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Post by norm on Jun 22, 2003 19:26:16 GMT
Come on everyone, what happened?!! I was away this weekend, hence my absence, but interested to hear all the news and gossip. Saw Richard Reed's XR2, and one of the pickups, heading south on the A1 this evening, so know that something happened.....
Norm
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Post by Catriona on Jun 22, 2003 20:05:26 GMT
Wondered where you were today, Norm! For what happened, well, dunno where to start... XR2s were a Forrest thing yet again, but Colin Robertson did his best to spoil the party by leading for a few laps, before he dropped down to 3rd. Nick qualified in 7th, made up a place on the start (the second start - first was redflagged after John Swift crashed), but dropped down a couple of places later on, finishing in 9th. John was running well at first, but never made it to the finish (Charlie was saying something after the race about the engine cooking itself... seems the new car isn't having a good time at the moment ), while Barry, Derek, Neil and Ian were 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st respectively - all a bit spread out by the end of the race. Legends... well there were six races, and a lot of chaos! The most dramatic moment was probably in the first final, when Alex Knight's engine blew at the hairpin dropping a lot of oil... he spun wide, immediately followed by Lance, who stalled and then had to watch Colin Noble, Caroline McMurdo and two or three other people all going off on the oil and coming very close to hitting his car (wouldn't surprise me if one or two of them *did* hit him, tbh - wasn't close enough to see for sure) All pretty mad, and helpfully the red flags didn't come out until the leaders had come round again and started going off on the oil... personally I think the race should've been stopped immediately, as it was clear the track was way too slippery for racing Beyond that, just the usual close Legends racing, really... John Marshall managed to spin three or four times in the first five races, before just not turning out for the second final (dunno if he was damaged, or had just had enough for one day ) Ray Davison won the first final, with Colin Noble leading the second one from start to finish, while the heats were generally won by various Clark(e)s. For our drivers, Lance has his new engine, and was well on the pace, finishing as high as second in one of the heats Alasdair seemed to be having some troubles, though, with a couple of spins, and generally not finishing too well - better luck next time! Oh, and to finish things off nicely, they both ended the final in the same gravel trap... dunno who's fault it was, but from the commentary it sounded like they took each other off. Gary was again conspicuous by his absence, btw - where were you? The Minis were a bit dull today, tbh... they all seem to have calmed down a bit now, and spent most the time running in a line, without doing a lot of passing. Ally McKever won both races, with Smith and Connon second and third in both (like I said, it was pretty dull )... Ronnie Klos managed to keep his car looking in relatively good condition for once, and that was about it.. Anyone know who David Gillanders is, btw? He was the anonymous "celebrity" in the #1 car today, and I've never heard of him... but he was actually pretty quick, so well done to him. FFord was the same story as usual... Kirkaldy wins, Thorburn is quick, but not quite quick enough, and Taylor spins away a good finish Beyond that, Oliver Mortimer did well to finish 3rd, with Jonathon Adam in fourth, having won a 3 wide battle between him, Duncan and Ryan Cannon - they started to go 3 wide in the hairpin, and stayed that way until Duffus, where apparently Cannon went off, taking Derek Butcher with him. The Caterhams were almost their usual processional selves, but Iain Cowie livened things up a bit by managing to get past Alasdair McCaig towards the end, so it wasn't *completely* boring Saloons and Sportscars were a little bit processional as well... John Muir got his car to the finish for a change, and so won by a big margin from Kevin Adam. And that was about it... no Porsche again, and no Radical, so the cars I liked best weren't there Pickups wwere absolutely fantastic - see my post on the pickups thread Well impressed with the racing there - I want to see more of that And that was the day's racing... oh yeah, despite the weather forecast predicting rain, in fact it stayed dry all day, until about ten seconds after the final race had ended, when the rain began to fall
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Post by Blair on Jun 22, 2003 20:31:34 GMT
The Minis were a bit dull today, tbh... they all seem to have calmed down a bit now, and spent most the time running in a line, without doing a lot of passing. Ally McKever won both races, with Smith and Connon second and third in both (like I said, it was pretty dull )... Ronnie Klos managed to keep his car looking in relatively good condition for once, and that was about it.. Anyone know who David Gillanders is, btw? He was the anonymous "celebrity" in the #1 car today, and I've never heard of him... but he was actually pretty quick, so well done to him. I thought Alan Keith took 3rd in the second Mini's race by 6 thousands of a second ?? Heard the commentators say David Gillanders is a rally driver - he did pretty well I think! But yeh, the Mini's, zzzzzzz...
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Post by mcgarrett on Jun 22, 2003 20:59:59 GMT
But yeh, the Mini's, zzzzzzz... It was a bit of a motorcade, I was reminded of the OJ Simpson car chase for some reason.
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Post by jfin on Jun 23, 2003 8:25:26 GMT
Gees Norm, give us a chance !!!
Sunday started for me by following NSR out on to the track to qualify and not being sure how dry the track was. Then just as we were getting up to pace and gettign confidence that the racing line was dry, NSR get it all sideways at McIntyres and puts doubt in mind mind as to how much (little ?) grip is there. Not Nick's fault, it would have been the same if anyone had. Then a couple of laps later exiting the chicane I come across Colin McKinnon on the grass with 3 wheels (been there Colin) and Nick and Ian in the middle of the track. Managed to avoid them but more doubt in the mind now. End result qualified in 15th. Not good.
At the first start lost a couple of places, then just past Butchers saw John Swift shoot across the track in front of me at pace heading straight for the tyres. My girlfriend who saw the aftermath said John didn't get out of the car and had to be helped out. Hence the ambulance was needed and the race had to be red flagged. Saw and spoke to John later on, he was just a bit sore where the seatbelts were and his car didn't look too bad so good news. Got a better start at the restart and made up a place. Was running at the end of the lead train of cars quite comfortably then started losing a lot of power. The new car's engine had been running hot all weekend and had now decided to overheat. As I lost more and more power gradually lost my position and when I had no chance of keeping in the points decided to call it a day and pull off the track. I wiat to see how much the repair bill is.
All in all not a particularly good weekend but at least when we get the problems ironed out with the new car it looks like I will be able to run further up the grid.
I thought the pick ups were good, and I quite enjoyed the minis with the legends also being entertaining
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Post by NS-R on Jun 23, 2003 11:30:37 GMT
NS-R report copied from the website: - We left the car with the same set up as the last race although I put some new tyres on the front for qualifying. I made sure I got the all important 3 laps in and then went for it. I then found out that the track was actually more slippy than I anticipated and very nearly spun at MacIntyres but managed to get it under control. I started getting quicker when on about the 6th lap, I came flying through the chicane and was confronted by Ian Mackie spinning and Colin MacKinnon colliding into him. I only had a split second to decide what to do so I just braked and threw the car into a spin. I think I spun around twice and then stopped right alongside Ian - there was probably more luck than judgement but I got away with it! I managed to get going again and eventually got 7th on the grid - not too happy but at least I didn't have any damage. On to the race, I made a complete mess of the first start, losing a couple of places before I got past the bridge! Then I saw the red flag so that worked out fine for me as we would be re-forming in grid order. Luckily, John is OK after hitting the tyres hard at the chicane. I was determined to get the 2nd start right and got a cracker, driving straight past Peter Cruickshank and moving up to 6th. I then had a race long battle with Alex Knight and Derek Pierce but just couldn't get past them - certainly not through lack of trying though! I eventually finished 9th - at least it's another finish with no damage. That puts me up to 13th overall in the standings which isn't too bad considering I had two DNF's to start with. BTW, I have to mention a certain JF breaking his racesuit zip and having to borrow someone elses which fitted like a glove. It's just a little worrying when the suit that he borrwed belongs to our very own Mr Charlie Thornton!!!
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Post by historicracer on Jun 23, 2003 20:53:34 GMT
Well the 23 Turnkey car has got an engine now so sadly for me the bulshit has to stop and i have to pedal the little bugger to the front of the field. All happened on friday afternoon so a massive round of applause to Ally Hunter and his team ( especcially as Michelle was having her 21st birthday party on Sat Night Congrats ; ) Sunday strated well with 2nd fastest in the wet practice and the car going strong, races started with a 6th from 11th first time out just closing on the lead fight at the end The second race went really well , starting from 2nd on grid held that till 2nd lap when John Marshall bounced past me at Mcintyres followed by Colin Noble , but at the hairpin that lap I got the jump past John and Ray Davidson who had led to retake second This was helped massivly by Ray and John taking themselves out behind me. Harried Colin Noble till the finish 0.3 sec behind while fending off Derek Pierce who was usual forcefull but sencible. First final moved up well and was closing in on the lead fight when noticed something under Alex Nights car NOW I know it ws his OIL COOLER , so when that burst i was 2 feet behind him and dancing the same dance he did DOH Was lightly it by a few cars but was beached in gravel and took the restart last, fought through to 7th , good result overall best points haul weve had . 2nd round of double header wasnt so good, first race went quite well up from 11th to 8th and then on the last corner took the long way round Knight and Ally Hunter wh was quite condsiderate and didnt hold me too far out, crossed the line 0.03 ahead for 6th. 2nd heat made a scorcher of a start down the pit wall from 6th past Roger Quinn and Ally in Racemania to 3rd, which i held untill let Jamie Clark through and in fighting hard to get the position back came under attack from derek pierce, thought the last lap board was out and fought him to the finish line only to find the board was to tell ME that i had a 10 sec penalty for a jump start !!!! not amused as now derek had the inside line at the end of the straight and i fiished 5th to be demoted to 7th The Final was bad all through for me im afraid, made a wrotton start and despite making up 3 places after the first corner i had lost 2 and then had to brake on exit of esses for ally in racemania car as he get very crossed up but got down his inside towards clark, but with another car all the way down my inside so had to run mid road and lift right off , just caught my bumper inside allys spinning him round and launching my car off his rear tyre. fair bit of damage, though not too serious but shame as the final was a scoching race and i would of been in the middle of it encouraging weekend as i say we will get the turnky car to a win this year another position closer this weekend roll on august. cheers lance
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Post by Dave on Jun 23, 2003 20:59:28 GMT
Is Michelle the girl who could accidently be mistaken for a guy if you didnt look closely enough? She seems sound though! You'll need to change your name mate! Dave.
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Post by historicracer on Jun 23, 2003 21:03:54 GMT
Michelle is a great girl no idea how she scrubs up but you couldnt ask for anyone more helpfull, she even managed to stop my car from hitting the ground by using her foot on sunday ( whoops , i believe a quick xray was required) hope she is tap dancing soon cheers lance
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Post by jaffa6 on Jun 23, 2003 22:57:33 GMT
Another enjoyable day at the races. Well done to all the drivers from here (if you done well, better luck next time if you didn't ;D ). Nick, another finish eh? Maybe I'm not the curse on your luck after all...lol. I did however make a point of NOT mentioning on here that I was going in the first place, just in case. Lance, excellent 2nd place and a great comeback from (I think ) 11th or 12th to finish around 6th in one of the races. Btw, I noticed in the program that your hometown is Lesmahagow, would it be complete coincedence that there is a large Knockhill advertising sign next to the M74 just at that point? Also,don't you think that's an interesting legend car peeking out from behind Derek Pierces car on the front of this weekends program? I actually enjoyed the minis this time out. Watching them at Clarks was quite enteraining as I don't think there was one lap where they all managed to stay off the grass...lol. Zetec Dunc, you might want to get something done about that exhaust mate...lol. I don't suppose it's meant to drag along the ground like that. Just like to say "Thanx" to all the drivers, teams, marshalls, curcuit workers et al who put some much time, effort, blood, sweat and money into entertaining us all. :up: Well done guys & Gals :up: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: Jaffa6
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Post by XR2 Baz on Jun 24, 2003 11:11:44 GMT
That was a cracking weekend racing, glad to hear most enjoyed themselves.
From 18th on the grid to 18th at the finish, I can't complain and it's better than the 3 laps I managed the last time coutesy of a burst downpipe.
Qualifying was fun. I'm getting a lot more confident now, and I'm consistently in the 67's which is a start. I was also right behing the Colin/Ian/Nick incident at chicane, and I think I was the first car after Nick...who was spining right in front of me as I came over the brow of the hill. After avoiding Nick, I then had to contend with Colin's stray wheel which was heading for Clark at a fair pace. Result - 18th, and my best qualifying position yet.
At the start of the race I made a fair start, but got hung out to dry round Duffus and McIntyre's as I was on the outside of the track and lost a good couple of places. The red flag then came as a bit of a releif, and I'm happy to hear that John is OK.
At the restart I got away well again and this time slotted in behind Calum with Alastair on my tail. I held this position through Duffus this time and had a good battle for a few laps trying to fend off Alastair and Colin but they eventually slipped by. Derek had by this point caught onto my tail too, but after a few laps I'd pulled out a gap and was now on my own, which is pretty much how it stayed until the finish, picking up a place when Alastair's car gave up on the last lap.
Got a bit of time to watch some of the other racing, and the legends were very entertaining. Stayed to the end to watch the second legends final, and it was great entertainment watching Colin Noble come through to the front of the pack. I've always remembered the pick ups to be good, and glad to see they didn't disappoint. If any of you missed the Historics, then you missed and excellent battle between Stephen Cooper, Colin Elstrop and Angus Geddes. Missed most of the Mini's, Caterham's and the FF's. The Supersports / Supersaloons weren't too great either, which is disappointing as they're normally quite entertaining.
Baz
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Post by Racemania on Jun 25, 2003 8:43:00 GMT
What a day went from one extreme to the other. :oStarted well Familiarisation was wet-ish delighted to get 8th fastest, also good draws for races. 1st heat bad start from 3 then spin on lap 2 all fired up fought from last back to 13th. 2nd Heat another bad start then a nudged spin ended up last. Final survived the start and just started to get it together when came on mayhem at hairpin. Took heavy knock as spinners desperate to rejoin at any cost. Next time round and they red flagged. Restart was excellent for me made up a few places and enjoyed having my turbo kick in after Clark. That’s what I call the effect of Colin Noble pushing me up most of the back straight! Ended 10th. Heat 2/1started reasonably well but had no grip >:(so some hairy moments, my spin at hairpin should have given spectators a laugh. Heat 2/2 made good start Alex on pole and I managed to pass him then some others started to go past. Trying to keep up I lost it after the Esses and unfortunately Alex had nowhere to go so we both ended up in the gravel spitting dust. I was in further than Alex so took a while to reverse out and rejoin finishing a sedate last. My car came off best as only back bumper bent. On checking car found tracking out and one light corner, Aly asked if I had a knock on front wheel and I remembered it happening in 1st Final. Started 2nd Final feeling better :)because my spins weren’t all my bad driving but decided game plan was to stay in control. Got good start then Roger passed me into Clark followed by Malcolm into hairpin. Held my position through Chicane, 2 others down my inside into Clark so I downed a gear to have more control and keep to the middle of the track was keeping up with them when I get a whack in the rear neatly turning me to face the mob of screaming Legends( NOT a pretty sight) a few bangs later and I was well dug into the gravel. Lance was further up the gravel trap but with only 3 wheels. Why oh why did I tell Jamie Clark’s sister earlier I had never seen a Legends race as a spectator!! Lot of talk in Paddock about more unnecessary contact and inconsiderate driving standards this year. Only having raced this year I cant say but I have almost decided to start from the back along with Gerard, Ian & Caroline. If I can master the Chicane and get down from 64’s to below 63 I may reconsider. However, if I spin I will certainly be more selective about who I block by restart in front of them. Cheers Alasdair
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Post by Catriona on Jun 25, 2003 12:42:48 GMT
Great to hear how everyone's races went - seems most people had eventful days The results from the weekend are now online at S.M.A.R.T. Timing, btw - www.smart-timing.co.uk (or see the direct link to the results on ScottishClubRacing.co.uk ) Hoping to get the report and photos online in the next few days, but KF's a bit short on time at the moment for report-writing, and I haven't got the photos back from processing yet, so it'll probably end up at the weekend or thereabouts
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Post by norm on Jun 26, 2003 21:01:34 GMT
Thanks everyone for the reports. Roll on August.....
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Post by Blair on Jun 27, 2003 0:38:38 GMT
Bazza boy - I got a couple of arty farty shots of you over the hairpin, think they look quite good meself! Will get them online ASAP!!
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