70s ROAD SPORTS NEWSLETTER

 

April 2008

In my February newsletter I stated that we would be sealing engines and carrying out checks for general compliance at the Donington meeting.  Having discussed the matter fully with Grahame White it was finally proposed that we should do this at Silverstone in May.  As Silverstone is a two day meeting and has much more space around the Scrutineering area it did seem appropriate that we should take Grahame’s recommendation.  We will therefore definitely be taking various cars ie, Class winners, plus number of others at random, checking weights, sealing engines and recording the engine capacity.  At the same time Ralph, our Registrar, and your Class Representatives will also be looking into general compliance to the regulations; this could well include Road Tax, Insurance and MOT.  Please make sure that you have the relevant spark plug spanner available if you are called in by the Scrutineers.

The new VIFs are in place and we are seeing some of these come through to the office now.  Just a reminder, if a competitor has not submitted a VIF before they race the car will be listed in the invitation class.

A number of competitors have raised with me the question of driving standards.  As you will remember, a great deal of effort went into making everyone aware last year of the need to improve the way we raced with one another.  There was far too much body contact and cars going off unnecessarily; since then almost without exception, driving has greatly improved.  However, there are still a few drivers that are making racing uncomfortable for other competitors.  This involves constantly weaving across the track, blocking any overtaking manoeuvre whereas really only one move is acceptable, to driving for gaps that are not really there and just straight over-driving leading to some ‘hairy’ moments.  We have a procedure in place to deal with such driving, outlined by Grahame White last year, so I will be speaking to the drivers concerned and I hope very much that will be the end of the matter.

For those who attended the Roadsport’s Dinner the evening was a great success, and most enjoyed the entertainment; it was certainly different from the normal After Dinner Speaker.  We were all hoping to see a few more people as most drivers were enthusiastic about continuing with the Dinner when quizzed at the October Driver’s Meeting.  If we are able to continue with this ‘get-together’ perhaps an early February date would be more appropriate.  Equally tying it in with the Stoneleigh Historic Show date is no longer appropriate as the Show is too close to the start of the season and just as importantly has become very expensive, so many question the viability of even going.  There is time to consider next year, however in the meantime, can I thank Ralph, Bevi and Jim Nairn for their organisational skills – it was a great evening.

Having missed two events already I am really looking forward to Silverstone and seeing you all there.  Your committee will be having a short meeting between practice and the race with Martin, so if you have anything you wish to discuss please do not hesitate to contact me.

CHARLES BARTER

Chairman, 70s Roadsports

email here...........................