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The event is called 'La Vie En Bleu' and celebrates all French cars.

The track itself is very good and very challenging with a tricky hairpin and a fast right hander, blind with negative camber! The paddock is full of all kinds and all ages of race cars. If it's a sunny day and you get a pitch on the grass under a cherry tree with a stone block with your race number on, it's delightful. The crowd is huge and it's like a big garden party.

Jon and I plan to race 97 and Pete might be there with his BMW powered car. Racing 2CV's are made very welcome, and the entry fee is around £120 per driver, with two practice runs in the morning and two race runs in the afternoon. A car can have two drivers. A whole days motorsport pleasure only interrupted by four 70 secs bursts.

Entries close soon, so if you fancy a different days racing, take a look at the website. We enter as, I think, the class for pre-1972 racing saloons. We're never going to beat the Renault Gordini ex WTCC cars, but, hey, who cares? If you are getting near the closing date, call Allan Cameron and tell him your entry is in the post. He'll probably keep a slot open for another 2CV.

DOWNFORCE RADIO

Downforce Radio is a web radio station for motorsport run by Jake Sanson. Some may know Jake as he is the commentator at Croft and also was the lead commentator on Radio SeaLion at Anglesey last year. He wanders around with what appears to be all the kit he needs in a satchel and a mike in hand ready to chat live with anyone he meets.

Here is the link which will take you to his (then) live coverage of the racing at Brands Hatch last weekend. The 2CV races are labelled accordingly:

http://downforce-radio.co.uk/racedaylive-brands-hatch-truck-racing/

All:

In case you had not spotted it, this is what MSV call a promoted meeting, featuring trucks. I spoke to Joe there today, David Willey's collague. He told me that spectator numbers for truck races are climbing steadily, so we can expect by far our biggest crowd of the season. Let's put on the best show we can, maybe even wash the car!

I also spoke to the commentator today, and he will very much appreciate being briefed in advance. Hand-written notes scribbled on the morning of race day are OK, but something well thought out, typed up and submitted in advance is very much better. Keep it crisp and factual, with some info of note special to the car / team.  If you email it to me at: [email protected] I'll edit it all into a sheet and forward it.

Martin

I have had an enquiry from a Richard Poynton. He is one of a group of 3 drivers who are looking for seats in the 24 hr. It sounds like they are fully funded.

Ideally they would prefer to find an 'arrive and drive' crewed car, but I have explained that for a variety of reasons, there are not too many of those available.

If anyone wants to make contact with him, PM me and I will give you his email.

I have a road going 2CV bodyshell surplus to requirements. Lots of parts have been stripped off it and it is on a chassis.

General condition is average to poor. It is located in central Birmingham and can be view any weekday, 9 - 5.

Offers around £100. Call me on 07973 303982

[Daily Telegraph - next Saturday, Jan 10]

All:

Daily Telegraph - next Saturday, Jan 10

The deputy editor of Telegraph Cars, Paul Hudson, is writing a piece about 2CV racing for the Cars section next Saturday.

I've no idea how long it will be or what angle he will take, but it should have some pics.

I shall be at Autosport show on Thursday afternoon, if anyone is visiting then and wants to meet up.

Happy New Year, Martin H

The Club has been invited by 2CVGB to place a 2CV race car on their stand. Steve Walford has kindly agreed to send his car along.

This is a huge show, filling 11 halls, with 1000's of cars on display from all kinds of owners clubs. Hopefully Steve's car will catch the attention of some of the many visitors. 

Well maybe.

We're planning to run race winning 97 at Spa. It's all ready to go, with the only problem at Anglesey being a puncture. And we have a couple of unraced engines. Sir Pete will be in the crew, might even drive. I'll be driving - so we're obviously not planning on winning anything!

We just want to do it and enjoy Spa. We did the original Club two hour event there 14 years or so ago, and with the years moving on, this seemed a good thing to do this year.

We have one of 4 seats available to someone with £1.2k and who will help with logistics and muck in.

Call or text me on 07973 303982 or email [email protected]

UPDATE:  We've looked again at the logistics and stuff, and other things and decided not to run 97 at Spa, this year. Jon and I are coming over to take a look around and see how we might organise things for a go next year. We'll be leaving early on the Thursday from Birmingham. If there is any small thing that we can do to help those racing, then just shout.

[On Board Camera In Your 24 Hour Car?]

On Board Camera In Your 24 Hour Car?

The live video to support the commentary on the webcast will include images from two on-board cameras. One has been snapped up by the Belgian CGS team.

There is one more on-board camera available. If you'd like it fitted in your car, post a message here or email me soonest at: [email protected].

Our commentators this year are Jake Sanson, who many will have heard at Croft where he did an excellent job. Then we have Jon Waldock who joined the 24 Hour team as a 'trainee' a few years ago but is now fully fledged, John Ward, most recently manager of Mallory Park, and Scott Woodwiss, who joined the team last year at Snet, enjoyed it so much that he is making the long journey from Norfolk to do it again.

Remember to bring a radio so you can listen on 87.7fm at the circuit. Or you can follow it live on the web at www.2cvracing.org.uk. There is a strong Vodafone signal at the circuit, or you can pay £10 for a few days access to a very good wi-fi connection - there are repeaters in all garages. And, of course, tell all your relies and friends to follow our unique race wherever they are.

I have had this enquiry from a researcher working on a TV prgramme. I have suggested that she comes up to Anglesey where she can meet lots of people with racing or road-going cars, all with an affection for the 2CV and with lots of stories to tell. However, it is quite a long way north of Watford Gap . . . . .

I've no idea what is involved, but if you fancy your 15 minutes of fame, do get in contract with Lizzie. It's all a bit last-minute, so sooner rather than later. Will you get paid? I've no idea.

Sam at 2CVGB is posting a similar message on their forum.

Subject: RE: Classic 2CV Racing Club: Love Productions Enquiry

We are looking  for 2CV enthusiasts to be potential contributors for a documentary on cars. To give you a few examples of the sort of stories we are looking for.  If you have always owned a 2CV, perhaps you have your granddads or father's 2CV which they have passed down to you or  your family is 2CV mad! We would love to hear from you.  Please email me at [email protected] for more information. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you!

[2CVParts.co.uk]

All: I'm pleased to advise the Club's commercial sponsors and supplier partners for 2014.

Championship sponsor:

2CVParts.co.uk
The largest 2CV parts supplier in the UK
www.ecas2cvparts.co.uk

24 Hour Race - Title sponsor:

Professional Motorsport World Expo, Koln
The professional show for race engineers, teams and drivers
www.professionalmotorsport-expo.com

24 Hour Race - Gold sponsors:

Elim Citroen
Citroen dealers for Anglesey, with showroom in Llangefni.
Will be providing the Safety Car and presenting a display of current Citroen DS cars
www.elim.citroen.co.uk

SeaLion
Cold and hot mounting and laminating films
www.lionpic.co.uk

24 Hour Race - Silver sponsors:

BRT Group
Automotive and industrial bearings, power and pneumatic products
www.brt-group.co.uk

Solicitors Title
A fresh approach to your legal needs
www.solicitorstitle.co.uk

Stevenage Sheet Metal
Precision sheet metal work with laser cutters
www.stevenagesheetmetal.com

Supplier partners:
BARC
AVO
Kent Cams
Sabelt
Toyo Tires

There will be two in-car cameras for the 24hr. These will be supported by trackside and pit-lane cameras.

These should transmit to the control suite continuously and the 'footage' will all be recorded. They draw very minimal power and weigh very little. You would be allowed your team name in shot.

The ouput will enhance the live commentary which will be streamed at www.2cvracing.co.uk

If you'd like one in your car, please send me an email soonest, [email protected]

This morning, Dicky and Pat Dawes had a very serious crash in their lovely shiny 2CV based three wheeler. It was on the A31 near Bere Regis. The other vehicle involved was a small motorhome. Earlier concerns have turned out to be wide of the mark and I am pleased to say that Pat is now back at home and Dicky, who was airlifted to hospital, is being treated from some head injuries and has a couple of broken bones. Both are expected to make a good recovery. The three wheeler is now a two wheeler and will need a fair bit of work.

Dicky is a sheet metal whiz and has been around cars all his life. I met him about 14 years ago when I did my first 24hr at Mondello Park. He was helping run a car for Jem Marsh of Marcos fame. The other drivers were Terry Sanger and John Coyle. John and I are still racing. Terry is still fiddling with engines over in Wales and Jem is in his 80's and living near Bristol.

After the race, I bought the car and the rest is very modest history. The other mechanic then, Andy Doel, is still with the team today. Dicky has helped the team ever since and was planning to come to a test session prior to the 24hr.

[b]CARAVANS for SNETTERTON[/b]

One of the guys who raced very successfully in Mini Grand last year, Jonathan Lewis, one of the TEDS, has set up Snetterton Speed Shop near the circuit. It's apparently right in front of you as you enter the circuit and go round the l/hand bend. In short, jolly handy.

He has some caravans available for hire to teams at the 24hr.

He also has full race shop facilities, with parts and equipment, including a rolling road dyno, set up patch, scales, etc.

Contact him at: [email protected] or mob 07989 565989.

He's offering 2CV racers a good discount.

Our occasional team manager, Patrick Darnes, has a road going 2CV, in unknown condition available, probably extremely cheap.

Contact him first at: [email protected]

Wearing my new hat as a club Director, and having been asked to look after marketing and PR type stuff, I have had a chat with club stalwart Peter Dalkin.
   To add a bit of interest to the Croft meeting, he is arranging for his company, Wingrove Motors, to put on a small display of some current sporty Citroens in the paddock. Assuming it's in one piece after a Spa event in early April, he'll bring along his Belgian series car to add to the display.
   And to spice up the racing a little he is kindly putting up a trophy for the winner of the Wingrove Motors Challenge. This will be awarded to the car / drivers combination which does best over the two Croft races, rounds 3 and 4 of the 2012 2CVParts.com Championship, 2013.
   He's offered to help BARC promote the event through his email marketing list. There is no money in this for anyone involved, although it would be nice for Wingrove if they picked up a few good sales leads. It is a fine example of a supporter of the club helping promote our racing.
   If anyone else has any kind of business activity that might benefit from a modest association with our racing, then please do get in touch. We can make a little money go a long way.
   Right now, we have titles available for the two Motors TV Live events, at Donington and Mallory. Race 1 at Donington, the Championship opener, will be the 2CVParts.com Challenge, in recognition of the great support that Roy Eastwood has given, and continues to give, to the club. The title to the other race there is still available, as is the title to the 30 minute TV race at Mallory. You get the race title in the programme and on screen. Commentators can mention it at least twice and the winning driver is briefed to mention it in the post race interview.
   And if anyone has ideas and contacts and would like to join our informal club marketing/PR group, then do drop me a note.
  I hope to be at Donington, so say hello there. Martin

[2cvparts.com]

Pete S did a great job at the wheel for us on Monday, bringing us our first win since 2003, when Paul Leason won at Anglesey. That was in the days when Observers were not too fussy about white line rules! Thanks to Sammie for great engines - that one got near-fastest lap at Snet 2 years ago.

We'd had all four wings and the boot lid repainted last week, ready for the telly, and I kid you not, there was not a scratch on any of them. Pete is a very smooth operator.

Thanks to all of the other teams who made it the biggest sprint race entry for some time. And of course, thanks to all the sponsors, Roy at 2cvparts.com, Dom at Dodo Juice and Gary at Stevenage Sheet Metal. (Sorry about the race title error in the programme - the guys at BARC had been briefed on the change to the Stevenage Sheet Metal Trophy, but somethig got lost in their in-tray) Great trophies, and I obviously especially like the SSM Trophy, particularly shapely as a big '1'.

Now, is there a techie out there who can tell me how to get the live footage of the races off a Sky hard drive and onto a CD? I'm told the race film is great and we'd like to use it for promo, but I'm too mean to have Sky.

[2CV Motors TV race times]

This is for anyone who may be browsing the site looking for the 2CV Motors TV race times for Monday, May 4:

Rounds of the ECAS 2CVparts.com Championship 2012

Round 5 Dodo Juice Trophy   app 14.10

Round 6 Stevenage Sheet Metal Trophy  app 17.00

Both races are app 10 min duration, and with a field of around 25 cars, should be full of close racing

Sadly, we can't make the Oulton Park races.

In their place, we are planning to spend a day testing at Llandow, near Cardiff. It is provisionally set for Thursday April 26. Cost there is about £130 for all-day, open pit lane. Any time under 60secs is good.

There should be at least two cars there, but more always welcome.

[WEDDING CAR]

All:

WEDDING CAR

My son Robert, currently 24hr fueller but probably driving in 2012, is getting married in Bristol on January 21.

He and his lovely wife (as will be) want to be driven from the church in Redland to the reception by the floating harbour in a nice 2CV.

Anyone know anyone who has a suitable car in Bristol area and would like to wear a peaked cap for an hour or so that afternoon?

If you do, please contact me on 07973 303982 or send a message to [email protected]

Thanks, Martin