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[Bassett]

Sunday 11th October saw me on my way to Lydden Hill for their 1st Rallycross Masterclass. This would be my first chance to get proper instruction as to the correct lines around a circuit that I just can't seem to get on top of, and a chance to sample the new for 2010 Suzuki Swift.

This was a fabulous opportunity for me to see inside the more professional teams' approach to a rallycross event.  It was good to see lots of new faces contemplating taking up the sport or just having a taster of what could be the start of something new and exciting.

The day was informative and very enjoyable, would highly recommend to anyone considering taking up the sport.

As for the Suzuki? The car was easy to drive, although being a left hooker took a little getting used to! Engine pulled cleanly from low rev's with a noticeable step in power around 4000 RPM pulling hard up to the red line, Suspension was the biggest shock as Chessons seemed to have few noticeable bumps compared to my 205 which crashes and bangs on to the bump stops. The car felt light and nimble with good turn in and able to hold the line that you wanted, (Missed apexes taken into consideration). With  futher development of the car by BGRS IE +20BHP and weight loss of approximately 150kg this is going to be great car. Subject to the necessary funding being available I would love to have a Suzuki on the grid in 2010.   

A big thank you to all the team at Lydden Hill, the Bill Gwynne Rally School and Steve Hill my instructor for the day.

Best part of the day for me was sampling Pat Doran's Ford Fiesta ST Supercar, nothing can prepare you for the sensation!!! Big Respect to all the supercar drivers.

Look forward to more events and meetings.

Bassett 621

PS 205 for sale anyone!

[tbtstt]

Very jealous! I really fancied doing the masterclass, but I just couldn't stump up the cash in time!

Sounds like an amazing day - and the supercar ride alone must have been worth the cost of the day!

[Amy]

Keep an eye out.. another Rallycross Masterclass day is planned 

[tbtstt]

Great! Have to make sure I've got some money for the next one!

[Bassett]

Should be back there myself for a bit more tuition! Thats if they will have me?

Bassett

[Bassett]

Just a quick heads up! I think the money I have spent on the Rallycross Masterclass has been well worth it.
In the second master class I had the benefit of both Steve Hill and Andrew Jordan's input in to the correct way around Lydden Hill, Taking this information away and trying to put it into practice on the Rallycross Track Day a couple of weeks ago, (again money well spent) 30 lap's over the day, with the open pit lane and turning up on time for the start not two hours late!I think 60+ laps would have been achievable.
Proof of the pudding, LHMC Winter Series and First Round of the 2010 BTRDA saw me running a little closer to the front, Not certain of the five cars across the track in the heats, and the start lights OMG . I am no Colin Jackson (go on the the B of the BANG! more like the G) The Final was more familiar territory with 8 cars mixing it from the word go. Lucked out with third place after Gordon (swift) and James (205) had a little tangle just before the finish line, moving Darren and myself up a place.

It was great to see some of last years cars with new drivers in, Hope to see more on the grid in April.

Bassett

[Rich]

Well done Bob,

looks like it all paid off in the end, wasn't there myself but sounds like you had fun and put your 'protogé's' advice to good use.

Can't wait for April - its been too long!

[Bassett]

Hi Rich

Thanks for that! could do with another sticker for the side of the car as it got wiped out along with most if the side of the car at Croft! Still it gave the lads at the project something to get their teeth into, and for a group of 14 - 16 year olds they have not made to bad a job of it. (not in the league of Lynchy's car but hey ho).

Any way look us out in April there is always Tea, Coffee, and Burgers on the go, your most welcome to sample our fine fare! I think the water table sank by a foot in Kent on Saturday with the amount of tea Sally drank, she used almost as much petrol in the stove as the car drank in the day

Bob