Looks like we need to get our tenner off for membership and then prepay the events we want to do (Mark yourself with JISC so he knows that he comes from our group). There seems to be some uncertainty about the last event so might be worth holding off on that one for now.
Here is the email, many thanks to Billy for his time:
Hi Andy
Thanks very much for detailing the numbers. It is really pushing it because it will use up most of my spare capacity that I reserve for future Service personnel that may want to come along and have a go (which is really what the project is all about). It looks as though your group is no more than 6 competitors and that they will provide good steady support for the project during the season, which is what we need.
The event in November is a track day and end of season awards presentation with a christmas lunch at midday. We are limited to the number of people we can cater for and because of this the event is normally limited to the top 12 people in the Championship, then Service personnel and then everyone else. As such I cannot at this stage say whether we would be able to accomodate all of your group for this event. However, depending on the number of cars attending, it may be possible to at least let you take part in the track day and awards presentation aspect of it.
As previously stated these are not MSA sanctioned events and our insurance (as with most motor sports) only covers third parties and does not cover damage to the competing vehicles. We also run an unusual class format and points system, plus we also allow back-to-back runs and operate a different start procedure to what your group are generally used to.
One thing I must insist upon is that members of your group fully realise we are not in competition against the MSA, and the last thing we want is someone complaining to officials at MSA events and using our project as an example to justify any complaint they may have (difference in entry fees and procedures etc). Our project is designed as a grass roots introduction to motor sports that is also appealing to experienced competitors. Indeed we progress about 5 competitors per season into MSA sprints and circuit racing.
Again because of the numbers involved, please could I ask that all of your group take advantadge of the pre-booking system to give us an idea of numbers for each event. The pay-on-the-day entry is mainly for Service personnel that are not sure till the last minute if they will be on duty or not.
I have attached all the regs and other relevant documents relating to the events at Barkston. Regards RAFMSA membership, please get your group to send these off to Simon Mills the membership secretary and not to me. It takes a long time for the membership cards to be sent off, so please dont wait for the cards to arrive before you start competing. Please let me know the full names of the people that want to compete so we will recognise their entry and membership forms.
You are more than welcome to arrange an additional competition within your own group if you so wish.
Please also ensure your group arrive and sign-on by 09:40 so we have the best chance of keeping to the timetable.
Regards
Billy
