Race Retro 2013

[techbod]

Did anyone else go?

Spent a nice day wondering round, it similar to last year, felt a bit smaller but still very well attended.

Westfield were there with one 7 and one 11 on the stand. The 11 was getting alot of attention as usual.
I had a quick chat with one of the chaps on the stand that said the next batch of 5 was nearing completion (as in orders I think) and if I ordered one today it would be 13-14 weeks before the kit was ready, which I though wasn't to bad.

Another interesting chat was with the stand opposite Westfield. I starting talking to them about the single seater 7 (Austin, not Lotus) on display and it turns out they are thinking of expanding next years grid to allow cars like the W11 to run alongside the 7s.

The catch appears to be that the engine would need to be suitably ancient, Ford side valve/100e engine got mentioned but I guess a suitably small A series might be ok if you asked nicely. I think the series was the 750 Trophy.

Looking at the regs for 2013 it says :

"The 750 Trophy Series is for cars based on the side-valve Austin 7
and other cars of similar performance. There are Three classes as
follows:-
Class A: Austin Sevens and Austin Seven Specials of all types. The
traditional look and feel of the cars must be maintained. Cars built to
the 750 Formula which have a history of competing in 750 Formula
races prior to 1966. Cars shall comply with the regulations which were
in force when they were constructed or last raced in a 750 Formula
race, except that mudguards, electrical equipment and lamps are not
required. Pre 1939 sports or racing cars of similar performance under
1100cc.
Class C: Non-Austin Seven engined cars such as 1172 cc side-valve
Ford engined cars, Reliant engined pre-1974 750 Formula cars,
historic sports or racing cars under 1200cc which are of similar
performance.
Class D: Historic 500cc racing cars which conform to the Eligibility
and Originality Regulations of the 500 Owners' Association for the
current year. "

So I guess the W11 might fit into class C with an A series provided it was sub 1200cc.

So EricT, would this solve you engine dilemma? Smaller not bigger

[adamwilkinson]

i dont think even Eric is old enough to race with the Trophy championship, i believe their average age is 70 when you look at the competitors in that series

i was up there on Friday having a mooch. we've decided that once every few years is going to be more than adequate (having been almost every year for the past 5-6 years), its fast heading the same way as Autosport in terms of pricing and displays.

[erictharg]

Spent a few hours there on Saturday en route to the annual SR&GT dinner dance. There's not a lot there for your £20, really. Agree with Adam that it will be a few years before I go again. The Autosport show is too much professional (read expensive) stuff, and the Race Retro is mostly high end classics (expensive) and 99% rubbish in the market place / autojumble.
Never though about 750 formula for an Eleven. Could use an Imp engine or even build a good 1100cc A Series if necessary. but this year's SR&GT calendar looks a nice mix. First race Donington 23th March. 45 min race on the full GP circuit.
So its still onward and upward -hopefully.

[techbod]

Yes its certainly become the same year in, year out.

However as its on my doorstep and I didn't go to the last Autosport (first time in years - that is the same every year and is even more expensive) I thought I'd pop along. I whizzed around the halls fairly quickly, but for me the best bit is standing outside photographing the rally cars. As an amateur photographer there aren't that many motosport events I go to that I get that close without catch netting in the way, or needing a very long lens. So as usual I stood there until it got dark and I ran out of space on my cards. I have a new camera lens combo so its very good practice getting to know them. I seem to have a slight back focus issue looking at the shots which needs sorting.

Onwards to the Silverstone classic. Anyone else going?

ps I quite fancy the look of the Austin 7s formulae - and I'm nowhere near 70. Is there any hope for me?

[erictharg]

They would welcome you with open arms. As would any motorsport series these days! Every series is struggling for entries.

[techbod]

"Could use an Imp engine"

IIRC correctly wasn't there was a DOHC conversion of the IMP engine at race retro this year? Wonder what that would get you in terms of cc, weight and bhp?

[erictharg]

Given it's only 1000cc I'd guess a pretty fragile screamer is what you'd end up with. As we keep saying, for what we need the A series is hard to beat.

[techbod]

Well Race retro 2014 this time round.

Anyone else going? I'll be there tomorrow (Sat) - hoping its picked up a bit from last last years...

[adamwilkinson]

My uncle went today, I wouldn't get your hopes up too much...

That said, everyone has different motives for going.