1300 Stockcars

1300cc Saloon Stock Cars – Dateline 12th September 2008 Over the last two years, discussions have taken place between the Promoter and certain drivers about a saloon formula for Buxton, but nothing has really been done about it – however the interest was there. Season 2008 has not been an easy one with the credit crunch, price of scrap and the price of fuel. Mid-season we thought it was time to take a serious look at a saloon formula. Coupled with that we did not hide our disappointment at the number of Formula MiniStox racing, and saw a way forward where we could achieve both our aims of starting a saloon formula and keeping the Formula MiniStox alive. The next question was which type of saloons? The 1300’s run successfully on the East Coast (Skegness and Kings Lynn), and then there is the National 2 litre cars, and also the Spedeworth 2 litre cars. We chose the 1300cc version, as we thought it would fit our driver’s pocket better, and also give them racing away on the East Coast. In fact Hazel Cooke at Skegness Stadium is quite keen to see our relationship blossom, so much so that she has already invited our drivers to a Speedweekend at Skegness next June. This would be for saloons and unfortunatly not Formula Minis. We took delivery of the car on Friday 5th September, and had it at the track for the Sunday meeting. The lad we bought it off sadly put his worst tyres on to sell it, and when we found out, we had no time to change them. Quite a few took the car out in practice – Andy Carr, Marc Hampson, Lee Tomlinson to name just a few and all were impressed – despite the rubbish tyres. Initial interest was such that I had drivers wanting to hire it for a meeting or even buy it if the formula went ahead. It raced from the back of the Formula MiniStox grid for their three races and once again performed well, despite the tyres and the wet weather - practise and racing was all on a wet track, poor tyres on a dry track should see a lot of difference next time. The pilots were Phil Lowe, Jay Beaumont and Marc Hampson. The Mini lads were all keen, bumper heights were ok, but there were reservations about the weight difference of around 300kg. This is where we are at the moment – looking at ways to bring the cars closer together. We cannot change the Skegness rules, as our cars wil not be able to race there, so we are mainly looking at the Minis. It is likely I will not be at the meeting on 21st September, but the car will be and I will arrange for someone to make it available should anyone like a few laps in practice. Shown are a selection of pics taken of the car thanks to BuxtonracePix, the current rules/spec can be downloaded from the Skegness Stadium website if you are wanting to take a look. Feel free to ask questions, call the office on 01663 741353 or email dp@buxtonraceway.com Dave Pierce.

Page Last updated September 12, 2008