Messages

Hello, Ivan,

When I've hired a racing car, the consumables (fuel, tyres) have been included, but not failure of significant components, such as the engine, nor accident damage. They fall to the driver. Happily, the jeopardy is not too bad as most components are relatively cheap compared with other types of racing car.

The Jack Sears Trophy might give some ideas. It was introduced into the BTCC in 2013 and named after the man who won the inaugural title back in 1958.

Eligibility for the trophy has changed a number of times since it was introduced as follows:

2013 – Highest placed driver in an S2000-spec car
2014 – Most places gained across the season
2015 to 17 – Top Rookie
2018 onwards – Top driver without a BTCC podium at season start

Winning the Jack Sears Trophy under the current rules means a driver is no longer eligible, regardless of whether they have scored an overall podium. If a driver scores a podium due to a penalty for a rival, it does not count towards eligibility for the Trophy.

Any of the most recent 3 rules might work for us.

Here is a different idea for a championship - for the person who makes the most overtakes during a race. We would have to measure it at the start finish line as we would not be able to reliably measure multiple passes within a lap, and could use the Position Chart from TSL so that, each time a driver advances ahead of another, they would receive a point, but drivers would NOT lose points for slipping a place.

Looking at the Position Chart for yesterday's Race 17, picking Nick Home at random, he would receive 8 points because he made 8 overtakes at the line.

Whatever helmet you choose, I recommend going to a store where you can try it on. I intended to buy a particular Bell helmet as it was at a good price. Happily, I went into my local dealer, Alex Reade at Brands Hatch, where I discovered Bell helmets don't fit my shape of head. When I tried an Arai, it fitted my head nice and snugly.

Since the seat pre-dates introduction of the HANS device, check that the headrest isn't positioned such that it pushes your head forward. I think that the headrest of later seats was moved further back to allow space for the thickness of the HANS device between the back of the helmet and the seat.

Excellent! It had me hunting around on the Internet for quite a while.

Ha ha, nobody really! It was a fake company name Richard created 30 years ago, and I just thought it would be funny to add it on to the competition to make it look more official! But if there are businesses out there that want to genuinely sponsor it, or any other of our cups, please do get in touch!

Who is Stickmann Sport? Just wondering.

Hi Howard, do you want us to post this opportunity on the club's social channels? Won't post your phone number, can direct people to [email protected] and I can then pass your details on that way (so you avoid getting loads of spam calls!). Let me know if you want me to do that?

Yes, please, Matt.

I've spoken to this chap, Sam, and while he isn't in a position to race just at the moment, he's really enthusiastic about our series and should be at Silverstone. It'll be good to meet him.

It is likely that I will miss Silverstone. If anyone is interested in racing my car (ex-Baycon Racing), please let me know by pm or on [deleted].

I used Getting A Medical about 5 years' ago, and they have doctors around the country that you can book with for about £60. However, if you need an ECG, the only place on their list is at Silverstone.

Alternatively, you can book to have a medical at Race Retro.

I have a strong feeling of imposter syndrome.

Infinite Improbability Racing car 42 will be running in the sprint races, although we will likely miss Lydden Hill.

I spotted that the latest BARC newsletter includes an 8ppl discount on fuel costs with a charge & fuel card - This seems like a meaningful saving. For many people, this will comfortably pay for their BARC membership.

See the offer here.

Lots of terrific photos. I enjoyed going through them all. Thank you for sharing them.