Toyota Sprint Snetterton 12/10/2103

[pjs65]

I was looking at doing a TD this month before winter and came across the TTS event at the 100 circuit at Snetterton , it had what they call a class x for cars other than Toyota's . Class x is for stuff that you would normally see on TD's and as a comp licence could be obtained on the day it looked like a good way of trying the Camaro out in a competiton type event . As its tacked on to the TSS you get to run on a proper timed course to run on and go through the same procedure as the Toyota's , as i haven't done anything like this before i thought it worth a try .
The weather on the day started wet and with several spin offs it was slow going to start with and i only had a practice run and a timed run , its no surprise that the Camaro is a pretty scary thing to drive in the wet specially under braking . I was pleased to not be last and as the track was starting to dry i was getting quicker times and more confident with the braking . I was getting good speed off the last turn and found braking for the exit a bit scary and locked the rears a couple of times , didn't get the hang of that all day . After lunch the track was about 95% dry and thats when everyone recorded their quickest times but it wasn't long before the rain started and several offs occured . During lunch i picked up a tip on how to get better exit speed from Hamilton's , which i did only to fail to make Oggie's and span . After that it was really about getting practice of driving in the rain and not spinning off .
Although the weather was not great it still proved useful and highlighted some things for improvement , no surprise there really . It was a friendly event and everyone i spoke to seemed alright , even when i kept asking "whats that " as i know bugger all about Toyota's .
Managed to take some pictures




this one had a coming together with the armco


This was sweet , had a turbo added



This looked like it had just came from the RAC rally


This was on throttle bodies a went really well , not a Toyota but an Austin A35


I was parked next to this , a proper Alfa with RWD


Not sure what this is a formula ford maybe , behind it you can see the front end of an Alfa 147 which was supercharged , loud and fast


Here is the times for class x , headed by a very quick GTR 35 and with me happyish at being 13 from 17 . Pete
And Hi eddie

[pablo]

Nice write up and best of all. WELL DONE. The fact that you came across an event like this and said to yourself 'Why not'. Thats what it's all about No regrets, No wondering what if, simply why not and just have a go.
Bet you had a lot of fun:thumbs:

[jap.slapper]

Sounds like it was an awesome day mate!!

Was it literally just a case of turning up with your car at the beginning of the day, sign up, have a brief, and then get out for some seat time?

[pjs65]

Damn my pc has just gone tits up
Yes it was setup for people who would normally do TDs ,you have scrutineering to pass but that's not to bad . I think that they may expand the series next year , I would try some more next year I I can . The comp license. Can be bought on the day so the event is accessible . Using my phone with a cracked screen to do this .
I hope my boy can fix the pc because I did remember to switch on the gopro
Thanks Pablo , I will try anything once and iam on a mission to get more yank tanks on track with a little bit of adjusting they aren't too bad.Pete , do you have any plans for 2014 with the sierra I looks like Alan's keen on Bathhurst . Pete

[pablo]

The car will be getting used next year;)

[Daniel]

The TSS is a real hoon. I was going to enter it in the MR2 but then they changed one of their regulations that the glass tops had to come off for the timed runs despite the fact that you have to have a rollcage anyway. Which is silly for obvious reasons that you'll get soaking wet if it pisses down.

Still, it is a great event nonetheless and it's very competitive. And well done on your ranking!

[jap.slapper]

I was going to enter it in the MR2 but then they changed one of their regulations that the glass tops had to come off for the timed runs despite the fact that you have to have a rollcage anyway. Which is silly for obvious reasons that you'll get soaking wet if it pisses down.

That seems a bit of a strange regulation to me, as surely Targa's are just removable sunroofs?

I could understand if they had to be taped across or something but to have to remove them altogether just doesn't make sense. I would have thought that in the event of a roll, a targa roof at least gives some chance of your arms staying in the car??

[Daniel]

That seems a bit of a strange regulation to me, as surely Targa's are just removable sunroofs?

I could understand if they had to be taped across or something but to have to remove them altogether just doesn't make sense. I would have thought that in the event of a roll, a targa roof at least gives some chance of your arms staying in the car??

That was my exact arguement, but they said about the risk of glass coming into the cabin... I pointed out that there's a windscreen, two lots of door glass and a rear screen.

[john B]

Nice work Pete.....I nearly entered the Soarer into that series as there was another chap with a Soarer too and fancied some competition.....I was very tempted as it seemed a very friendly championship with a good variety of toyota cars from the humble starlet / glanza right up to Adrian Smith's Timea attack Celica and Jonny Milners Celica monster.
I didn't do it for 3 reasons time and money and The car was too nice to use in serious competition !
Look forward to seeing your video mate.....
Pete have also sent you a PM

[Tk]

with the mlr sprints fully booked from the off, the Toyota one looks like its worth a look for the wee golf

good to see you got the car out and having fun pete