venables collaboration given Shaun's son Max now works for the latters company.

I imagine it'll be a UK based series, for me like most new historic race series this just adds yet more congestion with GT Cup, Masters GT Trophy and Legends grid, CSCC Slicks Series all catering for these cars

They should focus on getting the MRL grids currently to better health tho hopefully its a success still.

[NaBUru38]

2006 was 18 years ago...

[Peter Mallett]

Seems like only yesterday. But it is a good point, should add, the first race is scheduled for the 19-20 October Silverstone event.

I must admit to liking these cars, the more recent incarnations have become too "supercar" for my taste hence I find British GT to be a bit tedious. But the Aston Martins, Porsches and Corvettes of the early noughties were much more pleasing to my eyes.

[Peter Mallett]

Just to add, in 1976 I watched the HSCC running Lotus' 23s, Lister Knobblies etc. They were less than 20 years old at the time.

https://mallettracing.com/2024/05/18...ew-mrl-series/

[Derwent]

There is a grave danger that historic racing is now becoming a playground for rich, often elderly enthusiasts to drive cars that they lack the skill to drive fast.
WE used to complain about Judy Lyons but I suspect she would be competitive amongst some of the current back markers.
It does not make for good spectating as the fields get so spread out quickly with decent drivers in older/slower cars taking ten seconds a lap out of the "gentlemen" drivers in potentially faster cars.
Hoe some of these guys passed their ARDS test I do not know.

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

2006 was 18 years ago...

yes but '2015 specification' is only 9 years ago.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

yes but '2015 specification' is only 9 years ago.

The standard of maths on this site is staggering.

[grantp]

Originally Posted by bauble

The standard of maths on this site is staggering.

But if the spec referred to is for the end of the 2015 season, that's only 8 (full) years ago and could be considered almost only 7 years ago.

So not that long before the Covid crises.

[Willmaz223]

MRL Entry Version 1 Numbers for Snetterton

Pre-War - 16
Pre '61 Sportscars -15
Pre 63 GT - 9
Pall Mall Cup - 8 (yes that is 8 cars for a three hour race )

Its fair to say this sadly again seems to confirm that changes are needed for this organisation and its grids. Peak summer and with not one grid hitting 20 cars after a poor Donington showing.

Hopefully the new management coming will invigorate entries even if it needs to look to Europe for that.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by Willmaz223

MRL Entry Version 1 Numbers for Snetterton

Pre-War - 16
Pre '61 Sportscars -15
Pre 63 GT - 9
Pall Mall Cup - 8 (yes that is 8 cars for a three hour race )

Its fair to say this sadly again seems to confirm that changes are needed for this organisation and its grids. Peak summer and with not one grid hitting 20 cars after a poor Donington showing.

Hopefully the new management coming will invigorate entries even if it needs to look to Europe for that.

I remember many years ago doing a JCC meeting at Mallory Park. We had a one hour race with just 4 entries. After 20 minutes 2 cars broke down. 40 minutes of just 2 cars going round, they weren't even near each other. Never been so bored as I was flagging that day. Not a lot to do.

[Derwent]

It is hard to see how it can be viable to run these events. I know most real clubs work on a 66% grid to cover costs. Or do the very wealthy pay a lot more so they can report they finished in to the 8 of a race! LOL

[kipper]

Originally Posted by Willmaz223

MRL Entry Version 1 Numbers for Snetterton

Pre-War - 16
Pre '61 Sportscars -15
Pre 63 GT - 9
Pall Mall Cup - 8 (yes that is 8 cars for a three hour race )

And without wishing to be overly pessimistic, the guesting Retro GT4 challenge managed to muster four cars for their 45 minute race at Donington last month.

[Malcolm Smith]

Originally Posted by kipper

And without wishing to be overly pessimistic, the guesting Retro GT4 challenge managed to muster four cars for their 45 minute race at Donington last month.

Sunday has some better supported grids, courtesy of HRDC:

Jack Sears Trophy:22

Gerry Marshall Trophy:27

HRDC Allstars:20 & Classic Alfas:13 - these two groups race together

Hope these races & MRL will make it a worthwhile first visit to Snetterton for me.

[Malcolm Smith]

Would appreciate any advice on best spots to take photos at Snetterton(300).
Thanks

[Peter Mallett]

Have a look here. https://www.pistonclick.com/

[Malcolm Smith]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Have a look here. https://www.pistonclick.com/

That's perfect, many thanks.

[Willmaz223]

Feeling a little sorry for anyone who booked tickets and is down for marshalling Saturday. 3 races consisting of 14 Pre War Cars round a 3 mile track. 3 GT4 cars for a nearly 1 hour race and a 9 car grid for a 3 hour race.

[v jones]

Grids ok for Sunday,list on msvr site

[Derwent]

Originally Posted by Willmaz223

Feeling a little sorry for anyone who booked tickets and is down for marshalling Saturday. 3 races consisting of 14 Pre War Cars round a 3 mile track. 3 GT4 cars for a nearly 1 hour race and a 9 car grid for a 3 hour race.

How on Earth can that be financially viable? Other than very rich people paying way over the odds to finish in the top ten - or top 3!