Luff Stuff                              Issue no 7/02

The newsletter of the Luffield Cars MGCC Speed Championship 

Also available at the championship web site www.mgcars.org/mgccsc

Back on schedule at last…..

For the first time in 3 months the newsletter is almost on time again.  Despite the short time since the last edition of Luff Stuff, there has been plenty going on.  The final event in the inter-series challenge took place at Curborough on 4th, a week later the Northern boys were at the 3 Sisters Kart track for the Lancashire AC 2 lap sprint and as I write this they should be out again, throwing their cars around the Elvington track for the first time in goodness how long.  I’ve never been to Elvington, but from what the “experienced” drivers tell me (for experienced, read OLD), the airfield circuit used to be fast and furious when it last used by MGs in the 60’s.

But, to the main reason for the early newsletter.  Enclosed with this edition, the Northern series drivers will find a set of regulations for the Lancashire AC Scammonden Dam Hillclimb, which is the proposed replacement for the cancelled Barbon Manor event.  I know another quick dash up Scammonden isn’t really a substitute for an historic venue like Barbon, but needs must this late in the season.  Now I know this event on the 22nd September clashes with the Thoresby park Sprint, which some of the more organised amongst you may already have entered, but it is a hillclimb for those who are short of them, and it’s all we can find this late in the season.  Now to comply with MSA rules, I need to inform you all of this proposed change to the calendar, and seek agreement.  To save everyone contacting me to say it’s OK with them, we will run by default.  If I don’ t hear then I will take that as agreement to the change.  If you do not agree, please let me know in writing within 14 days of  this newsletter, that is before 3rd September 2002.

That bit of business out of the way, on to this months newsletter.  3 event reports below, and attached are the latest results tables and the event results for the last 2 months.  The July events should have been attached to the last newsletter, but a misunderstanding with Mike Enty, and the prospect of paying for 100 copies of a 12 page newsletter meant they weren’t there.  Well here they are now.

Finally, just to remind the Northern drivers, last months Anglesey Sprint was, in fact, a Hillclimb for the purposes of points scoring.  I’d forgotten too, but on being reminded I checked the early newsletters and found the first calendar where the event was listed in this way.  This is also mentioned in Rodder’s Ramblings at the bottom of the newsletter, along with many other committee bits and pieces, so I won’t repeat those or go on any longer. 

To the event reports……. Jim

Curborough 2 lap Sprint – 4th August

This year’s second Curborough round was another excellent days competition.  With a lower than usual turn-out for the Midland Centre’s summer event (probably a result of Prescot moving one of their meetings to the same week-end), a late decision was taken to turn the event into a 2 lapper.  And an inspired decision it was too, giving the visiting Southern series drivers a taste of the layout usually reserved the Spring meeting.

The meeting got off to a disastrous start for the Standard MGB class, when the “stealth” BGT of Keith Williams and Nick Yates refused to fire up (later traced to a missing core plug on the inlet manifold, Doh!).  Relegated to the wife’s shopping car, a VW Golf) neither could score points, although Nick did take second in the Standard Saloon Car class.  That left Tony Mac to show a clean pair of heels to Niall and Philip, taking the class win by just under 4 seconds.   Elsewhere the competition was a tad closer , with a couple of major upsets in the offing.  In the Road-going Midgets Steve Holford was on sparkling form, driving like a man possessed (possessed of very little sanity to my mind) he drove the wheels off the Midget to get within ¼ second of class winner and acknowledged Curborough specialist Allan Inwood.  Allan was last seen muttering something about getting a set of list 1B tyres, the competition was getting uncomfortably close these days. 

In the RGM MGB class, the regular 3 way fight for the class was as keen as ever, with only half a second separating the protagonists.  Running both the MGB and Pauline’s new TF 160 (complete with sports suspension etc. obviously!) John had a bit more track time than most, and capitalised on that to take another class win, while the “Flying banana” once again just squeezed into 2nd ahead of David Butler’s BGT by less than ½ a second.

Upset of the day though, was in the Specials classes, where a 64.88 seemed enough to give Terry another fastest MG trophy, despite his pushing too hard and losing it on his second run.  That was until a final run by Russ Morgan in the 210BHP K-series Midget blitzed the record of both “up to” and “over” 2 litre classes with a 64.32, to pick up his first MG FTD.

3 Sisters Sprint – 11th August   David Coulthard

The publication of the entry list for the annual Three Sisters 2 lap sprint, a buzz of excitement fizzed round the MG world. Helen Waddington was to debut the new MG ZRIGO. This was obviously some sort of shakedown run for a new model. We waited for the event with eager anticipation...

The track layout was changed from pervious years and "New Venue" status was afforded the meeting. Gone was the first lap blast up the Pentith Climb and over Cowards Summit. With a high speed approach and no run off area, the concrete wall edging the Summit was always waiting to catch those with more bravado than grip.

If safety was the issue, it was ironic that James Mc Kie should fall victim to the greasy track on his first practice run. Even on a dry track, 2-stroke oil from kart engines had made the surface like a skid pan. James hit the tyre wall at the end of Conrod Straight with sickening force and the pretty little Sprite would seem to be a write-off. I'm sure we all wish James and Steve a speedy return to competition.

Fortunately, our wait for the new ZRIGO was soon over, as the "Standard MG" class were first to take to the revised track. However, just as the MGs headed out, a light drizzle started, which developed in to steady rain for the second timed runs. Keith Williams in the BGT mastered the tricky conditions best, to take a well deserved first in class. Keith piped co-driver Nick Yates by 3 tenths and Tony MacIntyre just squeezed under the new Target Time for third.

But then, disappointment for the assembled crowd, as the MG ZRIGO failed to materialise. Helen Waddington and her MG ZR160 set a respectable time, but either the Entries Secretary needs new glasses or Helen needs to improve her handwriting...

The RGM class was also a close run thing. Paul Drake in the B was the eventual winner, just over half a second ahead of our very own "Banana Man", Chris Cooper in the 'Fyffes Special C'. Best of the chasing bunch was Ken Bound in the Midget, with Steve McKie accepting Ken's offer of a double drive, slipping in to fourth.

The RG Specials class almost generated the upset of the day. Andy Long drove the wheels off the Arkley to finish just two tenths behind Terry Pigott in the B V8. Gary Waite tried to hang on to Andy, but to no avail and finished third, whilst your scribe finished a distant, disconsolate fourth.

The day was spoilt a little by the single seaters waiting for the rain to stop, then pushing ahead of the MGs already queuing for the start. Next time chaps, please go to the line when called by the Marshals.

Elvington Sprint 18th August – David Coulhard

The ex-Bomber Command airfield at RAF Elvington, south of York, had been reborn as the "Elvington Park International Raceway" for the visit of the MGCC Speed Championship. Just seven competitors ventured out to this 'new' venue, including John Wilman who actually raced here in '62 and '63.

A convoy run, two practice and three timed runs were on offer. The track was very fast (the start line straight was over a quarter of a mile long!), very grippy (thanks to the high friction runway dressing) and the weather was excellent (hot!). But with the MG drivers spread across the Championship classes, close competition was conspicuous by its absence. However, the tussle between the ladies had the gentlemen on the edge of their seats.

After the first run, Helen Waddington in the standard ZR was marginally faster than Pauline Dignan in the RGM B. But on the next, Pauline overhauled Helen, to lead by just over a second. The third run was to be the decider. A committed effort saw Helen take just over two seconds off her previous best. Despite a moment at the hairpin, Pauline also improved. But it wasn't enough to stop Helen taking the honours by a scant second, after over a minute and a half of driving.

With just over a mile of fast, flowing tarmac to play with, Terry Pigott in the 4.9 litre V8 was always odds-on for MG FTD, and so it was. His 73.39 was over four seconds clear of John Dignan.

Positions so far….

With only 6 events left in both series, the overall placings are starting to take on a more balanced look, albeit with a bizzare symmetry as the same drivers in both series compete for the title.  We now have 6 drivers up in the 80’s with 3 just tipping into the 90+ point bracket.

Looking at the regional series first, Terry’s V8 is currently leading the Southern series (and with it the overall championship too) by just one point from the RGM Midget of Adrian Moore.  5 points back Matt Dryell (85) is holding onto 3rd by a similar narrow margin from Chris Cooper (84) and John Dignan (83), while Niall Campbell rounds out the top 6 in his Standard MGB.  With the exception of Matt and Diggers, all currently lead their classes.  Other class leaders are Keith Doherty, who’s TF heads the MMM & T-type class in his first season with the championship, and Ralph Higson, who is battling gamely in an A-series Midget in the up to 2-litre RG Specials class and showing a 6 point lead.

Moving North, once again it is Terry who leads the series on 90 points, but this time with a 2 point margin over joint second John Wilman and (you guessed it) Diggers.  Back on 80 points, Tony MacIntyre’s Standard MGB fills 4th with Chris Cooper (Fyffes MGC GT) in 5th tied with Ken Bound’s RGM Midget.  Again most head their respective classes, with the missing class leaders, David Coulthard (up to 2-litre RGS) and Richard Sands (Modified Midget & anything else entered on slicks).

So for the overall title the schizophrenic Terry P has 2 hands on the trophy, one Southern and one Northern, while the more single minded Adrian joins him on the second step of the podium.  Joint 4th we move back up North to Johns Wilman and Dignan, before retreating South again to Matt Dryell, who’s Metro Turbo completes the top six.

Among the ladies, Helen Waddington currently leads, no matter how you decide you want to score it, with Pauline second in the North, while down South Pauline is in front with Sarah second and Tam third, but all is still to play for.

The Novice cup I’ve no real idea about, but I will try to extract from Jean who has registered as one this year.  Having said that favourite up North is probably Richard Sands, while James Eastwood looks a good bet in the South.

Regalia

I think almost everyone picked up their regalia at Silverstone or Curborough, those who didn’t, I’ll post the remaining items in my possession out to you this week.  There are a few last minute late orders still with the embroiderer, and these will follow in a week or so.  I hope you all liked them, and are keen to get kitted out for the Autumn and next Spring, as the Jackets modeled by your intrepid committee members will shortly be available to order at the remarkably low price of £35.00 (less than half the price of the MGCC ones).  Also, ¼ zip fleeces will be on offer at  £18.00.  An order form will be with your next exciting issue of Luff Stuff.

Well, that’s all from me for now, other than to say discussions are still going on about classes and scoring for next year, in fact I’ve had Hamish on the phone twice tonight trying to decipher the bulletin board strings, and to encourage you all to take a look at the new “Club Motorsport” magazine “In Gear”, a flyer for which is enclosed.  This new publication is aimed at you and me, club members having a go in anything from single make race championships to auto-tests and trials, and is produced by two MGCC Midland Centre members, Martin and David Price, the men behind numerous years Curborough Sprints.

All the best, and see you at an event soon. Jim

Ramblings From the Roddery      Speed Com Meeting  Friday 2nd August 02

Hi All,

Sorry for the lack of Ramblings recently, A combination of a shortage of meetings to comment on and news letter timings was to blame, however normal service will now resume.  I’m pleased to report that Jean is recovering well from her argument with the French tarmac and Laurie Brown (Co-ordinator Designate) managed to get a night pass from the Welsh tourist board to attend the full meeting at Woodford.

Regulations 2003 on

We received 1 letter, from Alan Inwood, which made some very valid points. With much input from all members and it was decided to look at a possible 4th way, composite solution. It was decided that this decision was much too important to rush and so no final announcement would be made at Curbrough. We intend over the course of the next month or two to come up with a fully worked out proposal that is fair to all classes, and is fiddle free as far as possible. We will keep you updated on progress and will release full details as soon as we are sure it will work.

Silverstone

To update from Jim’s Comments in Luff Stuff 6, following a NW Centre Com Meeting, the MG Car Club / North West Centre appear to have no say in the exact length of the circuit or the style of the chicane provided by Octagon. We are not allowed to mark the track in any way.

The area of the chicane could be surveyed and a position worked out from the armco, However unless the circuit build up could be supervised and directed by the MGCC then we have no effective control of what is provided on the ground. Thus I’m afraid the circuit layout could well change year to year.

Following Andys shunt I can only recommend that ALL drivers walk the track at least to the chicane and if this proves impossible then please use the 1st Practice Run for practice, drive at 7/10ths and learn the track before contemplating any Banzi Manoeuvres.

You will have know doubt noticed that David Coulthard was giving the ZR a good work out (thrapeing) in place of his Midget. In this case the ZR Points will not count towards the championship because the Midget was fit but was just not brought to the event. If the Midget was entered and broke on the day (force majure) then this is a totally different case and would be viewed in that light, Sorry David!.

Thank you, David for picking up the job of sorting the northern results tables from Terry. (And thanks Terry for your hard work in the past in this area).

Anglesey

To clear up any confusion, it was decided at the beginning of the season that in the Northern Championship only that Both the July Anglesey Sprints would be designated as HillClimbs

They would remain as Sprints for the Southern Competitors.  The August / September event is a Sprint for both Championships, The results should now be amended to reflect this, and apologies if this decision was not made clear to all concerned.

Accounts

Jim has stepped down as a signatory in favour of Laurie Brown the new championship co-ordinatior designate for the account with Paul Rodman as second signatory. Jean carries on doing the championship accounts at present.

Luff Togs

Congratulations to Jim G for pulling this project together and thanks to David Wood of Luffield cars for covering the majority of the cost of origination of the embroidery disc. (A Major Consideration on small quantity production) Thus enabling the unit cost to competitors to be as low as possible.

The last items should be despatched shortly, Thanks to Jo at Elms & Elms for her hard work in supplying the majority of items for Silverstone, and sorting out such a competitive deal for the championship.

Any profits made are going towards purchasing another small batch of MGB bronze replicas for the National Champion. The last was given away at the SW Dinner this year.

Lending Policy

If your flying machine goes pop during an event few options are open to you.

You can borrow a car, you very quickly find out who your friends are.

To the would-be Donors / Lenders various agreements are available, depending on your level of trust in an arch rival in your pride and joy, summarised as follows-:

1. You Bend it you Mend it or 2. You Bend it you Buy it!!. etc

Note to borrowers, It’s bad form to go quicker than the lender.

That’s about it for now,   Next Speed Com Meeting August 29th Nr Chester.

Happy Sprinting Rodders