ianbru
Midfielder
Surprisingly, Ian Bru is not my real name! (it's Greg)
Posts: 96
|
Post by ianbru on Sept 28, 2009 11:37:35 GMT
Hi all, it's now got to that time in life when I need to prove that I can still show the youngsters a thing or two . Although my fashion sense and dancing skills have deserted me (according to my daughter anyway!), my driving is still up there with the best. Please feel free to remind me of that statement at the end of next season.Anyway, joking aside, after spending my youth going sideways through forests, and after spending the last few years doing trackdays in an MX5 then a pretty rapid Westy, I need to scratch the circuit racing itch. After a bit of watching and listening, and after putting my sensible head on for a bit, I've decided that my first season should be in XR2's. It's clearly the cheapest way to go racing at Knockhill, and if I enjoy it, and don't make a complete ass of myself then maybe Mini's or ST's will follow. (I've never driven Knockhill in a FWD car..... quite a steep learning curve beckons i think ) Anyway.... hoping to get some good advice and tips. So, first things first....... who's looking to sell their cars after the season ends? Cheers.
|
|
|
Post by Russell on Sept 28, 2009 13:16:08 GMT
Hello Ian
I'm sure you'll have loads of fun in the XR2s - although you could be surprised at the current definition of 'the cheapest way to go racing' !
Iain Cowie is always a good bet for what's coming up, and there will be a rash of postings in the For Sale section here.
Russell (#37)
|
|
|
Post by s3swiss on Sept 28, 2009 16:02:31 GMT
As ex-rally driver I've found the XR2s great fun this year and I think I've ended doing about the same number of miles on gravel!!! Loads of good advice on this forum in earlier threads re starting out. I bought my car from Iain Cowie in Dec last year - expect to see a few appearing in next few weeks. If you can make it to the Oct 18th SMRC meeting you'll get a good look at most of them.
|
|
ianbru
Midfielder
Surprisingly, Ian Bru is not my real name! (it's Greg)
Posts: 96
|
Post by ianbru on Sept 28, 2009 16:15:19 GMT
Hi Russell, I was up at Knockhill at the weekend and had a scout around some of the cars. Although I don't know Iain, I know that ICR are involved with a few of the cars.
Honestly, until Saturday, I was convinced that I would be getting involved with Mini's, but I had a change of mind when I had a good look at some of the XR2's, and the close racing that took place.
Really, for me, it's about a bit of fun and an adrenalyn rush, and I think I could get that just as much from XR2's. I know exactly what you mean about costs too. I rallied for years and have just sold my trackday Westfield which had more cash spent on it than my kids! I'm under no illusions about how much it's likely to cost, but as a novice racer I decided that I'd rather run the risk of binning an XR2 than a £10k+ Mini.
I'll keep an eye on here for cars coming up, and will make a point of having a chat to ICR at the October meeting.
Happy to hear from people who are looking to sell their car at the end of the season too.
cheers.
|
|
ianbru
Midfielder
Surprisingly, Ian Bru is not my real name! (it's Greg)
Posts: 96
|
Post by ianbru on Sept 28, 2009 16:19:50 GMT
Hi Swiss,
Just spotted your post..... thanks for the advice also !
Cheers
|
|
ianbru
Midfielder
Surprisingly, Ian Bru is not my real name! (it's Greg)
Posts: 96
|
Post by ianbru on Nov 23, 2009 17:46:48 GMT
Well after a bit of asking and looking around, I've picked up an XR2 in preparation for 2010. It has been run in the championship before, but I don't think t was out last year (previous owner was Ian Maughan). Anyway, it's already in bits being repaired and refreshed as required (and even before turning a wheel it's costing me a feckin fortune!).
So..... is it the done thing to ask for advice on here? Or is it like F1 where everybody keeps their tricks and tips to themselves !!
|
|
|
Post by s3swiss on Nov 23, 2009 18:01:37 GMT
Biggest tip I'd say is go fully soft on the rear suspension in the wet (if you have adjustable dampers that is!). The rear steps out pretty quick on a wet track - watch the copious amount of youtube footage from recent seasons to see the results! Actually, youtube footage is a great training aid as you can pick-up good (and bad?) lines/ braking points/ gear selections from watching others. Just search for 'xr2 racing' or 'xr2 knockhill'
|
|
|
Post by Blair on Nov 23, 2009 19:05:43 GMT
Well after a bit of asking and looking around, I've picked up an XR2 in preparation for 2010. It has been run in the championship before, but I don't think t was out last year (previous owner was Ian Maughan). Anyway, it's already in bits being repaired and refreshed as required (and even before turning a wheel it's costing me a feckin fortune!). So..... is it the done thing to ask for advice on here? Or is it like F1 where everybody keeps their tricks and tips to themselves !! Well, there was that XR2 I heard that had a double diffuser, kept seeing people walking behind it.. Seriously, well done on getting the car and getting stuck in, you will have guaranteed loads of fun and a range of emotions - it usually starts with sitting on the grid thinking "why the feck am I doing this" to after the race has finished, "whens the next meeting!" As for the advice ask away or just ask in the paddock everyone has been helpful in my experience in XR2's. Also as said above, check out some vids on youtube, few of mine there to show you what not to do.
|
|
|
Post by dagman16 on Nov 24, 2009 0:33:18 GMT
"......it usually starts with sitting on the grid thinking "why the feck am I doing this" to after the race has finished, "whens the next meeting!"........
Blair, you missed a bit.... "and will I get it repaired in time?!"
|
|
|
Post by martinbuchan on Nov 24, 2009 7:37:55 GMT
Great to see another new face to the XR2's and congrats on getting the car mate. As a complete n00bie this year the XR2's were definetley the way to go plus it did help getting little damage to keep the bills down Plus the racing is always mega close wherever you are in the field so you always get your money's worth. Of course there is the usual touring car banging (or wheels falling off ) but its all part of the fun. If you ever need any advice or someone to gloat at then dont be shy to pop down.
|
|
|
Post by XR2 Baz on Nov 24, 2009 11:58:57 GMT
Welcome to the world of XR2 racing So..... is it the done thing to ask for advice on here? Or is it like F1 where everybody keeps their tricks and tips to themselves !! Ask away, my only tip is to take everyone's advice with a pinch of salt and try your own thing. I got advice on tyre pressures when I first bought my car...have now settled on something which is nothing like the advice I got to begin with. Watch out for the red herrings too...I run my tyres at 17 front and 75 rear ;D Baz
|
|
|
Post by TheRealDC on Nov 24, 2009 13:03:22 GMT
And my pressures are 75 front 17 rear ;D
|
|
ianbru
Midfielder
Surprisingly, Ian Bru is not my real name! (it's Greg)
Posts: 96
|
Post by ianbru on Nov 25, 2009 11:58:52 GMT
Hi all...... and thanks for the welcomes and tips (can't wait to try 75psi all round ). I've already scanned through the footage on youtube, and there is some good viewing. I think the first few times out it'll just be a case of staying out of everyone's way.......... although the competitive streak in me will probably cancel that plan out by the first corner! What's the situation as far as pre-season practice etc? I'd like to try to get a few laps under my belt before the first race weekend, and wondered what was the norm? Cheers, Greg
|
|
|
Post by martinbuchan on Nov 25, 2009 12:10:29 GMT
Usually if the races are on a Sunday then there is testing on a Saturday afternoon. It seems now that the sessions are split into 4 saloon groups and then the Formula Fords meaning you could have a test session with legends, minis, classic cars, sports and sallon cars, st's and then xr2's. You get two 20 minute sessions and you can also get the car scruitineerd on Saturday just to make Sunday less stressfull.
There is also pre-season testing at Knockhill, from what I saw the first one is the 20th of February.
|
|
ianbru
Midfielder
Surprisingly, Ian Bru is not my real name! (it's Greg)
Posts: 96
|
Post by ianbru on Nov 25, 2009 15:26:23 GMT
Cheers Martin. Testing on the 20th Feb sounds like a plan. Is it just a case of calling Knockhill and booking/paying for a place? Sorry for the daft questions....... I'm new to this bit!
|
|