Had an exciting day at Snett over the weekend. I was hired by a guy who is looking to get into Motorsport (Sprint first, then racing) in a classic MGC-GT racecar.
The car looked fab, inside and out, immaculate chrome, knock off wheels etc. Very high spec straight 6 engine including "TRIPLE" Webber DCOE carburetors.
Well we'd had problems all day with a misfire which seemed fuel related as it only happened on corner exits where you added the power but we soldiered on. We also had electrical issues which lost us about 3hrs of track time.
About 4pm as we were exiting the Montreal Hairpin the engine stuttered more than usual and next thing there were flames licking up at the windscreen just in front of me.
We pulled over and he went for the extinguisher pull but nothing happened. I then activated it manually with the lever and proceeded to get covered in foam. It still didnt seem to have any effect on the engine fire (found out later the interior plumbing not working).
I decide it might be better to leave the vehicle
With the car still blazing and the marshals not yet on scene I decide to have another go with the extinguisher. Probably a bit risky but if I was risk averse I wouldn't be doing this job, plus we are fire-trained for the A grade ARDS license.Anyway, had no effect but thankfully the marshals now on scene, fire put out and the damage was minimal.
Here is the onboard video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhv8UfqP_ng
And here is the previous lap, which turned out to be his best of the day. The engine sound is truly awesome with the Triple Webber's 6 trumpets singing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI8TI93frJs
Maxx
