2nd October 2012

Dear Competitor,

We had a smaller than expected entry for Mallory but, as ever, we were the largest grid on the programme and certainly put on the best racing.

Vince, Mark and I had two wins each. The conditions must have been just right on the day as new lap records were set by Sam, Vince and me.

Bob Kett was spectating and kindly agreed to be the judge for the Star Drive trophies and awarded them to Chris Flooks who beat Trevor Dixon by the width of a bumper after an excellent race long battle and to John Kimber who took 2nd place from Dave Amphlett on the last lap of Race 2 after a great scrap.

Brian Butler had a head gasket fail on his MGF and looked to be heading home until Nick, Junior and the Hounslow boys descended on his car and changed the head gasket in the Paddock. This isn’t the first time that these boys have done this for a fellow drivers and I’m sure you’ll all join me in saying what a great bunch of guys they are. A real credit to our Championship.

MGB’s on Television

I don’t expect much of the programme to be about MG racing but they spent a long time interviewing me, Trevor and Nick so have a look at it, you may well see our ugly mugs.

Championship Points

The points tables shown on the BARC website after the Cadwell races show a number of small errors and we have to thank Mark Baker for his sterling efforts in producing what are always totally correct points tables. I have double checked the points standings and, as far as I’m concerned, Mark’s totals are correct. I have advised Dale Wells of the errors on his tables and he said he’ll amend them after Mallory.
Mark’s post-Mallory points tables are attached but please do remember that these are unofficial and you should refer to the tables shown on the BARC website. Both Mark and I will be checking to make sure that both sets of points tables are the same prior to the final meeting at Thruxton.

The Class A points of course remain provisional pending the outcome of the examination of Paul Eales’s MGB. The 30 day time period for this to be carried out expires on Monday 8th October.

2013 Regulations

I have asked a number of drivers if any changes are to be considered but everyone seems happy with things as they are. Having said that, please contact me by email of on 07971 149505 if you want to propose any changes and I’ll put them to the drivers for consideration. 

The only issue mentioned to me so far is whether Classes F and Z should be amalgamated. Personally, I can see some sense in this given that the lap times are virtually identical and it would stop the frequent frustration of getting involved in a race with a car of identical performance that isn’t in your Class. This suggestion will no doubt result in a few healthy discussions but I can assure you this will be solely a matter for the Class F and Z drivers to decide on.

Thruxton

MGOC CHAMPIONSHIP - NEWSLETTER

14th September 2012

Dear Competitor,

It’s been a couple of years since we raced at Cadwell but the appeal of this great circuit is a strong as ever, especially on what was a glorious late Summer day.
The entry of 19 cars was a bit disappointing but I fully understand that some of you struggle to get there on Friday for the early start on Saturday morning.
The first three rows of the grid were covered by just 1.2 secs with our former Champion Robb Addison taking pole in Dave Mellor’s MGF on his first race back with us for a number of years. I understand that Rob has subsequently purchased the MGF.

We put on two great races and congratulations go to Robb, Vince Pain for their wins in Race 1 and to Mark Baker, Nick Golhar and Paul Eales for their wins in Race 2.
Most of you are probably aware that my Class A win in Race 1 was my 100th Class and Outright win. I’m could never have dreamt of this when I first drove my MGB back at Oulton Park in 1982. Those drivers who get frustrated at not winning races should note that it took me 13 years to get my first win, the next 99 (in MGB and TVR) came in the subsequent 18 years.

No new lap records were set.

There were a few notable hard luck stories. Vince’s ZR was smoking due to a transmission fluid leak, he was shown the black/orange warning flag but continued to race to the end and was predictably excluded from the results. It was really tough on Vince as the smoke quickly died out but the black/orange flag wasn’t withdrawn. Vince was, how shall I put it, a bit hacked off.......
John O’Brien blew the engine in his ZR while testing on Friday and had to sit and watch everyone else having fun.

I’d like to welcome David Mustarde to the Class A. David has done a fair bit of Historic rallying but this was only his third ever race. He made his MGOC debut at Cadwell and was thoroughly enjoying the day until the engine in his MGB stated making expensive sounding noises in race 1. David is a very welcome addition to Class A and we all hope he gets the car sorted and back on track soon.

Post Race Scrutineering

As a result of this, the Class A results remain provisional pending the outcome of the investigations.

The engines have to be examined by an MSA Technical Commissioner with Nigel in attendance within 30 days.  At the time of writing, a date has yet to be agreed.  We will of course advise all registered competitors of the outcome of the investigations.

Race Timetables

Points Tables

Mark Baker continues to do a great job in compiling the points tables. Please do check your own points tally’ and let me know if you disagree with anything.

Click here for the championship tables currently posted on the BARC website show a number of errors, I will be sorting this out with BARC this week.

MGOC CHAMPIONSHIP - NEWSLETTER

27th June 2012

Dear Competitor,

Silverstone was a successful meeting for us and I think we contributed well to what is the MG Car Club’s major event. We ended up with an entry of 36 cars which is just about break even point on the circuit hire costs and I’d like to thank you all for supporting this superb event.

Congratulations go to Paul Eales, Henry Sharpe and Mark Baker who each had two wins and to Will Sharpe and Vince Pain who had a win each in Class Z,
It’s always good to see a driver get their first race win and everyone was quick to congratulate Mark Baker who drove superbly to take a long overdue first ever win on Saturday by a cars length from a hard charging Sam Smith. Mark then did it again on Sunday to record a momentous double win.

New lap records were set by Nick in Class B, Sam in Class F and Will in Class Z.
It good to see four Maestro’s on the grid. All four cars looked really smart and it brought back memories of the great days of Maestro racing.

Eligibilty Scrutineering

Regulations.

The ECU’s  from the F’s of Brian Butler, Mark Baker and Dave Mellor and the ZR’s of Vince Pain, Will Sharpe and Dean/Lee Sullivan were removed and sealed. I joined Nigel at Superchips on Monday morning where the chips were removed by Dave Tinsley and the parameters checked against the of the profiles specified for our Championship. I’m pleased to advise that all six ECU’s were found to be fully compliant.

These checks cost £375, this cost will be funded from our Championship budget. 
Nigel and Joan stayed over at Silverstone on Sunday evening to be at Superchips for 8.30am on Monday morning. I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking Nigel and Joan for their commitment to the MGOC cause.

Driving Standards

Driving standards were, by and large, excellent although the MGCC Clerk of the Course has asked me to have a word with one driver who directly caused significant damage in a needless incident and was fortunate not to be excluded after a strong complaint to the Clerk of the Course by an aggrieved  MGCC driver.

Just to prove that I’m not Mr Perfect, the Clerk of the Course had a deep and meaningful discussion with Paul Eales and me after we apparently passed Jeremy RF under a yellow flag on the run to the chequered flag. He acknowledged that we were a lot quicker than Jeremy and in the heat of what was a manic battle genuinely didn’t see the flag.

Donington

We now have a lengthy mid-season break before Donington.  It’s our first visit there for a number of years and I’m expecting close to a full grid so do get your entries in as soon as possible.

I trust you’ll all be watching the GP next weekend, after last weekend we’re all fully qualified to tell Messrs Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton and Button where they’re going wrong !!

22^nd May 2012

Dear Competitor,

Oulton does suffer a bit from reduced entries as for many drivers it means taking Friday off work and an overnight stop prior to the race but we still managed an excellent entry of 27 cars.

After a wet Practice session, the track gradually dried out and both races were held on a dry track. Congratulations go to Will Sharpe and Vince Pain for wins in Class Z and to and Paul Eales and Peter Higton who both took two wins in Classes A and F.

The Star Drive trophies went to Vince Pain for his win in race 2 and Paul Eales for two dominant wins in Class A.

It was good to welcome back Simon Byrne back to the Championship, he had an up and down sort of day by being excluded from Race 1 for running Yoko 032’s not 048’s then crashed out in Race 2 but not before breaking Jamie Perry’s Class Z lap record set in 2007.

Most of you will be aware that our MGB’s and a number of the drivers were being filmed for inclusion in a 60 minute programme about MGB’s going out on Channel 5 and Discovery in the Autumn.  This took an awful lot of organising at short notice and frankly drove me mad but the film crew were really grateful for the input of all MGOC drivers and have asked me to pass on their thanks. They asked me some pretty uninspiring questions about MGB’s when all I really wanted to do was talk about racing and to showcase our Championship but hopefully the editor will make something decent out of it all.

Driving Standards

I was approached by Roy Summer, the BARC Clerk of the Course, on Saturday evening. He expressed serious concern at the conduct of several drivers under waved yellow flags and asked me to tell you all that he will be reporting his concerns to Geoff Strong who is the MGCC Clerk of the Course for the Silverstone meeting. It was apparent that  a number of drivers didn’t slow down under the waved yellow flags at Old Hall and Druids where Marshals and service vehicles were on the side of the tack following serious accidents at those corners.

A number of drivers were only spared exclusion because of inadequate Observers reports. Be careful, we will all be under scrutiny at Silverstone.

Personally, I felt there was too much bumping and boring and several cars were damaged. We managed to get 32 cars through two races at Brands without major incident but somehow managed to have far more incidents on a much longer track with fewer cars.

Will and Simon clashed heavily at Druids in Race 2 and both drivers were spoken to by Roy Summer. I’m pleased to say that both Will and Simon shook hands and put it down to a high speed racing incident and no judicial action was taken. Roy asked me to say how calm and collected Will and Simon were in his investigations after what could have been a very serious accident and credit goes to both drivers for this. 

Silverstone

The entry form for Silverstone can be found on the MG Car Club website. I expect most of you will enter online, we have experienced some problems with the MGCC on-line entry system and I would strongly suggest that you check their website to make sure that your entry is actually listed.

The entry list will not be published on the website for a week or two so don’t bother looking just yet.

There will be plenty of places available on the grid but I would, as ever, ask that you enter this meeting as soon as possible as it really does make life easier for all of us.

As in previous years, the Class A and B cars will run in with the MGCC Metro’s and the Class F and Z cars will run together with the MGCC Trophy MGF’s and Z’s. If anyone is in the mood to enter cars in both the Class A/B and a Class F/Z races there will be a refund paid from MGOC funds of £150.

The race timetable is still not 100% confirmed but is expected to be as shown on the entry form ie. Classes F/Z will have one race on Saturday and one race on Sunday and Classes A/B will have two races on Sunday.

****    NEWSLETTER    ****

9^th May 2012

Dear Competitor,

Brands Hatch

With 33 cars entered, this was the best possible advertisement for all that is good about MGOC racing. A huge amount of work goes into putting this race on and I’d like to thank you all for making it such a success.

Congratulations go to Vince Pain and John O’Brien for wins in Class Z, Dave Mellor and Peter Higton for wins in Class F and Paul Eales who took two wins in Class A.

Vince set a new lap record in Class Z beating Jamie Perry’s 2007 lap record by .04secs.

The first race gave the commentators plenty to talk about with some very close racing throughout the whole field. The commentators decided that Dave Mellor should get their Drive of the Race award after a race long battle with Sam Smith that ended with Dave taking the lead on the last corner of the last lap to win by .002 secs.

Race 2 was shaping up to be another frantic battle but it all ended when Vince Pain’s engine grenaded itself and dropped a sump full of oil on the track at Graham Hill Bend, with cars spinning off everywhere they had little choice but to red flag the race after 5 laps. The commentators gave the Drive of the Race award to Paul Eales.

Our own Star Drive trophies (sponsored by Dean adn sarah at Furze Platt Automotive) were awarded to Vince Pain and Simon Kendrick.

The only down side of the day was that Gordon Puxty, who became a Reserve after failing to set a qualifying time, didn’t manage to get on the grid for either race. I will make sure that Gordon gets a full refund, not much consolation I know but it’s all I can do. I would like to thank Gordon for accepting the situation with such good grace.

Attached is the points table after the Brands meeting as prepared by Mark Baker but you should note that the official points standings are as detailed on the BARC website. If anyone has a query with Mark’s figures, please email me ASAP

Entry Selection

I can well understand why any driver would be disappointed at being nominated as Reserves but let me restate my earlier point that I have absolutely no input into selecting entries for this or any other MGOC race. Entries are accepted totally in accordance with our Championship Regulations.

Whilst entries are accepted in order of current Championship points positions the remaining places are taken in order of the date of receipt of entry so it’s still important to get your entry in early.

Oulton Park

This meeting is organised by BARC (North West) Centre, they have advised that our races will be held on the 2.26 mile Island circuit which has a grid capacity of 32 cars. From the entries received so far it looks as if we’ll be at or close to a full grid by race day.

MGCC Silverstone

The entry form for this meeting can be found on the website Please treat the timetable shown on the entry form with a degree of caution as it is not 100% definite at this early stage. I can however confirm that, as in recent years, the Class A and B cars will race in with the MGCC Metros and the Class F and Z cars will race in with the MGCC F’s and Z’s.

Mallory Park

I would remind all MGB drivers that they are invited to join the Julius Thurgood MGB50 race at Mallory Park on 4^th June. I will be entering this race, if any MGB driver is interested, please contact me. The race is being televised live on Motors TV, why not tune in and see how I get on against the full race FIA cars.

Snippets

Congratulations to Will and Viv Sharpe on the safe arrival of the latest addition to the Sharpe clan.

Congratulations also to Peter Head on becoming a grandfather following the arrival of a daughter to his daughter, and former MGOC racer,  Elizabeth and her partner, and my old adversary from my TVR racing days, Julian Barter.

Simon Byrne (ZR)and Ben Duncalf (Maestro) have registered for the Championship and are likely to enter the Oulton race.

Much to my surprise, Bob Kett has put his MGB up for sale. He has decided to take some time off from racing to complete a property restoration but I’m sure we’ll see Bob around the circuits and maybe even back in an MGB in 2013. Bob has spent an awful lot of time and money getting his ex-Elizabeth Head MGB up to a very high standard, it won’t be the cheapest car on the For Sale list but it is a very smart and competitive car.

****    NEWSLETTER    ****

16^th April 2012

Dear Competitor,

A superb entry of 32 cars made Snetterton a great start to the new season. There were some great battles throughout the field and the race commentator hardly knew where to look next.  Autosport had a big picture of Sam Smith and Dave Mellor’s MGF and a decent sized report.

Congratulations go to Sam for two tremendous overall wins but Dave showed that he hadn’t lost his competitive edge after few years away from the tracks by chasing Sam all the way to the flag in both races. Dean Sullivan and Will Sharpe to a win each in Class Z and I took two wins in Class A.

The Star Drive trophies went to Dave Mellor for two stirring drives on his return to the Championship and John O’Brien for two highly impressive drives in what was his first ever car race meeting. Both Dave and John set new lap records in their respective Classes.

Brands Hatch

The grid at Brands is limited to 32 cars and it seems likely that we will have a full grid for this meeting.  I would again remind you all that entries are accepted on a first come first served basis so please get your entry in quickly to secure a place on the grid.

The web entry system works perfectly for 99% of entries but every now and then an entry gets submitted but for some unknown reason doesn’t show on their entry list. Even if you’ve received an email confirmation from MGCC that your entry has been accepted, click here to check, If there are any problems, please call or email me ASAP and I’ll get it sorted. I have been advised that both MGOC races will be on Saturday 5th.

If we end up with a seriously oversubscribed entry, we may (note: may) have an opportunity to move some cars into another suitable race on the same MGCC programme. A decision on this has to be made on the day entries close ie. Friday 20^th April, we cannot take up this option beyond that date.

Acceptance of Entries/Reserves

The policy for accepting entries and nominating Reserves is detailed in Clause 3.1 or our Regulations. This clearly states that at the official date of closing of entries (Friday 20^th April for the Brands meeting) then preference will be given to current Championship points scorers. I have discussed this with Dale Wells who has confirmed that this entry selection procedure must apply.

At such time as the number of entries received reaches the maximum permitted for the circuit in question (32 at Brands) the organising Club are allowed to accept additional entries up to a maximum of 20% over and above a full grid - refer our Regulation 3.1.6. Taking Brands as an example, the first 32 entries received will get a confirmed grid place with the next 6 entries being nominated as Reserves, the nominated Reserves will be allowed on the track to set a Practice time but will only be called onto the grid if spaces become available. 

Any nominated Reserve who ultimately gets a space on the grid will start the race from the back of the grid irrespective of their Practice time.

Invitation Class

The policy for accepting entries for the Invitation Class is laid down in our Regulation 9.1.2. This states that entries for the Invitation Class will only be accepted if places are available on the grid at the official closing date for entries.  Any Class I entry given a confirmed grid place at the date of entries closing will not be “bumped off” the grid by a late entry submitted from any other Championship class.

Scrutineering Issues

Nigel checked the bore and stroke of a number of Class F and Z cars at Snetterton, all were found to be fully compliant with our Regulations.

Nigel also weighed all cars at Snetterton. Several cars were absolutely bang on the weight limit. All circuit weighbridges are tested and certificated and the Scrutineer is duty bound to exclude any car if it is below our published minimum weight after the race – even if it is only 1kg under the limit. Please make sure that you run sufficient ballast or extra fuel to make sure you meet the limit or you run a real risk of being excluded.

Some drivers have asked that I publish a list of all car weights but I feel it is inappropriate for me to do this without the agreement of all drivers. I will ask all drivers for their views on this at the Brands meeting.

Historic Racing Drivers Club

Julius Thurgood is running a series to commemorate 50 years of the MGB and has organised a 30 minute race at Mallory Park on 4^th June. This is primarily for FIA spec MGB’s but Julius has cordially invited all MGOC spec MGB’s to enter this race. The entry fee is £350. The race will be covered live by Motors TV and will be shown live on TV across 39 countries. This meeting falls comfortably between our Oulton and Silverstone meetings, if any MGB drivers are interested please contact Jim or go to the HRDC website www.hrdc.eu

Spa

All MGOC cars have the opportunity to race at Spa over the weekend of 16/17^th June. This is a rare opportunity to race on what is unquestionably the best racing circuit in the world. Please contact Jim if you are interested.

****    NEWSLETTER    ****

1^st April 2012

Dear Competitor,

It was good to see a dozen or so MGOC competitors at Snetterton last Thursday for the CSCC Test Day, it was a cracking day and, as far as I know, everyone went away happy and there were no mishaps.

The 32^nd year of the Championship kicks off next weekend on the Snetterton 200 circuit. By 5.00pm Friday we had 24 entries and I know there are several more to come, it looks as like we’re heading for a cracking season.

Organising clubs no longer send out hard copy entry forms and the entry forms for all BARC and Car Club races can be downloaded from thier websites.

I would take this opportunity to remind you entries are accepted solely on the date or receipt of entry, there are no exceptions to this so make sure you get your entries in quickly.

On Track Etiquette

I make this point at the start of every season.  Firstly I must say that we all pay our money and are all entitled to our space on the track but it’s worthwhile making it clear exactly what is expected of all drivers.

• When a faster car is lapping a slower car, the faster car must give the slower car room to take a normal racing line.
• The slower car must however be conscious that a faster car is approaching and give that car as much room as possible remembering that the race leading cars will be absolutely committed to a corner and simply cannot make sudden changes of direction.

One of the biggest causes of accidents is when a car “moves over” to block another car from overtaking. This is only acceptable when the leading car is at least one clear cars length ahead of the following car, it is totally unacceptable to move over to block if it forces the following driver to brake or change direction to avoid contact. No-one likes to lose a position but it’s not the end of the world and there is no excuse for over aggressive blocking or changes of direction.

We will have some big grids this year and the single best piece of advice I can give to every driver on the track is to keep your eyes on your mirrors and be aware of what is going on around you. Before anyone asks – I do of course include myself in this !!.

Weight Limits

These will be regularly checked, I will be issuing a list of car weights at intervals during the season. Every circuit has a weighbridge and if your car runs close to the weight limit I’d strongly suggest you check it out before you race. Remember that a gallon of fuel weighs around 4kg so add another gallon of fuel if you’re in any doubt.

New Drivers

I’d like to welcome John O’Brien and Jay Mooney to Class Z, Nick Webster, Derek Bowley and Dave Mepham to Class A and Jeremy Rivers-Fletcher to Class I.

I’m particular pleased to welcome back the inimitable Dave Mellor who will add some serious competition to Class F. There are several more new drivers in the background waiting to get cars sorted before joining us.

Whilst welcoming our new drivers I must also bid a fond farewell to Clack and Jody who have moved on to race Fiesta’s. They have been great supports of our Champions and their cars have consistently been amongst the best looking on the grid. Whilst it’s sad to see them go I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing them every success in their new venture. Their cars are effectively up for sale, if anyone is interested in buying Clack’s ZS160 or Jody’s ZR160, please call Clack on 07971 185554.

I look forward to seeing you all at Snetterton for the start of what is sure to be a very successful season, after a week of glorious Spring weather it’s bound to be cold and wet !!.

****    NEWSLETTER    ****

14^th March 2012

Dear Competitor

Championship Registrations

These are coming in fairly steadily but some drivers who I’d have expected to have registered by now haven’t done so. I must remind you that BARC will only accept race entries from drivers who have positively registered with MGOC for the 2012 season.

We do have a few new drivers; I’ll be introducing these guys to you before the start of the season.

Race Entries

There are two ways of entering BARC races:

• Use the BARC on-line Championship registration and entry process.

Race Numbers

It is a long standing MGOC policy that a driver will retain the number he/she had the previous season. Any driver who hasn’t registered for the Championship by Monday 19^th March runs the risk of their number being re-allocated so please send off your 2012 Registration as soon as possible.

Eligibility

Test Day

Race Timetables

Pre-season Checks

• Check that you harness is “in-date”.
• Check that your fire extinguisher is fully charged and the needle is in the green sector of the gauge.
• Check that pull cables for extinguisher and electrical master switch are free and haven’t seized up over the winter.
• Make sure that your car is fitted with Lancaster Insurance number backgrounds and stickers. If you need more of these, please contat the MGOC offices's.

Trophies

I will be sending out another Newsletter in the week preceding the first race. If any of you have any questions or queries, please email me at baynam@btinternet.com

****    NEWSLETTER    ****

1^st February 2012

Dear Competitor,

I’m pleased to advise that MSA have finally approved the 2012 Regulations, you can download the regulations here

Championship Registration

To register for the 2012 Championship, you must complete and sign the registration form on page 33 of the Regs and return it to MGOC as soon as possible.

We do ask for your Race Licence number and BARC membership number but these are for our information only and are not strictly required for Championship registration. If you do not have this information please send in your Registration form with these numbers omitted and we can fill them in later.

Competitors Race Numbers

It is a long standing MGOC policy that drivers will retain the number they had in 2011. There may be some opportunity for number changes but this will only happen if the number is currently not allocated in 2011 or if the driver who currently has that number is willing to change.

Invitation Class

The primary purpose of the Invitation Class is to allow drivers to enter a car that does not strictly comply with our Regulations or for someone who doesn’t hold MGOC or BARC membership but wishes to enter the occasional MGOC race. The following basic conditions apply:

• Entries to the Invitation Class are accepted at the sole discretion of MGOC.
• The potential performance of any car/driver combination entering the Invitation Class will be carefully assessed. Entries from a car considered likely to win the race outright may be refused.
• Invitation drivers will not score points or receive any awards.
• The driver must to fill in and submit the Registration form to MGOC not less than 7 days prior to the event.
• In the event that the level of entries received on official closing date for entries (normally 10 days prior to the race) constitutes a full grid for the circuit in question, priority will be given to full Championship registered drivers.
• After the official closing date, entries will be accepted strictly on a first come, first served basis.
• If an Invitation Class entry is given a confirmed race entry at the closing date, that car will remain as a confirmed entry over any late entries received from full Championship registered competitors.

2012 Sponsors

We are of course delighted that Lancaster Insurance have agreed to continue as Championship sponsors for the 2012 season

Will Sharpe has advised with great regret that Wayside Adhesives are unable to continue as our secondary sponsor. This does leave a hole in our Championship budget, if anyone would like to step forward as a new secondary sponsor please contact jim baynam.

I must make the point that 100% of all sponsorship monies received are ploughed back into the Championship by way of race trophies, Star Drive awards and support for our very successful Young Drivers initiative.

Trophies

We will continue to give trophies to the winners of Championship classes A, B, F and Z subject to a minimum of two cars starting in a Class.

The Star Drive awards were well received last year and we will continue with these in 2012.

Test Day

As previously mentioned, we have been invited to join the Classic Sports Car Club test day on the Snetterton 300 circuit on Thursday 29^th March. Our friends at CSCC have kindly offered MGOC competitors the same entry fee of £125 rate as they are charging their own CSCC members. Please note that MGOC will be not sending out entry forms but these can be downloaded from www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk  from mid-February.

Snetterton

I have been advised by BARC that the opening meeting of the 2012 season on 7/8^th April will take place on the 200 circuit.

****    NEWSLETTER    ****

17^th January 2012

Dear Competitor,

Firstly may we wish you all a safe and successful 2012.

2012 Regs

The 2012 Regulations still haven’t been approved by MSA. As soon as they are approved we will get them online ready for the 2012 season.

Race Kit

Please make sure that your race kit complies with the 2012 MSA Regulations.

The requirement for seat harnesses to be “in date” came in during 2006 and, given that they have a 5 year life, a lot of harnesses expire at the end of 2011. Please do check the date on your harness to make sure it’s valid until at least the end of 2012.

Race overalls must comply with FIA 8856-2000 (refer Blue Book K9.1.2).

Helmets must comply with K10.3.1(a).

Seats do not have to be “in date” for UK National racing. If you decide to race in Europe they must be in date.

Fire extinguishers are to be minimum 1.75 litre plumbed-in (refer K3.1.2a on page 168 of 2012 (Blue Book).

Download the flyer or Click here to visit Road and Racegear's website. It is owned and operated by Nick Merry who used to work for Grand Prix Racewear but started his own shop when GPR changed direction last year. Nick is a great guy and will give a very personal service with a minimum 10% discount on all sales to MGOC drivers. His shop is 30 yards from Hanger Lane tube station on the A40 exiting London. He will of course send any items, large or small, by carrier if requested.

Classes F and Z

You will all recall the time and effort spent in getting the ECU chip situation correctly sorted. I do hope all F and Z drivers are fully aware of what you need to do. If you have any queries, please contact Jim.

General Chat

Jim spoke to Ian Evans today, he’s had a really rough time lately. After losing both his parents within a couple of weeks of each other just before Christmas he’s going into hospital on 25^th January for a replacement hip. Ian is really keen to race in 2012 and I am optimistic that he’ll be back where he belongs, with MGOC, for the start of the new season.

Dave Mellor has already signed up for Class F.

Ex MG Metro Challenge racer Nick Webster has purchased the green rubber bumper MGB previously owned by Andrew Forsythe and is returning to the tracks after many years away.

Gethin Isaac is rumoured to be building a ZR with a view to returning to the tracks later in the year.

Danny Porter is in the final stages of building his BGT and expects to be out racing in the Spring.

Will Sharpe is talking to a guy who is building a ZR with a view to joining the action in the Spring.

Cars for Sale

A number of cars have been sold recently and the cars for sale list is looking a bit thin. If any of you have, or know of, a ready to race car please let me know.

Test Day

As usual, we have been invited to join the Classic Sports Car Club Test Day at Snetterton on Thursday 29^th March. Our first meeting is at Snetterton on 7/8^th April so this is a great opportunity to get back in the swing of things after the winter break.

****    NEWSLETTER    ****

11^th December 2011

Dear Competitor

BARC have today advised the following races dates for the 2012 MGOC Championship:

These dates are subject to final confirmation but I can assure you that BARC wouldn't issue unless they were 99% certain.

We really don't think we've ever had such an impressive race programme, the Donington weekend is a huge bonus for us and should be great fun.

We can't at this stage say what days we'll be racing on at the two day meetings, this won't be known for a couple of months yet.

MGOC Championship 2012 Regulations

We would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas and prosperous and, above all, a safe, 2012.