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Post by Dave Wisdom on Sept 27, 2013 16:29:38 GMT -5
As preparations continue at the Northumberland Forest Hall Circuit for the weekends Grand Prix, assembled teams were joined on Thursday afternoon by Owen Racing Organisation and the increasingly popular Graham Hill. Tony Rudd and his team wasted no time unloading the latest BRM H16 (Dave Jones) model from the Leyland Royal Tiger transporter and were quick to dispatch Hill out on track for several exploratory laps. An autumnal chill filled the air as Hill familiarised himself with the car and circuit. Once satisfied with the BRM’s set up, Graham quickly set about completing a late afternoon qualifying session for a place on Sunday’s grid. Despite grip being not 100%, Hill managed just to edge ahead of the number 14 Lotus-BRM and finished a very respectable 8th place on the grid. Late arrival at Forest Hall Circuit; Hill prepares himself to qualify for Sundays race. Out on track Graham wastes no time in acclimatising himself with the Northumberland countryside. Hill follows Bonnier on the approach towards Kirkby Bridge. The H16 safely back in the pit-lane after qualifying in 8th place. The final qualifying times are as follows:
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Post by Dave Wisdom on Sept 28, 2013 12:30:57 GMT -5
Ahead of tomorrows Grand Prix, drivers took to the track this morning for last minute testing. Guy Ligier ran his Brabham. After last weekends gearbox problems things seem to be under control. Of course tomorrows race will represent the big test. Dan Gurney had a spring in his step after previous difficulties with vibrations from the rear end of his Gurney-Weslake. All seems well now and he looks a strong contender for tomorrows laurels. Hills Lotus-BRM had the exhaust tailpipe replaced after its disappearance following qualifying and subsequently the Lotus is now sounding much healthier. All other runners reported no problems ahead of tomorrows Grand Prix. Ligier decided to put off his return to playing Rugby now that all seems well with his Brabham BT19. Hill in confident mood; ready for tomorrows big challenge from 9th on the grid. Bianchi just got on with the job knowing he has Rodriguez and Gurney to deal with on the front row. Pedro seemed relaxed and ready for the Grand Prix, but acknowledged Gurney may be a problem. Jo Bonnier had a clean session declaring himself in confident mood, but knowing Hills Lotus-BRM will be serious competition. Gurney at speed; confident tomorrow will have a star-spangled banner feel to it... Hills Lotus 49 was on a charge early in the session and Graham declared there should some decent points to be won tomorrow. Bandini thrilled the crowds in his Ferrari 312 displaying skills only an Italian can posess. No mistaking Hills BRM H16. It shattered the early morning Northumberland silence being first out as the session began. Onlookers cheer on their heroes whilst the Kinks describe how 'You Really Got Me' on the transistor radio.
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Post by David Lawson on Sept 28, 2013 13:40:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the latest report and pictures, your style of reporting gives only tantalising hints of the cars comparative performances so I can't wait to see how the race goes tomorrow.
I love the sense of movement in this latest set of pictures, that out of focus grass bank in the foreground really does give the impression the cars are travelling at speed.
David
PS - That last picture brings back memories, I'm sure I saw that group of hippies on their VW camper parked on South Bank at the 1970 British Grand Prix.
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Post by Dave Wisdom on Sept 29, 2013 12:55:15 GMT -5
2013 Grand Prix de Montana Proxy Series: Round One Race Report & ResultsForest Hall Circuit in Northumberland was suitably blessed with plenty of Autumnal sunshine for today’s Round One of the 2013 Grand Prix de Montana Proxy Series. Excitement had been building throughout the morning. The crowd’s anticipation was further enhanced by a breathtaking display from the Red Arrows Acrobatic Formation Team making their traditional appearance at the British Grand Prix. The high octane charged atmosphere came to a head when Innes Ireland let the Union Jack drop in front of the grid, consequently unleashing the might of several thousand brake horse power in front of packed Grandstands. As the field headed from the start line into the long, fast left hand Gerards bend, it was Rodriguez just ahead of Bianchi followed very closely by Gurney. Next up was Hill in the Lotus 49B who’d got ahead of both Ligier in the Brabham and Bandinis Ferrari by the time they headed up to Bridge Corner. Meanwhile further down the field the excitement was as great, if not better. Hill (in the Lotus-BRM) had evidently seen the Red Mist and was on a real charge, edging temporarily ahead of Bonniers Cooper-Maserati and the BRM H16. However, a few laps later it was apparent all was not well with the Lotus-BRM, as it parted company with several key components belonging to the exhaust system. However, undeterred, Hill continued on his mission hunting down Bonnier with outright grim determination. The BRM H16 wanted some of this action too, and it was not long before it, and the Lotus-BRM were locked in a wheel to wheel battle that lasted the entire race distance. This allowed Bonnier to put clear space between him and the final two runners. The H16 and Lotus-BRM fought to the flag and it was only just a by a whisker, the H16 finished ahead of Hills Lotus in 8th place. Ligier, Bandini and Hills Lotus 49B were also locked in a wheel to wheel encounter that saw them all exchange places lap after lap. However, the Lotus 49B always looked the most stable of the three and Hill was able to complete the race finishing 4th; 2 places higher than his qualifying position. Ligiers Brabham gearbox held together despite fears during practice it would not last the distance and Guy came home safely in 5th position. Bandini entertained the crowds in his Ferrari and despite falling back at one point managed to finish 7th behind Bonnier in 6th. Meanwhile at the head of the field, Rodriguez, Bianchi and Gurney were inseparable during the early stages of the race. A frantic battle developed between the three drivers which continued for several laps. Slowly, but surely, Pedro began to edge away from Bianchi; the BRM V12s sheer speed putting distance between it and the rest of the field. Rodriguez crossed the line victorious ahead of Bianchi. Dan Gurney had continued to give chase to Bianchi, but despite suffering a couple of spins on spilled oil, still came home a strong 3rd. Regular visitors to Britains Grand Prix; The Red Arrows. Safety vehicles demonstrated their expertise before the Grand Prix. 3 minutes to go as the excitement builds... Rodriguez heads the field into Gerards Bend. Positions remain tight on the opening lap. Gurney leads briefly followed closely by the pack. Ligier, Bonnier and Hill locked in battle for 4th place. Pedro ponders the back-markers on his way through the field. Heavy traffic as the leaders approach the hotly contested battle between Hill and Bandini. Bonnier chases the pack over Bridge Corner. Ligier and Hill approach Shaws Hairpin side by side. Rodriguez heads under the bridge to victory; winner of the 2013GPd British Grand Prix.
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Post by Mark Huber on Sept 29, 2013 13:15:19 GMT -5
Dave, Thank you and your team of drivers for staging a great event. The race reporting and photographs are brilliant and most appreciated. Congratulations to Rodriguez (Team owner Taffy), Bianchi (Team owner David L) and Gurney (Team owner EM/Alan) for their podium finishes. Points total after one race:
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Post by EM on Sept 29, 2013 22:01:29 GMT -5
Thanks to the organizers and race host -pleased to make the first podium appearance since a VRAA race three or four years ago but a bit distressed to be 17 laps off the pace. I may suggest to the race crew that they remind themselves that it is a V-12, not a V-8 and to please ensure that the rear 4 plug leads are attached.
EM
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Post by f143 on Sept 30, 2013 0:03:46 GMT -5
Congratulations to the podium, Taffy, David and EM. Fantastic race coverage and photographs Dave, you must have all had a lot of fun. Last week I was motoring up the A1M, wondering how far I was away from the track and cars on my way to Newcastle airport and home to Australia. Regards Nigel
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Post by David Lawson on Sept 30, 2013 1:24:23 GMT -5
A big thank you to Dave Wisdom and all the drivers at Forest Hall for hosting the opening race of the series.
Once again what a lovely set of photographs and I can't believe how quickly you produced the race report and results charts, you must have had a very long day to manage that.
I am pleased to have managed a second place but like EM am at a bit of a loss as to why I was 14 laps down despite the very close practice times but that is just down to different drivers I guess. It doesn't matter anyway as I am just pleased to be part of this great little series of races for scale F1 cars.
David
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Post by Dave Wisdom on Sept 30, 2013 1:50:27 GMT -5
A few more images from the day. Start line with cars in qualifying order. Group 3 Heats line up. Group 2 Heats line up. Group 1 Heats line up. Marks Lotus-BRM. The field. Top three finishers. Concours d'elegance line up. (Photo kindly taken by Brian, one of our club members).
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Post by Andre Acker on Sept 30, 2013 9:45:14 GMT -5
Dave,
Your story is far better and more realistic than this "Rush" film ! Congratulations, the track is marvelous and the photos idem !
André Acker.
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Post by Mark Huber on Sept 30, 2013 12:22:52 GMT -5
I am pleased to have managed a second place but like EM am at a bit of a loss as to why I was 14 laps down despite the very close practice times but that is just down to different drivers I guess. It doesn't matter anyway as I am just pleased to be part of this great little series of races for scale F1 cars. David Well, 14 laps down is a lot less than 44 laps down. I have drawn only two conclusions.. Taffy's car is really quick.. Mark's car is really NOT quick. Arrgh.
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Post by Taffy on Sept 30, 2013 13:33:04 GMT -5
Gents, I´m a bit speechless...I really don´t know, what to say...
At first: congratulations to David and Alan for their 2nd and 3rd place. Like you, I really would like to know, why Pedro Rodriguez was that fast. The qualifiying results were so much closer!? Dave, could you please send me one or two cans of the fuel, that you have filled in the BRM!
Then: Thank you to the drivers, that kept the pole for Pedro Rodriguez and made him win!
Last, but not least: thank you very much to Dave for hosting this race, for making these great pictures (and yes, André: this IS better than Rush!) and for this excellent, exciting and entertaining race report (may I beg again for an album with pictures in hgher resolution...?)
No, this is the last comment: Mark, don´t be sad. You know the german saying: "Neues Spiel, neues Glück" (new game, new luck)? I could imagine, that the gear ratio of my BRM was perfect for this track. But if this is right, my car might be a looser at the faster tracks....
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Post by Mark Huber on Sept 30, 2013 15:33:39 GMT -5
Taffy, Thank you for the encouragement. Aber... Neues Spiel, neues Glück? Ich denke, es ist eher Neues Spiel gleichen alten Glück sein. In the meantime the F1 governing body is investigating if high octane jet fuel was used by Rodriguez in the BRM V12.
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Post by Chris Wright on Sept 30, 2013 17:44:36 GMT -5
Mark, jet fuel is Kerosene, what Pedro is using is 20% Alcohol, and 80% Nitro-methane ;D
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Post by David Lawson on Oct 6, 2013 14:11:03 GMT -5
Today at an open race meeting in Wolverhampton we took the opportunity to hand over the proxy cars. Dave Wisdom passed them on to Pete Shepherd who is hosting the next race. Left to right in this rogues gallery of all the series race hosts are; Pete Shepherd (Cuckoo Pines), David Lawson (Southend Club), Paul Cash (Pendles Club), Dave Wisdom (Forest Hall) and Bryan King (Pendles Club) David
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