I have a dream.

[ACW]

Paul - your right it was too strong a word on reflection. But I was concerned that this thread was going that way, in the way that some of the examples are phrased. You know I think we need standard roadgoing cars competing against each other to remain with the spirit of the SS. ie a club sprint series that caters to members of the WSCC. Most members have standard roadgoing cards.

The new E/F classes then provide a stepping stone to Slicks for those old hands, who at the end of the day the SS should still be able to support.

[Guest]

Maybe it's your hormones Aiders - isn't there something happening soon?  Clue; involves Jen!!

Agree with your comments though - need to be careful that healthy debate does not turn into the mud slinging match.

[adhawkins]

Maybe it's your hormones Aiders - isn't there something happening soon?  Clue; involves Jen!!

She getting a new car?

Andy

[Bananaman]

She getting a new car?

Andy

House............Dress.........Holiday..............Ball & Chain................          

[adhawkins]

House............Dress.........Holiday..............Ball & Chain................          

Sorry, can't bring myself to make the comment I'm dying to...

Andy

[windy]

Unless someone came along with a 200bhp 1,800 engine to the SS, then I think that the 1,800 split is OK for the SS, but as soon as someone came in with a well tuned 1800/16V engine it would spoil the reason for the 1800 split if you get my drift.

So is a 1798 cc Rover K series R500 engine in "the spirit" of the SS? What if someone was to put a 1.9 Turbo diesel in their Westfield. Would that be classed as in "the spirit" of the regulations?

At least with rallying rules the regulations are very clear. Classes are split by engine capacity, a defined total width of wheel + tyre & by the number of driven wheels. Using these simple guidelines it is possible to build a car without the need to ask any questions or fear being excluded because of "not being in the spirit of the regs".  

[Terry Everall]

Richard/Phillip

BEC ( Hayabusa )have 6 speed sequential boxes and are produced by the factory as are Blade cars. And some blackbirds

[RICHARD+PHILIP]

Terry

Blue book Page 176 fig11.8.1b

"The method of gear selection must remain as standard (sequential selection only where fitted as standard)"

Which it isn't in CECs

Phil

[Ian Podmore]

I don't expect we will see many 230 bhp 1800 K series engines around in the WSCC

I am surpirsed that there aren't more 1800 Zetecs though, especially with the Speedsport model being available from the factory, and the number of people using Zetec engines in their cars.

If the split did change to 1,700 would it really change the number of 1800 Zetecs joining?

[mhc]

Richard & Phillip, precisely why i raised the topic of a Westfield factory option of a sequential gearbox  in a car engined sei. If they fit one ,surely it  must  be eligable for the standard road going classes in speed events. Perhaps the speed series commitee can make a ruling on this soon and not wait till  NOV/ DEC . regards.

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

I know at least one 230 bhp1800cc K series...cue Prelit  

With regard to there not being many 1800 Zetec's..well maybe Steve D has burnt them all by now  

I not sure which way I would vote if the factory did fit sequential boxes...surely this type of thing fits into the same category as the factory fitting list 1B tyres and aeroscreens ie - they still arent legal in classes 2A and 2B. If the MSA change the rules though, then so be it.....

John

[Ian Podmore]

The other thing about the 1700 / 1800 divide could be the different conditions that we compete in.......

[P W]

think its really important to keep it simple - for all concerned, competitors, scrutineers, local clubs etc

will always have an advantage if you've got endless amounts of cash - thats how it is - eg minardi will never (currently) win f1

if sequential boxes start being produced by the factory in standard road going cars, there will be a cost impact eg 1800 speedsport with 6 speed sequential will be several k more than one with a mt75 / type 9 - you take your pick, wanna pay more, you can, wanna pay less you can.

regarding points, again keep it simple - cant see any advantages to having complicated workings out - we'll all need to buy scientific calculators for next season  

nb I run a road going westy in class h non road going with sliks - just change the wheels/tyres

thats my 10 penneth

[davidgh]

Interesting thread........

......a couple of views, if I may, from a complete newby.

Inadequate entries to the SS: Son Guy (GuyH) and I decided to obtain a car after spectating with SS competitors at the Curborough Reliant SS round last year, and loving the SS atmosphere. Unfortunately we completed our car only in May this year. We promptly joined the WSCC, but our late request to join the SS had to be turned down because the subscription was full (fully understood  --  we should have been more aware on timing). Nevertheless, as we competed anyway at the WSCC and Reliant Curborough events, (and had our entry for Loton turned down because we were not part of any championship ), there could have been two additional entries (admittedly in class A, where they're less needed) in SS events. There must be others like us, desperate to give it a go; maybe there should be a SS 'reserve list'. Get us in at the bottom, and promote a few to expert each year.

Modded cars: Really doesn't seem to be such an issue in the nice world under 1800cc. Our little 1600cc (550kg) Striker is completely unmodified (except for an LSD), and yet we (more truthfully, only Guy ) were able to be on the class 'A' pace at our third event (the Reliants). Ergo, I assume the machinery differences must be less than awesome. Perhaps people wanting to spend only sensible money should buy small engines

Also, I'm pleased to report that the spirit of the SS is alive and well among the 'small fry'. At the Reliant meet, we were parked next to Philip and Richard Smallridge, and close to Richard Green and Stuart Hill, from all of whom we received enormous amounts of helpful advice and practical assistance. Thank you gentlemen!

David

[Turbo Tommo]

It's a shame you couldn't get registered David as you would have been a welcome addition to the SS mob. The cut off date for entries is strictly adhered to, no matter who you are or what you drive, in order to remove the apathy from competitors and to facilitate the general organisation, particularly in getting address labels off to the inviting clubs, so you automatically get your regs. If competitors were allowed to register when they wanted, human instinct and error would prevail with a sackful of registrations 2 days prior to the first event.

You do have a point though, maybe a system whereby the registration fee were significantly increased if you missed the cut off date could be utilised. Instead of £10, make it £50 or £100. This would deter the general disorganised whingers and timewasters, but still give the genuine, enthusiatic beginner with a valid reason an opportunity to compete should he wish.

A typical case would be James Turner who decided too late to register a double drive with his Dad. He still gets the regs, coz Dad registered and has competed at a lot of events. If he was in the SS he would have upset a lot of competitors in B this year, as he has had some fantastic results (God, that stuck in me throat)!!!