Some Pics for 2007
posted by No.25 at 2:59 AM
0 comments
Friday, March 23, 2007
Friday, July 14, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Rockingham Race Day
We had a great weekend for our first action in the Tuscan Challenge.
Our goal for the weekend was to ensure that all the mechanical preparation had produced a race-worthy car with which I could complete two races without mechanical failure and without race incident. I was also hoping not to embarrass myself too greatly.
I arrived Saturday evening around 6pm and there were already a fair few guys at the circuit, some of which were lucky enough to have been testing on Friday. By 10pm everybody had arrived and the number of cars for the grid was looking pretty good although I'm not sure that 13th was the position on the grid that I was looking forward to! My car was travelling with the mechanics from Devon who would not be arriving until morning so mine was the only empty garage and I was hoping for quiet roads! I need not have worried, a sleepy Colin and Phil arrived with my car by 6am on the Saturday! We had plenty of time to offload the trailer, fill the garage, polish the car, and get suited for sign on at 8am. From here on though the pace was a bit more hectic, we succesfully passed our first ever scrutineering inspection at 8.30am, and noise testing at 9am. I had my driver briefing at 9.30am, meanwhile Colin and Phil were running a final pre-race check on the car and fueling.
I was loaded into the car by 9.50am and we were lead out from the pit lane to the circuit for qualifying to commence at 10am. Our plan was to run 3/4laps to get some heat into the tyres before pitting to run a quick check on the car and tyre pressures - after all this was the first time the car had been driven in several years and my first race! We had no idea what time we should be aiming for as the cars had never raced on the sports car circuit before but we figured we'd have 3/4laps after the pit stop to get a 'quick' lap in. Mostly, qualifyig was to give me a chance to learn the circuit.
As it turned out, I qualified (last, bloody 13th place) with a time of 1:33.890 which wasn't too dissatisying given that I was only 5secs behind George in Class B S3 and 3secs behind Geoff in the 3000M. At this point I must quote the best line I heard all weekend, from Graham Walden 'after all Geoff has been racing since the Centurion was a rank, not a tank!
So I'd got the car around qualifying and it was still in one piece! A quick check on the car proved it's durability with fuel being the only job mandatory for the mechanics. We also discussed the car's handling characteristics and I felt that it was a bit light on the front end with a tendancy to understeer, especially at turn in to the hairpin and the long, fast left handed Kirby. So for Race 1 we decided to raise the suspension on the rear to create more loading on the front end.
Race one saw three drivers not finishing and George's spin in front of me at the hairpin gave me the opportunity to finish ahead of him on the final lap. I was in one piece, so too was the car and I didn't finish where I'd started - last, RESULT!! With race one positions determining grid positions for race two I would find myself on row five, 5th from the back of the grid, another result! The change in setup of the suspension gave me more confidence through the in-field which brought my average lap time below that of best in qualifying and fastest lap was nearly 4secs quicker than that in qualifying - another result!
Race two and I was starting to feel more comfortable with the car, unfortuately my advantage in grid position was soon eaten into by all other cars as we left the start, missing turn one chicance and accelerated all the way to the hairpin - my car does just not have the grunt in a long drag situation. However I was now becoming much smoother through the twisty in-field and making fewer mistakes, in fact I had some good moments in there with both Howard and George although the very, very long run out from Turn 4 to Turn 1 Chicane made any in-field progress appear useless as even Howard's Tasmin could drop beneath me on the bank and power through after having come through the essess with the same exit speed.
Unfortunately my target of a lap time in the 1:20s didn't materialise with a best lap of 1:30, but I was far more consistent throughout the race with each lap in the order of 1:31/1:32. I found it difficult trying to hold my desired race line whilst constantly being waved a blue flag for the bigger boys, but that's the joy of class racing. I came in last this time but only just behind Geoff and not so far behind George (although the results show one lap differece due to our positions relative to Tim Hood).
Unfortunately my target of a lap time in the 1:20s didn't materialise with a best lap of 1:30, but I was far more consistent throughout the race with each lap in the order of 1:31/1:32. I found it difficult trying to hold my desired race line whilst constantly being waved a blue flag for the bigger boys, but that's the joy of class racing. I came in last this time but only just behind Geoff and not so far behind George (although the results show one lap differece due to our positions relative to Tim Hood).
I was a little disappointed not to have done better, more so for the rest of the team involved. I would have loved to have improved my Race 2 lap times and broken into the 1:20s, but on reflection I think we had a succesful weekend. Colin's hard work leading up to the event got us through scrutineering without any trouble, Colin and Phils work trackside ensured the car ran through all sessions and we achieved our goals. I am now one third of the way to removing the target from the back of the car with two race signatures!
I would also like to point out that I was made to feel very welcome to the series, I got the chance to speak with most of the drivers and all were incredibly supportive.
My particular thanks to Graham for the track walk and beer on Friday night, to Iain for the Big Mac which kept me going, to Howard for the encouragement and comments on my infield race techique and to George for pullig over in the first race!!
I also had a few spectators including forum members introducing themselves, offering their best wishes and congratulations. All of which makes the job of a new driver less daunting and far more enjoyable.
Thank you all.
Visit the MST Timing website (see liks section) for a full set of race results including lap by lap analysis.
Our goal for the weekend was to ensure that all the mechanical preparation had produced a race-worthy car with which I could complete two races without mechanical failure and without race incident. I was also hoping not to embarrass myself too greatly.
I arrived Saturday evening around 6pm and there were already a fair few guys at the circuit, some of which were lucky enough to have been testing on Friday. By 10pm everybody had arrived and the number of cars for the grid was looking pretty good although I'm not sure that 13th was the position on the grid that I was looking forward to! My car was travelling with the mechanics from Devon who would not be arriving until morning so mine was the only empty garage and I was hoping for quiet roads! I need not have worried, a sleepy Colin and Phil arrived with my car by 6am on the Saturday! We had plenty of time to offload the trailer, fill the garage, polish the car, and get suited for sign on at 8am. From here on though the pace was a bit more hectic, we succesfully passed our first ever scrutineering inspection at 8.30am, and noise testing at 9am. I had my driver briefing at 9.30am, meanwhile Colin and Phil were running a final pre-race check on the car and fueling.
I was loaded into the car by 9.50am and we were lead out from the pit lane to the circuit for qualifying to commence at 10am. Our plan was to run 3/4laps to get some heat into the tyres before pitting to run a quick check on the car and tyre pressures - after all this was the first time the car had been driven in several years and my first race! We had no idea what time we should be aiming for as the cars had never raced on the sports car circuit before but we figured we'd have 3/4laps after the pit stop to get a 'quick' lap in. Mostly, qualifyig was to give me a chance to learn the circuit.
As it turned out, I qualified (last, bloody 13th place) with a time of 1:33.890 which wasn't too dissatisying given that I was only 5secs behind George in Class B S3 and 3secs behind Geoff in the 3000M. At this point I must quote the best line I heard all weekend, from Graham Walden 'after all Geoff has been racing since the Centurion was a rank, not a tank!
So I'd got the car around qualifying and it was still in one piece! A quick check on the car proved it's durability with fuel being the only job mandatory for the mechanics. We also discussed the car's handling characteristics and I felt that it was a bit light on the front end with a tendancy to understeer, especially at turn in to the hairpin and the long, fast left handed Kirby. So for Race 1 we decided to raise the suspension on the rear to create more loading on the front end.
Race one saw three drivers not finishing and George's spin in front of me at the hairpin gave me the opportunity to finish ahead of him on the final lap. I was in one piece, so too was the car and I didn't finish where I'd started - last, RESULT!! With race one positions determining grid positions for race two I would find myself on row five, 5th from the back of the grid, another result! The change in setup of the suspension gave me more confidence through the in-field which brought my average lap time below that of best in qualifying and fastest lap was nearly 4secs quicker than that in qualifying - another result!
Race two and I was starting to feel more comfortable with the car, unfortuately my advantage in grid position was soon eaten into by all other cars as we left the start, missing turn one chicance and accelerated all the way to the hairpin - my car does just not have the grunt in a long drag situation. However I was now becoming much smoother through the twisty in-field and making fewer mistakes, in fact I had some good moments in there with both Howard and George although the very, very long run out from Turn 4 to Turn 1 Chicane made any in-field progress appear useless as even Howard's Tasmin could drop beneath me on the bank and power through after having come through the essess with the same exit speed.
Unfortunately my target of a lap time in the 1:20s didn't materialise with a best lap of 1:30, but I was far more consistent throughout the race with each lap in the order of 1:31/1:32. I found it difficult trying to hold my desired race line whilst constantly being waved a blue flag for the bigger boys, but that's the joy of class racing. I came in last this time but only just behind Geoff and not so far behind George (although the results show one lap differece due to our positions relative to Tim Hood).
Unfortunately my target of a lap time in the 1:20s didn't materialise with a best lap of 1:30, but I was far more consistent throughout the race with each lap in the order of 1:31/1:32. I found it difficult trying to hold my desired race line whilst constantly being waved a blue flag for the bigger boys, but that's the joy of class racing. I came in last this time but only just behind Geoff and not so far behind George (although the results show one lap differece due to our positions relative to Tim Hood).
I was a little disappointed not to have done better, more so for the rest of the team involved. I would have loved to have improved my Race 2 lap times and broken into the 1:20s, but on reflection I think we had a succesful weekend. Colin's hard work leading up to the event got us through scrutineering without any trouble, Colin and Phils work trackside ensured the car ran through all sessions and we achieved our goals. I am now one third of the way to removing the target from the back of the car with two race signatures!
I would also like to point out that I was made to feel very welcome to the series, I got the chance to speak with most of the drivers and all were incredibly supportive.
My particular thanks to Graham for the track walk and beer on Friday night, to Iain for the Big Mac which kept me going, to Howard for the encouragement and comments on my infield race techique and to George for pullig over in the first race!!
I also had a few spectators including forum members introducing themselves, offering their best wishes and congratulations. All of which makes the job of a new driver less daunting and far more enjoyable.
Thank you all.
Visit the MST Timing website (see liks section) for a full set of race results including lap by lap analysis.
posted by No.25 at 1:33 AM
0 comments
Friday, July 07, 2006
Rockingham 09/07/06- Final Prep
We've been a little behind target on preparation for Rockingham owing mostly to two major factors.
This is the first time the team have worked on the car and so have been incredibly thorough spending many hours running through it inside and out to check, modify and generally get to grips with the whole thing.
Secondly, Richard is enjoying a much earned family holiday in Florida and in so doing has left Colin in charge of both the car and running the business.....a man down!!!
As the car has been out of serious action for some years, there were a number of very minor but time consuming tasks that needed attention. There were also some 'non-mechanical' oddballs there to trip us up which if not spotted would have ruled us out of the weekend - simple things such as harness out of date, oh and the lack of a plumbed fire extiguisher system!!!
The tyres that came with the car were a little dry, showed evidence of surface cracking and where the car had been standing for some time suffering from flat spots. We got a very good deal on a soft compound all-round tyre only to then discover that all new tyres must be of Dunlop manufature! This forced me to make a decision on tyres at the back end of last week.
The weather having been incredibly sunny for a good couple of weeks and, being the sort of guy never afraid to take a gamble, whilst basking in brilliant southern sunshine I plumped for a new set of Dunlop slicks. Looking at the weather forecast now I may have to concede victory to the bookie in the Sky!!!
Anyway, we had a final inspection of the car last night and apart from some fiishing touches such as stickers and polishing we're now ready to roll with a very sound car!
The team have performed up to now and it's just down to me to do the business on the track!
My goal for Rockingham is to see the car to the finish in each of the two races so that I can get
the signatures on my licence and the target off the back of the car, that said, I'm not ruling out a challenge for the class win!!
This is the first time the team have worked on the car and so have been incredibly thorough spending many hours running through it inside and out to check, modify and generally get to grips with the whole thing.
Secondly, Richard is enjoying a much earned family holiday in Florida and in so doing has left Colin in charge of both the car and running the business.....a man down!!!
As the car has been out of serious action for some years, there were a number of very minor but time consuming tasks that needed attention. There were also some 'non-mechanical' oddballs there to trip us up which if not spotted would have ruled us out of the weekend - simple things such as harness out of date, oh and the lack of a plumbed fire extiguisher system!!!
The tyres that came with the car were a little dry, showed evidence of surface cracking and where the car had been standing for some time suffering from flat spots. We got a very good deal on a soft compound all-round tyre only to then discover that all new tyres must be of Dunlop manufature! This forced me to make a decision on tyres at the back end of last week.
The weather having been incredibly sunny for a good couple of weeks and, being the sort of guy never afraid to take a gamble, whilst basking in brilliant southern sunshine I plumped for a new set of Dunlop slicks. Looking at the weather forecast now I may have to concede victory to the bookie in the Sky!!!
Anyway, we had a final inspection of the car last night and apart from some fiishing touches such as stickers and polishing we're now ready to roll with a very sound car!
The team have performed up to now and it's just down to me to do the business on the track!
My goal for Rockingham is to see the car to the finish in each of the two races so that I can get
the signatures on my licence and the target off the back of the car, that said, I'm not ruling out a challenge for the class win!!
posted by No.25 at 6:37 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Rockingham
A preliminary schedule has been released for the next round of the Tuscan Challenge taking place at Rockingham on 9th July 2006. This race will see the first outing for the Rumblestrip Racing Team, and what a venue!
Based in Northamptonshire, Rockingham is a purpose built all seater banked arena with the emphasis definately on racing.
The Tuscan Challenge has been billed with the very well publicised Thunder Sunday event.
Rockingham Thunder Sundays provide high speed action at Europe’s fastest motor racing circuit.
Off track activities will include Pit walkabout, Track Rides, retail village, fun fair together
with the British Radio Car Association running demonstrations and race meetings.
Based in Northamptonshire, Rockingham is a purpose built all seater banked arena with the emphasis definately on racing.
The Tuscan Challenge has been billed with the very well publicised Thunder Sunday event.
Rockingham Thunder Sundays provide high speed action at Europe’s fastest motor racing circuit.
Off track activities will include Pit walkabout, Track Rides, retail village, fun fair together
with the British Radio Car Association running demonstrations and race meetings.
posted by No.25 at 7:34 AM
0 comments
Mechanical
The new team Tasmin race car was built by way of a full body off rebuild in 2000. The work that went into the car at that stage and development since has been impressive.
The car had 7m of chassis tube replaced with an entire chassis repaint. All bushes, shocks, brakes, bearings, brake pipes and hoses were replaced.
A Rollcentre competition roll cage was fitted complete with momo race seat and willians 6 point quick release harness.
A custom made wiring loom feeds the electrics .
The front and rear suspension has been modified with rose joints. The anti-roll bar has been custom made.
The fuel tank is custom built aluminium baffled.
As for systems and data logging, the car has been fitted with a full PI data logging dash to monitor and study such things as speed, RPM, lateral G, oil pressure, water temperature, oil temperatsure, fuel pressure, battery voltage and lap timing beacon.
As for brawn, the 2.8 V6 ford cologne engine has been rebuilt by John Smirthwaite racing of Tamworth to produce 192 bhp at flywheel. It benefits from a fast road cam and steel timing gear. The oil filter and oil cooler have been mounted remotely.
The Ford 4 speed gearbox has been rebuilt by Competition Transmission Services of Markyate and is fully blueprinted with custom drilled oilways allowing use of mt75 synthetic oil.
Moore Racing provided a custom made air box and filter.
The quick release exhaust was designed and built by BTB Exhausts of Northamptonshire and is constructed from stainless steel. The fuel system is again custom made with twin pumps, swirl pot and boxing. The wheels are race standard compmotive MO 5 spokes. The ignition system comprises Magnecore KV85 race ht leads.
The car requires very little more mechanical work before the next race, merely balancing and tuning to suit required setup for Rockingham.
Completion and testing is scheduled for Friday 30th June 2006, with cosmetic work including sponsor logos taking place on Thursday of that week.
One final decision and sigificant purchase to make before we can take to the track - Tyres. A complete new set are required and budget may well dictate the route the team take! The preferece is for one set each of slicks and wets to provide optimium grip in all conditions. However. a neutral all rounder of soft compound is looking the more likely option.
The car had 7m of chassis tube replaced with an entire chassis repaint. All bushes, shocks, brakes, bearings, brake pipes and hoses were replaced.
A Rollcentre competition roll cage was fitted complete with momo race seat and willians 6 point quick release harness.
A custom made wiring loom feeds the electrics .
The front and rear suspension has been modified with rose joints. The anti-roll bar has been custom made.
The fuel tank is custom built aluminium baffled.
As for systems and data logging, the car has been fitted with a full PI data logging dash to monitor and study such things as speed, RPM, lateral G, oil pressure, water temperature, oil temperatsure, fuel pressure, battery voltage and lap timing beacon.
As for brawn, the 2.8 V6 ford cologne engine has been rebuilt by John Smirthwaite racing of Tamworth to produce 192 bhp at flywheel. It benefits from a fast road cam and steel timing gear. The oil filter and oil cooler have been mounted remotely.
The Ford 4 speed gearbox has been rebuilt by Competition Transmission Services of Markyate and is fully blueprinted with custom drilled oilways allowing use of mt75 synthetic oil.
Moore Racing provided a custom made air box and filter.
The quick release exhaust was designed and built by BTB Exhausts of Northamptonshire and is constructed from stainless steel. The fuel system is again custom made with twin pumps, swirl pot and boxing. The wheels are race standard compmotive MO 5 spokes. The ignition system comprises Magnecore KV85 race ht leads.
The car requires very little more mechanical work before the next race, merely balancing and tuning to suit required setup for Rockingham.
Completion and testing is scheduled for Friday 30th June 2006, with cosmetic work including sponsor logos taking place on Thursday of that week.
One final decision and sigificant purchase to make before we can take to the track - Tyres. A complete new set are required and budget may well dictate the route the team take! The preferece is for one set each of slicks and wets to provide optimium grip in all conditions. However. a neutral all rounder of soft compound is looking the more likely option.
posted by No.25 at 7:25 AM
0 comments
News
Since the formation of Rumblestrip Racing the team have been working on preparing a car to race in the final four rounds of the 2006 Dunlop Tuscan Challenge season.
Initially a deal had been struck to hire ‘Topless Taz’ from Black Cat Racing. However following a mechanical report from Richard and Colin of Dulford Automotive (responsible for vehicle build and preparation within the team), it was decided that it might be more cost effective for the team to acquire its own vehicle. This decision was reinforced by the fact that time was proving to be a stumbling block in preparing ‘Taz’ for the next round.
With a small budget and very little time, the team had to refocus its efforts on finding a race ready car.
The first port of call was of course the classified section of PistonHeads.
As luck would have it, Steve Beck was trying to offload his Tasmin 280I Coupe. The car is somewhat of a thoroughbred having already proved itself in very successful seasons of the Tasmin Challenge through 2000-2004.
Initially a deal had been struck to hire ‘Topless Taz’ from Black Cat Racing. However following a mechanical report from Richard and Colin of Dulford Automotive (responsible for vehicle build and preparation within the team), it was decided that it might be more cost effective for the team to acquire its own vehicle. This decision was reinforced by the fact that time was proving to be a stumbling block in preparing ‘Taz’ for the next round.
With a small budget and very little time, the team had to refocus its efforts on finding a race ready car.
The first port of call was of course the classified section of PistonHeads.
As luck would have it, Steve Beck was trying to offload his Tasmin 280I Coupe. The car is somewhat of a thoroughbred having already proved itself in very successful seasons of the Tasmin Challenge through 2000-2004.
posted by No.25 at 6:57 AM
0 comments
Meet The Team
Driver: Mark Freeman, 32 yrs, Poole, Dorset
Engineering: Richard Smith and Colin Apps, Dulford Automotive
Mark is a late entry for the 2006 Dunlop Tuscan Challege season and will be competing as Number 25. He’s hoping his number will bring him some luck as it happens to be the birthdate of his daughter Shannon. Further his first race at Rockingham coincides with his father’s birthday!
New to circuit racing, Mark will be appearing at Rockingham, Mallory Park, Brands Hatch and
Oulton Park throughout July, August, September and October.
Richard of Dulford Automotive represents the non-driving, technical half half of Rumble Strip Racing.
Richard is certainly no stranger to TVRs and the former owner of Peninsula TVR who ran at Le mans in the TVR T400 along with current head technician Colin Apps were integral to the success of
TVR Championship Winner Ian Flux with Team Central.
With Mark and Richard as Team Principles the team will be self-dependant for all aspects of race management, vehicle build, engine development, race preparation, trackside support, and driving.
posted by No.25 at 6:40 AM
0 comments
The Dunlop Tuscan Challenge
The Dunlop Tuscan Challenge is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling premier racing championships in the UK. The series has proved a huge success since being established in 1989 and has been the proving ground for many drivers who have gone on to become well known competitors in LMES FIA GT and Le Mans 24heures.
With the fastest racing sports cars to compete on UK circuits, and the
lure of the much-lusted TVR marque, it is no wonder that the series
attracts crowds numbering tens of thousands. This cocktail commands
attention at the highest levels in the world of racing. It has attracted
many appearances from great names such as Tiff Needell, Tim Harvey
and even our very own Formula One Champion, Nigel Mansell.
The Challenge is run by the prestigious British Racing & Sports Car Club (BRSCC) and is coordinatedby Readman Racing. It is supported by four main sponsors; Dunlop Tyres, Royal Purple Oils, Jays Racewear and the TVR Car Club. Along with this sponsorship, the series is televised thanks to AMGTV’s Race and Rally UK show being screened on both Sky’s Motors TV
and Channel 5.
The 2006 season consists of ten race weekends opening and closing at Oulton Park in Cheshire, visiting the fastest circuits in the UK and the infamous Spa Francorchamps, home to
the Belgian Grand Prix. The series is billed with other prestigious racing events such as Saloon Car, Porsche Open, GT, Formula Ford and Formula 3 Champioships.
With the fastest racing sports cars to compete on UK circuits, and the
lure of the much-lusted TVR marque, it is no wonder that the series
attracts crowds numbering tens of thousands. This cocktail commands
attention at the highest levels in the world of racing. It has attracted
many appearances from great names such as Tiff Needell, Tim Harvey
and even our very own Formula One Champion, Nigel Mansell.
The Challenge is run by the prestigious British Racing & Sports Car Club (BRSCC) and is coordinatedby Readman Racing. It is supported by four main sponsors; Dunlop Tyres, Royal Purple Oils, Jays Racewear and the TVR Car Club. Along with this sponsorship, the series is televised thanks to AMGTV’s Race and Rally UK show being screened on both Sky’s Motors TV
and Channel 5.
The 2006 season consists of ten race weekends opening and closing at Oulton Park in Cheshire, visiting the fastest circuits in the UK and the infamous Spa Francorchamps, home to
the Belgian Grand Prix. The series is billed with other prestigious racing events such as Saloon Car, Porsche Open, GT, Formula Ford and Formula 3 Champioships.
posted by No.25 at 6:32 AM
0 comments
