MG Registers on Track
My day started at 6:20am, I was late, and so coloured cones placed on the correct points
the MGB had a good warming up down the for braking, turning and the apex of each
A34 and along the M4 towards Castle Combe. corner. The pace car then drove off into the pit
Our friends at MGs on Track had sent a fully lane leaving me with some very fast MGBs
detailed time sheet for the day, so after parking desperate to get past. At the briefing we were
and signing on, I filled out the indemnity form told to keep an eye on the rear mirror to allow
declaring that every thing I do wrong would be faster cars to overtake on the right side, and
my fault. In return I was told I would be in the only on the straights.
Blue Group this was for all MGBs and, as I On the first 15-minute session we
David Russell Wilks getting ready.
found out later, some were really hot road- managed about five laps, by this time I had reduced speed for the various bends; however
going cars. discovered it was better to go down to third there was no appreciable brake fade, which is
Dave Livingstone of MGoT and friends for Quarry then overdrive third dropping out always a concern when warming up the
from Castle Combe, gave everyone of overdrive for the Esses, then on all the way breaking system.
participating a full briefing as to what to do and round with overdrive to Bobbies, the other During the day I covered nearly 50 track
what not to do. Out of the 50 or so drivers chicane, changing up to fourth for the rest of miles driving my car, I also had a passenger ride
nearly half were attending the MGs on Track the lap. with Michael Sparks in his 4.8-litre 300bhp V8
day for the first time. EBW 45B, my 1964 Roadster, has a MGB GT. This machine, with its modified
Next was the noise test, Castle Combe standard but balanced engine, which means I suspension and sticky tyres, goes like the clappers!
Circuit is very close to the village and a 100db am able to rev it into the orange in safety. The The ride home seemed very tame after the
limit at 4500rpm is enforced, my B was okay engine was built back in 1992 by Geoff Allen, excitement of the day; common sense has to
but some others had to fit extra silencers to the V8 guru; with a Maniflow exhaust manifold be switched on as there is a huge difference
ensure they could continue. and system. My main improvement is on the between driving on the track and public roads.
The Blue Group of MGBs were to follow front suspension, with slightly shorter and stiffer I thoroughly recommend you invest in a day
the MG V8 group, with the Midgets following front springs and a thicker anti-roll bar. Contact with your MGB on an event promoted by MGs
us, then a mixed group with some V8 ZTs, V8 with the track is with standard 165 Firestone on Track. It is a great opportunity, if you want to
ZT-Ts and a lone MG SVR. tyres on 4J disc steel wheels; my brakes are get the most out of your car and yourself by
At 9:30am I was first in the queue behind standard apart from having Green Stuff pads on driving ‘safety fast’. Everyone involved in the day
the pace car, which would show us the quickest the front. During my runs the cooling system enjoyed the experience and were friendly,
line around the track. With my crash helmet maintained an acceptable temperature only offering advice and constructive criticism in what
tightened and my track wrist passes in place we getting a little warmer than during normal road proved to be a great day.
took off, slowly at about 40mph, building up to use on a hot day. It was, however, the brakes
60mph. On the first laps I was able to note the that got hot, as they had to work hard as I John Watson
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS
Reading these comments in early November of 50p per mile return journey from the which is listed in full on their V765 form.
many of you will be putting your MGB away inspector’s house to the place where the It may seem a bit of a pain to have to get a
for winter, if so make sure at the very least inspection is to be carried out. The good Heritage Build Certificate to check if the car
you grease everything, put plenty of wax oil news is that, for MGBs, very good factory is on our Register and to provide relevant
in the vulnerable sections, pump up the tyres information exists and in many cases photos but, given the costs to all parties of
and change the engine oil, better still do all this may overcome the need for a physical carrying out an inspection, I think you will
the above and keep driving your car. inspection. When applying to the agree it is worth the effort.
Some of you will be restoring your car MGCC the MGB Register will require in Turning to lighter events, we are now
and will be aiming to obtain an age-related all cases a Heritage Build Certificate, planning our 2009 events programme starting
number plate for the car when finished or, in this is available from the Heritage Motor with the Spring Run on April 26 which this
some cases, hoping to reclaim the original Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon CV35 0BJ year will be from the Newbury area to the
number plate allocated to the car. The DVLA (www.archive.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk), New Forest, full details and entry form will be
are tightening the rules related to clubs the Register will also require photographs to in January's Safety Fast! There are still a few
supporting these applications and in many validate that the car is the car to which the places on our Register Weekend in County
cases are requiring a physical inspection of Build Certificate refers, along with a copy of Durham, full details are in the advertisement
the car, the MGB Register has therefore the listing from our Register (if applicable) and and you’ll find the entry form in the August
decided to publish a set of charges related to any other relevant documentation supplied. edition of Safety Fast!, or take a look at the
completing an inspection visit. A member of If you supply a Build Certificate for a car with website (www.mgb-register.org) where you
the Register may be asked to carry out an a GHN 3 chassis number and pictures of a will see we have found a good hotel, quiet
inspection following the initial application, rubber-bumpered GT then do not be roads and great company, so don't delay
which should be sent to MGCC at Kimber surprised if we decline to support your contact John Watson on 01235 522122 for
House. For MGCC members we will charge application. If you are hoping to reclaim an more information and to book your place.
a standard inspection fee of £25 earlier registration number the DVLA also
(non-members £50) plus a mileage charge require you to supply other information, Bernard Rengger
44 Safety Fast! NOVEMBER 2008
www.mgcc.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100