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Results and ReportsLDC at Curborough - 29/4/04 - An Introduction to Sprinting
23 cars driven by 29 drivers assemble for this, now legendary, event on what looked a bit of a dodgy day, weather-wise. However, we were blessed with minimal rain and the track was dry and the going good-to-firm for the majority of the day. Lake Windermere on the inside of one of the bends was a testimony to the type of moist weather we had been having recently and further reinforced our good fortune on the day. The cars were an interesting mix comprising Elises, Dulon (sort of mini GT40 with a mid-engined Lotus Twincam), Westfield (one with 250 bhp - you little Tinker - you know who you are), AC Cobra (replica but a chuffing big engine never-the-less), MX5, Escort Cosworth (350 bhp rally car), Exige, Caterham, Elans, Esprit, Mini, 911 Porsche, Suzuki Cappucino (no, I didn't believe it until I saw it), Audi 80 and a couple of special attractions.
The field of budding Schumachers were briefed on car preparation, clothing and rules of the day (Oh yes, I can be strict when I have to be - especially with the wife - it's OK she never reads Chicane). Then we walked the track, discussing what gear you would (or should) be in at various points on the circuit, the line through the bends and pointing out the exciting bits. The first driving session was a familiarisation, "take it easy and learn the track" affair and my congratulations to all of our spinners - I am glad the briefing was received and understood. Prize for the "spin of the day" undoubtedly goes to Nigel Mummery in the Escort Cosworth who managed a 540 degree smoke and tyres special on the first bend of his first lap. (I am convinced that these rally boys have a pathological resistance to all four wheels pointing approximately the same way, at the same time and in the general direction of intended forward travel). The morning progressed without a hitch (just a couple more spins) and speeds increased as the track dried, confidence grew and I am glad to say that the recovery vehicle and the ambulance, the pilots of which were like coiled springs - ready for any eventuality, were not required. The three outstandingly quick cars were the 250 bhp Westfield (Jan Snape), the Dulon (Andy Reeves) and the Cosworth Escort (Nigel Mummery - who, by now, had got the hang of keeping it on the black bit, as opposed to the surrounding green bits). All were driven by chaps who were no strangers to "doing a bit" and indeed are currently doing it. i.e. sprinting, racing and rallying respectively.  Lunch was called at 1:00pm and whilst we were still munching, a Kart demonstration drive was given by Steve Harrold, who is currently contesting the British 250 National Gearbox Kart championship. When he fired it up - attention turned from lunch boxes to the track and people drifted over to see what this thing with an engine the size of a Christmas pudding was all about, and why it had the cheek to have it's own demo slot. As each driver arrived at the track barrier to watch, to a man (or woman) they all said "goodness me, that does go awfully well doesn't it?" (Or something along those lines but a little more colourful). The afore mentioned quick cars would have been beaten by the Kart by an estimated half the finishing straight (circa 6 seconds) on a 34 second car run. A new respect formed for the wee machine and some performance figures may be of interest to our readers: 0-60 2.8 secs, cornering and braking at 2g (about twice any road going Lotus) and a top speed of 135 mph. Power comes from a tuned Honda 250cc single cylinder motocross engine and produces about 65 bhp at the wheels, with the Kart and driver weighing in at a 200kg minimum weight. Brakes are vented discs all round and the clutch is used only to get the Kart off the start line - all gearchanges after that are clutchless and effected by lifting off and flicking the hand gearchange into the next gear. Up the back wiggly part of the Curborough course (around the mole-hill), where most cars were in 2nd gear all the way, the Kart went from 1st to 4th to 1st to 4th. Top (5th) was only used on the finishing straight. So, "Well done Steve" and back to your Marshalls flag for a 1:30pm restart. The day continued to get better, with people having passenger rides in any of the other cars that took their fancy and drivers were only too keen to oblige. Arthur Clarke put a stunning 3 laps in in his S2 Esprit but it turns out he had a ringer driving it in the form of Andy Reeves who was ordinarily running the Dulon. The day was admirably marshalled by Geoff Barber, Steve Harrold, Steves mate Dave, Simon Lawrence and, by no means least, myself. My thanks go to all those above who selflessly gave up their time and helped the day run smoothly. At 5:00pm we called a halt and assembled the field for a group photo (I'm the incredibly handsome chap on the right). Judging by the comments and the thanks, a great day was had by all and we jolly well intend to do it again on the 16th September 2004 - why not give it a shot? I look forward to seeing you if you do. NB No cars, animals or marshals were hurt during the running of this event (Oh, apart from my pride when my run produced a near perfect 720 degree spin, just where I told people to be careful). May all your Lotus miles be sunny ones, Regards, Colin smith |