To Britcar or not to Britcar...

General Meets + Track Day Reports
1

I�m thinking about going to see the Britcar 24 race at Silverstone in a few weeks, and was just wondering if anyone on here has any past experience of the event .

David

2

Yep I pitcrewed last year for Randy and Scuffers, was supposed to be driving in it this year in the Elise but my mrs baby due in next few weeks so I am unable to take part.

The promotion of the event was pretty hopeless last year, was very few spectators, didnt helkp that silverstone put the tickets on sale at the same time as the GP tickets adn made no effort to promote the event.

Great atmosphere especially in the early hours of the morning when drivers get out after 3 hour stints, really does make you wonder how le-mans must be as a team, ive yet to go.

I just hope its better promoted this year, but after the thread on pistonheads when they moved people about class wise after they have paid their entrance fees to a particular class, people might be pulling out.

Christian

3

After reading the Pistonheads threads it doesn�t seem much better organised this year, especially concerning parking and camping, I think we�ll just get a weekend pass and drive the 40mins home instead.

Never mind though, looks like it should be great fun .

David

4

Night Quali is this evening at about 8 if your thinking of popping over after work .

David

5

Hmmm nice clear evening, probably nice sunset - it would be great for photography. Can’t do it this evening though

If there is no sign of baby on Sunday I might sneak out for a couple of hours and watch the finish,…we’ll see.

6

Speaking of photography, you�ve reminded me. Our old digi camera, is well, shite, and we�re looking for a new one. Something small, reasonably priced and that takes half decent pics, I was wondering if one of the many photographers here might be able to point me in the right direction.

Any help would be massively appreciated.

David

PS. Sorry for the change of topic, should I post a new topic ?

PPS. Best of luck to all the expectant Dads on here .

7

www.dpreview.com

There’s so many cameras available these days it’s almost impossible to see the woods from the trees. My rule of thumb has been the better the lens (those tiny ones are never going to be great) and the higher the price bracket the better the camera will be, but that’s not fool proof.

Ian

8

You can have my Canon 10D for �300 (I’ll even chuck in a starter short-lens, a bag, extra batteries etc). It can work in completely auto mode but will do the creative stuff if you want. Still boxed but I cannot seem to find the CD. Anyways you are better off buying PS-Elements the Canon software was useless. You can also use any Canon EF lenses the consumer versions of which you can pick up on fleabay quite cheap.

You will definately get better photos but it is a bit bulky compared to a compact.

9

That’s a blooming good offer!

Ian

10

Popped over this afternoon after work to see how the guys were doing. I’ll crosspost from SELOC.

The car was running well and Randy had set the 2nd fastest time for a while before he was knocked back to 5th by some last minute flying laps by some very expensive machinery.

Here are a few pics.

[image]http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/579/dscf0150oy2.jpg[/image]
Checking the car over before night qualifying.


[image]http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9701/dscf0157tm5.jpg[/image]
A S2 Exige which is also taking part.


[image]http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8719/dscf0159bd7.jpg[/image]
One of SteveG’s Mazda RX8’s


[image]http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/1802/dscf0163gz9.jpg[/image]
Dutch Supercar Cup Exiges, one furthest away is also doing the 24hrs.


[image]http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/8261/dscf0176iu5.jpg[/image]
The whole Mazda Team, which boasts a vey good driver lineup.


[image]http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6255/dscf0186te0.jpg[/image]
Simon in the car about to start the 1st stint in the night qualifying session.


[image]http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3822/dscf0190vw6.jpg[/image]
A driver change, Chris gets out and Nick gets in IIRC.


[image]http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5163/dscf0197jo0.jpg[/image]
Another pitstop, this time also adjusting the spot lights.


[image]http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5648/dscf0198yf3.jpg[/image]
The BMW Z4 M Coupe which was the fastest car in the night qualifying session.


Good luck to Simon, Chris & Nick for the race.

11

I got back about an hour ago (stayed until about 11:30), I had an awesome evening though, and I must say, that Pro Sport is a hell of a bit of kit. It really is an incredible experience watching the cars go round in the moonlight .

David

PS. are you planning on going down again over the weekend Mark ?

12

No. Unfortunately today was the only time I was able to make it.

13

Great Pics Mark

Good luck to Team Scandal, & for those interested, the race commentary/live timing can be found Here

14

[image]> http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5648/dscf0198yf3.jpg> [/image]
The BMW Z4 M Coupe which was the fastest car in the night qualifying session.

I used to have a Z3-MCoupe (as did some others on this board) and if I had more means I would definately order a Z4M (in addition to the Exige naturally). I think they are neat

Edited to say good luck to Randy, Simon and Nick - they should do well in that car. If the baby was not imminent I would be there supporting you.

15

I used to have a Z3-MCoupe (as did some others on this board)

Me included.

16

I used to have a Z3-MCoupe (as did some others on this board)

Me included.

From MCoupe to Honda powered Exige funny eh! I’ll watch with interest if you buy anything else

17

Just keeping an eye on the live timing and they seem to have stopped on lap28 and they are about 15laps behind Something must have gone wrong

18

They had a wheel nut problem and have just this very second rejoined, 26 laps behind.

David

19

They had a wheel nut problem and have just this very second rejoined, 26 laps behind.

David

According to Daily Sportscar it was a bit more exciting than that.

The safety car was for the Scandal Prosport - which lost a wheel approaching Abbey, Simon Scuffham blaming duff wheel nuts. It ended up in the gravel, and is now back in its pit.

20

Missus had no signs so thought I would pop out to Silverstone for a couple of hours. Nice to see Christian and SeanB out too When the wheels weren’t falling off Team Scandall seemed to be going well (lloks like Randy did literally drive the wheels off it ).

Because of the probs they severely suffered from the amount of time spend spannering. When I left Chris was putting in consistent 2:02 which if they keep it up will mean they can slowly chip away at the 90lap gap

Was only there a short time and was chatting, so not many photos - plus it 3:30 and I wanna get some sleep.

[image]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/benjaexige/24hr1.jpg[/image]
Checking that the wheels were still affixed to the car

[image]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/benjaexige/24hr2.jpg[/image]
Getting Randy back on circuit

[image]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/benjaexige/24hr3.jpg[/image]

I REALLY want one of these - it had storming pace too.

Looking at MST - it looks like they may have stopped again