MNHRA. ROD-ON MAY '99."So where's the newsletter then?" - This is the question everyone has been asking. Well, "it's late", is the answer! The reason is we seem to have been deserted. (we, being Colin and Alison). As our chairman seems to be working most weekends, (don't over do it Neil), as does our grading officer. At the beginning of the season, our old treasurer Diane Merry resigned without notice. Although we have appointed a new treasurer, thank you Scott Crompton, we are still trying to sort out the bank account. We will, in the near future, have all of the problems sorted, and will advise you, the members, of current funds and previous expenditures. So let's get on with the news:
NEW MEMBERS.
We would like to welcome all of our new members. We have doubled our membership, since the last issue, which seems strange, as car numbers have not risen at meetings. With nearly 30 members, it would be good to see a few more cars at the meetings. So far in 1999, we have had meetings at Adur, Chessington and Moat Farm. There are drivers based at all of the tracks, so let's see some travelling between clubs, as I am sure you will all agree, that racing different drivers at different clubs, makes challenging and exciting racing.
HOME AND AWAY.
The first round of the National Points championship was held at Adur back in March. A disappointing turn out, to say the least! The meeting will not go down as a good one, for a number of reasons. It was Adur's first attempt to run a MNHRA meeting, under their new committee, who have since assured us that at future meetings things will be different. The problem with the drivers, was contact. At Chessington's opening meeting the 50p levy per driver was not administered, and again there was a poor turn out. The situation led to a MNHRA committee meeting, where it was decided that if no levy were paid to the MNHRA, then the meeting would be excluded from the grading list. At present, if the meeting appears on the official MNHRA fixture list, then members attending will be graded depending on their position per round + position in the final. With regards to the above mentioned meeting at Chessington, the results will stand, but in future any meeting where the club fails to adhere to our rules then the meeting will not count. We have spoken to relevant contacts at the clubs, to make sure that they are clear on our rules. The onus should not be on you, the drivers, to make sure that you get the correct number of heats (5), lasting for the correct amount of time (5 minutes), and that the levy (50p) is charged per meeting on top of normal race entry fees, which varies from club to club. I hope that this is clear to all of you.
CONTACT.
Again this problem has to be raised. Our formula is non-contact. Now we all know that contact cannot be avoided, 100% of the time, but when cars are being driven flat out and on the limit, avoidable contact is bound to happen. Have you noticed, that it is always the same drivers who are accused of bad or aggressive driving? Or you are on the rostrum, and someone shouts "Sorry!" as your car gets spun, and then a few seconds later, you hear the same voice, this time apologising to someone else. Then the apology is again directed at you, and you start to think if they really are sorry?. If they are sorry, then why is it that it's your tyres that are bearing the brunt?. Then, with a bang, the driver's out, moaning about the bad driving. Later, they say that their car was crap. You begin to think that if the car was that bad, then why hadn't it been taken off the track, and set up better? Maybe the answer is, that if these drivers can't have a good race, then why should anyone else? At the moment we are looking at the feasibility of having race stewards, but in the meantime then the race organiser is the judge, and if they make a decision to penalise a driver for contact, then before you have a moan, honestly ask yourself if you were driving as well as you could have been. On a lighter note, many drivers have cleaned up their act, and we are able to enjoy more races. If you want contact, then stock cars run at all of the tracks, which hold National Hot Rod meetings! If you cannot bear to part with the thrills of MNHRA racing, then get practising, especially in the area of clean driving.
CHESSINGTON NEWS.
Chessington have advised us that ALL future Hot-Rod meetings have been cancelled. Although at time of writing this, we are unsure as to the reasons. It will no doubt have something to do with the low turnouts of cars at the two meetings held at the Chessington track. This news, although not completely unexpected, is a big blow for Hot Rod racers at the track, but it has been pointed out that this could change later in the year, as at present the club needs to spend time building its new track.Running a meeting for six cars, instead of having working parties, is simply not realistic. Over the last month, a lot of talk has been going around, about Chessington's "sit on the fence" attitude towards Hot Rod racing, and this has no doubt kept some people away from the track. Well, now at least the club can go away and decide where it stands with regards to Hot Rod racing. Hopefully, we can run a full season under MNHRA rules at the track next year. Whilst on the subject of Chessington, a lot of drivers have asked why this club did not receive a major championship this year. The main reason, is that the club had not committed 100% to MNHRA rules. Chessington decided to hold open meetings, which means open to any type of Hot Rod. Also both Adur, and SORA, which run only to MNHRA rules, agree not to hold clashing meetings. Until such a time that the club adopts the MNHRA rules, they are not eligible to hold a major championship. It should be noted, that the main advantage of this, is that drivers wishing to race, only have one track to race at per day, and in turn should get more cars to race against. This rule, is aimed at avoiding the situation Stockcars are in, with too many meetings, at too many tracks, with too few drivers. The Bottom line, is everyone gets a better turnout of cars. Although it has been said that MNHRA drivers have not shown up in great numbers, outside of SORA, most drivers we have spoken to, seem to feel that it's a good thing, that more clubs get involved, but should help by promoting the formula more.
SORA NEWS.
The new lap record for a 6 minute final, has been set by Colin Warner (950), with a storming 72 laps!.
GRADES (up until 13th May)
Superstar..... Colin Warner.
Red..... Malcolm Jones, Anthony Wise, Barry Jones.
Blue..... Richard Pateman, Paul Warren, Nigel Williamson, Alan Borland, Stewart Simmonds.
Yellow..... Tony Williamson, Alison Warner, Scott Crompton, Alan Green, Neil Westley, Rob Toms, Eddie White, Alan Lane, Dave Lane, David Herridge, Keith Dowsett, Bob Walker, Andrew Thorpe.
White..... Lee Matt.
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WORDS FROM THE TOP
Newsletter time is here again, and with it, the new grades, which are a real eye opener. Congratulations to Paul Warren on obtaining a red grade, after only 6 months driving, and in the last month he has really begun to get good, consistent finishes. With an excellent 3rd place in the Supreme round on the 19th June.You see Paul, moving over to let faster cars through, does pay off in the end! A congratulation also has to go to Alison Warner, who although is still developing the 2.5cc Novarossi engine, won the final of round 3 of the Supreme Championship.
MEMBERSHIP
We have issued 5 new membership cards this month, taking our membership to over 40. We still seem to struggle to get more than 14 drivers at any one meeting. Unlike Stockcars, our formula attracted many new drivers to the ovals, and sooner or later most are going to turn up and race in numbers. When they do, it will be an excellent meeting. If you have not raced in the past three months, at a MNHRA meeting and you do not turn up at SORA, then this will be your final newsletter. The 50p levy, which is charged at all MNHRA meetings, goes towards the cost of this newsletter, and if you don't race and pay, then I am afraid that we can no longer fund you. However, if we see you again at some point in the future, we will be happy to give you a newsletter, subject to you racing and paying the levy!
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Euro's are coming - 18th JULY, and if you have not yet booked your place, be sure to do so soon. You have until the 3rd July to get your entries in, otherwise the race entry will go up to £10.00. We are pleased to announce that Neil "MR NHRPA himself" Rowe, the editor of World of Nationals (the full size magazine for Nat Hot Rods) will be racing, the soon to be released, One Way Modelsport "rent a rod", at the Euro's. We have used one of our Wild Card entries, and it should be good, as we are hoping to get a big publicity boost from this. Please help out preparing the car, as I shall have mine & Alison's car to get ready. The Euro's have always been a gamble, with the non-existence of any other Hot rod rules. We have had to push our formula, and what ever happens nationally, our formula will remain the formula that mimics National Hot rods full size, the elite of oval racing. At time of going to press we only have a handful of entries, although we know that most of the regular drivers are intending to race.We need to have you booked,(and paid).Please remember that bookings received after 3/7/99 will be charged the full £10.00 fee. Your fee should be sent to Alison at:- P.O Box 950 Crawley W.Sussex RH11 8FX, made payable to MNHRA. Please include 2 freq. and Race No. Remember this is the first time this event has been held, and we have a good chance of publicity, so if you have a car, please make the effort to book in and race, as the more cars the better. Also please note that each driver has six heats, best four to count, so racing starts at 10am.Practice from 8.30 Sun./ Sat. between 1pm & 4pm.
OTHER NEWS
Anyone who read Mr Tenants letter in Nerfer's News (magazine for 1/8 stock car newsletter, for those of you that don't get it) April edition, will see that he is completely off the pace when it comes to national hot rods 1/8 scale (or full size for that matter). If you wish to see a copy, then please ask myself, or any one else who you know races a stock car too. Mr Tenant has never made any attempt to find anything out about our formula. As the person who was appointed the 1/8th scale Hot Rod rep. by the BRCA, you would have thought that he would have got his facts right?. I know that his comments regarding Southern drivers, have upset a number of our drivers in the past, but this time he has received a response from Scott Crompton, a copy of which is available from Alison. Mr Tenant's comments are not worth getting upset about, as anyone who does not do their homework before writing an article, is not worth taking seriously. For example, Mr Tenant says that restricting cars with a 2.5cc engine is the way to go! So how is it that a 2.5cc engine, easily beats the 3.5cc engines, which are being driven by drivers with more experience?
We see no point in restricting the formula too much, as restrictions and out dated rules have done nothing for stock cars, except hold the formula back to such an extent that the cars resemble dinosaurs. Don't get me wrong, I have raced stock cars for 15 years (I'm almost a dinosaur myself) and enjoyed it, but the cars have not changed in that time, except the engines. At least in MNHR we are already seeing changes.
HOME AND AWAY
Please remember that all Chessington meetings are cancelled. The National points round, (Sept 12th), that they were to host, will now be run at SORA.
If any one wants to go to Holland, for the Dutch championships, on the 17.10.99, then let us know now, or the meeting will be cancelled. Remember that these trips are to promote our formula as well as racing. We need at least 10 drivers that to race.
WEB NEWS
If you have access to the "net", you will find this newsletter on the RADIO CONTROLLED OVAL RACING site, which is run by Mike Cooper.
The full address is:-
http://members.tripod.co.uk/LIGHTMASTER/index.html
As soon as we have finished the newsletter and grades, we E-mail it to Mike, who adds it for all to see. The site also contains club pages fixture list, along with the full set of MNHRA rules and fixtures. Whilst on the subject of web pages, ONE WAY MODELSPORTS is now on line.
The address is:-
http://www.onewaymodelsport.freeserve.co.uk
We have spent hours designing the site, and it has pictures of both Stockcars & National Hot Rods, along with spares. Have a look, we are sure you will like it.
CORRADO BODYSHELL
We said "it will be out for Brentwood Jan 99", you said "Hurrah!" We said it was ready (admittedly we thought it would have been out by now), and now it is! Subject to the first batch of shells coming off the mould properly, we should have some shells for the next meeting at SORA (4th July). IF you wish to pre-order, please phone on 01293 560808/0973 110585, as it will be first come, first served!
It would be good to see some Corrado shells at the Euro's, and it will be interesting to see how they handle. Our thanks go to Mick Cross at Autocross, for his help in the development of the shell.
GRADES
NB.- If I could remind you, that all cars do need to show their correct grade, or you will be penalised per heat. There is coloured tape available at SORA if you do not wish to completely change your roof colour.
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GRADES (up until 27th June 1999)
Superstar..... Colin Warner.
Red..... Scott Crompton, Paul Warren, Alison Warner, Stewart Simmonds.
Blue..... Malcolm Jones, Anthony Wise, Richard Pateman, Nigel Williamson, Alan Lane, Dave Lane, Alan Borland
Yellow..... Andrew Thorpe, Lee Skilton, Matt Thayre, Eddie White. Barry Jones, Tony Williamson, Alan Green, Neil Westley, Rob Toms, David Herridge, Keith Dowsett, Bob Walker.
White..... Mark Channel, Tony- (Sorry Tony, we don't have your surname)
***************************************************************************OOPS -BAD BOYS
Stewart Simmonds - 2 black crosses 19.6.99
1 = Contact
1 = failing to let faster car pass! .............................................................................................................................................................
Well the season is hotting up with over half of the SORA club championship, Short Circuit supreme and the National point's rounds already run. Things are tight in all championship, and it is good to see that some of the new drivers are making good progress in all of the championships. The first of the major championships the"John Steward Transport" Euro's was held early in the month and to most, it was a well run meeting, although a number of drivers made comments which we will be mentioning later on in this letter.
ADUR NEWS
Adur, in their wisdom, have decided to stop running Hot Rod meetings as, according to them, over the last 6 years they have had no interest in the formula. This, as we all know probably comes down to the fact that they have not promoted it at all and since Chris Herridge was ousted from the committee, no-one else has his enthusiasm for the formula. So it is just Moat Farm and Venray in Holland who are interested in running Hot rods to MNHRA rules. Well, as far as I am concerned, they are the best tracks so the loss is our gain.
SORA
The roof on the pits is being put on, at the next work party, on the August bank holiday Sunday. We need to have as many hands as poss. as this will make the job of lifting 24-foot sheets somewhat easy, there are also a number of other jobs to be done around the track including cutting the grass. Please try and help out (see additional fixtures)
EUROS
Some drivers seem to feel that we came down on them too heavy. At the meeting, the regular drivers seemed happy with the way things went, but some of the less regular drivers just do not understand the principles of 1/8 scale National Hot Rod racing.
Model National Hot rods are a non-contact formula. Now we know that some contact is inevitable, but most of the contact is AVOIDABLE. Our rules clearly state that lapping cars have the right of way, and should the car that is passing be hit by the car that is being overtaken, due to any of the following, the car will be black crossed:
In the following examples, Car A is being overtaken, and car B is the car, which is lapping
1.Car A changes lanes and contacts car B
2.Car A races car B down the straight and contacts car B entering the corner
Another way, in which damage has occurred in the past, was when a spun driver rejoins the race in front of racing traffic causing other drivers damage. This also warrants a black cross, as does dangerous or aggressive driving. The later may result in an immediate black flag.
Now we all know, that in the past, we were more lenient and this has turned out to be at our own detriment, with both damage and criticism being dealt out on a regular basis. Over the past few months we have tidied up our act, and it must be said that the drivers who did the most moaning on the day have not attended many meetings this year at SORA and are therefore unfamiliar with the race procedure at our meetings.
In fairness, we will be taking on board some of the lessons learned from the meeting. The main point, which we have taken into consideration, is that we will be announcing the format of the meeting before hand. For future reference, European and World Championships (if ever we run one) will be of similar formats i.e. six heats; but with extra drivers in attendance we will run quarterfinals, if driver numbers are over 36. Full race procedure rules will be included in the next newsletter and published after the MNHRA AGM.
Two final notes about the European's. We ran a 3-legged final, as experience has taught us, in both last year's Supreme final and in both this year's, and last year's Superbowl, that finals of 10-15 minutes don't work. Only 3 or so cars seem to finish and this does nothing for our sport, as what makes better spectating: all cars finishing the races, or half on the track, and half in the pits? Remember that promotion of the sport is important if it is going to flourish. If we have prospective new drivers, the press, or sponsors present, we need cars on the track, not off it! Why 8 minute legs though? Our cars should run easily for 8 minutes as the engines are designed to race in 1/8 buggy or circuit racing, which have much longer races and re-fuel every 10 min or so. I hope that this helps those who thought that they had ruined an engine in the championship, maybe you don't realise that the engines, which we use in Hot Rods, are more than capable!
TREASURY REPORT
With all of the accounts now being held by Scot Crompton, we can advise the members that a new bank account has been opened. The account is still in the name of Model National Hot Rods Association. However, it has been an expensive year for the MNHRA with various starting costs, so if anyone knows of any more suitable sponsors who are willing to help. then please let us know.
GRADING
We have not completed enough meetings, in order for the roof grades to change since the last newsletter. Unfortunately, there have been some more "bad boy's" incidents, as follows:
Paul warren 8, Stewart Simmonds 3, Andy Thorpe 3.
MNHRA MEETING
After the meeting at SORA on the 22nd August, there will be a committee meeting for all of the committee and any members are welcome to attend. The venue of the meeting will be decided during the race meeting. It would be helpful of as many of you could attend as possible, for any views or opinions.
DUTCH CHAMPIONSHIP 17 OCTOBER 1999
Venray will again host the 1999 One Way Modelsport Dutch Open Championship. Three of the top Venray stock car drivers will be competing, these include Leon Kunzler, and Sanders Poels. Those of you who have committed yourselves already are:- Colin & Alison Warner, Eddie White, Scott Crompton, Alan Lane, Dave Lane, Neil Westley, Paul Warren , Lee Skilton & Stewart Simmonds. It would be nice to see a few more of you make the trip. We have now booked a minibus and have arranged a crossing with Sea France. We have worked out the cost at £55.00 per person, this includes bus crossing and fuel, leaving just your hotel to pay for. We have decided to run the trip through the MNHRA, and any profit will then go to the Club. All drivers that are on the list should send/give there payment to Scott ASAP, as although this prices seems a bit high it still represents good value, as the cheapest price for a car was £95. (bring back duty free)The cost of the hotel is around £30.00 a night. The choice of accommodation is on a first come first served basis, this will be allocated on a first to pay basis.
1999 MNHRA ADAM SCOTT TRANSPORT
BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
26 SEPT SORA
Meeting format 5 x 5 min heats best 4 to count TQ drivers straight through next 12 in 2 semi finals of 7 min 1st & 2nd from each semi to final best 3rd place also to final
FINAL 3 x 6 min with 5 min gaps between legs. Normal MNHRA construction and racing rules apply.
Start time 11am practice Sat 1pm-5pm Sun 8.30-10.30
Send entry fees, with two frequencies, race No. and name to:-
P.O BOX 950 CRAWLEY W.SUSSEX RH11 8FX
Entry fee £6.00 before 20 Sept £10.00 on the day
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY MEETING, NOW TO BE HELD AT SORA. - START TIME 11 AM.
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Please note that all meeting shown on the MNHRA fixture list are now to be held at SORA.
ROD ON SEPTEMBER 99
So it's newsletter time again, and this time it is our turn, (Colin & Alison), to not have a lot to say. Due to both work, and SORA commitments, we are somewhat short of time, so for our part, at least, it will be straight to the point.
Yet more drivers register with the MNHRA, with drivers from the Crystal Palace 1/8 circuit now lining up to join. Also Danny Jarvis, who was a top 1/10 off road driver, has now joined our ranks.
Malcolm Jones, out in front in the Sanwa points championship! Could this be his first major title?
The rebirth of the Lanes racing team, has proved that they can still compete, and with their standard of race preparation on the up, both Alan & Dave must be hot favourites for the British Championship.
MNHRA AGM & Presentation 28 November make a note in your diary. All drivers should attend. Awards for Driver of the year, Most improved driver and best rookie (only open to drivers starting in the formula this season) Please start to think of you nominations and let us have them. Voting slips will be sent out in next newsletter.
We said that we would send all drivers a full copy of Rules with this newsletter, but due to time restraints this is not possible. A full set of rules is on the MNHRA board in the SORA club hut.
Finally, a big thank you must go to Alan & Dave Lane for their donation of the new pit roof at SORA. You will be aware SORA are hosting the 1/8 Stockcar World Championships in September 2000, and this was the last big expense we had before the track was fully compliant with all rules concerning the hosting of such an event. Of course, this benefits us Rodders, especially with winter not too far away. I think that the Lane's generosity here has been second to none, so please remember that it is with their hard earned cash that is keeping you dry over the next few months.
Stop Press - as we close for press, we have been informed that the above mentioned couple have "done it again", and have now donated a brand new generator, which was much needed, after the last one got stolen Thanks again lads
If I could remind you that all cars do need to show their correct grade, or you will be penalised per heat. There is coloured tape available at SORA if you do not wish to completely change your roof colour.
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GRADES (up until 5th September 1999)
Superstar - Colin Warner
Red - Alan Lane, Alison Warner, Anthony Wise
Blue - Malcolm Jones, Dave Lane, Stewart Simmonds, Richard Pateman, Scott Crompton, Paul Warren,
Nigel Williamson, Alan Borland, Lee Skilton
Yellow - Barry Jones, Eddie White, Neil Westley, Andrew Thorpe, Tony Williamson, Alan Green, Mark
Channel, Rob Toms, Matt Thayre, David Herridge, Keith Dowsett, Bob Walker
White - Danny Jarvis
BAD BOYS
Stewart Simmonds - 2 black crosses 19.6.99 + 1 July 18 = 3
Paul Warren +2 27/6 + 1 18/7 + BF = 5 18/7 + BF 30/8 = 13 serving 2 meeting ban resume 18/9/99
Andy Thorpe 3 18/7/99
SANWA CHAMPIONSHIP Points after round 7
1 MALCOME JONES 86
2 TONY WISE 72
3 NEIL WESTLEY 68
4 PAUL WARREN 66
5 COLIN WARNER 65
6 ALISON WARNER 63
7 ALAN BORLAND 60
8 ALAN LANE 58
9 DAVE LANE 54
10 LEE SKILTON 48
11 RICHARD PATMAN 44
ROUND 8 - 12 September SORA 11.00
ROUND 9 - 0ctober 3rd SORA 11.00
ROUND 10 - November 7th SORA 2.00
Including fireworks
Please do not forget that the next round of the supreme championship is on Sat. 18 September 6.30pm
Last round, and 125 lap final. Sun. November 14th 11.00
That’s our bit done see you. Colin & Alison
We never knew he had it in him!
With the on-going battle of words, regarding our formula and Trevor Tennent still going on, it seems that now Dave Waters has got involved and decided to answer on behalf of Mr Tennent in the last Nerfers News. It is interesting to see the complete ignorance of some people, and there determination to try and stop people racing what they want to race, as according to them, our formula is not an official BRCA formula. And that the Championships are unofficial. Well let me tell you a story. Some twenty odd years ago there was an organisation that set up rules,both for racing and construction just like the MNHRA. They organised Championships just like the MNHRA. It was self-funded just like the MNHRA. This carried on for years, until about 8 years ago (it may be more) they finally gave in, and joined the BRCA The name of this organisation was RCSA That stands for RADIO CONTROL STOCKCAR ASSOCATION. Now, I had mates who were members, as all Stockcars drivers were, and competed in Championships, but never did anybody suggest that it was an unofficial Championship run by a satellite organisation. And to be honest, I don't think anyone would have given a toss, because in those days people raced to have fun, and you never got all the back stabbing that is around now. As far as we the committee, of the MNHRA see things, we act in the best interest of the drivers racing in our class, you tell us what you want, and we see if it can be done. It seems very few of our members are keen to join the 1/8 oval section, simply because so far they have proved incapable of organising a set of rules in 20 months since they decided the formula may work. I for one, hope we do not join with the BRCA, as we simply do not need the politics. To sum up, I think it is simply a case of jealousy, that people got of their ass and made a formula that not only works, but is doing the complete opposite to the trend over the last few years in stockcars; it is getting bigger! One last thought is, I wonder how all the drivers that won championships back in the days of the RCSA would feel, if they were told that there achievements were not recognised, as they were not official BRCA meetings, because at the end of the day, we are no different now than RSCA was back then. We may only be in the south now, but I am sure all the Stockcar formula did not spring up over night,and spread around the country; more like they simply started racing, and then adopted the rules that were in force at the time.
Hopefully as time goes on other clubs will run our formula, and we can race with them. Again Mr Waters shows his lack of understanding of our formula, by suggesting that we only allow meetings in the south. If clubs run the same rules, then they are welcome to host Championships.
Finally, I, like the rest of the committee, get a bit "cheesed off" at the complete lack of recognition that we as a whole get, The committee run, and started this formula, and although Mr Warner has very good insight in the rules of the full size cars, he is not the only one who should get the credit, or should that be criticism, for the way it has worked
Richard Pateman PR MNHRA
THE VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
I have to apologise for not writing anything in the last two newsletters, as work commitments have been high to say the least.
I have to say a big "well done", to all the competitors in the European championships, I think most people had a good time, even though there were some comments made about the use of black crosses and lap deductions. The criticisms have been taken on board, and I believe that the up coming British open will be organised better, and will offer more enjoyment to those involved.
The one thing I do feel has to be mentioned is that the number of drivers that entered could have been better, lets see a good turn out for the British, I’m sure that we could get at least 25-30 drivers.
I would like at this point to announce the calling of an Extraordinary General meeting on the 26th September 1999. The meeting will be held prior to the drivers briefing for the British open. The main points that we wish to raise are.
We wish to try to get one of the following approved at the 1/8th oval section AGM.
If we agree on this course of action, we will need to arrange for drivers who are members of the section to attend the AGM to make our case known, and to propose and second the above points.
If you have any other proposals for rule changes and the like, we would ask that you bring them up at this meeting.
I have been made aware of a disturbing letter that has been sent to the 1/8th oval section from a competitor at the recent European open championship. The driver involved felt that he had to contact the oval section governing body about his feelings for the way things were run buy the association, and his treatment at the meeting. Unfortunately, due to the individuals actions, we can expect some repercussions. The committee has talked at length on this subject and motion was put forward to ban the driver involved for a period of three months for bringing the association into disrepute, a vote was taken and by a margin of 3-2 it was agreed that no action would be taken. The main reason for not banning the individual, was that he has shown his lack of knowledge of the way the association is set up and the fact that the association is not affiliated to the BRCA 1/8th oval section in any way. I am sure the individual involved, who after racing a hot rod for two meetings and gaining all the knowledge that other racers have taken years to accumulate can say that he was badly treated.
The repercussions of this individuals actions will most probably be voiced in the next Nerfers News, and at the annual AGM for the oval section, the remarks made could have a serious effect on our chances of getting MNHRA rules adopted by the BRCA at the AGM. Any problems, that I am sure are coming, will be down to the individual involved.
I believe everybody knows who it is, but any comments should be directed to the individual in question, who for the record is,Andrew Thorpe.
Neil Westley. - Chairman MNHRA
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW FOR THE BRITISH OPEN £6.00 BEFORE 20TH SEPTEMBER £10.00 AFTER REMEMBER NO MONEY NO DISCOUNT.
IF YOU READ THIS NEWSLETTER ON THE WEB AND WISH TO SEND COMMENTS PLEASE E-MAIL US AT H13caw@aol.com
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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - 18th July 1999 SORA.............................................................................................................Max entry of 60 drivers. Members of MNHRA receive priority over non-members. The top 48 MNHRA drivers according to grading list in force on 4th July 1999 will be automatic entry. There will be invites for two wild card entries, and 10 from outside MNHRA clubs.
Entries to Alison Warner, Membership Secretary MNHRA c/o PO Box 950, Crawley, W Sussex RH11 8FX no later than 3 July 1999.
Entry fee £6.00.Cheques payable to "MNHRA".
Please fill out and return the following entry form: _________________________________________________________________________________
SPONSORED BY JOHN STEWARD - 18TH July
Driver Name:
Race Number:
Frequencies (choice of two please):
Contact telephone number. The entry fee is £6.00 payable in advance to "MNHRA". Please pay by cheque/postal order. Entry on the day subject to space £10.00.
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT COLIN WARNER E-MAIL H13CAW@AOL
RESULTS OF THE 1999 J.STEWARD TRANSPORT MNHRA (HOT RODS)EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. POS NAME CAR ENGINE BODY FUEL LEG 1 2 3 1 COLIN WARNER One Way Modelsport OWM GEMINI OWM OWM PINK 92 98 94 MARDAVE NOVAROSSI STARLET 25% 2 MALCOLM JONES JONES NOVAROSSI OWM DYNAGLO 96 92 82 MARDAVE STARLET 16% 3 NIGEL WILLIMSON MARDAVE OWM STEP 2 OWM HOME BREW 95 92 82 NOVAROSSI CLIO 4 TONY WILLIMSON MARDAVE BRAT MARDAVE HOME BREW 93 81 81 FIESTA 5 BARRY JONES JONES BRAT MARDAVE DYNAGLO 81 72 85 MARDAVE FIESTA 16% 6 STEWART SIMMONDS MANTUA O.S OWM OWM PINK 96 53 75 RED PEUGEOT 10%
THE FINAL WAS RUN OVER 3 LEGS, OF 8 MINUTES;WHICH MADE INTERESTING RACING...... ESPECIALLY FOR THE DRIVERS WHO WERE NOT ADVISED OF THEIR SCORES, UNTIL THE TROPHY PRESENTATION!
SEE BELOW, FOR PHOTOS FROM THE "EUROS" RACE MEETING! (Many thanks to Eddie White.)
MODEL NATIONAL HOTROD ASSOCIATION
BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 26th September 1999.
After several days of rain it was a pleasant surprise to arrive at Moat Farm to find a dry track and very few clouds in the sky.
Turn out for the meeting was down on the previous year partly due to the forecast weather for the day.
ROUND 1 Heat 1
Colin Warner 60 laps
Alan Borland 58 laps
Tony Wise 54 laps
Neil Westley 41 laps
Keith Dowsett 23 laps
Barry Jones 8 laps
Colin stormed away off the start and was closely followed by Barry for the first 8 laps at which point Barry’s car lost all power, (The bearings had given out which broke the con-rod), Alan took advantage of Barry’s misfortune and took the second place position, which he held to the end of the race. Keith was having all sorts of problems with his set up and eventually retired on lap 23. All the remaining cars completed the five-minute race.
Round 1 heat 2
Malcolm Jones 57 laps
Scott Crompton 56 laps
Alison Warner 50 laps
Lee Skilton 43 laps
Richard Pateman 15 laps
Malcolm as always had a great start and was in top position from the first corner with Scott snapping at his heals from the outset. This duo had an amazing battle going on, Malcolm winning out of the final corner of the race. Alison who was running a 2.5cc engine had a good result and honestly looked as if she was driving on rails for the whole race. Lee, who is in his first season of Hot Rod racing, has been steadily improving and had a great race. Unfortunately Richard was having problems that would plague him all day and didn’t finish the race.
Round 2 Heat 1
Colin 62 laps
Alan 59 laps
Keith 57 laps
Neil 49 laps
Tony 46 laps
Barry DNS
Colin set the pace again and it was down to the rest of the drivers to try and catch him. Alan was the driver most up to the task and tried to reel him in but to no avail. Keith was back and had seemed to sort out his earlier problems to put in a good 57-lap race. Barry could only look on as Malcolm worked feverishly in the pits to install his spare engine. 2 black crosses were awarded in this race over two separate incidents. Colin and Tony received them graciously without any comments (they know why they got them.)
Round 2 heat 2
Malcolm 57 laps
Scott 54 laps
Alison 52 laps
Lee 38 laps
Richard 35 laps
Malcolm again led from the start and held the position to the line. Scott was slightly off the pace and you could see he was desperate to get up with Malcolm, this was most probably why he got a black cross, for hitting a slower car from behind. Alison again had a blinding race and managed to avoid some of the accidents that the lower order were getting into. Richard again bowed out with car problems and did not finish.
Round 3 heat 1
Colin 61 laps
Barry 60 laps
Alan 49 laps
Neil 48 laps
Tony 47 laps
Keith 26 laps
Barry was back with a vengeance and was pushing Colin from the off. These two and Alan were well clear of the following pack that had a race of there own going. Keith had more trouble and had to retire. With the battle continuing up front Alan, Neil and Tony were left to fight for third place. Alan winning out by one lap in the end.
Round 3 heat 2
Malcolm 57 laps
Alison 53 laps
Lee 44 laps
Scott 44 laps
Richard 29 laps
Malcolm as usual was away into the first corner ahead of the chasing pack and stayed in first place to the end. Alison couldn’t do a thing wrong and brought it home with a cracking 53 only four off Malcolm's winning score. Lee kept up his good driving and Scott got another black cross for barging. Richard was still having trouble with his cars set up and retired.
Round 4 heat 1
Malcolm 45 laps
Tony 45 laps
Keith 26 laps
Alan 26 laps
Colin 1 lap
Neil DNS
Prior to heat four the heavens opened, With a now wet track the right tyre choice became imperative.
The pits were a hive of activity as people switched to wets and some to intermediates.
When the race finally started Malcolm looked as if he had made the right choice and put on caps, Colin had also put on caps but came a cropper on lap two when he lost all drive. A much more sedate race unfolded with everyone slipping and sliding to the finish except for Neil who had drive problems and did not start the race.
Round 4 heat 2
Scott 47 laps
Barry 46 laps
Alison 45 laps
Lee 39 laps
Richard 22 laps
Scott made the right tyre choice of caps and worked his way through the field to take the flag for the first time of the day and looked a lot happier when he left the rostrum. Barry continued to drive well and took second place just squeezing Alison into third
Round 5 heat 1
Colin 52 laps
Alan 47 laps
Malcolm 45 laps
Neil 29 laps
Tony 15 laps
Keith DNS
With the track drying slowly the speeds started to increase again and Colin put in a good performance to gain the first place in the final. Keith’s day ended with more car trouble, I’m sure he will be back though.
Round 5 heat 2
Alison 27 laps
Richard 21 laps
Barry 3 laps
Scott 2 laps
Lee 1 lap
The heavens opened again and soon the track had puddles of standing water on it. The race started well with all the cars getting away from the start. Then all hell broke loose, Three cars all had interference at the same time and were chased by the race marshals around the track to stop them and limit any damage to the engines. ( all the cars were running 27 MHz receivers.)
Scores after 5 rounds.
Colin 235 (automatic final position.)
Malcolm 216
Alan 213
Scott 202
Alison 200
Tony 192
Neil 167
Lee 164
Keith 132
Barry 117
Richard 107
Semi-final 1
Barry 79 laps
Neil 53 laps
Alan 72 laps
Tony 74 laps
The semi-finals were of 6-minute duration and top two drivers from each plus the fastest third place from both heats would go through.
Barry and Alan secured their places in the final and Tony had to wait to see if he was the fastest third place driver for the final spot in the final.
Semi-final 2
Malcolm 86 laps
Alison 62 laps
Lee 59 laps
Scott DNS
Richard DNS
Scott and Richard both failed to start in their semi-final because of water damaged receivers from the previous heat. Malcolm had a relatively easy race and did not push to hard to gain his spot in the final with Alison cruising into an easy second place for a final spot. This gave Tony the last Place in the final with Lee only managing to gain 59 laps.
The Final
The stage was set for the final, which took the format of 3 legs of 8 minutes with five minutes between for refuelling and repairs. Colin having qualified in the top position had problems and only managed 7 laps. (Transmission Problems) This was a real pity as he was defending his win of last year.
After the first 8 minutes Barry was ahead with Alison 3 laps down and the rest of the pack were covered by only 8 laps. Session 2 started and Barry was off again but due to traffic was slowly reeled in by Alison with Alan starting to distance himself from the others in the race. The end of the session and Alison was only 2 laps behind Barry with the final stretch of 8 minutes approaching. The cars took the track and a new British Champion would be crowned at the end. Barry was off and running from the start and set a blistering pace, Alison tried in vain to pull out all the stops to catch Barry could not catch him. Barry final crossed the line to become the new Champion a full 11 laps clear of Alison and 28 laps ahead of the third placed Alan.
Final Results.
Barry Jones 187 laps Modified Mardave kit with 3.5cc Bratt Engine Dyna Glo fuel.
Alison Warner 176 laps OWM kit with 2.5cc Nova Rossi Engine 16% OWM pink power fuel.
Alan Borland 159 laps Own design Chassis with 3.5cc Bratt Engine Dyna Glo fuel.
Malcolm Jones 149 laps Modified Mardave kit with 3.5cc Nova Rossi Dyna Glo fuel.
Tony Wise 114 laps Modified Mardave kit with 3.5cc OPS Engine Dyna Glo fuel.
Colin Warner 7 laps OWM kit With 3.5cc MED Nova Rossi Engine 16% OWM pink power fuel.
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