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To organise a club stand at Race Retro was a good decision by AB.

Zoe brought her car along, which is in magnificent condition and impressed many visitors. The site was pretty good, and the car coud be seen from some way off. There were lots of browsers, as is inevitable, and some of those could develop into new entries. A number of positive discussions with various very interesting parties were opened up. One or two of those were quite surprising. AB will no doubt say more about those as and when things develop.

I guess much more will emerge in the second and third days.

The site is a bit confusing at first but the show does have a very friendly atmosphere and is full of interest. Having helped with a club stand at the Autosport show some years ago, I would say that Race Retro is a better place to be. It maintains and develops the club profile amongst the right type of racing people, clubs and organisers.

I'm preparing to sticker up our re-painted car ready for the 'Focus On Imaging' exhibition in a couple of weeks.

I urgently need 2 club door race number panels. Does anyone know who has any that they could mail to me soonest?

Now we've got a new Chairman, with some extremely good connections, supported by a hard working committee, it's down to all of us members to help them along.

Keeping the publicity machine going is a crucial part of that - we need to keep on punching above our weight. Aubrey is setting things up for a club display at Race Retro, which is a very important event. I'm sure he and others have lots more ideas, and to make any of them work will require a lot of input from members.

At risk of getting my head bitten off for boasting, here's some of what Team Fine Print is doing:

- many of you probably saw that in the Autosport annual review edition, there was a big picture of our Snet 24hr pit lane at night, and our race was mentioned alongside the Silverstone 24hr. That was probably not unconnected with the fact that Edd Straw, deputy news editor, drives in the race with the team, and he'll be back in August. Edd has been made aware that we are now called Classic 2CV Racing Club, and we hope he might work that into any news items in future.

- if you click on: http://www.hids4u.co.uk/store/home.php or: http://www.hids4u.co.uk/store/pages.php?pageid=5 you'll see that one of our modest sponsors has given the team and the 24hr a feature space on their specialist website.

- the team car is being re-painted ready to feature on the Fine Print / Lion stand at the big 'Focus On Imaging' photo show at NEC Birmingham, Feb 24 - 27. Around 32,000 visitors should pass by and will be able to take pics of the car with Miss Fine Print (yes, I know, it's sexist and corny, but it always works). We are also working with Canon, Tecco (a German inkjet paper manufacturer) and Inkrite (legal compatible ink cartridges) in '08 and they are open to low cost promotional ideas in involving their products, racing 2CV's and boosting sales.

We like the '08 calendar and hope to do all five events.

Nothing much gets into any newspaper or magazine these days without a little nudging from someone, somewhere. If you read race reports, you'll see that they are often written by the same people.
 I don't know who covered the Silverstone race for Autosport, but Peter Scherer does a lot of reports from there. It can often pay for someone to take a little time to find out who is doing the report, seek him out and have a chat. Race control will usually know. Writers are given a limited number of words to cover a meeting, and try to squeeze in as much interesting stuff as they can. So, feed them interesting stuff !
 At Snetterton, it's usually Oliver Timson who does the reports for Autosport and Lewis Beales for Motorsport News and the local radio and press media. I assume that I'm not the only one who takes time to chat to them, give them a cuppa, etc.  This year, Ollie was delighted to find that he'd been given 500 words for the 24hr. With Deputy News Editor Edd Straw driving for us, Autosport always tries to find a little extra space for 2CVs.
 The double-page spread in Autosport on his experiences in the 24hr by Gary Watkins was beautifully written, but it could not have happened without John Davies helping him into the race seat.
 With those 500 words from Ollie and the double page spread, I think 2CV's have had pretty good coverage in Autosport this year; quite a lot more than most club series.
 As with most things in life, there's generally little benefit in moaning about a problem. Much better to identify it and look for simple solutions.

I'm sorry, but not surprised, that Trevor has decided to stand down. He and I have not always seen eye to eye, but there is absolutely no-one who's worked harder for the members than he has. He's often made difficult decisions, a few of which, with hindsight, I guess he might feel that he might have done differently. But, things often have to be decided in the heat of the moment, which is the lot of the Chairman. Clever comments later by contributors to the forum aren't always helpful. So, well done to you Trevor, and sincere thanks from me and my team.

We did the full season, I think, twice, some years ago. I still bore my friends telling them about racing at Spa. We had a great time doing all those races, but it swallowed money and time. Since then, we've done occasional races, plus every 24hr. I think a lot of people come into racing, have a burst for a year or two, then other pressures divert them away from it. I'm rather proud that we've done nine 24hrs, even though I fully recognise, like most members, that the club is unlikely to survive on that event alone.

I've followed the regular desperate efforts of Trevor and Paul to try to assemble race fields. I know that every car owner has all sorts of time and financial pressures. I knew as soon as I saw the '07 calendar that for various reasons, we would only be able to do the 24hr and probably Pembrey this year, so, I've kept out of most forum discussions.

The proposal being circulated for '08, which I understand to be that the series will only go ahead if an agreed minimum of cars are entered and the full seasons entry fees are paid for each in advance, seems very sound. I also think that running the 24hr later in the Summer is a good idea. If the idea is accepted, then whoever is running the club in '08 will at least know at the start of the year whether there is a race series, and won't have to chase entries all season.

In fact, I'm already thinking about whether we might be able to put a package together do the full season next year. I've always been a fan of enduros, but I can see now that shorter races might be more fun. I'm not getting any younger, or any quicker, but hey, who did not enjoy balancing huge understeer round Coram, foot (almost) flat, in the night, in the driving rain and howling cold wind ?

I do hope that the next races get enough entries to keep BARC at bay, for I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to race at Pembrey and in '08.

Take a look at: www.post14.f9.co.uk/p14_gallery.htm

Lots of good pics - if you wonder why many are of car 97, it's because we asked Witty to come along and cover the race for us.

If you want any copies, please contact her direct.

If anyone has a scanner that they'd be prepared to lend to the radio commentary team, could they bring it along to Snet, garage 1. It will be used. legally, during the night to help the commentators gather info.
Ta.

Taking a quick look at the provisional schedule on the BARC website, everything seems to be as expected, except on Sunday.

Pistonheads have two hours on the Sunday morning, which is great for all their members attending.

But, what is not on the schedule is any warm-up period for 2CV's before the race start.

Is there scope for a little re-adjustment of the schedule ? Otherwise, there is no chance to test any overnight repairs and adjustments.

[InkRite]

Some of you may have seen the little news item in the Club section of this week's 'Autosport', revealing that Radio Fine Print will operate throughout the Stingray 24 this year. That got fed in through the good offices of Edd Straw, a journo on the mag and team driver of car 97.

I've been to Le Mans several times and always enjoyed the coverage given by Radio Le Mans. In fact, without it, it would be difficult to follow the event. Our famous 2CV enduro has now become very well established at Snetterton, and with Simon Leith pushing hard on the promotional front, it is growing as an event, year by year.

With planning restrictions limiting the times of commentary on the circuit PA, I decided a while ago to try to put together a temporary radio station for the '07 race. The idea had the immediate support of Jonathan Palmer, boss of MSV, and Jamie Hopper, Operations Manager at Snet. The Ofcom licence procedure is in hand and we have rented a radio transmitter / studio truck for the weekend. Alan Hyde will lead the commentary team again, and his colleagues so far are local racing journo Lewis Beales, a long time friend of the race and Edd Straw, who's done pit lane at Radio Le Mans, will be helping when not driving.

Our very own Ainslie Bousefield will be looking after the Club's interests and he's persuaded a local BBC Radio producer to help wth the studio operations.

Radio Fine Print will transmit the race commentary, alongside the circuit PA. When the PA is turned off at 6pm, the radio will continue. This means that everyone will know what's going on. That's marshals, pit crews, officials, Pistonfest people, campers and spectators. In fact, everyone except the drivers in the race cars.

Interspersed with the commentary will be interviews in the 'studio' and with people around the circuit. A new and mopre powerful radio mike system is planned for the circuit which will help. BARC CoC Ian Watson is even considering our proposal that the observer in the safety car has a mike, and if circumstances permit, could report on track incidents.

The radio will carry adverts. There are four opportunities for associate sponsorship, at £500 each. For that, the sponsor will get a mention in any printed material promoting Radio Fine Print at Stingray 24 and they will have 2 x 60sec (max) radio ads transmitted each hour. (Note - for technical reasons, Ofcom require that we only transmit pre-recorded ads.)

So far, we've signed up one sponsor, Medea, who will be promoting their InkRite compatible ink cartridges on the radio and doing demos during the event.

If anyone knows of any other company or organisation who might like to take up one of the available associate sponsorships, then please let me know. Through my Fine Print brand, I'm taking the financial risk of the radio venture, so the 2CV Racing Club is not exposed. For legal reasons, my company is the licence holder.

I'm very much hoping that Radio Fine Print will make our major race weekend even more enjoyable for all. It should help enhance all the work being done behind the scenes by many club members and other people. Within reason, the radio will be available to anyone who has anything interesting, even humorous, to say.

We are working with Medea on an idea to produce a race sheet at the circuit. We'll talk nicely to Dick and other photographers about taking pics of all the drivers and the cars - which is impossible to do before the race weekend. We'll place those into a pre-prepared template and print them off on demand. It would be right up to date, with starting grid etc. The inks will be supplied by InkRite and the paper by TECCO. We would sell them for £1 each, all of which would go to charity.

All:

I see that MSV are organising this again at the end of the month. It seems it's open to any race series organiser, club or race car manufacturer. In-paddock displays and on-track runs apparently allow interested drivers to have a go in anything that they fancy.

It would be good if 2CV's could be represented there, maybe rather more effective than dealing with loads of tyre kickers at the Autosport show.

Yes, you've guessed it, I can't be there to help.

Martin H

Ainslie,

I e-mailed you about a rather important commentating matter for the Stingray 24hr, '07, but it bounced. Please contact me soonest at: [email protected] or m 07973 303982 :shock:

Ta, Martin H

Paul Davey, who runs the Strenneth guest house, 10 mins from the circuit, has a 5 berth caravan to hire out for the w/e. Cost is £350, including delivery to and collection from the the paddock. Contact him at [email protected]

Accomodation near Snet
 For several years, some of us at Team Fine Print have stayed at the Strenneth Guest House. This is in a small village about 10 mins drive south of the circuit, through the charming village of Kenninghall.
 It is run by Paul Davey and his wife, and they have various types of accomodaton, from en-suite to bunk rooms at quite reasonable prices. His breakfasts are excellent and he does not charge for the unused room on the race night. He is an excellent host and has Buffy's ale on tap.
 Contact him at [email protected]
Martin H

Is it me, or is there a potential problem out there with getting hold of the specified Michelin tyres for the 24 hr ?

I normally use a well established firm in the Midlands, Lodge Tyre, based in Birmingham. My friend Melvin there is the ony man I know who will take the trouble to balance my 2CV wheels. He and his colleagues know a lot about the tyre business.

I asked them for a quote for 6 of the specified tyres. He has come back to me saying that they are no longer in production, he can't get hold of any and in his words, they have 'gone vintage'. I checked a couple of vintage tyre sites and the prices are looking like £55 each. Now, that's a lot of money for just one race - albeit a nice long one.

Does anyone have any ideas on this ?

Happy New Year to all, Martin Harrold / Team Fine Print

Hello all:

Yes, I'm still around but, sadly not racing again this year. Business is taking up more time than ever - and I should be thinking about retiring.  Team Fine Print does have drivers and cars all ready for the '06 24hr, so we are looking forward to that.

(If you own almost any Epson printer or all-in-one, Fine Print will have something simple and reliable and costing £80 or so which will reduce your ink costs by 90% in October. If that's interesting for you contact me at [email protected].)

In case it has not been written up anywhere, we had Wayne's 2CV on display at the BTCC meeting at Snet. 15,000 people came along and we had a lot of interest. My man Jez Clark was in the Porshe Cars with Team Autosport Porsche GT3. He enjoyed it, but, ahem, he had a little trouble with the gearchange, and fried he clutch three times. Whoops.

I've been having a big sort-out of accumulated stuff in my office. I've found three copies of the video of the 2003 24hr. One I'll send to ATB for his club archive. The othe two, I'm happy to send out FOC to the first two to ask. All I need is your mailing address. Send it to [email protected]

Ive been following the discussion over race formats for '06. I share Steve P's view that when he and I came in, the grids were spilling over and we had to qualify. That helped us all get our licences for the Spa 2hrs. And what a race that was ! Yep - I still recall going flat through Eau Rouge. That was an exciting season, if a trifle expensive with Zolder thrown in.

Maybe more excitement and variety is what is needed. And - what about some kind of weight handicap system - I'm sure Pete would not mind winning every race. The weird system used in BTCC seems to make thse races exciting - although, thinking about it, they only get 14 cars on the grid - so maybe that is not such a good idea. But I think money is the big issue there. But, then again, I think that James Tucker is hoping to fill all 80 grid slots for his 24hr race at Silvers - and some of the teams are spending serious money there.

It's true that the MX5 grids are full to overflowing. Simple cars, possibly no more expensive to run than 2CV's and with much less 'black art' involved in the engine building and chassis set-up. And lots of sticker space.

Best wishes, to all. Martin H

I guess this query is for Paul or Phil:

I see that the regs show that the garages are for 2CV's. Will the tarmac area behind the garages be roped off to stop other cars and support vehicles creeping on ? Other racers may not appreciate just how much space all our motorhomes and stuff take up.

Martin H  :roll:

Last year, plumbed-in fire extinguishers were optional. Are they compulsory this year ? :roll: [/b]

Dear all,

You may have seen an advert for :lol: our car and truck in Autosport. Yep, the truck has been sold, to another member, and we are getting enquiries for the car, so we hope it will be on the grid in '05.
 And, the team will still be around, but not quite in the same formal way. Annual medical permitting, I'm going to share a car with Alan Glide at selected meetings. The team name 'Grumpy Old Men' has a nice ring to it. Some may know that Dicky is having some remedial surgery on his hands which may put him out of action for a few months. He'll still be around to 'encourage' us. Pat will be there, teapot and corkscrew in hand. Andy won't be too far way either, but with no cab to sleep in, I guess he'll be helping me charm the B&B landladies.
 We all still enjoy going 2CV racing. Pembrey, despite the rain, was most enjoyable. For me it was the first meeting I'd been to for two years where I was not weighed down with hassles of the 24hr. It was just great, getting out on the track for fun.
 Trev - despite our occasional differences, I think that anyone who takes on the job of Chairman deserves the support of everyone.
 I'm sorry that I could not help with getting a stand sorted for the club at the recent racing car show. Pressures of work at this time of year are now just too great.
 We do hope to be running at least one car in the 24hr, maybe a second. Still lots of interest from overseas drivers. We hope to have Jez Clark out again - that boy is very quick. We are trying to get him on the list for a drive in the Autosport Carrera Cup Porsche. Send your message of support to edd.straw@haynet,.com.
 And we are all off to Le Mans this year, for the first time in five years. Camping places seem to be almost sold out already, so at the moment. we'll be up on the site near the Porsche Curves.
 So, that's the news from Team Fine Print. We've been enjoying it for five years and hopefully will do for a few more years yet.
Best wishes, Martin