Club Arnage

All,

As before, please DO NOT cross-post this onto other forums - the RAF Marham Charity Track Day weekends remain by invitation only to members of specific forums that have supported the event in the past -CA thankfully being one of those forums.

I have just heard from my highly reliable sources that the next RAF Marham Charity Track Day weekend is scheduled for 19/20 April 2008.  When I get the official confirmation, I'll be able to post fuller event details, the number of places CA has been allocated, and the personal details that will be needed. For those who have been before, expect the customary excellent format, price, atmosphere, the most recent track layout and the facilities available to be largely unchanged, with just maybe a few track tweaks being considered.  I'll co-ordinate the CA attendance as previously.

So, although I need to wait for that confirmation, I thought that those of you interested in going might just like to start the ball rolling by pencilling the dates into your diaries......and work out what Father Christmas might like to bring you to enhance the experience - for me, I'd really love to have got that crossflow head installed on the A by then......

MG Mark

Cars only? or Bikes too??? :) :)

Sorry, as has been the case for the last couple, cars only

MG Mark

Excellent news Mark.  I need to get out in the garage and complete the gearbox swap a bit sharpish then.

Out with the TH350 slush box, in with a Borg Warner Super T10 4 speed - which means an extra pedal, a clutch mechanism, some hydraulic stuff, a flywheel, a clutch, a big headache, etc etc!

Haven't you got a chappie that does that sort of thing for you......

Sounds like a very good and worthwhile mod though provided that your left foot remembers it needs to do some work in co-ordination with the rest of the body.  All that extra power trashing more rubber, rather than dissipating as heat in an auto box - I think it was Mark Donohue that said: "If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the braking point for the next turn, then you have enough horsepower."  Would be jolly entertaining to see you try that down the mile and a half of runway. ;D

MG Mark

I better add 4 more tyres to my list then Mark  ;D

And perhaps some new undies...

I'm organising my two spare front wheels and tyres as we speak.

Consider me and the slow-est car on track in for this again please Mark.

We are into polybush fitting at the moment...

Gary? Bob too?

Oooo, Me Sir!!!

Might even have a midge to bring ;-)

Bill,

Polybushing will be nice to eliminate that wandering feeling (or that might have just been because there was us two old gits in the car...).  Saw Gary at the ACE last night and he is a definite.  I haven't heard from Bob yet, but I suspect that he will post when he sees this and that both he and Bob junior will wish to return.  Sounds like it might just also give Toby the impetus to get the Midget serviceable - otherwise, as we whizz past, we can give him the casual two-fingered wave, as he stands in the paddock watching his missus belting past in her mean machine.

MG Mark

DATE CHANGE....

Standby to Standby - the dates have moved already.  There is now a conflict with Marham's normal business that weekend, so it is looking like it will be on the weekend before, on 12 and 13 April.  I'll confirm as soon as I have the final word from Marham.

MG Mark

"conflict... with normal business... :( "


does that mean I should start digging?

ooher! and the ground is like permafrost in my back garden at the moment.


Ok the week before then, no worries(ish) ;)

C'mon Toby, you know yours is faster than mine already, even before this winter's souping up.


 :D

Yes count me in too (obviously). Just not sure if it'll be one day or two at the mo.

Hello MG M,

What are the noise restrictions at this event? 98db or 105?

FvR

I think you'll find no noise restrictions short of sonic booms. ;D

Indeed there are no set noise limitations, what with it being an active RAF tornado GR4 base most of the nearby residents are used to noise. There is however one note in the rules that if a car is deemed to be too noisy, ie a complaint from local people then the driver will have to either run quieter or stop driving. This to my knowledge has never had to happen, and we have run some very noisy cars that are not welcome at trackdays in the UK for the very same reason.

Excellent. 105 db+ rules!

Confirmed - Rick has summed up the position nicely.  We have not had to enforce anything yet, and the geography/proximity of housing is such that we should not need to - that said, if there are complaints then we would have to take some form of action.

MG Mark

MG Mark

Aaaagh!!!

Only just spotted this thread Mark...
Count me and my maniac son in please. He hasn't stopped asking me about it since last September.
I promise I'll try not to kill the car this time (note that I only said "try").

Not sure whether we will want to do 1 or 2 days yet.

Sounds like it could be quite a crowd this time though...

Right, I now have final confirmation of the dates - 12 and 13 April, and I have up to 10 slots allocated to CA for each day.   I'll be going on the Saturday only, as it is my lad's 18th the following day and we're going to the BTCC at Rockingham.  Prices for the Marham event likely to be the same as before - i.e. £60 for one day and £100 for both.   The event is going to be over0-subscribed, so this time they will require payment in advance rather than having "pay on the day" as an option - understandable as there were a number of "no shows" on the last couple of events, which is too late to fill spare slots. 

I haven't got time to revise and post the full details of the event for the benefit of those who haven't been before, but the first post on this thread
http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=7435.0 (http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=7435.0)
from the last weekend in September 07 gives you everything you need to know.

I need to confirm numbers soon, so that if we don't fill the allocation they can be offered elsewhere.
So far, judging by the posts, CA members attending will be:

Definites:

Me - MGA
Garyfrogeye with his Frogeye
Perdu - Lara
Toby - Something
BobT + Junior BobT - Midget and something else

For you guys, I need to know which day(s) please - I probably still have all your personal details, so unless they have changed since last time, I'll use those, except for Toby who didn't come last time (so I need yours) and Bob please let me know what car Anthony is going to be in.

Possibles:

Steve Brown with his Cobra
Freddie van Rost in something
Catchpole (but not sure if that is as an attendee or a driver?)

for you guys, I need confirmation that you are coming and on which day(s) please, and full personal and car details as set out in the link to the last event above.

Anybody Else:

Confirmations and details are needed now please!

MG Mark

I think I will have 4 cars for both days, I will confirm in the next day or so.

Definately bringing an Escort Cosworth, 2 Sierra Cosworths on both days.

Hi Rick,

Sounds good, but I do need to wait to hear from a couple of others who are already on the list before I can confirm the number of slots that might be available to you for both days - I can certainly slot that number in on the Sunday, just not sure yet about the Saturday.

Mark

I'll post further event details over the weekend, but I've now got them, which includes confirmation of the costs - a slight rise this time, but that's the first time the cost has risen since their inception, and they still represent extraordinarily good value, with virtuallly every penny going directly to charitable causes - now £70 for one day or £120 for both days.

MG Mark

Any more news on this yet Mark? Some of the guys are still waiting to see if they have space, or have I already missed the boat on this?

Rick - sorry, been snowed under professionally and domesticaly, should be able to work with what you are after - will confirm in the next day or two,

Mark

I'm looking forward to seeing those of you who are going up on Friday night tomorrow.
It should be a nice wet weekend which should level the playing field a bit.
Be safe ;D

As ever, a Grand Day Out - the MGA, 2 frogeyes, 3 Midgets and a Porsche boxster flying the CA flag, so to speak, at the Track Day today.  An outstanding time had by all, catching over a beer or two the evening before, then hooning it round the track throught the day today, and embarassing plenty of modern machinery with our vintage stuff (well, except Toby's Porsche). 

One of the Midgets did, however, have an unplanned roll (not Bob or Bill, but a newbie) which has rather buggered up the bodywork and windscreen (although it is repairable) and Mike spent the afternoon being checked out in Kings Lynn hospital - for those there, Mike is fine (if a bit bruised and sore) and I dropped him back at his home just after 7.  Hope you all had a safe trip back - I'll let you know when the next one is going to be as soon as I know!

MG Mark

Great news about Mike. I hope his wife will be forgiving. I'd imagine she'd just be happy to have him back in one piece.

Many congratulations to the RAF and everyone at Marham who gave us such a great day.
And for anyone going tomorrow, have a fantastic and safe day.

Fantastic news Mark, please pass on our regards and a couple of healthy snigger's for good measure. To start the engraving discussion - "I came, I rolled, I have to explain this to the wife" or to quote one of the MT's "It'll polish out...."

To paraphase someone from the MG BBS - "Keep the greasy side down as it rolls better that way" can be taken a number of ways ;-)

Thanks again for organising a great day, look forward to the next one...Now its just the marathon to do and then I can go to bed. For those from HA; The trundle-Bunny is  stocked and forms an intrigral part of the plan...

How did FLM go?   Looked a bit cold n wet - unless you were finished early....

 :D

Tell you what! That stub stack makes for a blarry noisy car

My ears are still rattling even today

I'm very glad Mike is OK and I'm sure a bit of attention to the windows and slight body work scratch repairs with T cut will sort out the car

Great to meet up again yesterday and good news for Rache today, the Marathon site gives her time as 4.17.08 which is terrific. Congratulate the lady from me please Toby

She told us on Saturday she thought 4.30 so a load of extra praise from someone who can just about raise a hobble...

Mark, you and the guys at Marham have my undying thanks and admiration, a great, great day out and thanks too for Friday night too

Again?

Why yes sir I do believe I shall.

Just thought I'd add my pitiful efforts of photography
In order left to right are;
MG Marks MGA, Mike's soon to rolled MG Midget, Perdu's MG Midget, Dan's Japanise 4wd fast thingy, Bob.T's MG Midget and my frogeye. Out of shot are Toby's Porsche Boxter and Ant's (Bob T Jnr) 350BHP Audi thing.Actually that's it on the far right.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2411825604_45cca49b63_b.jpg)

Just to reflect everything that has already been said and add my tupenneth...

Apologies for keeping everyone stuck at the bar boozin on Friday night waiting for my arrival (like you needed an excuse).

Much thanks to Mark for organising, the guys at Marham for their efforts and for the company and comeraderie that was shared.
And my car got me home safely this time!

Good to hear that Mike is OK if a bit bruised and shaken. Very lucky escape and the car is very much repairable so a reasonably good outcome.

Put me down for August pls Mark.  ;D

Like others have said, congrats to Rach for her efforts in the event today and returning an excellent time. I tried spotting her on the TV but no joy. Should've been wearing a loud hat  ;)

http://www.tooke.org.uk/showits/IMAG0065.jpg

My version of the same lineup as per Gary's description.

Thanks for all of your good wishes re rollover. I very much appreciated you guys who put my bits and pieces in the car and covered it up.Thanks very much
The wife was not much pleased as it is her car.Nothing that won't polish out, hoping to pick it up this week and start the polising out of all scratches and dents.
It also gives me the time to sort out the suspension(it needs it more than ever now)
Once again thanks for all your good wishes and especially Mark who delivered me home

Mike, glad you're still with us  :o

Suspension, when you are in the mood I can not recommend the Frontline Spridget kit highly enough. That and rear polybushes with low rear springs would really begin to do justice to what is, was and will be a very wicked Midget.

Hope we see more of you, keep well.

Bill

Mike - no worries, we're just all glad you're on the mend.  And we look forward to hearing more about the reaction when you do get the Midget home, seeing as your missus hasn't actually seen the car yet......

MG Mark

Indeed - that will probably hurt more than the roll...

Cant wait to get my CD of the photos from the day; rumor has it that the whole thing was caught on film ;D

Glad to hear that all is well - we'll get it back on the road for the next one!

Rumour is fact.....I understand from an authoritative source (i.e. the photographer) that it was indeed caught on film as a series of stills.....   ;D or  :( , depending on whether it's the rest of us or Mike himself! 

MG Mark

Good to hear from you Mike and glad you're not too bashed about (unless the missus really was that upset).
The big question now is whether you've the courage to show the series of CD pics to the missus  ;)

BTW I've got a pile of Midget odds and sods in the garage. No windscreen (Bill's got that bit) but almost a whole stripped down 1500 car. So if there's anything you might need from it gimme a call and I'll see what I can do. Might be able to find a tatty but solid hood frame if you're in need.

Thanks for the offer of bits, I have now got the car home and its not too bad. I am not quite up to starting repairs yet but will get down to it asap. Damn strong these Midgets  !!!!!!!
The boss lady was not to upset but said she will kill me if i do it again (roll)

Mike,

Glad all is well, that you have recovered the car, and as we all thought, it's not major damage.  That your missus is being very understanding is to her great credit  :angel:  Have you told Uncle Malcolm yet  :-[ and had the rip taken out of you mercilessly by him, or is that going to be Saturday morning's delight?  If it is then I'll come down and provide moral support watch....... ;D

Mark

(Uncle Malcolm is the slightly eccentric Mr Beer who runs Beer's garage in Houghton just down the road from M ike and me - an MG specialist of note and MG racer of long standing, and not to be trifled with.  If Mike's missus has let him off the hook relatively easily, Malcolm will not be quite so polite......)

Malcolm has the car and will advise on repair. He has not taken the p, as yet . He has been there himself and so has been very understanding, he is a trifle peed as he has help me get it to the state it was.
Race car is taking preference as testing is friday and race is sunday at Brands and I think it's a double header. So barring mishaps on sunday should be able to start on strip down next weekend.

Mike