Glad you enjoyed your break Graham, I drove my wife's uncle's smart car in madrid and loved it, good little tool. I can see what your saying about entries but would say that not everybody will enter the big A's, I know Roger in the jeff stokes evo isn't entering any (what an amazing car that is though) and throughout the season I think you can probably count on 7 or 8 regular competitiors, so I wouldn't panic too much.

 

This I assume, is the car with Prescott stickers all over it?

 

My RA only has my company web address in the rear side and back windows.

Not sure to whom the Prescott stickered car belongs to.

 

Could not get an entry for loton, I'm not a member and Tony said it was 80 cars over subscribed, considering the weekends weather it may have been a blessing in disguise.

 

Hope you are right about the entries Rob.
Don't know who the Loton Stickered car could be (presumably at API)...not mine!

I think I now have a settled plan for the winter 'garage scene'; nothing as adventurous as previous years, but would like to surprise a few...but you can't teach an old dog new tricks, so it will be smooth all the way 'as if on rails' and I'll watch from mid field!

I think it will be a private championship for me next year, but the Scooby Champ does sound good if Terry gets it off and running in time, or doing some French/Belgian hillclimbs could be better!
A 5 Km course sounds pretty good and quite an overall adventure.

Would like to start on rebuilding the Lambretta also, 1 cylinder 14 bhp with a sequential dog box and even a disc brake up front. Wonder how well that would get up Shelsley? Don't laugh too much, it is worth a lot of money when done. (could buy me a 2.5 with good guts and I have all the rest of the parts already).

Richard: You going to 2.5?

Graham.

 

I hear what your saying Graham, I am calming down my winter plans by the day. I intend to keep my car road going and just light modding that can only help my times get quicker, it's quite easy to get off track and mod away through the usual channels and your car be not a bit quicker from beam to beam, so with a bit of experience under my belt now and an idea of where time is made and lost i hope to tweak my car lightly in the right direction. One of the deciding factors in keeping my car road going was at Prescott last weekend sitting outside the bar with a pint in the sunshine after our final runs chewing the fat watching people fight with trailers and shuttles and everything that come with them and wondering if the point of all this, enjoying yourself, can get lost shin deep in mud wrestling with a bungee for a car you actually get to drive for about 25 minutes a year.

And there are the during season costs to consider, 15 to 20 events at nearly £100 an event, tyres, fuel and ultimatley breakages/smashes. So if you pour all your cash into the winter tuning breaking the bank, the season can look pretty grim. Again maybe taking away from the enjoyment of it all. which is what it's all about at the end of the day.

 

I finally got an entry for the Sunday and was looking forward to it. Quite a number didn't turn up, possibly due to events on the Saturday, I was looking forward to the other Impreza the Viper and the RS Cosworth. This must be the best venue in the UK I was so impressed I'm going to join the Hagley Club for 2007. Wet wasn't the word the last run was cancelled as the meeting was stopped several times due to rain, I ended up 2nd behind a 3.6 supercharged 911, not bad for a first visit. Was looking forward to meeting you Guy's still 2007 will come quickly, last event Castle Combe on the 21st.

 

Err hello…..newbie sooby owner, ex cosworth sprinter, live other side of village from EVO MAN! (Who must be flattered by the amount of press he gets on this website).

Rejected entry from 3 events this year that meant I have been pipped at the post in our own championship by a driver who has never had a class win! (I only had three this year). Shelsley being one of them.

I thought the point of tin top sprinting and hill climbing was originally conceived as a sport the average man on the street could run his mildly tuned daily road car against fellow minded petrol heads in a safely controlled environment.

Well ***** to that logic!

I wonder why I/we spend thousands of pounds on a temperamental car to trailer it (that’s another car we bought that tow’s, plus Brian James trailer) to use for less than an hour a year. (if you tell me you drive to the track, remember how poor the performance is in a lightened car with 4 tyres, tools, wet weather stuff, food etc).

Anyone else got any ideas for sport am I going to be “sent fishing!”

I read that you guys are concerned about the over subscription to events for next year, any ideas of another or more use for our cars?

Mines in API having some David treatment, bought a wrx from him just for autocross (cash was originally for a 415HP upgrade for now sold cozzy). £50 entry, four cars on the track at a time, five races per day of four laps, each lap 1 mile. Now that got me more fired up than any duel with EVO MAN.

Sorry, just fell through my soap box!

911, have enjoyed reading your last few years diary. Helped me in my defection from Ford to Subaru. Perhaps I will drop back the the sidelines and read some more.

John.

 

I hope there will be entries available, I'm planning to be out doing something next year too. After much delay, my WRX Wagon is arriving at Southampton docks next weekend

After I've got it SVA'd and on the road I can start thinking about some fettling to make it a tad more competitive. Not planning on stripping it out or fitting a cage, but might take the sat nav out, not least because I can't get UK maps for it The biggest performance mod will be to learn how to drive it properly.

 

If your thinking of entering national A hill climbs you need a 6 point roll cage, you can enter national B without a cage, which i would recommend because at A Meets you only get 4 runs all weekend, 2 practice sat and 2 competetive runs sunday. With a B sprint or hill climb you can get up to 5runs a day plus there is a road going class where you can compete against similar cars, however if you were to get accepted into a National A meeting there is not a road going class and next year you would face an 800bhp twin turbo carbon bodied DTM Audi RS4, the 500 bhp evo midland hillclimb champ, 400 bhp sti Graham, then Rob and I in our not so average cars getting made to look very average. But its all fun and worth a crack value for money go for the B's!

 

Yep, national B's for me! Don't plan on doing a hell of a lot to it engine wise currently, more interested in getting in handling well and learning how to peddle it quickly. That's why I've been reading this thread.

Am really interested in coming along and seeing you all in the big boys class though. How many hundred bhp in that RS4 ?

 

800

 

Not a good meet for me.
Had a bit of an off, (spin, then off backwards and sideways, locked the diff and drove it out though!) after which I decided not to continue (all was not as it should be!)

I think the problem was down to various factors; over and above the slightly slippery track, trying too hard!!? and using second hand tyres, I think the main problem could well be an over zealous rear diff that likes to make the car oversteer without warning!!

Also when wound forward the dccd pulls the car to one side - hmmm. More stuff to sort out, my cheap car keeps costing more and more!

Looking at doing a few things during the off season, but mainly trying to get it to drive as a Scoob should and give me the confidence it should!!

Probably going to have another bash in the Aldon/HSA series - not the Midland, hence the 1A tyre questions, Roy doesn't rate the Scudos either on a heavier car, may try them 'shaved' as they are cheap! - false economy??

Cheers guys
Martin
aka Loton lawnmower man!!

 

http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...MeTriangle.flv

 

Pleanty of thoughts there!

Hillclimbing is one one hand great value, and little damage to cars etc as there is only you on the track, but considering 4 runs at say 50 seconds each = poor value, but the 'weekend' atmosphere is addictive (14 years of it for me).

There are some excellent alternatives for the Impreza, and Time Attack must be the best one, as it is much the same as a Sprint and lasts longer but will cost more.

Motorsport is costly and can be a downer overall; I suffered this 2 years ago when all the engine mods were not so great really (in terms of race times) but the AST adventure was great for times, and shows where a good chassis wins a lot over 'bhp'.

Trailers are simply a pain, and the Class is still described as Road-Going, so I will always drive it there and back.

I had a long discussion about entries with several 'experts' recently, and the thoughts are if the entries are about 8 or so in the class in an A meeting all will be well, but there is no hard and fast rule.

Sprinting is probably the way to go, but they bore me to be honest as I enjoy 2 day meets.

The Big Audi will change the face of the Class for good just as the short wheelbase Audi's have in C2, and the day when the guy with a hot road car wanting to race against similar 'status' people have gone when slicks were allowed in the Road Going class 2 years ago.

Time to get into the Garage!

Graham

 

Graham

Would like to but Sarah wants an SLK!

Richard

 

Just a point of interest as it has had some exposure on here, my dad is selling his SWB Dialynx quattro as soon as Dialynx has repaired the front wing etc., if anyone has any interest or knows someone who might be interested drop me a pm for more information.



Rob.

 

Well seeing as its a thread about hillclimbing in the midland championship and he is the midland champion and is in Graham's class who started the thread it's not surprising, he deserves the coverage as well, if you ever get on a hill against him push to your utter limit think yeah thats quick then watch him cross the line 3 seconds (at least) faster than you in a 30/40 second race you will appreciate what a quick driver he is. The benchmark and target of class C1 that we all have to try and catch in....... the search for the perfect chassis.

 

Richard: Like the strategy, buy her a BIG pressie then tell her how cheap your toy will be in comparison and you are home!

Rob: Oh so true. (Your Dad will NOT be duel driving for goodness sake? Two of your Tribe is bad enough!)
What a georgeous car it is.(£?) I just might know of a potential customer.

Martin: That sounds bad. Do you think you need to get back to basics with the car and start from the ground up? Wont say what I think on this open forum.

It is the end of the season which i have found very stimulating but realise more that the Young Guns are coming to the fore and I must settle for chasing Personal Bests and maybe irritating Rob and Pete every now and then to keep them on their toes and honest

Mind you, that Quattro would elevate me to Class C2 where there are no EVO's and Impreza's, but Rob's Dad is a mustard driver so would be a challenge to drive.as fast as him.....sounds good! Oh no!


This thread has lost it's main objective, searching for the perfect chassis, but I like the Hillclimbing Page feel to it.
It all justifies the effort of modding the old dog and seeing the results.

Hope to get more techie as the winter draws in.

Graham.

http://www.dropshots.com/daymainfram...0030103&cimg=3

(But Rob beat me!)

 

Don't worry no dual drive, he's too proud for that, i tried to get him in my car for this coming weekend a currborough and he won't have it. He has other plans for a car which I will keep you posted on as it unfolds.

The price and spec of the Audi are TBC, so contact me for full information, the idea being that people can have the car to their personal spec courtesy of Dialynx before purchase.

On a random note, I was having a drink in the bar/restaraunt where my wife is manager and who walks in but Roy Standley, no relevance here but we shared a beer and talked cars as you do.

 

Graham I've sent you an e-mail, be interested in your thoughts.
Cheers
Martin

 

Rightyo.

Interesting reading as always, but I think I need to chime in here with a few thoughts and plans of my own, on what is now becoming the "s'netters sprint and hillclimb thread".

Timeattack has limited value for me at the moment. The car needs to be given proper track and test time just like a full up race car, currently I can't justify this when I feel I get so little in return. So I am looking to spend much more time next year doing whatever sprints and hillclimbs that I can. I don't expect to be anything like as competitive as you all think I will be, not least to begin with. I am sure that I will get the hand of it, but I will enjoy it nonetheless.

My campaign for next year starts on Monday. I could do with rules and regs and someone telling me what class my car will end up in, and what else I will need to do make it 100% legal. I will need my national B license to being next year with I suppose, and a list of dates that I am likely to be able to get an entry for, and ideally I would like a Nat A license by the time the brighton speed trials rolls around.

The car needs a few safety things doing, like blocking all the holes in the bulkhead, and putting in a firewall for the nitrous, oh I am assuming there is nothing to say I can't run nitrous Tyres I have sorted for next year assuming they can get approved in time and onto list 1B.

I already have:

Full cage (FIA multipoint)
Plumbed in Fire system with external button
External and internal kill switch
Front and rear towing eyes

Where do i stand with the glass fibre doors, no carpet and no headlining? I have all the door cards in place and a full OE dashboard.

Any help gratefully recieved.

 

This is simple Paul:
Nox is NOT allowed anywhere in hill climbs and sprints.
The car needs just sealing as you say and a time beam strut bolted on the front, spec on sizes in the MSA blue book.
Each Nat B meeting you do you can submit the B licence to be signed for an upgrade to A status. I think you need 5 signatures. Rob knows best as he has just done it.
In the Midland Hillclimb Championship you can use any tyres.
In Sprint champs you can use any tyre but road class demands list 1A tyres (ie Toyo's).
With glass doors the cage MUST have door bars.

To compete inany meeting/series /Championships you must be a member of an invited club.
I would steer you to my club: www.hdlcc.com who have their own hillclimb track, Loton Park.

When you join a club you will get notice of events that you can enter.

Sprints tend to be one day affairs, hillclimbs tend to be one day @ nat B licence level, and weekends for Nat A license level.

The ignition switch must be marked which way to turn 'off'..forgot that bit.

As to Championships, the Scooby Champ that Terry B was doing sounded very good to me, but all the Champs are in the Blue Book with all contact details etc.

Interestingly, you are the 2nd Time Attack person to ask this very same question...

The meetings are VERY laid back with a destinct 'garden Party' atmosphere which is great for wives etc too.

You will have a great relaxing time, but be ready for the relaxed nature with a skip load of banter, but the bull**** stops when the flag drops.
If you **** it up, you will need some very good excuses as we have heard some of the very best ones.

Entries are very strict.
Most events close their entries 1 month before the event date. Entry costs about £90 each event.
Wear on the car is very light unless you argue with an armco or tree.
There are about 200 cars in a weekend event, with over 2 litre class having about 8 in it.

The class your car is eligable for is generally known as Class c1, Modified Production Cars over 2 litres, hence the V8 Audi Quattro at 4.2 litres...

Events start at about 9.00am so sign-on @ 8.00am, scrutineering at 8.30am and off you go in program order, all very organised and easy to follow.

If the car has a prob, then you will have tons of help and a sympathetic administration, but no nonsense is tolerated!

That is about it. There are some smaller details on car prep but it is all in the Blue Book.

Perhaps I should have kept all this game to myself!

Graham.

 

Hi Paul, good to hear you will be competeing next year, you won't regret it. Although I am now not sure if i want you to work on my car incase you sabotage me!

Anyway, first off absolutley no nitrous, it won't be allwoed in the car even if it is disabled. Your car seems pretty much ready to go, seal the fuel cell and engine bay from the cabin though as i got pulled on that from where my old aircon was.The battery earth lead must be coloured yellow, your ignition off position must be clearly indicated, and thats about it. Just stick on your beam breaker and your in business.

I assume you already have FIA Helmet and Suit.

In sprint races, which are only ever 'B' meetings, and 'B' hillclimbs you could run in 2 classes, road going production modified if your on 1A tryes, or Production modified on 1B's.

In 'A' Hillclimbs your car would be in production modified saloons with us lot, where you can have any tyres you want.

When you get your 'B' licence you must complete 4 events without major incident (4 wheels off tarmac is the general rule) and receive a signature from the clerk of the course after each meeting which allows you to send your licence off to the MSA for an upgrade to a National 'A' licence which means you can enter any event and once upgraded is permanent. A sprint or hillclimb school can make up 1 of your 4 signatures as the intructors are MSA certified.

You will get a copy of the blue book, the motorsport bible, with your 'B' Licence which tells you every little detail so don't worry. To be honest as the licences are annual there is no point in you getting one until 1/1/2007 because the final meetings are next weekend so it would be a waste of money, I have a spare blue book if you want it until then.

To compete you must be a member of an invited club, which basicaly means a recognised car club. Every course has it's own club and benefits. MAC(Shelsley, MIRA, Currborough), Bugatti owners club (Prescott), Hagley and District Light Car Club (Loton Park) are the main ones but look around as there are many. Upon being a member of one of the bigger clubs you will automaticaly be sent entry forms for all their events and be invited to most of the other clubs events as a result and sent their entry forms. I would suggest joining pretty soon so when the new year starts you are sent the entries nice and early as you are already a member, Having only started hill climbing half way through the season i had a bit of a game getting entry forms.

That is about it, anything I missed I'm sure Graham can fill you in on and the blue book can fill you in even further.

Then you just have to remove your brain and go for it!

Rob.

 

It seems we were replying at the same time Graham so my post sounds like old news, never mind you can never have too much information I suppose.

 

Had a read of the blue book the other day and knowing what I do of the mega A4 I just cannot see how it could be in our class, 2 or 3 major points suggest it would not be eligble. Mind you Keith Murray is a very smart bloke and knows hillclimbing better than anyone so if he says it's in I guess he has it covered.

This thread has gone a bit awry hasn't it Graham, err, what about those AST's, awesome stuff! There you go it's back on track!

 

I've got the required signatures to upgrade from B to A.
Could anyone (Graham maybe!) tell me the advantages of doing so and also if there are any disadvantages?
Thanks
Martin

 

Plusses:
You can be in Class C1 at the major events!
You will have more meetings to visit, and you can join a larger range of Championships too.
You will have a freedom of tyres.

Negatives:

License is more expensive by about £10
Entry fees are more expensive by about £8 a go
A meetings are weekend affairs (which I like personally)

As an aside: Your car is the right colour, white, so you can become a member of the White Car Class...Paul will need to respray the car!
Or, as Robs cheeky Dad would say, you can join the White Goods Class.

Some bugger stuck 'Hoover' and 'Hotpoint' stickers on my car at Shelsley, and I hereby accuse him!

But that's hillclimbing for you.

Rob:
At least we said the same!!

Graham

 

So all I need to do is remove the nitrous bottle and I'm ready to go. There is no fuel "cell" it's still on the original tank and no fuel lines run through the car at all. Bulkhead holes need to be filled but I know that.

Do I need an ignition switch label? I have a large red button on the front screen scuttle which kills all power. I can also add a sticker to the internal kill switch and the ignition key switch though.

I have FIA nomex suit, underwear and snell blah blah helmet.

I think hdlcc sounds good.

You guys really don't need to worry about me beating you, trust me, for now at least

At least I will be able to offer some support to some of my customers, and I would be very keen to enable all customers to do as well as they can on the day.

Cheers

Paul

 

Paul one thing I would say is whatever club you choose to join one of the main benefits is being able to attend members only practice days and the like and you should take into account the distance from Northampton if you will be going there 10 times a season.


I had the same and was totaly baffled by it, it's starting to make sense now, if it was my dad, he would have been rubbing it in by now. He knows better than to start a prank war!