Brisky Racing - let's go racing!

[danny6189]

Blimey, someone get the Kleenex or the violins out...

[Evil Miyagi]

Blimey, someone get the Kleenex or the violins out...

[emoji23][emoji23]

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[Dark_Hero]

This one is a bit special to me. 20 years of being best mates with Skippy, growing up playing playstation and talking about "racing when we're older" and here we are. Our first race together.

Just thought I'd share that naff bit of information. [emoji6]

That is awesome mate. Glad you 2 finally got to achieve your ambitions

Great write up too

[Skoda_Saint]

Blimey, someone get the Kleenex or the violins out...

I'm not clearing up any sticky messes in the cars FYI. :p

 

Yes you're learning and at an incredible rate, nothing better than being chucked in at the deep end and having to adjust to the more experienced fish real quickly. Still need to sort that power steering issue out as that'll help you in the full distance races where you need that extra bit of strength at the end. Instead of having to wrestle the car around.

[BossFox]

I'm not clearing up any sticky messes in the cars FYI. :p

 

Yes you're learning and at an incredible rate, nothing better than being chucked in at the deep end and having to adjust to the more experienced fish real quickly. Still need to sort that power steering issue out as that'll help you in the full distance races where you need that extra bit of strength at the end. Instead of having to wrestle the car around.

 

Yes Danny is doing fine.  In the Focus he's around a second or so per lap slower than the guy who has a lot of racing experience and tuned it up to the car it is now over four years, so knew it inside out.

The lack of Power Steering does need sorting as it's costing time.

 

But overall the driver can't do everything.  Clearly practice makes perfect and we need to do more on pit stops as Danny's stop was 30-35 seconds longer than many of the cars in the top 10.

On a 21 lap race where 5th to 14th (10 place) in qualifying are separated by 2 seconds it shows how much of a team effort it is.

 

Also something I need to work on as in the heat of the moment I fluffed my stop costing me 8-10 seconds.  Too much rushing.

Edited 13 June, 2016 by BossFox

[DarrellGB]

I do a lot of work with Widnes Vikings first team (Super League) and you'd be surprised how much sports psychology plays a huge part in every sport. The problems in the pits will improve over time as things become second nature and confidence builds, great to see you all having so much fun

[Skoda_Saint]

Yes more pit stop practice is needed. It was my fault one of the harnesses didn't engage fully and popped back out which was extremely frustrating. We also didn't know Danny had heard Hannah so we had the pit board out asking him to come back in when he came down the pit lane.

 

But lesson learnt and I will want to be practicing profusely next time theirs a race on. Back to the stop watch again as we had it down to 35 seconds but that was a different crew. So I think if we have different crew working on it then at least 5 practices prior to the event so we, me especially, have it down.

[Dark_Hero]

Skippy was stopped for 30 seconds on his pit stop thought it went really well

[KenONeill]

I'm unclear on how you're signalling for pitstops. I'd suggest a simple protocol like this:-

 

Board only; "Box Box" and -> pointing over the pit wall; driver acknowledges with agreed number of headlight flashes.

 

2-way radio - Pit call is "Box box box" and driver acknowledges with "Roger Box". Obviously you can back this up with a pit board.

[BossFox]

I'm unclear on how you're signalling for pitstops. I'd suggest a simple protocol like this:-

Board only; "Box Box" and -> pointing over the pit wall; driver acknowledges with agreed number of headlight flashes.

2-way radio - Pit call is "Box box box" and driver acknowledges with "Roger Box". Obviously you can back this up with a pit board.

We put "in" on pit board with all other info missing so it's clear.

Radios not allowed in our series.

[KenONeill]

We put "in" on pit board with all other info missing so it's clear.

Radios not allowed in our series.

OK; that should be clear too.

 

I was working off the cuff here, but I actually do work with radio protocols that have to be 110% clear for safety reasons.

[Evil Miyagi]

I've been a little bit quiet on here of late so it's time I posted an update...

As you may or may not know, myself and Tom Mensley entered the 750 MC Club Enduro event at Donington. Having driven the car already I completed my 3 laps and immediately pitted to allow Tom to take over. All went well although Tom noticed a potential issue with the car so Paul and Tom started to strip and rebuild (I even made a quick trip to a motor factor for more parts [emoji4] ).

The car being back together we set about making plans for the race.

It was planned that I would attempt to do 1hr 10mins on one tank knowing that Tom was a quicker driver than me and would likely use more fuel I wanted to give him as much opportunity to finish without having to pit again.

All was going well and I was having a great battle with a BMW 3 series and an MG ZR.. I was feeling good about my pace and the race (we were in the lowest class so were constantly dealing with quicker traffic). Then, 55 minutes into my 70 minute stint, disaster struck. While going through Craners I was met with an almighty noise which I believed to be a wheel bearing failure so I made for the pits where the team were all stood in the garage warming up expecting me in 15 minutes time so they were a little puzzled when I rocked up. They wheeled me into the garage and set about checking the wheels with nothing found. As I was already in, we took the decision to carry out a driver change and fuel the car which brought my stint to an end. Unfortunately Tom returned to the pit as quickly as he left and it turned out to be the diff and gearbox letting go [emoji22]

GAME OVER! a great weekend, unfortunately brought to a premature end.

So, where have I been since?

Spending lots of money would be the easiest way to describe it.

at this point it’s easier to bullet point the changes:

* Bigger brakes (4 pots)

* Gearbox rebuild

* Diff rebuild

* Perspex windows to shed some weight

* A new seat

* A new engine (w/ throttle bodies, dry sump and cams), ECU, data logger and dash in build

It doesn't seem a lot when put like that, my bank begs to differ though [emoji50]

So the engine was fitted and the new ECU wired and set up and the car sent for mapping. Unfortunately, while on the dyno, the new engine seized [emoji22] so that has now gone back to be inspected and rebuilt leaving me with no car for the time being.

So in a bid to keep racing I managed to secure a deal to race in the Michelin Clio Cup at Brands this weekend [emoji3]

This is a little bit different to the CSCC races as they are done in full GP start fashion and run for 16 laps only.

So my weekend at Brands Hatch looks like this:

Friday:

Practice (my car is being used by Michelin during the day to test tyres for next season so I will only get 1 maybe 2 sessions)

Saturday:

10:40 Qualifying

15:10 Race 1 (Round 8)

Sunday:

14:35 Race 2 (Round 9)

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Edited 23 June, 2016 by Evil Miyagi

[Evil Miyagi]

Well how best to describe the weekend?? Ups, downs and more Ups [emoji106]

Started out with testing on Friday and managed to set a 59.9 on my first time in the car. Onto qualifying Saturday and after spending time with Ed Pead, I managed to bring that down to 59.0 and a near to half second from the target set for me by Ed Unfortunately my troubles then started... Issues with the car overheating and my gearbox jumping out of 2nd and 4th gears meant I was to sit the rest of the session out with a nice bunch of Marshals on the entry to Graham Hill Bend... All was not lost though as I'd actually managed to clinch P2, missing out on pole by 1/1000th of a second

Onto Race 1, I bogged down off the line and all seemed well until the heavens opened... Ultimately the race was red flagged to force the cup cars onto wets [emoji106]

Race 1 v2, we resumed our positions from when the race was red flagged meaning I started 3rd, after bogging down (I was really struggling to get the Clio off the line) I settled into 4th chasing down Sarah Franklin (my team mate for the weekend) a couple of laps in and a monumental slide from Sarah meant I was able to get down the inside into Surtees and began chasing Fabby. Only to again be greeted by red flags when the rain became too heavy for even the rain tyres to keep the cup cars on track.

I was fairly happy as I had my first podium, unfortunately that was short lived as all the teams petitioned the clerk of the course to run the race again despite him deciding that the finishing positions would be the result, He agreed with the proviso that if there was enough time at the end of the schedule we would get an 8 lap race.

Race 1 v3, conditions through the day had improved with the track drying out and all looking well and some optimism from me for the re-run.. unfortunately, as we headed to the track, the mother of all storms hit. we started the race and gingerly made our way around the circuit (This is where Richards track knowledge would have been really helpful) and troubles struck for both me.. Having made my way down the inside of Druids I managed to take back P3 from Sarah and immediately began chasing Fabby and Harrison who had pulled a little bit of a gap on us.. Approaching Surtees I put the car into 4th and just before turning in it jumped out of gear I quickly grabbed 3rd unfortunately unsettling the car and causing the mother of all slides through Surtees and somehow managing to catch it.. Unfortunately that wasn't the end of my dramas as the start of lap 2 into Paddock I had the same issue, this time my limited bag of talent ran out and I slid down the hill sideways before bouncing into the gravel on the exit. Cue safety car and my car being turned into a hungry hippo.

Sunday.

After a good night’s sleep and some barbeque action in the hospitality tent I headed back to the circuit. Tomas my engineer for the weekend was already working on the car trying to remove gravel and check the gearbox, linkages and mounts to try and diagnose the issue I was experiencing in Race 1.

4 hours later the car was ready for re-setup so onto the corner scales, 4 wheel alignment and we were pretty much set. I went to sit down with Ed and chat through the previous days issues and track action reviewing my v-box data and in car footage.

Race 2, I started P3 as your second quickest quali lap is used and again I struggled to get the car off the grid. I tucked in behind Sarah and quickly noticed that she was having issues with her brakes locking and car darting left and right. With that in mind I was very quickly trying to find a gap to get passed but every route I tried was blocked by clouds of smoke and a sideways car. Then my opportunity arose, having locked up on the entry to Paddock Hill, Sarah span to the inside of the circuit leaving me just enough room round the outside to take P3.

I then started to chase Fabby who yet again was in front of me, pushing on and closing the gap it became very clear that I was starting with similar issues to Race 1 with the car jumping out of gear. I was able to continue but it meant I was having to hold the gearstick in 4th while going through Paddock and Surtees (not as easy as it sounds). I then managed the car to the end and settled for 3rd in class

Summary, The pace was there and without the issues caused by the gearbox and my reaction to the issue in Race 1 v3 we had the opportunity for at least one win. unfortunately that wasn't to be and I was happy to take a podium.

Onwards and upwards

EM

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[Jaspire]

Well done lad! Good write up too, shame about the engine seizing though.

Edited 28 June, 2016 by Jaspire

[Dark_Hero]

Thruxton complete. What a day. Some dramas that only racing can provide. Helped Skippy again with the pitstop, didn't get a chance to practice, but it went really well when it mattered. Full review from the Drivers to follow

[mattsv]

Anyone racing at Thruxton tomorrow? I might have a run up on the bike and bring the camera if so...

More than happy to help out with anything if I can be of use...

Edited 13 August, 2016 by mattsv

[Evil Miyagi]

I'm in the pit lane with a stop watch and hi-viz... The crew have finished for the weekend now and headed home

[Evil Miyagi]

I'll post a quick update before the Thruxton reviews arrive

Still no engine in the Fuesta so I managed to secure a seat in the Clio for the rest of the season

My last race was Croft where I managed two P3 finishes

Race 1 completed with damage after a first race incident with Fabby (my fault)

Race 2 great move round the outside of turn 1 (they say don't do that as you end in the gravel ) luckily I didn't and managed to keep the position after running very wide through turn 2.

Ended the weekend with the fastest lap by 2 tenths

Next round is Anglesey on the 3/4 Sept

EM

[domtemp]

Was the elan racing in the same as a white BMW 2002, number 134?

[danny6189]

Thruxton review,

 

All started well Friday morning. An early start to get to the track, van fully loaded with parts, tools and fuel.

Myself and Richard headed out on track in the Skoda Octavia vRS course car for a few laps with an instructor. That is when you realise just how fast Thruxton really is. I was told the average speed is 90MPH.

Friday was the test day for the CSCC. Started slowly, before going all out. Had some fun with an E-Type and a Elan. Just under an hour on track and everything is good. Successful days testing and familiarising myself with the track.

 

Race day.

 

Excited! But short lived.Out for qualifying, Major misfire from leaving the pits, fine up to 6,000RPM or full throttle. I get 4 slow laps in to get my place on the grid (3 laps have to be completed to get placed).

I come into the pits where the guys come running over as they heard the car wasn't right, push on the HT leads and its good to go.

Back out and its all good! 8,000RPM of screaming Ford awesomeness. Well for a few laps anyway. Managed to get from P21 to P12 within 3 Laps with a still misfiring car albeit intermittent. 

 

After qualifying we inspect the car, spark plugs out to clean and inspect. Going to refit them and no3 is just spinning. The thread in the head has stripped and that was why the HT lead popped up in qualifying. Well I say HT lead, I mean the whole spark plug. We spoke about what could be done and maybe trying to helicoil the plug hole, but I really didn't want to risk anything from the process going into the cylinders and causing even more damage. So thats it, game over. 

 

Hopefully get the head off the car soon and send it off to be done and do anything else to that car thats needed.

 

It sucks massively, but thats motorsport.  

 

Got a pint for me and the guys helping and watched some racing. 

[BossFox]

Bit late to this one.

Had an issue with my log in and two holidays...

 

 

So race report from Thruxton on Saturday where I've not driven before.

Tested for a few 25 minute sessions on Friday afternoon and race day Sat.

 

The Fiesta went well and the pace was good, a hub failure on the Elan meant I only got half a lap...

 

Qualifying saw the Fiesta 2nd on the grid, about a second down on a very fast Integra and driver but a good two seconds clear of the 3rd car.  Out of a field of around 30 cars.

The Elan wasn't quite right, with something off on the steering but after 10 miutes of a 30 minute session I got a decent time in and then it suffered an electrical failure and died.

Other cars put in better and better times but overall we were 6th on a 42 car grid so pretty good.

 

 

 

The races were good.

Standing start and not wanting to snap a driveshaft saw me in 4th for the first corner, but by the time we'd done half a lap I was out in front.  Had a great battle with a Corsa for about 6 or 7 laps, we even swapped the lead a few times, then came in and messed up the pit stop, got a penalty and in the confusion didn't do the correct penalty.

After a drive through I came in 2nd, could have possibly been 1st without, but was excluded from the race as it should have been a stop/go.

Good to see the Fiesta has the pace though and it was a great drive and fight with a few cars.

 

Sideways into the complex...

 

Elan race went well, dropped from 6th to 10th on the start and was back up in 5th within half a lap.

Did a complete 360 spin coming into the chicane getting used to the Elan's rear drive handling after 40 minute sweating my bits off in the Fiesta, but held my place!

Red flag, later restart and shared the drive with one of the JDR guys who used to race in Formula Renault and knows Elans really well saw us come first and win a race.

 

Elan running well in the front pack of 6 cars out of 42/43.

 

Pictures taken by Dogger on this forum who came along to watch.

Also thanks to Ella and Rich (driftingforlife) who came along to help out on the day.

 

End of lap 1, Fiesta out in front where it stayed (other than one lap where the Corsa and me swapped places for half a lap) until I did the drive through/penalty balls up 700% of the way in.

 

Heading into the Complex together, taking the lead back.

[Copey]

What was in that corsa? That thing was quick from footage seen

[BossFox]

Also we are reshuffling Brisky Racing for next year.

 

Running a Fiesta, Focus and Civic in the Tin Tops means too many different cars and too many spares needed.

One common car makes a lot more sense.

 

We we are planning to aquire 3 Fiesta Cup cars and tune them up a bit.  Then lose the various model cars.

4 Fiestas in total, but more importantly 3 identical ones so people can have some real close head to head racing where it's all down to skill when you are racing your mates etc...

 

This is the template car, hoping to get 2 more over winter.

 

 

So will look at rental cars for people that want some close racing with their mates.

[KenONeill]

Yo Dude.

 

Ref the Fester at Thruxton, I'm now a rather happier camper than I was when Autosprout reported you as "excluded for ignoring a black flag". IMO a more appropriate penalty for doing a drive through when you should have done a stop and go would be either a second drive through or a time penalty, not least because exclusion punishes everyone for a minor communications mistake.

[BossFox]

Yo Dude.

 

Ref the Fester at Thruxton, I'm now a rather happier camper than I was when Autosprout reported you as "excluded for ignoring a black flag". IMO a more appropriate penalty for doing a drive through when you should have done a stop and go would be either a second drive through or a time penalty, not least because exclusion punishes everyone for a minor communications mistake.

 

My first penalty.

Saw the flag but wasn't sure it was for me.

Didn't see the car number but was there of course as marshalls said (I assume as they have no reason to do anything else) but I couldn't see it.

Waited to see if I got called in on pit board and I did so in I came, a bit late, as I trundled through the pit lane the team were frantically waving towards the pit exit so I drove through.

 

In hindsight I came in for the penalty with a clear lead, thought the penalty had been changed to drive through so went.  Wasn't about to hang about and see how many cars could pass me.

The pit penalty box was right by the exit so I made a mistake and paid the price for it.  They were actually pointing and waving towards the penalty box.

A telling off and 4 penalty points on my race license until the end of the year.

I put it down to inexperience.

All caused because I switched the engine off a second late in the pit stop, as I was getting out of the car.

 

Shame really as without the penalty I would have got 2nd and without the extra drive through might have hung onto 1st place possibly.

But you live and learn, was a good result to do the very next race in the meeting in the Elan with Ross from JDR on a shared drive basis (was knackered after 40 minutes in the Fiesta) and get the win.

 

End result was that the Tin Tops result doesn't stand, so I am only on 5 races instead of 6.  Still a novice because of that too!