Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1999 23:41:13 -0000
From: Colin Valentine
Subject: [imps] Re: Overheating/Rad Fans
Andy,
Re your recent comments on Imps not steering on PCT's. When I developed a car for the BTRDA National Championships the technique was set up the rear hard and high with RAC's + Race inners, Rally Konis and a lead lined rear bumper. Then at the front soft as possible plenty of positive camber and a pair of Dunlop D75 Crossply tyres. It was evil on the road, but magic in a muddy field. I won my class several times on BTRDA / RAC Championships and made second overall in 1994.
I still sit on the BTRDA PCT Committee as Secy, but we are now moving towards a No Ballast formula for FWD road taxed cars to non specialists to compete and be legal for Construction and Use, Insurance etc.
If anyone is interested I can send you a set of Regs. The FWD No Ballast Class is now the best supported.
In 1995 I used the 'towcar' a Mk1 Golf GTI and finished second again.
Haven't been able to get out much since then. (Imp Club Comp Secy to support at Cov Uni takes all the budget !!)
Hoping to have another go this year, but it will be in either the Golf or a Nova.
Regards
Colin Valentine
From: Colin Valentine
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 00:05:25 -0000
Subject: [imps] Re: Overheating/Rad Fans
Graham,
Sorry I'm a bit slow at catching up with these. A PCT is a Production Car Trial. It should be the cheapest form of motor sport but at Championship level the experts are bending the rules and winding up the ante.
The idea is that you drive your ordinary car to a field, let your tyres down a bit, and then attempt to drive up a series of muddy or grassy banks. These sections are marked 12 to 1 and you get penalties according to where the car stops. If you get to the front wheels past the 1 flag you get a 'clean' i.e. 0 penalties.
There are different classes for different types of cars. Imps and Beetles are very good but are getting a bit thin on the ground. So in 1994 I introduced a Class aimed at current road cars. i.e.. FWD Cars running without Ballast, Taxed and MOT'd. The Committee of experts were outraged at the idea (they all bring cars on trailers) told me it wouldn't work etc, but it is now the biggest single class. This makes me more unpopular as the 'specials on trailers' aren't winning everything.
You can have a go with an IMP, but I don't recommend it. Better to use a Nova or Golf. See the Email to Andy MacFadden about preparation.
Club events cost £5-10 Championship costs £15-20 per event. No preparation is required for FWD-No Ballast, but a spare pair of front wheels and good tyres is worthwhile. Tyres have to be 'road' not M&S. Definitely the cheapest British Championship to contest. You really can use the shopping car.
Regards
Colin Valentine
From: Impmann@aol.com
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 15:15:25 EST
Subject: [imps] Re: Overheating/Rad Fans
Hi Colin,
You say that an Imp is not such a good idea for PCTs, how come? I would have thought that with that amount of grip etc, they'd still be pretty competetive.....I know a chap in Dorset who used to campain a Husky, with quite amazing results.
Cheers,
Tim
From: Colin Valentine
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 15:43:28 -0000
Subject: [imps] Re: Overheating/Rad Fans
Tim,
Two reasons:If you are interested to watch the next Championship event is at Home Farm, Great Brickhill, MR 165/906315 off the A5 south of Bletchley. For more info ring John Parsons Falcon Motor Club 01525-270566.
- There aren't many Imps and Beetles turning out any more. The class is dying. The one that still competes regularly is very specialised, not a road car.
- The tyre pressures have been raised on RE-RWD cars to enable FWD cars to have a chance.
There is a possibility that I might enter in the Golf GTI. Give me a ring nearer the time
Regards
Colin Valentine
From: Colin Valentine
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 23:53:40 -0000
Subject: [imps] Re: PCT
Gary and others,
The PCT mentioned earlier at Great Brickhill is on Sunday 21 Feb. If any of you are there look out for a Black Golf GTI Mk and come and say hello. Sorry it won't be an Imp.
Steve Courts might be there in his Imp so you will see what I mean about specialised.
From: Mark Chater
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 14:32:17 -0000
Subject: [imps] Re: PCT
Didn't Steve Courts win the RAC national PCT championship in his Imp two or three years ago? I've only ever seen him compete in sporting trials so I have not seen his Imp.