Modified Live @ Snetterton weekender! (Build up, photos and reportage)
Greetings sportsfans! 
A busy morning so far and the weather has been mixed to put it mildly!! Bright sunshine, rain, very windy and overcast........then bright sunshine again. Weather aside, the day has been incredibly busy so far with a very varied plethora of cars so far.
The circuit action has seen race lorries, drift cars, Civic cup cars, the various ranks of Time Attack cars and even a few classic F1 cars graced the 2.99 miles of Snetterton's threaded tarmac.
I am making use of the circuit's wi-fi (thanks James) so the uploading of photos will have to be dealt with later on, so I will use the power of words to paint some pictures instead.
Civic Cup= Wonderful, delightful things with low weight and high revving engines, non nonsense preparation with sensible budgets. Much to like and an interesting prospect for next years considerations.
Drift stuff= Flash, skiddy, noisey, generally quite annoying............no, not really but intrinsically they are a lot more fun to drive rather than watch (in my opinion)
Time Attack= Aero seems to be playing an increasingly large part of car preparation this year. Some of the cars I've photo'd really have gone to town with skirts, splitters, diffusers, canards and bloody great hoofing wings. The standard of cars is getting higher and higher, with levels of investment and development pushing the limits of anything I have seen in this kind of event...........maybe I'm out of touch.
The crowds are starting to build and the circuit seems to come alive with a decent number of people, race trucks, tents, awnings and the general thrum of spectators transforms the place.............the difference between today with a bit of sunshine and quite few people milling around and a dull overcast day with just the arrive and drive chaps and chapesses..............well it's like a desert coming into bloom
So, on to Team TNT. Warm up was pretty much straight forwards, with the Wayne, Alan and Paul systematically checking the car over in a very methodical fashion. With tyre pressures agreed, routine stuff checked they were good to go.
The car was breathing a bit heavy, but the lads found the issues and are working on that as we speak. Fast forward a bit to practice and the scores on the doors are as follows, and if ever you need to see how disparate the 'class system' is, check these times
A busy morning so far and the weather has been mixed to put it mildly!! Bright sunshine, rain, very windy and overcast........then bright sunshine again. Weather aside, the day has been incredibly busy so far with a very varied plethora of cars so far.
The circuit action has seen race lorries, drift cars, Civic cup cars, the various ranks of Time Attack cars and even a few classic F1 cars graced the 2.99 miles of Snetterton's threaded tarmac.
I am making use of the circuit's wi-fi (thanks James) so the uploading of photos will have to be dealt with later on, so I will use the power of words to paint some pictures instead.
Civic Cup= Wonderful, delightful things with low weight and high revving engines, non nonsense preparation with sensible budgets. Much to like and an interesting prospect for next years considerations.
Drift stuff= Flash, skiddy, noisey, generally quite annoying............no, not really but intrinsically they are a lot more fun to drive rather than watch (in my opinion)
Time Attack= Aero seems to be playing an increasingly large part of car preparation this year. Some of the cars I've photo'd really have gone to town with skirts, splitters, diffusers, canards and bloody great hoofing wings. The standard of cars is getting higher and higher, with levels of investment and development pushing the limits of anything I have seen in this kind of event...........maybe I'm out of touch.
The crowds are starting to build and the circuit seems to come alive with a decent number of people, race trucks, tents, awnings and the general thrum of spectators transforms the place.............the difference between today with a bit of sunshine and quite few people milling around and a dull overcast day with just the arrive and drive chaps and chapesses..............well it's like a desert coming into bloom
So, on to Team TNT. Warm up was pretty much straight forwards, with the Wayne, Alan and Paul systematically checking the car over in a very methodical fashion. With tyre pressures agreed, routine stuff checked they were good to go.
The car was breathing a bit heavy, but the lads found the issues and are working on that as we speak. Fast forward a bit to practice and the scores on the doors are as follows, and if ever you need to see how disparate the 'class system' is, check these times
- Cantello 2.08.752 83.01mph
- Coe 2.10.312 82.01
- Searl 2.10.492 81.90mph
- Kemp 2.10.537 81.87
- Bullen 2.10.973 81.60
- Topple 2.11.023 81.57
- Marshall 2.11.273 81.41
- Burkinshaw 2.12.820 80.47
- Fitzpatrick 2.14.483 79.47
- Shimmin 2.15.981 78.59
- Smail 2.18.316 77.27
- Nielsen 2.18.934 76.92
- Ward 2.19.691 76.51
- Masood 2.19.955 76.46
- O'Dwyer 2.19.955 76.36
- Holden 2.21.047 75.77
- Bamford 2.21.878 75.33
- Moore 2.21.907 75.31
- Fletcher 2.23.254 74.
- Tolley (Team TNT) 2.25.032 73.69
- Morris 2.28.138 72.14
- White 2.28.978 71.74
- Charter 2.55.270 60.98
- Amis No time
- Giovinazzo No time
- Procter No time
http://www.auto-genie.co.uk
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
Hi Logan
Tolley (hence Team TNT)
Ok, just popped in to the main circuit office to update you on the afternoon's happenings so far. The Civic race was, predictably, epic. The laptimes were pretty awesome considering that they only pack 185ish hp (The manufacturers state 160, but the same dyno on the same day all produced results within 5 hp of one another)
So with the 1600cc racers out of the way, it was time for the Time Attack club class boys to get some heat into their tyres and get some decent times. The weather was just about perfect; dry, clear, bright and although sunny, it was very cool and therefore ideal for the cars and drivers. The track was bone dry so there could be no excuse for a loss of traction (No racing excuses allowed)
Several cars had significant issues as the three mile track took it's toll on suspension, tyres, engines and gearboxes. The red flags weren't too bad as the staff managed to keep things flowing, and it was just as well as the schedule was bloody packed!
Alan (Bart) Tolley was really keen to try and put a dent, not literally, in the points gap between himself and Gary Searle in the Yellow and Carbon Evo that runs about 500hp. The GTR of Richard Marshall, reputedly packing 900hp and somehow in club class, was a firm favourite for the fastest time but several cars were running well north of 500hp, so Snetterton being a power circuit really played into the hands of the 'bigboys'.
The lads all slowly drew out of the pitlane for a steady outlap but the steady part of that soon got forgotten as the speed the front runners were carrying on the main straight was bloody crazy. Anyway...........scores on the doors
He was chuffed. He was slightly less chuffed with Ronnie Amis' illegal undertaking move into Riches or whatever they are calling it now, as Ronnie accelerated past Bart into the braking area of the corner and then veered back across Bart's path before diving in towards the apex of the corner! This all looked fine from the pitlane until someone pointed out that the Time Attack series should follow trackday rules and not race rules 
Rather comically, Bart was still really pissed off when he pulled into the pits for the end of session. He had a face like thunder when he reversed into the garage, although this eased massively when he realised his time and the points he had gained on his rival Boys and their toys...............
Gary and Danny from APT were both flat out trying to keep up with service work, repairs and advice to just about every EVO that was there. Not content with keeping their two customer EVO's lapping properly, Dr Hayward was often seen walking with greasy hands and tools or bits of EVO up and down the pitlane. Certainly not much of a relaxing weekend for either of them, and I think the pressure of the event as a whole can't help.
Out of the club pro cars, the fastest one in qualifying was an Exige S1 with a supercharged K20 engine, massive aero and expert peddling managed a 1.57!! Not bad for a near 3 mile track
One of Gary's EVO's, a nutty EVO 3 driven by Peeler, managed a 2.01 and should be able to go quicker still.
More when it happens
Tolley (hence Team TNT)
Ok, just popped in to the main circuit office to update you on the afternoon's happenings so far. The Civic race was, predictably, epic. The laptimes were pretty awesome considering that they only pack 185ish hp (The manufacturers state 160, but the same dyno on the same day all produced results within 5 hp of one another)
- Danny Winstanley 2.17.7
- Rich Hockley 2.20.6
- Peter Isherwood 2.21.4
- Brook Pitchford 2.21.1
- Tim Evans 2.22.5
- Mike Hamlett 2.22.3
- Mike Woods 2.21.8
- Mark Burnett 2.19.9
- Nathan Burrell 2.22.4
- Paul Smith 2.24.3
- Stuart Snape 2.24.2
- Dave Payling 2.24.7
- Paul Burrell 2.26.8
- Stewart Hutchinson 2.15.2 (Integra type R guest car)
- Nick Chatburn 2.22.4
So with the 1600cc racers out of the way, it was time for the Time Attack club class boys to get some heat into their tyres and get some decent times. The weather was just about perfect; dry, clear, bright and although sunny, it was very cool and therefore ideal for the cars and drivers. The track was bone dry so there could be no excuse for a loss of traction (No racing excuses allowed)
Several cars had significant issues as the three mile track took it's toll on suspension, tyres, engines and gearboxes. The red flags weren't too bad as the staff managed to keep things flowing, and it was just as well as the schedule was bloody packed!
Alan (Bart) Tolley was really keen to try and put a dent, not literally, in the points gap between himself and Gary Searle in the Yellow and Carbon Evo that runs about 500hp. The GTR of Richard Marshall, reputedly packing 900hp and somehow in club class, was a firm favourite for the fastest time but several cars were running well north of 500hp, so Snetterton being a power circuit really played into the hands of the 'bigboys'.
The lads all slowly drew out of the pitlane for a steady outlap but the steady part of that soon got forgotten as the speed the front runners were carrying on the main straight was bloody crazy. Anyway...........scores on the doors
- Marshall 2.05.2
- Kemp 2.07.3
- Cantello 2.07.6
- Coe 2.10.02
- Shimmin 2.11.5
- Ogg 2.12.3
- Burkinshaw 2.12.4
- Topple 2.12.7
- Fitzpatrick 2.13.4
- Nielsen 2.15.2
- Masood 2.15.3
- Smail 2.16.2
- O'Dwyer 2.16.8
- Ward 2.17
- Moore 2.19.09
- Morgan 2.19.7
- Amis 2.19.8
- Bamford 2.20.8
- Tolley 2.22.3
- Morris 2.24.6
- Searl 2.26.1
- White 2.26.3
- Procter 2.28.999
- Charter 2.43.7
- Bullen 2.47.1
- Giovinazzo No time
He was chuffed. He was slightly less chuffed with Ronnie Amis' illegal undertaking move into Riches or whatever they are calling it now, as Ronnie accelerated past Bart into the braking area of the corner and then veered back across Bart's path before diving in towards the apex of the corner! This all looked fine from the pitlane until someone pointed out that the Time Attack series should follow trackday rules and not race rules Rather comically, Bart was still really pissed off when he pulled into the pits for the end of session. He had a face like thunder when he reversed into the garage, although this eased massively when he realised his time and the points he had gained on his rival
Boys and their toys...............Gary and Danny from APT were both flat out trying to keep up with service work, repairs and advice to just about every EVO that was there. Not content with keeping their two customer EVO's lapping properly, Dr Hayward was often seen walking with greasy hands and tools or bits of EVO up and down the pitlane. Certainly not much of a relaxing weekend for either of them, and I think the pressure of the event as a whole can't help.
Out of the club pro cars, the fastest one in qualifying was an Exige S1 with a supercharged K20 engine, massive aero and expert peddling managed a 1.57!! Not bad for a near 3 mile track
One of Gary's EVO's, a nutty EVO 3 driven by Peeler, managed a 2.01 and should be able to go quicker still.
More when it happens
http://www.auto-genie.co.uk
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
-
Mr Fletcher
- Posts: 2649
- Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2007 1:34 pm
- Location: wherever i'm needed
- Contact:
great report Stu ,freelance journalist in the making 
Best of luck to all those taking part
Best of luck to all those taking part
[SIGPIC] [/SIGPIC]
http://www.cuttersmachinerysales.co.uk
http://www.cuttersmachinerysales.co.uk
Final update from me for the day
Just got in to a lovely warm open fire, a home cooked chilli con carne and the gorgeous Mrs Seems like such a nice contrast from a noisy race track, with loads of cars throwing tantrums!
James Morgan's home built 300zx was/is a beautiful thing, with a really nice specification and finish. He was reluctant to quote power figures due to the current state of the build, but he was driving pretty well and registered a really respectable 2.17 for his first time at Snetterton in the club class, alongside Team TNT. This mechanical issue was his fourth of the day, and yet each time he had this kind of thing, he just kept smiling and calmly got on with patching it up or getting a workaround! I have no idea whether it was denial or just amazing resilience, but it was admirable either way. Zed's do make such a superb noise too!
Gary and Dan were still hammer and tongs fixing or maintaining their fleet of EVO customers, making sure that the customers could get maximum track time possible.
This EVO 3 was running right at the top of club pro class and I think he put in a 2.02 in the last session, which I think was good enough for third. The S1 Exige did another 1.57 to take the honours in that class.
Back in club class, there seemed to be several mechanical issues with various cars, and some of this worked to Bart and Paul's favour. Times as follows;
A few random pics before I sign off.
500hp Time Attack Cosworth with no cage!!!!!!!!!!
Poorly EVO (should have gone to APT)
My kind of Civic cup car, owned by the new boy, Mark Burnett
A real world, own wages built race car driven with proper intent!
Sexual chocolate FC3
Another bloody Lotus!
_____________
So Team TNT are still at the track, eating their curry and servicing the Sierra. Bart mentioned that it was just a quick brake swap and oil service; fuck that! Wayne looked like it was no big deal to do that at 6.30pm after starting their day at 2am!
Gary and Danny of APT were also still wielding spanners like a pair of motorsport Ninjas, bits of EVO everywhere. I asked if they were due to be at the circuit tomorrow, and they nodded looking quite pleased to be coming back.
I felt almost guilty getting into my Mercedes van, all comfortable apart from my ears ringing. The guilt soon passed though and the fire I'm in front of as I type this up, is really doing the job of putting the windy, wet, sunny, overcast and noisy Snetterton to the back of my mind!
Nice to see;
Matt Woods and Laura
Rob Humphris and Pete
Pete with the Camaro
Safety James
Gary, Debbie and Dan
Fast Eddy
and the many other people that said hello
Just got in to a lovely warm open fire, a home cooked chilli con carne and the gorgeous Mrs
Seems like such a nice contrast from a noisy race track, with loads of cars throwing tantrums!James Morgan's home built 300zx was/is a beautiful thing, with a really nice specification and finish. He was reluctant to quote power figures due to the current state of the build, but he was driving pretty well and registered a really respectable 2.17 for his first time at Snetterton in the club class, alongside Team TNT. This mechanical issue was his fourth of the day, and yet each time he had this kind of thing, he just kept smiling and calmly got on with patching it up or getting a workaround! I have no idea whether it was denial or just amazing resilience, but it was admirable either way. Zed's do make such a superb noise too!
Gary and Dan were still hammer and tongs fixing or maintaining their fleet of EVO customers, making sure that the customers could get maximum track time possible.
This EVO 3 was running right at the top of club pro class and I think he put in a 2.02 in the last session, which I think was good enough for third. The S1 Exige did another 1.57 to take the honours in that class.
Back in club class, there seemed to be several mechanical issues with various cars, and some of this worked to Bart and Paul's favour. Times as follows;
- Marshall (Surprise, surprise) GTR 2.04.3
- Kemp EVO 2.04.9
- Shimmin WRX Sti 2.06.7
- Cantelo VX220 2.07.6
- Coe Impreza Sti 2.08.6
- Bullen Impreza spec C 2.10.8
- Searl EVO 2.10.8
- Burkinshaw Integra DC5 2.13.1
- Fitzpatrick M3 2.13.2
- Masood FD3 RX7 2.13.4
- Ogg Impreza 2.15.4
- Nielsen Astra VXR 2.15.8
- Smail Focus RS 2.15.9
- O'Dwyer Mini Cooper S 2.16.2
- Ward Mini Cooper S 2.16.8
- Morgan 300zx 2.17.1
- Amis RS Cosworth 2.18.0
- Moore EVO 6 2.18.4
- Fletcher Astra GSi 2.18.7
- Bamford Corsa (I shit you not) 2.21.3
- Alan (Team TNT) Tolley Sierra 2.25.5
- Procter Civic type R 2.27.8
- Morris M3 2.32.2
- Charter FD3 RX7 2.33.4
A few random pics before I sign off.
500hp Time Attack Cosworth with no cage!!!!!!!!!!
Poorly EVO (should have gone to APT)
My kind of Civic cup car, owned by the new boy, Mark Burnett
A real world, own wages built race car driven with proper intent!
Sexual chocolate FC3
Another bloody Lotus!
_____________
So Team TNT are still at the track, eating their curry and servicing the Sierra. Bart mentioned that it was just a quick brake swap and oil service; fuck that! Wayne looked like it was no big deal to do that at 6.30pm after starting their day at 2am!
Gary and Danny of APT were also still wielding spanners like a pair of motorsport Ninjas, bits of EVO everywhere. I asked if they were due to be at the circuit tomorrow, and they nodded looking quite pleased to be coming back.
I felt almost guilty getting into my Mercedes van, all comfortable apart from my ears ringing. The guilt soon passed though and the fire I'm in front of as I type this up, is really doing the job of putting the windy, wet, sunny, overcast and noisy Snetterton to the back of my mind!
Nice to see;
Matt Woods and Laura
Rob Humphris and Pete
Pete with the Camaro
Safety James
Gary, Debbie and Dan
Fast Eddy
and the many other people that said hello
http://www.auto-genie.co.uk
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing