Spotlight on Sprinting #2
A few weeks ago I started to report on a form of motorsport that is close to my heart and to be honest the interest and responses have been positive. Sprinting is something that can be enjoyed by anyone that suffers from the incurable passion of speed and achieving the best you can from your chosen steed. It’s not you against the world it is you against the track. It is all about the correct lines, correct braking and car balance, thus achieving the best lap time in your car. Sprinting is one of the cheapest forms of racing but it comes with all the rules and regulations that motorsport seems to spew out in the multitude of pages of the MSA rulebook. The Brighton and Hove Sprint at Goodwood today was typical of events that have been under subscribed for a while now, why when only five years ago if your entry was not in early you failed to make the cut, it was full. Yes the credit crunch will have taken its toll but I believe it maybe more than that. Where are the youngsters? The average age at these events is well passed the ‘life begins at forty brigade’, so what is putting off the younger generation? I do not pretend to have all the answers but understanding the rulebook, then the do’s and don’ts of race-day are problems that all new drivers encounter and may even hinder new participation. Officially 73 cars entered today, not bad but certainly not capacity; so I spoke to the drivers whom to a man (or lady) wanted to encourage new blood in their sport. Geoffrey Kershaw founder of Turbo Technics and an avid racer suggested the phrase ‘Sprint Buddy’ and I think that’s perfect. Someone who has been involved for many years guiding you through your first few events; Where to sign on? What time is noise test? Do I line up now? Why do some scrutinisers look like you stole their wallets? People who enjoy sprinting are incredibly easy to get on with, if they can help another competitor they will and it has been that way for years. So, if you fancy getting involved contact your local motor club and just ask how; the clubs want you to get your car onto the circuit and enjoy driving as fast as you can without seeing blue lights in your mirrors. The real bonus is you can enjoy the company and maybe learn something new from the drivers of today’s Spotlight on Sprinting whilst competing against their machines.
Ford Sierra 2.9 V6 Turbo / 4WD
1939 Fraser Nash BMW 328
1986 Ford Capri 2.9i Cosworth
Westfield Eleven/ Built by JB Racing