UKPnG Season 8 Grand Touring Championship - Brands Hatch - Feb 21

[Mark J]

In my offline tests at this track it was the IMSA (and i think the Schnitzer) that was doing 1:31 times. I was doing a 1:35 which got me 6th on the grid, the rest of the AI cars were similar pace give or take a second, which makes me conclude the IMSA is definitely too quick for this group.
Anyone else done laps for comparison?

[Geoffers]

Guys after our experience with these cars previously how does the Schnizer fit ?
the IMSA is probably too fast.

That is what I would have thought too Matt. However after racing these cars at NoGrip this last week I have second thoughts. On Sunday we raced at Road Atlanta in just the IMSA BMWs, Cap7 qualified on pole in 1.17.0. Yesterday (Wednesday) we raced the same track but allowed all the 1970s cars, Cap7 again got pole in the Capri at 1.16.5! So ultimately I don't think there is much in it between the BMWs & Capris.  

[BillThomas]

Us Oldies should have a free choice of CSLs  - I like the Schnizer.

[Clive Loynes]

Us Oldies should have a free choice of CSLs  - I like the Schnizer.

Now I quite like the idea of age related handicapping!   

[phspok]

My feeling is that the Schnizer should be allowed, so I will allow it for anyone over 50 years old.
 
My tests elsewhere with the IMSA was that it was slightly less power than the Schnizer but was
quite a bit lighter and managed times over a second faster. If someone gets time to try Schnizer
and the IMSA and posts times that would be helpful. After last weekends extensive testing
It would be political suicide to do much testing this weekend as well.  
The track download works for me only if I left click on it. (Maybe my company net settings)

@Clive, bragging rights are cool, but does your sig need to be SO BIG 

[Mark J]

Got no problem with the 'gentlemen drivers' bringing up the rear in Schnitzers and IMSA's as long as they can keep them on the track and under control  , that way we all get to enjoy seeing and hearing them on track rather than secluded away in the back of the virtual garage. 
But in the same breath, known top 10 guys should be prevented from taking said beasts.

Im still a bit miffed the RSR seems so off the pace compared to the capri 3.1 and many of the beemers (alien John aside). Without consulting the history books, im not sure that was the case considering Porsche dominance for many championships. Perhaps its 'cos the rest broke down    but guess also other factors like the other cars tyres wore off in proper race distances etc.

[Clive Loynes]

@Clive, bragging rights are cool, but does your sig need to be SO BIG 

Yes!

[Geoffers]

Without consulting the history books, im not sure that was the case considering Porsche dominance for many championships. Perhaps its 'cos the rest broke down    but guess also other factors like the other cars tyres wore off in proper race distances etc.

Actually Mark the 3100 Capris & 24v BMWs didn't race against the RSRs very often. The only series where they did compete was the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft (see http://touringcarracing.net/Pages/DRM.html )in 74 & 75. Although the Porsches did win some races the Capris & BMWs were generally faster, quite significantly at places like Hockenheim. Most of the RSRs successes came in GT races & the GT classes of the long distance races where their only opposition came from the Pantera (poor reliabilty) & Ferrari 365 Daytona (only really featured in 24hr events).

The factory RS3100s & 24v CSLs, although now having iconic status, actually only competed in a very small number of races & practically killed off the ETCC. New more stringent regulations were brought in for Gp2 in 1976 & finished the racing career of the 2 cars. Ford withdrew any factory support & BMW took the 24v CSLs to the US to race in IMSA, leaving privateer teams to race the 12v CSLs in the new Gp2

[phspok]

The RSRs are there as an option for those that want to self abuse handicap, or are
coleopterists. Despite their apparent lack of pace they still tend to be chosen and have done
well at our races. Not everyone wants a hard to control swap ends under braking monster.
It's not just John, others have done well in them as well. For me it's cool to be able to offer them
as in PG2 they were impossible to match, they were either too fast or too slow for any other cars.

[Mark J]

Good info Geoffers   i had just dropped back in here to say i found this from the horses mouth when i saw your post already:-

A common FIA Group 2 scene in 1971 - the works RS 2600 Capris, attempting to escape various Ford Escort RS1600s and a BMW 2002. The Alfa Romeo GTAm was usually included in the mix.
 
The top dogs in 1974 and 1975 Group 2 - the BMW 3.5 CSL and the Ford Capri RS 3100. These cars were so fast that they could easily match, if not surpass, the Group 4 top contenders, such as the Porsche 911 RSR 3.0

Well that told me!  I will still be in the plucky and my favoured RSR   Im in it for the racing and if some glory ever comes my way whilst driving it....all the better  

My local track and a widebody RSR is too much to resist  

ps..ha, just read this further down:-   The Porsche 911 RSR 3.0 dominated the world GT scene (Group 4) from 1973 to 1975....kinda contradicting eh 

[Clive Loynes]

First trundle in the Capri yielded a 1:34.5 and a big grin!   

[phspok]

I would value some times from people for the Capri and BMWs (including the IMSA) here. 

[Clive Loynes]

Arrangements are being made and my attendance for this race is now in doubt.   

Bother!!!!

[Legzy]

Didn't you tell her about the Capri & your big grin?

[Mark J]

that sounds bad luck Clive, dont they realise 'Racing is life and everything else is just waiting?'  so Stevie Mcqueen tells us 

Ive just spent another hour bashing around this track in the RSR, gained a few more tenths with a new PB of 1:35.017.  I could probably squeeze into the 34's if i used paddle shift instead of manual-gate shifting, but thats half the fun in these vintage racers    Does mean i'm one handed nearly all round the fast back section though, doing rapid gear changes whilst hanging onto an RSR at full chat !