August 2024

28Aug

RAF Lakenheath trip 2

I went over to Lakenheath again on Tuesday, to try the Canon EOS RP out with the 100-400mm lense. I was not disappointed. The only issue with the camera is when recording video, the built in wind filter doesnt work very well at all, so I'll get an external microphone ordered.

IMG_2961-2_Watermarked

My photos are on flickr



Snetterton Sprint

The BARC Midlands Snetterton was a complete washout on Saturday, with rain all day, and a record 70 re-runs, due to spins, people catching other slower drivers up, unsafe releases, and water related timing issues. One driver described it as Chaos. I've seen some onboard footage from a few single seaters, and it looked treacherous. On the pair of BSC run offs, the slowest cars were 39 seconds slower than the winners. Even on Sunday, in dry warm weather, the slowest single seater was 16 seconds off the pace! Since the scoring system was revised, it really has turned in to a 'turn up and drive round and get a championship number' championship. There really ought to be a 107% qualifying rule, which would make everyone drive harder to earn their number for next year. What happened to it being the 'Elite' ?

The fundemental problem was caused by the introduction of the 13 points uplift for qualifying for the Top 12. That is, if you are in the fastest 12 drivers, you will score a minimum of 14 points just for driving round and coming 12th in the run off. Twelfth place gets 1 point + 13 point uplift. First place gets 12 points + 13 point uplift. So when there are only 12 drivers, its a points bananza, just for turning up. This is wrong, it doesnt promote competition or encourage the drivers to drive fast. It was meant to reward drivers who rarely scored, when there were more than 12 entries. Which was the norm years ago. But now, its turned in to a farce. Rarely are there more than 12 drivers, so the points scored dont reward drivers for pushing. And if you qualify for the run off, but dont start or finish, you still get 13 points! It needs revising. It should be 12 points for a win, down to 1 point for 12th, and no points if you dont qualify! Like it used to be, when there was jeapordy for falling off or having a drive shaft failure on the start line.

21Aug

Replacement front wing

I've edited the drawing in Fusion for the new front wing dimensions etc. A link to the 3D CAD model is below. I collected the wing from DJ a few weeks ago, and its built up ready for fitting back to the FIA crash box.



19Aug

For reference

This is a link to the Cadwell Park Sprint Circuit License, from the Sprint held there in March this year, and it has a Circuit Plan on page 2. So this is how a track license looks, the first page doesnt have a diagram, but instead refers to the Circuit Plan.

 Cadwell MSUK Track License

On the circuit plan you can clearly see, Apex Markers! These are the locations of the permanent markers that are installed on the circuit. Not Traffic Cones! It says Bollard, and gives a number of Bollards where there are more than two.

I have copies of the Circuit Plans and the Track Licenses for Mallory, and there are zero Apex Markers referenced on the Circuit Plan.



Prescott Hillclimb

The BHC round at Prescott took place yesterday. I spent the day there and soaked up the atmosphere. Again, it was a privilege watching the elite BHC with their uber expensive cars, flying up the hill. And Matt Ryder lowered the hill record to 34.60s on a blistering lap. They sure do know how to put on a show.

IMG_1801_Watermarked

My photos are on flickr

17Aug

No Cones at Llandow

16Aug

British Hillclimb Championship photographs

On the weekend, I went to Shelsley Walsh, which was my first visit since I last drove there in 2010, and had an amazing day watching the pair of Top 12 run offs, and both Tin Top challenges. I've bought a Canon EOS RP which is an exceptional camera. Its 26 megapixel, full frame and mirrorless, and the quality of the pictures is mind blowing. My next visit is to Prescott this Sunday, I'll see if I can get some more great photographs.

My photos are on flickr

02Aug

The End of Cones ?



Page 1 has a couple of interesting sections - this is the August 2024 MSUK Bulletin for Stewards and Clerks.
  https://motorsportuk.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/clerks-stewards-bulletin-2024-08-august.pdf

So the question remains, were the Apex Markers or cones shown on the track license, or did the clerk of the course made the decision arbitrarily to place them on the apex to the Edwinas chicane?

What are your thoughts? I mean it's positive that Apex Markers (cones) wont be used again, unless they're present in the speed event track license (and why would they be?), but it also raises more questions. I've just spent £3500 on parts, with about another £1000 to go. If the decision to place the Apex Markers (cones) wasn't covered by the Track License...



I've been the target of some very unfriendly posts on two whatsapp groups run by BSC drivers. To the extent that I have questioned if I even want to perform against these individuals again. Hurtful, shameful comments. Some might call it mickey taking, but its not, its beyond that. It's certainly not in accordance with the MSUK Race with Respect guidelines. Think before you post.