Hi John
I am sorry that there is no Goodwood day planned - but once again, I state, NO SUITABLE DATE WAS AVAILABLE and certainly a trackday where people are allowed to drive like 'idiots' is not one I would happily attend either... (especially as I would be in someone else's car as I do not have one myself..). The sort of trackdays I have attended with GoldTrack are well organised, and 'policed' by qualified, experienced, instructors.... drive like an idiot and you'll get kicked off!! - does'nt matter whether you are a budding enthusiast in a Caterham, or a 'Veteran GT3 Racer' in a full factory Porsche, GoldTrack trade heavily on their responsible approach to SAFE trackday management and will not jeopardise that reputation over driving standards - regardless of car or celebrity status!!....
I'm very pleased you enjoyed the Isle of Man - it is a great event.... and I sorely miss attending, but alas my normal work commitments have to prevail and I was not in a position to attend this time... I have supported the club as a driver there on at least 4 other occasions and also attended just to provide moral support and lend a spanner where required....
It is unfortunate that we were unable to field a larger group, but two other cars, Dave with his R42 (now also with 6-speed straight cut UN1 conversion) and Julian Bailey-Watts (with the ex Bob Usher Sparks Chevy GTD) did also attend Gurston HillClimb on the Saturday which clashed with the Lherghy Frissell event. Both also had a fun time, with JBW managing a 360 degree spin I'm told across the finish line - and if you know Gurston, thats no mean feat....
I'm quite sure that the Morgan (and many other) club are able to field a larger group of cars, but they have some 5000 members too, on a pro rata basis, they should have had about 100+ drivers and I presume they did'nt?? It is unfortunate that of the 160+ members we have, only 10 or so are interested in competing, a sign of the times perhaps???
Re the 'gossip' - I have not heard it, but then as a magazine editor, who ever wants to speak to me?? - it always seems there is 'someone' out there who wants to stir things up and create friction (or in their eyes 'promote discussion') but who is also unwilling to bring matters to the attention of the committee, so that important issues can be aired and hopefully resolved. ALL clubs can only ever be the sum of the supplied input/feedback - if 'nobody can be bothered' then what can a club possibly hope to offer???
I aim (at last) to finish the current club mag this week (having received the chairman's comments + another 'situation report') and hope to include reports on both the Isle of Man / Gurston and bring the 'rumour-mill' up-to-date with FACT.....