adhawkins Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Is there a mailing list in existence for the drivers so we are notified of events such as these??? If there isn't, I'd be happy to host one if someone will step forward for 'moderation' duties. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon4007 Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 I guess the factory have my address because I've had work done there (but they must have had your address too so I don't understand). By rights there should be a full mailing list held by Westfield - sounds like you slipped through John. The drivers meeting is open to all drivers whether old, present, or prospective, but anyone wishing to attend must inform Richard so that he can judge numbers. If you want to go along John, I'll pick you up on my way through if you like? Cheers Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geofff Posted November 1, 2005 Author Share Posted November 1, 2005 Hi, I think we need to use Keith's WSCRDA website a bit more clicky It is linked on the WSCC ,the BARC and Westfield Sportscars sites I believe - Yep it is just checked! Ta Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Cost of the car. I wanted to compete in a class were success depended more on the skill of the driver than the depth of your wallet. Hence I liked the idea of sealed engines and control tyres, I know it's not a true level playing field but it comes close. Someone mentioned earlier that there were many SS cars that would be quicker round a track than the Championship cars, that's undoubtably so, but mixing them in, would spoil the racing. My car has just over 160bhp (I think), if I get beaten by someone driving a Westfield with 250bhp what does that prove? 250bhp is generally faster than 160bhp. Proves nothing. That wasn't the point. The point is, you want bigger grids. Restricting potential entries is not the way to do that. And chances are you wouldn't be racing against the guy with 250bhp, 'cos he'd be in a different class. 1) Racing is about having close battles with as many racers as possible so keeping the cars the same and with as tighter control as possible is important ( and keeps the cost down) In theory. In practice, the chap that can afford to do the most testing and developement work that is within the regs will probably win. F1 is the ultimate demonstration of this, with rules that mean the cars are pretty much identical with no limit on engine power, so the team who can spend the most on developement will win. And remember, until recently, F1 was a control tyre formula, pretty much. Racing will always be this way unless you are a supremely talented driver... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starter Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Blatman, Tight regs do keep the cost down and in practise it's been the best drivers that have won our classes not those with the biggest budgets. Just about everyone tests so track time isn't the issue. I'm talking about sealed engine - no blue printing allowed- one engine builder used by everyone. It does work and you only need to look at the lap times to see there is very little difference between fastest laps from drivers- but a lot of difference in consistency. chatting to some of the Max5 guys they are starting to think about whether they need to tighten regs up to ensure an even playing field. Cheers MikeW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windy Posted November 2, 2005 Share Posted November 2, 2005 The Caterham series has rounds made up of races & sprints / hillclimbs. Seems this could be the answer to better grids by getting the Barc to invite SS competitors into some of their rounds? From a spectator point of view I prefer races that have cars that are less evenly matched. Remember the saloon races in the 70's where you had the big power Ford galaxies mixing with low powered minis, anglias, lotus cortinas, escorts etc? Was very exciting. Also I think the Birket relay is another example of slow / fast cars successfully competing in the same race - they do it on a handicap system. You could start the powerful stuff at the back of the grid for the races etc. Just some ideas to think about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geofff Posted November 3, 2005 Author Share Posted November 3, 2005 Hi, Reverse grid did work with the Chris Knott Alfa series from a spectating point of view. So the only example i've ever seen of this I can't complain about. However the best spectating has got to be Karts, Legends, Minis, Caterhams. Closely matched, large grids are nothing short of spectacular. No touring car or wings and slicks formula I've ever seen has been able to match these series. Ta Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsubaru Posted November 3, 2005 Share Posted November 3, 2005 Hi Simon That would be great if you could. It should be an interesting meeting!!!! Do we know how many people are attending? Cheers John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Scarfe Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 Its gone very quiet after the event. Hard work isn't it trying to get anything done. We have had these sort of meetings before and the solution as always is to leave it as it is. What did you guys think? I/we did put forward the ideas from the sprinters on here about allowing anyone in (in a special class) but this was not welcomed. I do actually agree though. The race series is a formula and is for strictly controlled specifications. The cars are actually very basic when compared to some of the highly modified sprint cars you guys run. Looks like the new 1600 car is going to be the way forward but I won't hold my breath in anticipation. Glad to see the original 1800 Zetec class it going to continue for a while - the next 5 years - hmmm we'll see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geofff Posted November 15, 2005 Author Share Posted November 15, 2005 Hi Keith, From my earlier posts you can see I didn't think (nor would I have personally welcomed) a free for all series. But I think it is a great shame the factory couldn't have proposed and led the way of a 1600cc 'race car' class in the speed series - maybe with subsidised race entires for the BARC series as prizes etc.... And getting cross over from the race series into the speed series with a zetec class in the speed series? I wouldn't mind having a go I would have thought from a commercial point of view this would have increased the number of 1600 cars sold? Obviously I'm day dreaming It's a pity we couldn't convert our current cars (gradually) into 1600cc cars. But that's not really on either. At least I should get a couple of seasons competition, minimum, out of the zetec before moving on. Ta Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Scarfe Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 At least I should get a couple of seasons competition, minimum, out of the zetec before moving on. Yes that is my plan as well. I doubt I will be buying a new car, so will hopefully get a couple more seasons out of the old faithfull (15 year old) car then dunno. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon4007 Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 Hi Keith, Yup, that was pretty much what I expected. I'm pleased that I'll be able to continue with my Zetec car for the next 3-5 years! I also totally understand that if the series is not to end up dissolved or amalgamated it will have to move forward with a new driver focused championship - sealed engines, same suspension, brakes, etc - like so many of the other popular championships around today (Ginetta's to mention just one). I'm disappointed that there won't be an upgrade path for my car to a 1.6 Durratec, and my only hope is that when my Zetec is ineligible there might be some second-hand Durratec's about that can be picked up cheaply! We all want to go racing! Most of us are on a budget and will no doubt end up leaving the BARC championship sometime in the future, others will buy in to the 1.6 series without so much as a wince. We're in this situation by our own doing to an certain extent, we all wanted to stop the dwindling numbers, wanted closer racing with engines that are even, and a lot of us have questioned Westfield for guidance. And so here we are today..... Or is it just me that thinks that? Roll on next April..... I want to go racing again! Cheers Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geofff Posted November 15, 2005 Author Share Posted November 15, 2005 Hi Simon, One of the reasons I've gone for the Westfield championship was because we all tend to use similar (ish) spec cars - brakes / suspension / engines. I don't really mind about the blue printing of engines. It's an advantage to those that can afford the expense but previous experience has taught me that set up is much more important. Hey but I've been wrong before So I'm not to sure about sealing engines. That would actually put me off a 1600 car. Hopefully after a few years it will open up though. Plenty of low mileage scrap / crashed cars by then which I can pull the engine out off and rebuild. More fun If I should go the 1600 route. I must admit that I wanted Westfield to take a lead in the direction of the championship and general Westfield racing fraternity - there are a lot of examples out there Caterham, Ginetta (as you mention) - just the direction wasn't quite what I was thinking My plans aren't really affected by this direction. Didier was asking some good questions! Especially an upgrade option costing. That'll be interesting to see. And how long the offer is open for. Ta Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilwillis Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 Maybe bring an old microwave, connect to generator again, to warm up the croissants. Sound reasonable or not? Nooooooo Don't microwave croissants. They're far nicer cooked in a conventional oven. I don't know if the rest of you agree, but microwaving ruins a good pastry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsubaru Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 Hi Guys I understand why Westfield want to push for the 1600 especially if it is a totally different car from what we are running now bodywork etc. From a personal point of view i feel a little sore that Westfield sold me a car which as it turned out i could only compete in a maximum of 3 races this year (due to westfields part supply problems) whilst knowing about the introduction of a new car for next year, If only i knew then what i know now!!! But that is all by the by, the real issue is increasing the grid size which the introduction of the 1600 certainly isn't going to do (at least not by itself). Cheers John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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