Club Arnage

I've just received two free tickets and a parking pass for the Britcar 24hr race on the weekend of 1st to 3rd October and can't for the life of me remember applying for them.
Still, nice surprise!

Have any of you been to a Britcar race and, if so, what were your experiences and would you recommend it?

Steve

I've been to 2 24 hour Britcar races & enjoyed them both (well apart from the Andy Neate Crash  :o ) 
The racing can be pretty good with the classes having a reasonable speed difference. The fastest cars are Mosler's etc & the slowest a VW Golf etc.

It can feel more like a club race with the number of spectators around so don't expect to queue for much.
Also in the past they have closed off the south side of the circuit to spectators after dark so no going past Bridge or Copse but if you're already past Abbey or Becketts you should be ok to stay. take a torch it's dark!  ;D good seeing the cars at night at the end of hangar straight going into Stowe.
A few good places for some nice long exposure night shots so you'd need a tripod.

Oh & don't be suprised if you fall asleep at night then wake up & you can't see a thing, Silverstone can get a bit foggy that time of year.
 
We'll be there, not sure where we are camping yet but it'll probably be with white rabbit racing
 

Thanks, might just have a mosey over for the weekend.

Lord

Griff WANC is racing in it

PM

Team Zarse will have a reasonable presence as well U think, we also have some dfh and melans coming I think. Must take something to warm the tent up....

I have been pondering this one...

Then I shall be there! What's Griff driving?

Steve

I went to the first one of these and was one of about 70 paying customers! I kid you not. Actually thinking about it I think there was probably more than one car entered for everyone that turned up to watch. There were so many cars that there was a traffic light system for the refuelling as there were not enough pits to go around. It does as (as previously mentioned) have a club meeting feel but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would have visited subsequent meetings had not been for the fact they coincided with when Mrs Monkey wanted to go on holiday. However this year all holidays should be over so I hope very much to be there. I hope you enjoy it.

Team Muz will be there, probably with the White Rabbit Racing contingent.  Here’s a flavour of 2008 when we were with WRR, lifted from another forum....


The fifth and final phase of Muz Tours for this year didn’t require passports, ferries or Euros, although it was south of Birmingham so we took our passports just in case.  >:D

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3345.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3175.jpg)
We were soon set up on the packed campsite....

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3185.jpg)
....although Mrs Muz fancied one of these complete with roof terrace :o

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3195.jpg)
It’s hard work all this Muz Tour business ;)

Time to watch the pre-race air display....

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3209.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3207.jpg)
Helicopters aren’t supposed to be able to do this :o

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3200.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3201.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3214.jpg)
The end of the green flag lap, note the Mosler and TVR at the front of the field....

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3216.jpg)
The ghastly crash involving Andy Neate in the TVR after the Mosler spun going over the line – after 18 months Andy is back racing, in the BTCC.

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3299.jpg)
Honda Integra

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3218.jpg)
Vauxhall VX220, Mitsubishi Lancer, Corvette C5

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3285.jpg)
BMW M3 E46

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3222.jpg)
Ginetta G50, Honda Civic, Honda Integra

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3290.jpg)
A Volkswagen Lupo :o

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3221.jpg)
Aston Martin N24

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3291.jpg)
Mosler MT900

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3238.jpg)
Corvette C5

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3294.jpg)
Volkswagen Beetle

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3308.jpg)
BMW M3 E46

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3295.jpg)
Mosler MT900

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3302.jpg)
Mosler MT900

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3245.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3246.jpg)
Northamptonshire sunset 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3250.jpg)
Delicately char-grilled beefburgers for tea :o

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3251-1.jpg)
Why can’t kids keep still for just a few seconds? :-\

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3316.jpg)
The Jrs having a go at driving 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf3342.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/DSCF3243r.jpg)
That’s all from us for this year.....

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/5Daysin08GulfUK.jpg)
.....now we can tick all the boxes and have a little rest! ;D

Timetable now available here: http://www.britcar24hr.co.uk/cms/e107_plugins/content/files/forms2010/24HR/TT_SS_24hrs.pdf

and entry list here: http://britcar24hr.co.uk/cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.53

Interesting and encouraging to see Andy Neate on the entry list, considering what happened in 2008  ;)

@Muzorewa -  great pics and good to see the tour sticker.

Hoped you took the kids with you to each race and they enjoyed it, mind you not sure if they did totally as looks like you had to bribe them, ice creams in one of the pics  ;D

Oh they love it - they didn't do Le Mans due to school etc but they did the other four so can't really complain - three European holidays in one year  ;)

Dodgems & icecreams, solves any boredom problems they might develop  ;D

You've talked me into it!
New tent - check
Warmer sleeping bag - check

All set then. White Rabbit campsite looks fine and dandy but £50?? Hmmm.
Are any of you Zarses, Melans, dfh etc etc staying over?
Is Litchlake open as I'm a bit sick of walking between Whittlebury and the circuit?

All these questions.......

Don't think Litchlake is open then, we're there right now for the Renault World Series.  WRR is only £30 for just outside the fence which is what we did in 2008, no problems with security etc.  WWR is favourite as you can get to the track in seconds or back to your car in seconds for more beer....

The White Rabbit prices are up to 4 people LS but I have checked out Whittlebury prices and is £35 just for me on my own so WRR seems like a good deal if you arent on your own  and still not bad if you are.

I doesnt look like they are offering the £30 outside track option on their website any more.

I am still dithering about a bit, but think I will probably be going just got to sort of details and get camping gear back out of storage!! ......

F

Aha. Might have to gather up some buddies then.
Ade, Pete, Mike, Kev.......what do you think?

A basic campsite for £30 is listed on their website

Prices are held at the same as the last two years and are for the full weekend so, get yourself up there after work on the Friday and enjoy the qualifying!

Basic Camp: £30 per car (including £5 booking fee (paypal tax!)) which includes camping for up to three people.

Premium Camp: £50 per car (including £5 booking fee as above) and includes camping for up to Four people included in the secure area as well as your car pass.

I have sent them an email asking how to book. I'll let you know when I find out.

I timed the walk from the gate to Whittlebury during the 1000k's at 15 minutes. sod doing that in the dark drunk  ;D

When you go to the booking part of their website, the £30 option doesnt come up!  Will wait to hear their reply tho.

F

Don't think I can make it this year.

Ade

Got a reply from white rabbit. the basic campsite has been withdrawn as there was no interest  :(

Bums.  Is there space left in the £50.00 section?

HEADCOUNT

I'm in.

Right. Pass out negotiated.
Arriving early Saturday morning. Before I spend £50 on a campsite (and I haven't ruled out Whittlebury yet @ £35) what's everyone else doing?
White Rabbit and Britcar were talking about "putting something on" in the campsite. Anyone heard what it is?

Steve

We've booked with WRR, I know it's dear but there's four of us.  And at least you can stagger to the track in the night if you get the urge.

Whittlebury it is @ £30 for the weekend. I'll brave the killer sheep in the dark to say £20!

Billy no mates. (with a spare ticket if anyone wants one)

I am out of this one now having decided (after all my dithering about) to go for a bit of hawking in Yorkshire instead!

Having said that, looking at the weather forecast for Yorkshire next weekend, I am not sure the birds will be leaving their perches at all!

F

I think you are having a few probs with your bats missus  ;D

>Martini...LB

No need to concern yourself with what goes on in my belfry Monsieur!!

F

Free tickets available from me on the other thread - drop me a PM if you want them

BZ

For anyone that wants to do Britcar in Luxury, I have a room at The Hilton in Northampton available (due to drop outs) available at discounted cost (cost) price of £92 for Saturday night. It is a Double Deluxe room and I assume that most hotels are fully booked up by now.

The Hilton is situated on the Northamptom bypass SW side and is approx. 10 mins from the circuit by car / taxi.

Check in is at 3pm Saturday.
I can meet you at the hotel or circuit anytime Saturday to transfer details.

PM me or ring on -07802 440 928

Deano

To all those who braved the weather this weekend - respect.
Hardcore or what?
Tell you what - you don't get the pace car coming out at Le Mans because it's foggy......
The trek to and from Whittlebury was strange especially at 05.30 this morning - strangely silent when the pace car is out.
Great to see the old Morgan still circulating when I left and there aren't many races where you see two Moslers monstering a Mk2 Golf GTi out of Copse.
Credit to the organisers for bloody minded effort - any chance of the race being in the summer next year and thanks to all those hardy souls a.k.a. Race Marshals who stand out in that weather for the fun of it.
I'm still frozen!!

Comparing the number of people around the track today to yesterday It was a lot quieter. definetely the more hard core nutters left  ;D
The race itself was great & Rob Huff wasn't hanging around at the start.

Paying the premium for Whire Rabbit was worthwhile after all as we were able to drive round the circuit & park on the banking by Stowe & Vale & watch in the dry as the cars slid all over the place on track :)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs366.snc4/44935_156728681015906_100000363252790_382893_7669608_n.jpg)

That photo just about sums up the race!
Mightily impressed by the Aquila though - same Corvette engine as the Moslers but left 'em for dead. I was speaking to the Aquila team on Sunday who were very frustrated at the breakdown - they did get it fixed after a long spell in the garage and it was making up 10 seconds per lap on the leader but the sticking throttle finally put it in the gravel. Good effort lads and thanks for that engine noise - made up for the absence of 'Vettes and Saleems!

Or SaleeNs as they are more commonly known......

Some pics from Team Muz, a thoroughly enjoyable event, shame the weather deteriorated but that’s racing – it’s spooky in the grandstands at 5am with the cars circling obediently behind the Safety Car in the fog :o

As far as photos go, there are less & less opportunities for fence-free shots, which is really frustrating knowing what it was like only last year :(

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2048.jpg)
Camp set up behind the Start/Finish straight – No chance of any sleep then :laugh:

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2051.jpg)
Time to look at some of the contenders – where else can you get into the pit garages and this close to the cars? ;)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2053-1.jpg)
None of the Bernie EcclesCake “only people who are celebrities in their own imaginations” here

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2056.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2059.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2060.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2068.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2070.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2074.jpg)
When did you last see an AlfaSud? :o

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2077.jpg)
Mrs Muz famously asserted that this should be on a Merry-go-Round :laugh:

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2121.jpg)
Exhausting work, this 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2124.jpg)
Back to camp for some lunch before the start of the race

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2126.jpg)
Now here’s an idea.  Start the race with a Union Flag.  But where from – get a geezer in a Red Beret to put a target in the gravel….

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2127.jpg)
….get some people to leap out of what appears to be a perfectly airworthy plane….

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2129.jpg)
….make patterns in the sky….

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2132.jpg)
…and deliver said Union Flag from the sky 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2133.jpg)
Now that is a cool idea ;D

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2139.jpg)
Pre-race buildup – the much fancied Jet-Alliance Porsche 997

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2141-1.jpg)
The amazingly fast and amazingly sounding Aquila CR1

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2140.jpg)
One of the fancied Mosler MT900R

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2085.jpg)
BMW M3 E46

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2170.jpg)
Good to see Mazda make an appearance ;D

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2267-1.jpg)
A Cosworth Escort :o

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2088.jpg)
Porsche 993 RSR

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2172-1.jpg)
Marcos Mantis

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2090.jpg)
Aston Martin N24

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2280-1.jpg)
BMW M3 E92

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2278-1.jpg)
Seat León

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2092.jpg)
Lotus Elise

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2173.jpg)
Mosler MT900R vs Aquila CR1 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2094.jpg)
Marcos Mantis 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2265-1.jpg)
Lotus Exige

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2249.jpg)
Go Team Mazda! 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2095.jpg)
BMW M3 E46

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2179-1.jpg)
Molser MT900R

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2097.jpg)
Eventual second place after leading for a large part of the race, the Jet-Alliance Porsche 997

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2252.jpg)
Porsche 993 RSR

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2257.jpg)
Morgan Plus 8 ???

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2106.jpg)
Mosler MT900R

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2185-1.jpg)
The stunning Aquila CR1 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2108-1.jpg)
Nissan 370z

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2262-1.jpg)
Aston Martin N24

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2110.jpg)
Aquila CR1 8)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2161.jpg)
BMW M3 E46

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2111-1.jpg)
Honda Civic :o

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2241-1.jpg)
Top marks for the team who kept this Morgan Plus 8 going to the end ;D

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2242-1.jpg)
Lotus Exige

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2114.jpg)
TVR Sagaris

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2234-1.jpg)
A herd of BMW M3 ???

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2101.jpg)
Mosler MT900R

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2190-1.jpg)

Oh yes, so apart from getting into the pit garages pre-race to see the preparation, where else can you actually get into the pit lane mid-race to see the pitstops & refueling etc?.......

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2207-1.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2209.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2218.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2220.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/DSCF2232.jpg)
Looks peaceful, but with 60 cars buzzing around all night it was, erm, awkward to sleep :laugh:

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Muz2/Dscf2233-1.jpg)
At least someone managed to grab some kip  ::)

Absolutely fantastic photos, thanks!
Copse grandstand is very spooky at 3am as well when you're the only one there.
I'd do it all again tomorrow (when my clothes have dried out......)

Indeed, there's an ill wind blowing around those grandstands at night, and it's nothing to do with the chilli I had the previous evening  >:D