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Guest
Guest
At Goodwood the other day I took part in a track day/test day with my GTD. Willie Green was there and we had a good natter. He was asked about his time at the Revival meeting this year when (in 1027 I think) a doughnut broke on the start line when he was in pole position. Frustrating as he was feeling confident of a win. However we asked about lap times which Andrew had timed at best 1 min 25 and at worst about 1 min 38 for the "slower" 40's. He asked us to remember that all the 40's were on skinny control tyres and rims as the cars had to run in pre 1966 spec. Most were Dunlop Post Historic tyres but slimmer versions than the 12 by 6 by 15 (rears) and 10 by 4.75 by 15 (fronts) that I run on my car. He also said that his brakes were solid non vented disc brakes and so were quite scary when needing to stop after Lavant Straight for Woodcote corner. For comparison only, my lap times on this nice warm day (eventually) got down to as low as 1 min 31.39 with a average lap at about 1 min 35. However there was this Nissan powered Jade Track Star circulating at 1 min 11 secs and complaining that the extra silencing was strangling the engine!
Later on in the day Willie and I just so happened to be on the circuit together, he in his Ford and me in my "Ford". Because mine was not a Ford Capri I was able to blast past on the straight but to sit behind Willie as we hurtled round some of the corners was brilliant. Seeing this old Capri on the edge was enlightening and trying to stay with Willie in the corners was fun. If I ever got opposite lock on where he used it, it would, for me, normally spell a trip into the scenery! However many track days or even competitions you do, to see a professional race driver at work just shows they are a breed apart. I wish I could drive as well as the worst F1 driver!
I also wish I had the F1 mechanics to hand as later on in the day my jinx struck again and an air filter nut vibrated loose (after years of not moving!)and is now declared missing! Anyone for a sweep stake on which cylinder it is in?
Malcolm
Later on in the day Willie and I just so happened to be on the circuit together, he in his Ford and me in my "Ford". Because mine was not a Ford Capri I was able to blast past on the straight but to sit behind Willie as we hurtled round some of the corners was brilliant. Seeing this old Capri on the edge was enlightening and trying to stay with Willie in the corners was fun. If I ever got opposite lock on where he used it, it would, for me, normally spell a trip into the scenery! However many track days or even competitions you do, to see a professional race driver at work just shows they are a breed apart. I wish I could drive as well as the worst F1 driver!
I also wish I had the F1 mechanics to hand as later on in the day my jinx struck again and an air filter nut vibrated loose (after years of not moving!)and is now declared missing! Anyone for a sweep stake on which cylinder it is in?
Malcolm
