MX-5 OC Forum

 The annual Introduction to Sprinting day is on again this year, anyone who hasn't tried it is missing something! There is no obligation to go further with it, but you are given a valuable insight into the basics, and the chance to drive a small - but very technical sprint course. Having helped out on several occasions, I can tell you that everyone comes off with a big grin on their faces! Here's the latest info:

Shenstone & District Car Club are holding an "Intro to Sprinting" day at Curborough Sprint Course on Sunday April 15th 2012.
This event is aimed at anyone who has NEVER sprinted before, but has an interest in becoming involved.
Visitors will be guided through all aspects of a Sprint, including walking the course, paperwork, safety, car preparation etc.
They will then have the opportunity of driving the course in their own ROAD CAR (must be ROAD LEGAL in all respects) with an "Instructor" alongside.
The event begins at 10am on Sunday April 15th, last entry 1pm.
Refreshments will be available as normal (This is not free!!!!)
There is no booking involved, just turn up, but subject to demand there may be a small wait.
For more information E Mail our competitions Secretary
John Williams

www.curborough.co.uk  For more details, course, directions etc.

P.S. - Why has the club day at Curborough been abandoned ? - -  kooks like the course is pretty well booked up now - it should be booked in November!

This will make a great day out for spectators, an even better day out for anyone wishing to dip a toe into the Sprint world waters...

Gerry, no-one has abandoned Curborough, it's still on the back burner (indeed Burton asked me to look into repeating it this Spring), simply time has been taken up following other avenues.

peleton72:

This will make a great day out for spectators

answers my question! I'll potter up and have a nosy.......

peleton72:

This will make a great day out for spectators, an even better day out for anyone wishing to dip a toe into the Sprint world waters...

Gerry, no-one has abandoned Curborough, it's still on the back burner (indeed Burton asked me to look into repeating it this Spring), simply time has been taken up following other avenues.

I don't want to put any would be spectators off, but be warned - the action on track is NOT continuous, but expect anything when it starts - I've seen all sorts of cars arrive - not just sports cars! - Jag saloons, couple of mustangs (they can't stay on track!) a few Beamers etc.

The event goes like this: First to arrive are grouped into around ten, these then go through a fifteen to twenty minute session with an official  MSA representative, who runs through a typical pre-inspection of a sample car to show  what they look for before you would be allowed  to participate in a proper sprint: and No - they won't check anyones car! However if they see anything that looks unsafe like an oil or fuel leak, or bits about to fall off, then they may get checked - or chucked!. Drivers are allowed - and encouraged to ask questions if they have any.

When that session is completed drivers are asked to get into their cars and drive round to the start area, where you will be taken on a 'walk round' the course when various points on the track are mentioned by the instructors - e.g. "shift up here, shift down here, brake here, accelerate here" etc. The instructors are all skilled sprint drivers and know what they are doing. Next drivers are given a ride round the course in an instructors car - usually there are at least three instructors and they usually use a road car, so drivers don't spend a lot of time doing this. Then drivers - accompanied by an instructor (don't turn up with a single seater on a trailer!) are allowed to drive the course, and if and when the instructor is satisfied they are safe to drive alone, then they can do so. This session usually takes about half an hour or so, so from this you can tell that the real fun is no more than a fifteen to twenty minute session, then the next group comes on, and the first session is finished.

While the track session is taking place, the next group go through the pre-inspection phase and then wait for the cars on track to come back. Apart from a lunch break, this goes on till either all entrants are finished, or 4 p.m.(Never seen it go till 4!) Nutters are not encouraged, though I've never seen one arrive, or be ordered off either. But - some people tend to think they know it all, and they usually leave crouched low in the seat looking rather embarrassed   The chicane sorts out the men from the boys - - - -

So - it can be entertaining if you are prepared to hang around between sessions, fortunately the caterer is open till about three'ish, so plently of food and drink available.

Club day (an afternoon session) is best for spectators, even MX5's can - and do go off track occaionally, till they either learn how to drive the course or enjoy ploughing through the grass. We named one individual (who shall be nameless) 'The grasscutter - - - -'.

Jon - if you need any advice or help gi'me a shout, I love Curborough and while I've given up sprinting I don't mind helping out if you need me. As I said above, you really have to book in November, so don't overlook it this year! Back end of April or early May is best - and traditional time for the Club. Makes sure you don't get the w/e when the Lichfield cycle club is there! (Tends to delay our start)

Cheers Gerry,

Clive is on-side too but Blyton has become all-encompassing and really stopped me taking on much more than Ma5da racing, BRITCAR weekend, Mission Motorsport, etc etc!

 Just realised, participation in the event (Introduction to Sprinting) is FREE, it doesn't say so in the Curborough insert. If anyone gets seriously interested in sprinting, then application forms and details are available, just ask John Williams. As an added thought - This event is highly reccomended by the MSA, and Curborough (Shenstone and District Car Club) have received warm encouragement from them.

Anyone interested in Marshalling? - check the website, there's usually an annual training course for would be marshals.

Cheap Trackdays? Join SDCC for (I think) about £20 and you get a monthly mag (small, but it's just about sprinting!) plus around six free members afternoons, when you get the chance to drive between six and eight laps - depending on club attendance on the day (Saturdays) - see the Calendar. This is a serious sprint club, but sometimes they indulge in evening fun drives for members, like treasure hunts, or mystery drives (following instructions). One thing - they don't like noisy exhausts, and helmets ARE NOT required, different to our Club requirements. If you aren't happy about the way you drive the course, then one of the other Club members will be only to pleased to accompany you round, telling you what, when and where to do it! There are monthly pub nights, mainly nearby, but they used to have one at the Clock Warehouse (Shardlow) and another pub (which I forget the name of)   near MIRA.

Bump! 

 Hi Gerry,

Glad you've 'bumped' this. I'd completely missed it - will be going tomorrow.....

Rich

 Hi it was great to meet some new faces and see the mx5 so well represented today, i will be contacting my fellow members with regards to hiring the venue, hopefully the exact date will be set shortly and a few of you will be able to attend,i will post the details as soon as i have them, any questions please don't hesitate to ask via pm, many thanks msb

 Out of curiousity - how many MX's went, and how many went on track?

 Well Gerry, there were quite a number of MX5's at Curorough last Sunday. I did not count them but they must have been the most popular make there and I'm sure they all had a go on the track. There was a strong contingent from Broadspeed - Stafford. 

Here are a few pictures from the day - still learning how to use the new camara.

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/CNigelMoss/DSCF0244.jpg

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/CNigelMoss/DSCF0230.jpg

 Well Gerry, there were quite a number of MX5's at Curborough last Sunday. I did not count them but they must have been the most popular make there and I'm sure they all had a go on the track. There was a strong contingent from Broadspeed - Stafford. 

Here are a few pictures from the day - still learning how to use the new camera.

 Thanks Nigel, that's encouraging. Wonder how long they've been using that Safeguard? - That's the other side of the track yes? Must have been a few missing flagpole turn!

 Looking dates wise at 6th or 7th june, will confirm exact date as soon as i know:)

Glad you had a camera Nigel,  wanted a picture of my youngster on track in my Roadster, the white one with red stripes- we were sharing the car so could not see her once she'd gone around the first corner.