|
PCGB 2007 - Ragley Hall
This event is normally somewhere in the 'deep south' (Brands Hatch last year I think). For 2007 PCGB
decided to lower the standard, sorry - make it more informal, and move to the Midlands. This puts it in PORSCHESHIRE
teritory, so with a new camera for #1 (birthday present the day before) we*** set off - with the addition of #2 junior
on board 'the silver one'. The trip was as unexciting as ever (motorway, motorway etc) until the final few
miles where we were able to find some B roads. It was a good idea to arrive early as the parkign arrangements
were somwehat 'loose', and so having not arrange for a specific parking spot for PORSCHESHIRE we found ourselves split-up.
The official displays were also a little 'loose' and so amusement was had in gazaing at the 'informal' displays
in the members car park.
*** #3 was missing yet again. The excuse this time was something to do with a trip to Ireland.
Hmmm. Improvements in attendance there must be, or stripped of his membership he will be.
12th August : VW North West 2007
We were supposed to be at Loton Park this weekend to watch the Porsche Speed Championship Hillclimb, but
for a variety of reasons we didn't go. But VWNW07 was on our doorstep so a small selection of the club decided to attend
on the Sunday. The weather was so good on Saturday that we changed our plans and rushed back from Manchester, only to
find that the event was only on Sunday ! So #1 returned alone the following day !
The turnout seemed much better than in previous years - especially vans.
28th July : Silverstone Classic
After much debate as to whether or not we were going to attend the Silverstone Classic, we eventually made
a plan, which inevitably changed almost immediately after tickets had been purchased. But we awoke to fine weather on
the Saturday and #1 (with extended family members/associate members and an extra car) duly met #2 at the pre-determined spot
and almost at the pre-determined time, only to be informed that #3 was likely to have to stay in his bed all day. Food
allergy, too much pop the night before, mystery virus or just the fact that his car was off the road again ??
After a stop for a a second breakfast we arrived in good time to see some racing, but spent 50% of the time
staring at the amazing collection of cars in the paddock/club parking areas and 50% on the fairground (well we did have 2
kids to amuse).
And as usual - #1 managed to get sunburnt.
21st - 23rd July : Austria - Arsenal pre-season training
An unexpected addition to the 2007 calendar was a short trip to Austria to see the Arsenal team prepare
for the 2007/2008 season.
|
| Arsene Wenger arrives for training |
|
|
| #1 models the latest in club merchandise |
|
|
| Our wheels for the week. |
|
|
|
| Their wheels for the week |
|
|
| It's a tough life for a professional footballer . |
|
|
| "Get the runner" (you had to be there) |
|
|
13th May : Oulton Park : 'Race For Life'
So here we are, back at Oulton Park for the second time this year to watch the biggest grid ever assembled
at this Cheshire racing circuit - 1600 ladies running in the Cancer Research 'race for life' 5km.
After some confusion over the entry homogolation requirements, 2 of the club's associate members dusted
off the cobwebs from their 'wheels' and joined the crowds on an overcast day to run in memory of many a loved one who have
had to combat cancer.
|
The warm up lady does her bit |
The paddock - weird without cars |
The biggest grid ever at Oulton Park is assembled |
Action shot taken from the on-board camera on car 2 shows the tight
line taken by car 1 through turn 1.
|
Making good progress through the field from a poor grid position |
The difficult bit is over |
Thierry Henry or Johan Cruyff ? Thierry would win the race
to the first corner !
|
Almost there (although they seem to be going the wrong way ??!) |
Wearing their medals with pride |
May 8th - "la Grande Passione" - Donnington Park
Another month on and we have our second club outing of the year already. The founding members return
to the site of one of the coldest club outings in the long history of the club - and guess what - after all the amazing sunny
weather - the forecast was for rain. In the end it was fine but damn windy - leading to #1 leaving the day with not
only some great photos of great cars - but also a crimson face. Thankfully there were no photos of that !
|
| Too expensive to race |
|
|
| Beautiful looking (and sounding) Ferrari |
|
|
| Thought it was german - but it's a Jag |
|
|
|
| How many (original?) GT-40s ?? |
|
|
|
| Think I can see a speck of dust |
|
|
| quattroporte it is not, but still #2's favourite |
|
|
| lovely old db something |
|
|
|
| I thought they only had 2 seats ?? |
|
|
|
| The survey continues- clear front, orange side |
|
|
| Great car, great colour |
|
|
| What's this - all orange ?? |
|
|
|
| Dodgy looking character - and nice GT3 |
|
|
| 'VIP' parking |
|
|
| Arty shot to finish . . . |
|
|
April 14th - Oulton Park : Porsche Open and Club Championships
So here we are - the first outing of 2007. It was meant to be the second outing but #3 had to go and
buy shoes (?) and so the Cheshire Ring Run planned for the morning was cancelled. When will #3 get those wings ?
He must have them before the trip to le mans or he is ineligible - which will add fuel to the already raging fire as to whether
#2 and #3 go in 'The blue one' or 'The silver one'.
#2 had prior commitments at the Grand National (nice track, but no cars) and so it was left to the Tiptronic
register to kick-start the year.
The weather was amazing - le mans weather infact - which probably means it will rain this year in France
?
The Porsche Club Championship races were, as ever, excellent - with a wide 911 getting in the way of numerous
968s. The Porsche Open races were dominated by Rupert Lewin's 700bhp monster GT2.
| The white one and the Blue one in the sun |
|
|
| 993 indicator lense survey. Car No. 1 |
|
|
| Lovely GT2 |
|
|
| Black and Orange ? GT3RS |
|
|
| PINK ! |
|
|
| A new member ? |
|
|
| There's a car there somewhere |
|
|
| Getting closer . . . . |
|
|
| Getting closer . . . . |
|
|
| Getting even closer . . . |
|
|
| Missed it ! |
|
|
| Much easier when they are standing still |
|
|
| Impressive set-up |
|
|
| 700bhp AND a big wall poster |
|
|
| GO ON !!! |
|
|
|
