360 MRC 6hrs of Snetterton and HRDC races

[White flag man]

Originally Posted by John Turner

Starters - 27
Classified - 20

Good field of cars for this 45 minute race with compulsory stop. In truth, I actually don't remember too much about this race other than it was dominated by 3 x Jaguar Mk1 saloons with Nigel Webb (11) coming out on top after Peter Burton (69) retired but Webb only just pipped Peter Dorlin (48) who crossed the line 0.7 secs later. I understand that an A40 rolled at the beginning and that accounts for the damage to the rear nearside wing of one of the XK150s. I also understand that the A40 landed back on its wheels and was driven back to the pits although I did not see it and I note that a pair of A40s retired on that first lap so not sure which one had the drama. Also pleased to get a pic of Tenther Brian Arculus in his Hillman Minx (71) as that retired after just 4 laps. Anyway to make up for the lack of race account, I'll put up 3 posts of pics!

Just shots and reports as usual John. As the flag marshal at Agostini, I can report that the A40 that "rolled" was being driven by Stephen Miles (Silver Grey, No.2). It was more of a slide than a roll. Seemed to take the corner too sharply and filipped over on it's side and then then slid across the track on to the grass. Not entirely sure how Stephen managed to right the car, but the Volvo was very close and also ended up on the grass. Don't recall the Jaguar making contact with the A40, but I could be wrong. Once righted, Stephen then sped of down the grass and rejoined the race, allowing me to report my first "rolled and continued!". The Scrutineers then asked for the car to come into the pits, so they could report the damage, and the fact he had left his fuel cap lying on the track, at the scene. Unfortunately, it was then discovered that, as a result of the incident, the drivers door could not be opened and Stephen was not allowed to continue.

[MartinSmith]

A big thanks to the RAFBF boys, who have sent me a lovely DVD with lots of high quality Pics on it....super stuff

I must say that all of you have excelled in the pic department this year for the 360. Thank you all very much for capturing the "Spirit of the event" as we say in these parts

ta
C

[John Turner]

Thank You Wfm!

I cannot give a blow by blow account of the 6 hours because my spectating was punctuated by several long conversations and I tend to lose track anyway. Also was unable to stay to the end. It was, as we have said terribly disappointing that we lost cars from the previous weekends very wet conditions and later a few star cars following practice acccidents. It was a motley collection of cars that Claire led round to start the third running of race, but before the race got under way the BMW 325 (2) of Climax Motorsport pulled off on the startline as it was depositing fuel and returned to the paddock for rectification. Also the Clan Crusader turned straight back into the pits and we weren't to see it out until the 3rd hour! It was, of course, the Caterhams that took off into the lead although the thought of making them last 6 hours, I think tempered their pace a bit and they maintained close formation and position swapping early on. The rest of the field was led early on by the Ed Simpson Ralliart Mitsubishi Starion (74) with, if I recall correctly, the Rusty Nail VW Golf (56), Ed Simpson (other entry) Mustang (34) and Les Ely BMW 2000 in relatively close attendance. A few shots from early on:-

[John Turner]

The Climax Motorsport BMW (2) returned to the fray without losing a complete lap (fuel return pipe issue?) and was soon lapping very effectively. In fact apart from the Caterhams, I think it, along with the Les Ely/Neil Wood BMW 2000 (31), were the quickest cars on track and by the end of the first hour, behind 3 of the Caterhams, the Ely car was up to 4th and the 325 was 6th, sandwiching the VW Golf. The 'Tango' Porsche 924 (44) of Mike Bell and Cliff Ryan had emerged the quickest of the 924s and was circulating well in 9th place. We had already lost the Porsche 911SC (18) after 4 laps with driveshaft failure, poor reward for so much effort in getting the car ready. The Silver Arrows 924(32) spent some time in the pits and we didn't see the Toyota MR2 (94) again when it pitted after just 13 laps:-

[John Turner]

A few more from the first hour, as I don't have many of the rest of the race:-

[Moosehead]

Originally Posted by White flag man

J Unfortunately, it was then discovered that, as a result of the incident, the drivers door could not be opened and Stephen was not allowed to continue.

''Booo'' to the scrutineers

[White flag man]

Originally Posted by Moosehead

''Booo'' to the scrutineers

As much I would have loved to see Stephen continue, I would have preferred that, in the event of a further incident, he could have got out of the car fairly quickly!

[John Turner]

At the end of the second hour, the Climax Motorsport BMW 325 was lying 3rd neatly splitting the Caterhams into pairs, whilst the 2000 (31) was 6th. The Golf was holding down 7th and Tango was up to 8th. I cannot guarantee that any of the pics represent the period in the race being discussed in the respective posts!:-

[John Turner]

At the end of the 3rd hour the 325 was still holding down 3rd and on the same lap as the 2nd placed Caterham on 71 laps; a superb effort. The Golf had risen to 5th whilst the 2000 had dropped to 7th with Tango in 8th. The RAF Benevolent Fund Teams Mini (95) had been circulating steadily and consistently and was lying 9th, 3 laps behind Tango and the Clan Crusader had finally emerged and completed 9 laps. The Mustang clearly had problems for despite its pace it was down in 13th place having only completed 45 laps:-

[John Turner]

In fact, as the next pics show, the mechanical breakdown of the Mustang brought out the safety car - I should have remembered that. The Mustang, pleasingly was to return to the race but it was a question of survival to the end rather than any hopes for a good placing.

At the end of the 4th hour the Scuderia B.O.G Caterham had moved up to 2nd from 4th, thus demoting the 325 to 4th but the 2000 saloon was up to 5th. BMWs, you see always there or thereabouts!!! I should also mention that despite the loss of both Astons pre race Rikki Cann and his team were still supporting the event with their 325 (99) and at the end of the 4th hour it was running 12th. The very consistent Golf was lying 6th and the equally consistent Tango in 7th and on the same lap. Anyone detecting German reliability here? Whilst the Mustang was struggling, Ed Simpson's no 1 entry, the Mitsubishi Starion was holding down 10th:-

[johngee]

Thank you John. Your summaries and photos (together with all the other photos and links) and the Radio Le Mans commentary podcasts make it possible to relive the whole 6 hour race again from your laptop - in a somewhat warmer environment!
Well done to all the competitors, marshals/officials and spectators for entering into the sprit and culture of this race and that is what 360MRC is really all about. As Claire has already posted in another thread, we've already had two paid entries for 2013!
We now have to concentrate on making next year's race bigger and better and also on our 2 hour enduro at Brands Hatch in September.
Thanks for the support from you and all at the 10/10ths community.

[John Turner]

At the end of Fifth hour, Caterhams (62 and 6) were lying one - two, the leader (62) 2 laps clear due to less stops since it carried a larger fuel tank. The BMW 325 (2) of Climax Motosrport still holding down an excellent 3rd on the same lap as the closing Caterham (16) of TCS Motorsport. The Golf (56) was lying 5th and Tango was now up to 6th. The Ely BMW 2000 was down to 9th but I don't know why.

[Peter Mallett]

The Ely BMW broke its exhaust manifold and was black flagged due to noise. They welded it up and it came out again.

[John Turner]

Ah, yes, Peter, thanks, I do remember the sound changed!

[John Turner]

So the Alemdent Ltd Caterham (62) came first on the road followed by the Scuderia B.O.G Caterham (6) and the TCS Motorsport Caterham (160, thus disproving unreliability theories. However, I think Claire will tell us that the real winner was the BMW 325 of Climax Motorsport and it certainly was a model of quick consistency as were its immediate pursuers, the Rusty Nail Racing VW Golf and Tango. 12 cars were still running at the end, that final position being taken by Silver Arrows Porsche (32). At least that is how I'm reading the final results page. Well done to all those still running at the end. My last pics:-

[simonb87]

The Clan fuel man assisted with welding the Ely BMW as we didn't need to refuel

Think he might have welded one of the manifold nuts by accident

But it improved it enough to get back out, so mission accomplished!

[GORDON STREETER]

John, I take it you may have your Brownie 127 back in your possession after I brought it back from that pikey boy that I flogged it to in Mojacar market ?

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by John Turner

I think Claire will tell us that the real winner was the BMW 325 of Climax Motorsport and it certainly was a model of quick consistency as were its immediate pursuers, the Rusty Nail Racing VW Golf and Tango.

Thank you John for once again taking time to post your photos and give us a report! Since the race I have listened to the whole Radio Le Mans podcast and if any prospective entrants havn't got the message by now on what is required to do well in this race, listen to John & Nick!

We know that the winning 325 is a very standard car mechanically, but I didn't have time to find out much about the very smart 'Rusty Nail' Golf during the w/end. However, have just read the Production GTI race series regs to find out what it is all about. Very similar to the Porsche 924 PDA championship with limited power (160bhp for 16 valve), standard brakes & gearbox, minimum weight with driver etc..... Another IDEAL car for the 360, as shown by Rusty's pace and reliability. OK, they had to replace pads and at least one tyre during second stop (luckily under SC so saved some time!) but if they had driven with slightly less enthusiasm maybe the originals would have lasted!

Having had time to inspect Tango and do some figures, the 924 averaged over 17mpg, the front pads are 2/3 worn after this year AND last years race, (OK, 4hrs last year!) rear shoes perfect, and tyres good to do several more short races or next year's qualifying. So, new pads, order some tyres, change the oil and we are good for next year.....

Without more power or the power it should have, the car isn't going to go any quicker, but maybe using the fuel range capability, we could go for two stops or maybe even one? Just needs drivers to be able to do 3hrs without cramp or falling asleep......

[John Turner]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

John, I take it you may have your Brownie 127 back in your possession after I brought it back from that pikey boy that I flogged it to in Mojacar market ?

Gordon, yes, many thanks, got it back on Monday, but not yet checked it, but I'm sure that it is spot on. All it needs now is its handler to improve!

Mike, terrific post; seems that you've hit the sweet spot with Tango.

[midgetman]

Very interesting figures Mike. I haven't had chance to debrief the Silver Arrow yet, but Bistromaths gives me around the same mpg. And I don't think that 924 drivers would be *that* surprised if they saw these consumption figures on the road

Tyres are showing evidence of over-inflation, but will easily do some more races. Once I'd sorted the breather problem we didn't use a drop of oil. No water added all weekend, and the temperature gauge never got to 50% even though it's all totally standard water system (and probably knackered!). Mind you we only did a fraction of your mileage.

Another 50bhp would transform the car and make it into a potential winner. 924S or 944 methinks. We will be back next year to try and get a few more laps in!

[garcon]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Bistromaths

Is that back of a fag packet in a Little Chef?

[John Turner]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Another 50bhp would transform the car and make it into a potential winner. 924S or 944 methinks. We will be back next year to try and get a few more laps in!

Max, a 944 would be a great addition, although I suspect it would be tad heavier to drive, and harder on tyres and fuel. Mind you, as you say, you'd have more power, a less stressed engine and a bigger contact patch!

[garcon]

924 Turbo if you can find one. The power of the 944 without the extra weight.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Tyres are showing evidence of over-inflation, but will easily do some more races. Once I'd sorted the breather problem we didn't use a drop of oil. No water added all weekend, and the temperature gauge never got to 50% even though it's all totally standard water system (and probably knackered!). Mind you we only did a fraction of your mileage.

If they are Toyos you need to run them at max 32psi hot.

Originally Posted by midgetman

Another 50bhp would transform the car and make it into a potential winner. 924S or 944 methinks. We will be back next year to try and get a few more laps in!

Surely 50bhp is possible with blueprinting and better breathing?

Also I think better dampers, bushes and suspension geometry would also find a few seconds.

But all up I think a 944 would provide better scope with less effort, and you can now sell the 924 for 165 quid as a race finisher.

[Cliff Ryan]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Having had time to inspect Tango and do some figures, the 924 averaged over 17mpg, the front pads are 2/3 worn after this year AND last years race, (OK, 4hrs last year!) rear shoes perfect, and tyres good to do several more short races or next year's qualifying. So, new pads, order some tyres, change the oil and we are good for next year.....

Wow 17mpg is better than I get in my road car

So if we'd have used my XJS we would have got through three times as much fuel, another set of tyres and God knows how much oil