Tipo 16v at Lydden Track day

[Rich Ellingham]

Lydden hill is in the South East of the UK and is the shortest circuit in the UK. It was built in the valley between 2 small hills to aid spectating of many of the Rally Cross events events held there. It is also home to many other series on a regular basis including the DMN Saloon car championship. I did not expect to get the Tipo back out due a career change, but I was unaware that I had a significant break in which to earn some money and fund a nostalgic trackday. The difference now is I've been going karting every fortnight (2 weeks) for 8 months.

The Tipo came out of storage and was checked over for readiness. It had been started every 2 weeks while in storage and starting was no issue. A slow power steering fluid leak had emptied the PAS system so that was rectified and refilled. I had enough Oil in storage for a change (Selenia racing). I had planned to fit 7x15inch wheels to replace the 6j wheels fitted, I bought 2 sets, one was not the correct fitting and the other never arrived, so I had to stick with the Tipo 6j rims. New DS3000 pads and Brembo discs were fitted.

At the track the first session was merely a shake down, having not really driven a car let alone a race car in year I needed to get myself ready and make sure the car was fine. It was, and I found it much easier then I did before. Lydden might be short but it is very challenging with changing cambers, downhill braking it certainly offered no relaxation time. The second session I used the service of well known Mini racer and instructor Bill Richards to guide me round the track. This was it, the car took a hammering, the video does little to indicate how the wheels were fighting for traction or pushing wide. Mr Croft quite rightly says I need to power it out of the corners, but rest assured I wasn't hanging round, but when its sliding and to add more power needs a bit of practice (Tyres started at 24psi ended at 36psi). The next session was the turn of my good Friend Trevor Nicosia who was a fellow competitor of mine and the keeper of the car while I am away from the sport, he also went out with BIll, as his first drive in the car ever. The next session was a solo effort with the advanced group this lead to a great race with a Cooper S Works championship car, though I was catching the Mini its driver (Pete) could take a selection of lines as the mini's grip was clearly well above that of my home made Fiat - Testament to buying a championship car rather then building your own.

My last session of the day was cut short as the front discs warped making braking a gamble. All in all an excellent day, really showed where the car could be developed if I was to do so - deal with the understeer, loose some weight, fit brakes that can take the heat better. I highly recommend Lydden Hill for a trackday it ran like clockwork and proved to be one of the most challenging circuits I've driven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2po-phAyG9Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JZ7ANVyXo8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNPMADWGqr0

Trevor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d3nAiZXJLI

Rich

[Guy Croft]

MODEL POST!

Very instructive indeed, thanks for posting.

GC

[James Bowen]

Rich,

thank you for that. I have some idea what apex's to aim for next time I do a sprint meeting there.

James

[Guy Croft]

Here's a reminder of Richard in action, from the emails I've had over the years I can say he inspired a lot of folk. His car is featured in my new book.

GC

[andy97]

Rich, good to hear that the Tipo is still alive on well. Can I tempt you, yet, to have the odd race with the CSCC in Tin Tops? It far less expensive than Eurosaloons in my opinion & the 40 minute 2 driver races really mean that you can share costs with a mate - You and Trevor could share the car in one race.