RDHGP S7 - Round 1 - 100km - Fuji Speedway - Thu 28 April 2011

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Stuart Thomson

The Stoat Without Fear ™
Premium
RaceDepartment Historic Grand Prix Season 7 is Go – Touring is Grand again.

Welcome to Season 7 of the RaceDepartment Historic Grand Prix (RDHGP), covering the Spring / Summer session of 2011. After last season’s (successful) “new class” of vehicle, the GTC-72’s, this coming season takes us full circle, back to the class that I ran in my first ever RDHGP as organiser – the GTC-65s.

In terms of vehicles available for use, the GTC65 class is the most populous here at RD, with a total of 25 models available. However, with variety comes disparity, meaning the GTC65 cars have a wide gulf in performance from top to bottom, hence the creation of the 3 groups we now use at RD. We have eschewed the fastest group – Group A – as it is not as well balanced as the others, and probably too close in performance to the GTC72’s from last season to be a worthwhile contrast. Similarly, we have not chosen the slowest cars in the class – Group C – as (while it is well balanced) it contains all but one of the Cars we used in Season 3.

That left us with Group B, a core group of true, classical GTC65 vehicles, augmented by some later dated Touring class Cars, whose all-round abilities means that they get promoted to this class for performance matching.

With regard to the venues chosen for this season, we visit the Middle East for the first time at Bahrain, Singapore and its temporary road course gets a first taste of the Historic Grand Prix, and we have our finale at one of the most popular tracks in the Historic Racing Club - the 200km of Lime Rock Mountain.

The season opener takes us to Japan, specifically to Oyama in the Shizuoka Prefecture, and the Fuji Speedway, in it’s 5th Layout/Configuration.

progfuji.jpg

Circuit Notes


Located in the foothills of Mount Fuji, the Fuji International Speedway was built in the 60’s, and was originally intended to be a 4km long, highly banked Superspeedway, but lack of funds meant that only one banked section was built, and then incorporated into a more traditional Road track design.

The track was altered in the late 60’s to allow a climb into the banking, as opposed to the blind crested drop that was there before, and which exacted such an horrific toll from drivers.

This altered track hosted the first F1 race to be run in Japan, the 1976 season decider that Championship Leader Niki Lauda withdrew from due to the horrendous rain and treacherous conditions, but which James Hunt navigated well enough to take the season by half a point. A crash a year later involving Gilles Villeneuve killed 2 spectators, and so F1 left Fuji, and did not return until 2007.

Despite F1 moving to Suzuka for their Japanese visits, Fuji remained – and remains – hugely popular for Sports Car, GTC and Drifting Championship racing, the latter being the only time that the circuit is run in reverse. Indeed - such is Fuji’s layout, with the ghost of that originally proposed Superspeedway still faintly recognisable, that the long Home Straight has hosted Drag Racing exhibitions.

The current layout was opened in 2005, and it is this circuit that we will be visiting in our Grand Touring Classics.

A lap of Fuji begins with a relatively long, wide and easy run from the S/F line and into T1R – 1st. This is a relatively tight hairpin, so there will be some very heavy braking going on into here. The cars are vastly different in their relative top speed, weight and braking performances, so all drivers should be prepared and aware for early braking, late braking and overtake attempts here. This will lead me into my first cautionary note of the season. People in cars with better braking characteristics cannot divebomb the inside line, effectively parking their cars there without ever having a chance of making the corner properly. And by the same token, people who run wide cannot just dive straight back to block the inside line if they’ve missed the apex and not care if anyone is there or not. Give people racing room – this is NOT optional. This does apply to all corners throughout the season, but I couldn’t really have asked for a better or more pertinent example to start off with.

Exiting out of 1st, there is a gentle right hand curve of T2R, taken under some pretty stiff acceleration, and before the hard braking zone and crested turn-in point of T3L – Coca-Cola. You need to try and carry through as much speed as the crest will allow you, and then get hard on the accelerator for the short downhill blast into the T4R & T5R section, collectively called 100R.

This is a test of both patience and control, as the first portion of the turn (T4R) will allow you to build up some fairly good speed, and then it will hit you with the sucker punch of the off-camber tightening second section, T5R.

Once you’ve negotiated 100R, it’s a quick squirt up to the braking zone for T6L – Hairpin. The various cars can attack this corner differently, and as there is a long period of acceleration after here, you should be aware of drivers slithering about as they try to get their foot down as early as possible.

T7L is a gentle curve, taken at full acceleration on the downhill stretch, where the slightly deceptive T8R awaits. This may need to be taken with a slightly breathed accelerator on some cars, or flat out on others, but even if you need a lift, it’s flatout as soon as you clear it.

From here you approach the relatively gentle T9R – 300R. This is not a difficult curve in and of itself, but it does just slightly unsettle the car if you aren’t clean through here, just as you are getting set up for the heavy braking for T10R – Dunlop.

Dunlop is a tight right-hand turn, followed almost immediately by the sharp left-hand turn of T11L, guarded on the inside by a solid wall. Drivers here need to be aware that, just because they have the inside line at T10R, they shouldn’t just assume that they have the inside at T11L. People who are close through T10R may be able to get though into the inside line of T11L cleanly. Again, just parking your car across the apex, or conversely moving across without consideration of what may be there is not acceptable.

You accelerate out of T12R uphill for a short burst, before setting the car up for the complex at the end of the lap. T13R – 13th almost comes back on itself, before you hit T14L & T15L – Netz. T14L is relatively gentle, uphill and crested, before it suddenly tightens beyond that crest through T15L.

T14L is a testing corner, as restraint through here will mean a correct entrance to T15L, and that is preferable to the time you’d spend getting back in shape through T15L after an over exuberant T14L.

From there it’s a steady approach required for T16R - Panasonic, as it is absolutely vital that you get the exit of this correct, as it leads on to the approximate 1km long straight, and every iota of speed lost exiting Panasonic will kill you down the straight. You cross the S/F line approx 2/3 of the way down the Home Straight, across the line and into the braking zone for 1st.
Circuit_Fuji.png

The Race Director has some notes for drivers. Please see the track map above for location of Race Direction note:-

All Corners Without Exception – The kerbs are not deemed as track, therefore 2 wheels must be within the white lines, on the tarmac, At All Times. Again, there are NO exceptions to this rule at any point on the circuit. Any exception to this rule is deemed illegal, any advantage gained by this method must be ceded immediately. Report people deliberately and excessively cutting.

Racing Room must be given to all drivers – and this works both ways. Divebombing into and across a corner denies people the chance to make the corner correctly just as much as someone obliviously (or deliberately) cutting the nose off of another driver who has achieved partial overlap fairly.
Regain the track safely - If you leave the track, you must rejoin the track safely. If that means losing another couple of places – so be it.

T1R – 1st – Especially on Lap 1. Be aware of people as you turn in here, it has the possibility to cause huge problems if drivers don’t respect each other. I am really tempted to put a “no-pass” rule in place for this corner on Lap1, but I will give the benefit of the doubt to you all. Do not make me regret my decision. Be aware, however, that any incidents caused by reckless or over aggressive driving in Turn 1 during the first lap will be dealt with severely, probably with a “no quali” penalty for Round 2.

T6L – Hairpin. As mentioned in the Circuit Notes, this is a tight, crested turn, and it is very easy to either turn in too early, or slide off the outside here. Be aware of people possibly losing control under acceleration here.

T10R – Dunlop & T11L. This complex is approached under heavy braking after the high speed T9R, so you will need to be aware of the differences in braking distances and relative manoueverability of the cars around you as you go into T10R. T11L is also guarded on the inside by a wall, so I will take a praticularly dim view of people being driven or forced into it. As mentioned in the Circuit Notes, be aware of what’s around you, and give people Racing Room.

T15L– Netz. Drivers missing this tightening corner to the outside must be aware of traffic as they try to rejoin. Selfishness and overeagerness here could well ruin more than one person’s race, so exercise prudence through this section.

T16R – Panasonic. Drivers will be eager to get on the accelerator as soon as possible, so be aware of possible spins under power due to overexuberance.

All points on the track – General Items
  • Lights can be put on - and left on - during Qualification only, if you are on a timed lap.
  • No lights are to be flashed to distract a driver during the race.
  • Lights may be flashed once to thank another driver, and this is the only time it is permitted. Please report excessive or illegal light flashing.
  • No Chat during the Quali or Race except by Race Control for information.
  • Car damage must be assessed realistically to know if it is possible to make the pits or not.
Incidents, Investigations and Penalties

As it’s Round 1 of a new season, everyone comes into it with a completely clean slate.

As a change from last season, 2 consecutive no-shows will mean removal from the League.

Please remember, the League staff will only review incidents if they are reported to them.

No report = no review.

Please try and remember the incident reporting guidelines: review, cool off, review again. Only after following the above process, and if you are convinced you still need to report it, should you let the League staff know.

Please give as much information as possible during the report (time of incident, drivers involved etc.)

Accident reports made within 24 hours of race completion will be ignored.

Any accusations or complaints aired in the Chat during or after a race will mean a penalty levied on the person complaining or making the accusations, even if a subsequent official complaint gets found in their favour. I simply will NOT tolerate any post race finger pointing.

As last season, I will convene a driver panel consiting of myself, Bob (as long as we are not involved in the incident) & a number of random drivers to make a 5-man panel who will then vote.

The chosen panel drivers will rotate as much as possible within the limitations of the field and incident. If you are chosen, please try and participate - if you yourself get reported later in the season, you wouldn't want your fellow drivers to not participate for you.

Liveries

You have chosen your car and livery already, and you must only drive your chosen car at any time during an RDHGP event. Every driver has a unique livery in this season of RDHGP.

Scoring System

Points are scored down to P20 (75% distance completion required) so people can fight for some points no matter where they are on the track, and hopefully have a season long battle with people around them in the League.

The Distribution is as follows for 100km events :

P1 - 25 pts
P2 - 22
P3 - 20
P4 - 18
P5 - 16
P6 - 15
P7 - 14
P8 - 13
P9 - 12
P10 - 11
P11 - 10
P12 - 9
P13 - 8
P14 - 7
P15 - 6
P16 - 5
P17 - 4
P18 - 3
P19 - 2
P20 - 1

1 point for fastest race lap
1 point for qualifying on Pole
 
Q: In qualifying, I took the highest possible place for me. I frankly ruined the first sector of my best lap and could-have to pass it by another 0.5 seconds faster, but still I was lucky to take fourth place at the start.

R: Had a not bad start, took 2nd. But I knew that to keep behind Ivo and Andreas since the start of the race would be stupid and useless. Because I missed them forward quickly. I was hoping to keep a good pace, try to stay as close as possible to the first three and save the tires until the end.

After the incident of Andy and Ryan, I again went to the second position. I am well able to hold on to Ivo some laps. But the program was broken when I started thinking too much about Andre and Ryan, who loomed in my mirror. I did some stupid blots in some corners. And after Andy, which passed me earlier, I was quickly approached by Ryan. And the crime happened here ...:tongue:
Ryan was not ready for my speed entry into the T4R and kicked me in the ass. I shouted a few swear words :mad:, defended my fifth position from the encroachments of Gregory and rushed in pursuit of Nils, who passed me because of my spin. Nils kept a stiff upper lip and I'm only after 6-7 laps managed to overtake him. Nice drive, Nils!

Until the end of the race I kept my fourth position and watching with regrets how much time lost Andy on the last laps and if it's not my spin, then ... But all probably true, given the pure speed on the track.:)

Congrats to Ivo and podium guys! Thanks to RD and Stuart for the event.

BTW, Jari, it seems that my replay in its normal quality. I could review it from beginning to end without problems, with different cars. If you want, I can upload it.
 
Thanks to Stuart and Racedepartment for this league

in Q i made 2.00.5 and my eyes was out of my head. Only 2 sec behind the best Ferrari on a 2 min track.
What do i wrong?

Racestart i go left and try to stay outside thru turn one, as RD says: maybe a No pass turn.
This goes well because of the wide F1 tracks. ( i think)
My race goes goes down the tube cameing out of T3 ( left turn)
Her has samething happened. Sameone has made a accident thats goes down the field.
I dont spot it early enough. I see that samething goes down and move left. Suddenly a Jag comes 90 degrees on my path.
Iam old and quick thinking is needed. Go right is out of question because to many cars on right side. Go left is wrong , the jag is moving left. I brake to avoid the accident. Cant slow down enough and big inpack

My race was over there.
Lucky for the Jag driver i did help him to get this front pointing in the correct way. He diddnt loose as much as he could have done. Sad for both of us, because its the front-runners that makes the domino-eefect thru the field. I hope they can see that.

After the accient i was rejoining with a big armada of Ford ecort's. One of then was very hard attacking. My mind was ?
Before the lap 1 end, a Jag liked my yellow Ferrari to much, i gave race-room as said in the rules, but 10 meters is not enough.
He just hits me left side and push me wide.
Lap 2 starts a nice race for me, going up the board. Starts too race with two Jags and other Ferrari.
After a bad start i had same good laps very i gained on other.
I get past the Jags and start to hunt the Ferrari. On the hard right turn on the back it all goes way again.
I see the Ferrari brakes, i start my normal point and i close the gap. Too fast will Ferrari in front say. I move right to avoid a
touch. He move littel to right too. I say to my self, as the car slowes downs. Car in front : start to roll, please
I feel i touch you just the same second as you are planing to roll thru the corner. I hit you soft , but you gets turned around (my fault)
I waited and the Jags past me again and the Ferrari driver. Angry on my self............., but it happened. sorry
Thanks to Jag drivers for giving race-room during my pass of them befoer the Ferrari. I realy like the why we managed that.

Next lap i go past the Ferrari and one Jag . They touch.
then its just driving and same Cobra that like my Yellow car. They make me think its a battel, but in the end i loose out. thanks for
makeing me think i got a chance.
My race ends in 13 position.

Thanks to all that GAVE race-room to other drivers. It was great fun overall even with the small insidents.
The cleanest race-league i know to this day.

Thanks Stuart



Regards
Erling Bøhmer
 
First of all,wat a great FIELD 31 cars on the start,with great guys to race thanks all !!

Could not find the pace on this track Q on p29,managed a good start trough the first lap p 24,but after lap 2 back to 28 after a tab from Lukasz (no problem Lukasz ) waiting for me an after that we had a three way "battle"
more to spun off one at the time Norman in the Corvette Lukasz with the 131 an an me with the Escort taking all most half the race distance ,than the lapping start an the battle was over,constant looking over your shoulder to let the front runners pass,so driving home to fin.on p27.
Not fast but more fun than the Beemer from season 6.

Grats to Ivo an podium an thanks RD an Stuart for a great event.
 
Well what to say, my race was compromised after T3 really, later on got involved in another tangle & then a bit later got involved in another incident trying to avoid the one infront of me so the best I could do was to bring it home the best way I could. Roll on R2.

Thanks to Thommo for setting up a runing this league & also RD for bringing us all together. Grts to Ivo on winning & wd the rest of the podium. Thanks to all the guys who showed up for a truely spectacular grid.
 
well where to start with all the praccy in the world i just could feel confident in the fezza round this track and just could find the speed in the car that others could as hard as i tried, managed to avoid all the incidents in lap 1 and found myself in 16th but slowly lap after lap i kept dropping back as much as i tried, and couldnt do much better than 21st,

i really hope the muscle cars will be less dominating at some off the other tracks as it become frustrating as you can pass them in the twisty sections but coming out of coners and down striaght they just disapear and after a couple of times down the staight there gone,

still happy to be battle in amungst some cars atleast and looking forward to round 2, see you all in sakair
 
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