Local sprint event

[paulwatkins]

I took part in a 'point to point' sprint event on sunday. It was hosted by a local car club and was held on a disused airfield just outside Taunton.

The morning weather was pretty poor, making the course very slippery. But in the afternoon the weather cleared up, the course dried out and the times came tumbling down.

The cars were organised into 3 groups of power to weight bands. I was in the lowest group. We all had 10 runs each and the top two times were added together to form the overall time. Even though I finished 5 out of 8 in my group there were some positives/valid excuses!

1. A few of the guys in my group took the wrong route but still submitted their time! (Bloody cheats)
2. A few of the guys in my group had obviously done this sort of thing before....their cars stripped bare, expect for bucket seats and roll cages etc!
3. I actually beat some of the guys in a higher group than me!

It was only for fun, but i was surprised how competitive I felt after i got into the swing of it.

My feeling is that it was my driving ability that let my car down....so will happily recieve any tips or advice. My times were improving as the day went on, so i guess more practice is in order.

The top time of the day was by an Evo 8, which was 1min07, my top time was 1.14. Not too bad really!

Anyway, heres some pics of the elan in action! Its in desperate need of a clean now!

[ailwyn]

Paul,

Good for you for getting involved.

I'm guessing it was your first time out so 5th from 8 isn't too bad!

Would like to track my Elan (when I summon the courage)

Ailwyn

[Dave Eds]

Nice one Paul

Got the bug now?

Hope you've cleaned the car since

[paulwatkins]

Ailwyn, It was my first time; I was a track virgin until sunday! I really enjoyed it though, and am looking forward to the next time!

You do get a bug for it, especially as my times were improving as the day was going on.

Its good to learn about the capabilities of your car this way aswell. There were acres of run-off, and with only one car on the circuit at any time it really was a low risk of damaging the car.

I haven't cleaned it yet Dave! I'm going up to the Peak District this weekend to meet up with Gareth, so I'll have to do it before then!

[dapinky]

Paul,

Was that at Dunkerswell?

I've been there a few times with the Dolomite - great fun!

[paulwatkins]

It was near Smeatharpe Dave. Think its called Upottery (or similar ) airfield.

Apparently it was used for launching bombers during WW2.

[dapinky]

That's a new one on me

But according to Google maps, Upottery is 5 miles from Dunkerswell, so maybe it's the same place with a different 'local' name?

Either way, if you are going down again (as it were ) give us a shout and i'll see if i'm free.

[GeoffSmith]

Red=Dunkerswell
Blue=Smeatharpe

[paulwatkins]

Well there you have it Dave....there appears to be 2 airfields within close proximity to one another. The one I went to is the one near to the blue circle (Smeatharpe).

The club is talking about holding round 2 around the end of august / early september time. I'll give you a heads up when a date is finalised.

[paulwatkins]

Dave Pinky, you have PM

[Jamie N]

Lovely example Paul!,one of the best colours.