A few guys are already aware that I am in discussions with Viking about a visit to the Monaco area to take part in the Saint Cezaire hill climb. I would refer you to the Spring 2003 magazine for his write up on his victory there (blue cover with blue car on it).
Viking is still just investigating opportunities but some feed back now could provide encouragement and allow planning in advance to be more accurate.
The very general picture right now is to go sometime between April 15th and to be back by May 20th. The weather should be better there than here and certainly better than Isle of Man (no IoM next year, confirmed by organisers, sorry chaps!)
It is one heck of a long way to go (1500 km each way!!!!!!!), so Viking is looking to book a local circuit (Lydden size, 2.2km I beleive) for a private track day to make it more worthwhile.
The hill climb organisers have so far said that they would waive our entry fee for the hillclimb and would increase the lenght of the hill from 4.5km to 6 km! Jolly decent of them.
Now I am hoping this may have more appeal to the non competition crowd. You do not need a competition license to take part. You just need helmet, fire extinguisher and harness seat belts. I don't think you even need a race suit! No noise limits either. They only time to the nearest second so the level of seriousness is up to you.
Frank has advised me that the organisation is quite different to the events we normally attend in the UK. The venue is closed roads and there are less marshals. Bit like going for a sunday drive then when Mr Plod isn't looking! And you can take a passenger for a run up the hill, if you can find one daft enough!
I have three acknowledgements of intent for this adventure already.
Travel and accommadation will be the main cost for this trip. The circuit hire charges embarrasses what we pay here and Viking will top up the places with a few selected frends with some very nice machinery to reduce costs to most likley less than half a UK track day price.
Without committing yourself, if this adventure is one for you, please post your thoughts/questions.
Malcolm
Viking is still just investigating opportunities but some feed back now could provide encouragement and allow planning in advance to be more accurate.
The very general picture right now is to go sometime between April 15th and to be back by May 20th. The weather should be better there than here and certainly better than Isle of Man (no IoM next year, confirmed by organisers, sorry chaps!)
It is one heck of a long way to go (1500 km each way!!!!!!!), so Viking is looking to book a local circuit (Lydden size, 2.2km I beleive) for a private track day to make it more worthwhile.
The hill climb organisers have so far said that they would waive our entry fee for the hillclimb and would increase the lenght of the hill from 4.5km to 6 km! Jolly decent of them.
Now I am hoping this may have more appeal to the non competition crowd. You do not need a competition license to take part. You just need helmet, fire extinguisher and harness seat belts. I don't think you even need a race suit! No noise limits either. They only time to the nearest second so the level of seriousness is up to you.
Frank has advised me that the organisation is quite different to the events we normally attend in the UK. The venue is closed roads and there are less marshals. Bit like going for a sunday drive then when Mr Plod isn't looking! And you can take a passenger for a run up the hill, if you can find one daft enough!
I have three acknowledgements of intent for this adventure already.
Travel and accommadation will be the main cost for this trip. The circuit hire charges embarrasses what we pay here and Viking will top up the places with a few selected frends with some very nice machinery to reduce costs to most likley less than half a UK track day price.
Without committing yourself, if this adventure is one for you, please post your thoughts/questions.
Malcolm
