Prescott Finale

[Pete]

Just a few snaps from Prescott on Saturday, final Hillclimb meeting of the year (though they do have the excellent Rallye Prescott evening event coming up!). I still had my CR65s on which is fairly stupid but really enjoyed getting to know the course which was the main object for me on Saturday as I hadn’t driven there before. Good company in the paddock with Matt, Graham, Mick, Piers etc and a rapid Aaron Smith! I didn’t embarrass myself too much (it’s not an out and out power hill like Shelsley either) and really look forward to going back to see how much closer I can get to the quickest lads. A revival of my Mini Festival was also mooted which I think is well worth a go so have made an approach.

[MiNiKiN]

Pete, would you mind to ellaborate why

CR65s on which is fairly stupid

this is stupid? What is the difference between say CR65s and a Yoko 032 Advan - two totally different tyre concepts, I know. But what is the difference from a vehicle dynamics perspective?

[Pete]

The Dunlops are much harder when cold and great for a car that’s got the room to move around (ie on a circuit) and time to heat up which you don’t have here. You need as much rubber on the tarmac as possible and not so much sliding, Yokos and Avons will offer that. Fist time for me though so was only Interested in learning the hill. The Dunlops were grippier than expected to be fair.

[MiNiKiN]

thanks for the explanation. Makes perfect sense.

[BigWig]

Looks great Pete. Love the spec/build of the car. Does it have comp history?

I would like to enter this next year, or the Mini focussed event you are thinking about organising. Tyre wise I think A032s maybe the only option! They have always been good to be fair, and although the price hike is now in place, they do last a long time on a hillclimb car.

[Pete]

No old comp history at all, new build a couple of years back. Phil Anning rebuilt the old Swiftune engine, Tom Bell sorted the head out and dyno’d it again. Nick Wardley sorted the shell out, then Richard Casey did the fab work and cage, it was wired up there too and bolted together at Richard’s place after Nick painted it for me. I need to decide now whether to race it or do hillclimbing a lot more seriously because I’ve been dipping in and out for too long. There’s no current championship that floats my boat, we need one just for Minis really to improve the whole appeal and social element. There’s a new modified class being worked on by the National Historic Speed Club where the cars are strictly pre 1977 and any mods are too.

[BigWig]

Mega - sounds like a well sorted car.

I did look at the NHSC but from memory the car needs to be road legal, which mine isn't. Plus it also has a fibreglass front. I would definitely be interested in a Mini championship, as let's face it, there's no shortage of cars! Plus it's much more affordable than circuit racing.

[hanlminiman]

As a casual observer, non competitor at hill climb events. There are many one make speed championships for members of the Austin Healey and Ferrari owners clubs as 2 examples.
Maybe "The Sporting Minis" could create a set of regulations for enthusiasts, not out and out trophy hunters but those who would like to compete and enjoy a weekend at the various locations and socialise. The DEWS Championship was a good example of a Mini championship. I remember the MCR Speed Championship kerfuffle when it was regulated out. Maybe it's because I am of an age when arrive & drive meant just that; not pay a hire charge.
Hill climb and speed events for me are not just the competitive element but the social side makes the weekend.
Come on Pete. Get something organised. I'm sure Ian Hunt will help you set it up.

[Pete]

Ian is working on his own pre ‘77 championship Cliff, but as for the rest of your post I tend to agree!

[Oneball]

Missed it unfortunately due to family commitments, looked like you had the best weather on Saturday.

Are you doing Rallye Prescott? It’s one of the best events I’ve ever driven. First run up the hill in darkness with all the flash photography was like in car from BBC Rally Report, felt like a rock star. Couldn’t see anything mind!

[6604KF]

Which club did you need to be a member of to join that class Pete?

I don't remember seeing the 'All Comers' class before?

[Pete]

I’d love to do the Rallye Prescott night event! Do they light the paddock up? It was absolutely pitch black when I arrived last Friday night, great for star spotting!!

[Pete]

Which club did you need to be a member of to join that class Pete?

I don't remember seeing the 'All Comers' class before?

I’m in the National Historic Speed Club but was never asked to produce proof. I’ve sent them a email about reviving the Mini Festival

[Oneball]

I’d love to do the Rallye Prescott night event! Do they light the paddock up? It was absolutely pitch black when I arrived last Friday night, great for star spotting!!

Yes, they had tower lights in the paddock and a few other spectator areas and the car park.

IMG_9396.jpeg

[Pete]

Thanks Tim. Details here for those interested : https://www.prescotthillclimb.co.uk/eve ... prescott-3

There’s a similar event at Oulton Park the same weekend only we get a massive bonfire and fireworks. It was a good event last year, wouldn’t mind entering!

https://www.oultonpark.co.uk/2024/novem ... -fireworks