Elan vs Griffith

[toomspj]

I spent last weeked at the Thruxton Easter Revival. I was in the Guards Trophy race which is for FIA GT cars built prior to 1966. When I saw the entry list and sat in the collection area prior to qualifying I figured there was no chance of a podium finish. It's a blisteringly fast track and there were quite a few Griffiths, a Sunbeam Tiger, a big block (ex Emmerson Fittipaldi) Corvette to name a few.

Anyway, I surprised myself by qualifying second. I've got the car handling really well now, although it is really bumpy at some parts on the circuit which makes anything a handful. Then a humdinger of a race, where after i grabbed the lead at the start, the Griffith of Mike Whitaker came thundering by on the 4th lap. Then with just over a lap to go, the Griff used its tyres and spun off.

So, Elan beats all those V8's outright - yeah! It's been a while since I posted a video, so here goes -

Youtube video link attached : http://youtu.be/V06iCg4iInk

Enjoy Elan success, Paul

[rgh0]

Fantastic to see you keeping all those V8s honest. What type of tyres are you allowed to run in the series?

cheers
Rohan

[toomspj]

Dunlop M or L profile 204 compound with CR65 tread - I use 5.25M x 13. I really wasn't expecting to keep up as it's so fast - but I was pulling 8700 in top behind the Griff (8600 without a tow) which is close to 140 mph. Which is why it was a bit tricky when the MGB wandered across and braked at the end of the 'straight.
Paul

[lotustastic]

That is some terrific driving and footage, the sounds, the commentary, etc!! A true road race battle... I had to watch it multiple times! If only f1 was this exciting to watch...did the pit stop mate ask if you had dry britches? Lol

Nice maneuvering through the MGB obstacle also..

David D.

[holywood3645]

Very enjoyable. What is the spec of the elan?
Going to have to watch again.... Keep posting, even when the results arn't so good

James

[john.p.clegg]

Nice....

John

[AndrewP]

Enjoyed every moment, like the in-car commentary.
Keep them coming.

[Mazzini]

Great stuff! Thanks for posting

[vstibbard]

A sensational drive Paul, I've watched it a few times now, love the way the Griffith stages right and disappears!

I hope on day to be able to emulate a small part of that video in my Elan which is running similar spec to your's, I'll drop you a PM re your latest set up as I'm running same Dunlop 204 spec as you are but nothing like that engine of yours!

Once again congratulations.

Cheers

V

[toomspj]

Thanks for nice comments. In answer to question on spec, the car is based on a S2 that was sold in the USA It has a lightweight shell, 26R chassis (with the raised diff), 26R suspension wheels, brakes etc, and FIA spec engine (big carbs, small valves etc) built by JohnSmirthwaite and puts out around 175 bhp. It weighs just under 580 kg without fuel.
I built it myself, and first raced it last season and took quite a while to figure out how to make an Elan handle on the Dunlop crossply tyres -most of the advice I was given seemed to lead in the wrong directio.
Link to pics of car at Thruxton is attached : http://www.ae-photography.co.uk/albums/190414-hscc-thruxton-photos/slides/HSCC_Easter_Revival_Thruxton_190414_AE_206.html

Next outing is Silverstone (GP circuit), on 17th May.

Paul

[uglyduck]

Great drive....thanks for sharing it with us.

[EnfoKen]

Very cool.

I wonder how this car would compare to a car raced in period in the 60's.
I guess the tires (tyres) are the same. More power? How did lap times compare
to a 26R raced on the same track in the 60's.

Again, great action, great sound. It looks like you had fun.

[Tahoe]

Fantastic, thanks so much! I too watched it several times, and will now watch some your other videos.

[Elanman99]

Paul

Brilliant!

Watched it several times and really enjoyed it.

The quality of the video, your commentary, and the editing are all very professional, thanks for sharing it with us.

Ian

[gino1]

Paul,
One of the best racing films I've seen on you tube..thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gino
Milano
italy