B19 North Weald Sept. 28th

Post by **Stuart** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:45 am

An interesting update for all involved with sprinting.

I have been discussing the nature of my involvement with sprints this years with Phil Royle, one of the founders of Road Magazine and there is a good chance this round will be covered in one of their forthcoming issues.

Phil has a strong personal interest in motorsports and at one point looked at joining the JISC using his purpose built RA Impreza but various new business interests put paid to that. Maybe 2009?

Anyway, the event coverage cannot do any harm and the prospect of further involvement into next year should help promote the concept of sprinting as an affordable way of getting into competitive motorsport.

You can expect a few questions from the man himself, the obligatory money shots of the cars; maybe the pilots too

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:51 am

Oh No! They start calling it Sprint Attack and have spectators and loads of dolly birds wandering about :roll:

Thanks Stu, I'll have to take it for another Polish polish before Sunday.

Post by **Stuart** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:08 am

I know you're having a laugh Gerry, but my take on the article is what happens at grass roots level, where funds are restricted and the emphasis is on making the best of what you've got.

The two concepts (TA and Sprinting) is essence are very similar. Obviously one has been marketed and driven by a dedicated team, with some pretty impressive results. The other is far more 'clubby' and easier to get into for newcomers such as myself. I guess the merits of each format will be discussed time and again, across the interweb for years to come. I can genuinely see the pros and cons to each, and as we have all discussed recently, we would prefer fewer events next year at proper circuits. Surely this brings the two formats closer than ever?

In terms of Phil (or anybody else) showing an interest and promoting sprinting, I think it's a cracking opportunity. Maybe this could the start of a series of moves to catalyse new interest in the sport for next year. Lord knows, something needs to.

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:18 am

You're right, of course, Stu.

Apart from the cars and a few faces, sprinting and hillclimbing hasn't changed in 50 years. A little modernisation and media exposure can only do good. A threatened recession can see numbers only fall so, anything that boosts or even maintains the status quo has to be good for the sport.

Tk · Post by Tk » Sun Sep 21, 2008 5:15 pm

bit of a bugger i wont be battling with you guys due to unforseen circumstances. i may pop along for a smiffys though

shame the season did not carry on like it started for me, doing every event i could
never mind next year i hope to more than the 7 events i done this year

blacky · Post by **blacky** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:31 am

Excellent stuff Stuart. Any exposure can't be a bad thing really, juat a shame its at North Weald really!!

TK, shame you can't take part but if you pop along I'll buy you a Smiffy's.

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:18 pm

Finals arrived today, no hint of cancellation

Logan: You're No. 23

Stu's not listed but I believe he's sorted.

Had a call from Mike Blackmore, he's in :roll: wonder who'll be second in D8

See you all Sunday, if the car ever starts again.

blacky · Post by **blacky** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:25 pm

Cool, what number is Mr Adams??

Big B3 class??

My car is currently in bits as well Gerry, worst comes to worst I can field the Xantia :!:

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:39 pm

B3:

16 Bill McKenna

17 Frank Trueman Porker 944T
18 Kim Adams
19 Paul Braddock BMW Mini Cooper Wks
20 Brian Winstone
21 Simon Taylor Alpine Renault
22 John Start

23 L B

Be good to see John Start back again.

Looking at the course layout, the start line is over halfway down the road from the paddock. In fact it's given as 100yds. from the first set of, dare I say, cones

. Only the single offset roundabout cone (there, I've said it again) and back down to the usual sweeping left hander and back and forth to the finish.

Xantia class would be good

but don't forget my sport suspension button. You'll be toast

What have you done to your car now? The rad's a five minute job.

Whereas, I have half the underdash wiring hanging out in an attempt to tidy it up a bit. It started out with my looking for one cable and is now a complete mess

blacky · Post by **blacky** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:05 pm

Thanks Gerry.

Yes, good to see John back.

Hmm, so its the course we did way back in March. Grrreeeeeeaaaaat :roll:

My car, well it was booked in to get new lash adjusters done to stopit sounding like a bag of nails and also of course a new rad but its been discovered that the water pump is pretty worn and a few other bits, so its currently with Mr Hayward but hopefully it'll all be hunky dory by the end of tomorrow (fingers crossed)

Xantia Class sounds fun, I can out do your "Sport" button with my new Crossland air filter and new brakes, you wouldn't get a look in!!