Ten of the Best (TOTB) 2007 - Elvington, 29th July - MR2s needed...

[michael]

However, isn't it true in the past we've had cars that only concentrated on the quarter mile and didn't even do the handling? If we have ace handlers, cannot that be done in reverse???

Yes we've had people who prior to the event tell me one thing and agree to my requests to get a banker time in each but then completely ignore me and p1$$ around on the 1/4 all day or sit in the pits smiling... I want to remove that element this time around, the TEAM has no place for it.

After all, it's unlikely 10 cars will be in the 10 second bracket tbh.
T

I guess we'll have to see, this year had the usual teething issues but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect some 9's and more 10's given the stuff that's going on at the moment. 11's are obviously still respectable enough but then so are 45 second handling times in the RWD section.

[tonigmr2]

I guess we'll know nearer the time! But can't help wondering that drag set up cars should specialise in that, and handling set up cars in that. Rather than get one dressed up for one try to do 'OK' in the other?!

T

[Century Motorsport]

My entry is already in as the organisers got me paying twice.

I, for one will be concentrating on the handling alot more - my spin got me a 3 second penalty so should have been a 42 instead of 45 (i realised this after it said my first run was the quickest!! than studying the video with a stop watch...)

In my experience, i had wayyyyy to much lag for the tight handling course + am making provisions to ensure that wont be happening again - even if it is anti lag.

I don't neccissarily agree with one car being stuck to one discipline - although if you drive to the event on your drag slicks, it would be kinda stupid to try the car at the handling course...

Nathan

[splashnatz]

early this , - but - , good luck to all those in next years team !

should be quite exciting with the performance the top mr2s have got to in this last year.

[tonigmr2]

My entry is already in as the organisers got me paying twice.

I, for one will be concentrating on the handling alot more - my spin got me a 3 second penalty so should have been a 42 instead of 45 (i realised this after it said my first run was the quickest!! than studying the video with a stop watch...)

In my experience, i had wayyyyy to much lag for the tight handling course + am making provisions to ensure that wont be happening again - even if it is anti lag.

I don't neccissarily agree with one car being stuck to one discipline - although if you drive to the event on your drag slicks, it would be kinda stupid to try the car at the handling course...

Nathan

Partly you are agreeing with me - your car was set up for drag, inc. the turbo and slicks etc. I see no shame in having one or two cars which specialise in a particular discipline, and the rest entering all events. Some of the winning teams have been doing that for years!
T

[Quigonjay]

its a difficult one
looking at previous years team winners, it doesnt seem to be good all rounders that win the team comp
they may win individually but personnally i think the way to go is specialists in each category (counting top speed/quarter mile as 1)
for instance, for drag and a good launch you need drag slicks and softer suspension so it can squat down and get traction instead of just spinning, higher gearing is also going to be an advantage
the same set up is going to be losing you time on the handling circuit as you need stiffer suspension, handling tyres and lower gearing
considering the amount of time you have to spend queing up etc it is unrealistic to expect a competitor to go swapping wheels and suspension parts to do the different events

[EarL]

Irrespective of how the team did last time out (and I think we did VERY well), the main thing was it was a LOT more team driven, which I for one enjoyed immensly.






















...Mitch, who said anything about a Honda?

[tonigmr2]

Irrespective of how the team did last time out (and I think we did VERY well), the main thing was it was a LOT more team driven, which I for one enjoyed immensly.

:

There's no reason why having specialists in each area can't make it even more a team event - less queuing at the different disciplines and more targeted would be at least a strategy rather than trying to go balls out on all cars and not winning outright in anything IMHO!
T

[greeny]

for instance, for drag and a good launch you need drag slicks and softer suspension so it can squat down and get traction instead of just spinning, higher gearing is also going to be an advantage
the same set up is going to be losing you time on the handling circuit as you need stiffer suspension, handling tyres and lower gearing

Not necessarily true on the gearing as the longer gears "could" keep you from changing up & down as much on the handling circuit.

Hopefully "if " my cars producing the goods, i hope to be considered for the team

Michael.

[Century Motorsport]

My entry is already in as the organisers got me paying twice.

I, for one will be concentrating on the handling alot more - my spin got me a 3 second penalty so should have been a 42 instead of 45 (i realised this after it said my first run was the quickest!! than studying the video with a stop watch...)

In my experience, i had wayyyyy to much lag for the tight handling course + am making provisions to ensure that wont be happening again - even if it is anti lag.

I don't neccissarily agree with one car being stuck to one discipline - although if you drive to the event on your drag slicks, it would be kinda stupid to try the car at the handling course...

Nathan

Partly you are agreeing with me - your car was set up for drag, inc. the turbo and slicks etc. I see no shame in having one or two cars which specialise in a particular discipline, and the rest entering all events. Some of the winning teams have been doing that for years!
T

I see what your saying but surely we kind of had this situation this year?

GTS chris and mike JC were really only geared for handling. Xxxx was only drag and i was kind of in between along with ian, roy, earl, andy etc etc.

Its a tricky one but im sure next year we will have more choice again so naturally will do better.

Nathan

[tonigmr2]

That's kind of what I mean, no reason why some people can't target something specifically e.g. handling even if they're not great on the quarter?
T

[Century Motorsport]

for sure - we have 10 cars...... if we had 3 specific to handling, 3 specific to drag / top speed and 4 good all rounders i think we could have a great chance of achieveing good standings!

[michael]

...like we did this year.

[tonigmr2]

...like we did this year.

Hopefully better if it is more targeted and strategic?
T

[michael]

I can be as clever as I like when it comes to plans, none of it matters if the cars capable of delivering the results needed don't exist.

[tonigmr2]

I can be as clever as I like when it comes to plans, none of it matters if the cars capable of delivering the results needed don't exist.

LOL that I agree with. But if more inclusive criteria are advertised from the start rather than just 10 second cars...?
T

[michael]

The problem with the handling side is that it's hard to give people something to aim for because they can't access the TOTB circuit or get together with others to do a timed session anywhere similar - we try every year and fail.

A fast track car might not be suited to the layout at the event.

All I can do is say "build me a 10 second car that can handle and then learn to drive it" or "can your car beat a turbo charged Dax Rush / very well driven EVO on a tight gymkhana track"?

The answer is usually "yes" just to ensure they get to run the 1/4 all day and ignore the rest of the team.

[Rogue]

The problem with the handling side is that it's hard to give people something to aim for because they can't access the TOTB circuit or get together with others to do a timed session anywhere similar - we try every year and fail.

...which brings us right back to my original comment that the Toyota Sprint Series provides exactly that - a proper timed circuit that everyone has access to and can benchmark against. Barkston Heath was particularly tight and technical, just like the TOTB circuit.

Patrick

[michael]

That's up to those who want to take part to decide upon, not only do I have no idea who wants to take part in 2008 as yet but I also have no idea who can spare the time or money to get involved in the sprint series or anything similar.

I can only do so much but I fully appreciate the marketing potential of such an event.

[royashmr2]

Hello Michael,

Have we any news on when the dvd's are gonna be here.