You may or may not be aware by now that the long running TR Register race Championship has been wound up, principally through lack of support. However, that does not mean that there will not be any TRs racing from now on. Many cars have relocated in other well established Championships or series. They generally fall into 2 categories:-

1. The “traditional” cars, TR2 – TR6, race in three main events:-
a. MGCC Thoroughbred Sports car Championship – A 10 race series, at circuits throughout the UK, for 1950’s, 60’s and a few early 70’s cars, modified within a regulation framework in 4 separate classes. Races are usually 15 – 20 minute duration. Regular entrants include MGA, MGB, MGC, Triumph TR2 – TR6, Jaguar D & E Types, TVR Griffiths, Morgan +8 and 3 litre Roadsters, Elva Courier, Austin Healey and occasional Aston Martin. There are 9 or 10 TRs registered with 5 or 6 of them appearing regularly at most meetings.

b. Classic Sports Car Club Swinging 60s Series – A 10 race series for similar period cars to that above in similar states of modification. Races are usually 40 minutes with mandatory pit stop and choice of one or two drivers. There are 7 or 8 TRs registered with 4 or 5 appearing regularly. Cars competing include Triumph TR2 – TR6, MGB, Jaguar E Types, Lotus 7 and Elan, NSU Prinz (yes), Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Fairlane, Mk I Ford Escort, Sunbeam Alpine and Tiger, Mallock U2, Ferrari Dino, Lancia Beta and Fulvia, Reliant Sabre 6 and Mini Cooper S. As well as the UK tracks they also compete at the Nurburgring, Spa and Daytona.

c. Equipe GTS – A series for 50s and 60s sports cars but with limited modifications to FIA regulations in place when the cars were in period. This includes all metallic outer panels. They also race on Dunlop Historic tyres as used in that time. Speeds are somewhat slower than the above two series. There are 4 or 5 TR4s registered, together with MGA and MGB, TVR Grantura, Elva Courier, Alfa Romeo, Lotus Elite, Jaguar XK120 and Gilbern 1800 GT. The standard of preparation is very high and again the cars appear at several UK circuits and some Continental venues.

2. TR7, TR7 V8 and TR8
a. Most of these, together with some of the TSSC Spitfires and GT6s, have moved to the Classic Sports Car Clubs Future Classics series for 70s, 80s and early 90s sports cars. Format similar to Swinging 60s above. Exact numbers of how many TR7 variants will be running in this relatively new series won’t be clear until the new season starts in March/April 2008. Again, a full selection of UK tracks with three forays to the Continent are programmed. Other vehicles involved include Porsche 911, 924 and 944, Lotus Eclat, Jaguar XJ6, Toyota MR2, Spitfire, Reliant Scimitar, MGF, Davrian Imp, BMW and Morgan +8.

If you are interested in spectating at any of these races you can find full details of the programme of events at their various Web Sites. However events relatively local to the TR Lincs area during 2008 include:-

1. 24th March 08 - Donington (Next to East Midlands Airport, M1 J 24) -Thoroughbred Sports Cars and Equipe GTS. Other races include Morgans, Porsche Club, Porsche Open, Combined MG Trophy (ZRs & MGFs) and Cockshoot Cup (Midgets & MGBs), Metros and MG BCV8s.

2. 5th /6th April 08 – Snetterton, on A11 North of Thetford, Norfolk - Swinging 60s and Future Classics

3. 5th /6th July 08 – Cadwell Park, Louth, Lincs. - Thoroughbreds Sports Cars

4. 19th July 08 – Donington - Thoroughbred Sports Cars.

5. 6th September 08 – Cadwell Park - Swinging 60s and Future Classics.

6. 4th October 08 – Snetterton - Thoroughbred Sportscars.

7. 18th /19th October – Snetterton - Swinging 60s and Future Classics.

Should you require further details of these or any of the other events where TRs may be appearing further afield, contact either of the following:-

Dave McDonald, TR Lincs member who will be racing a TR6 at some if not all of these events. 01777 719754 (H) or 07769 600348 (M)

Andy Kutarski, TR Lincs Secretary, 01522 793465 (H) or 07825 385056 (M)

It would be good to support our own marque by attending some of theses races.

With notice, I may be able to get some complimentary tickets. Although this cannot always be guaranteed in advance I can often aquire some on the race day. The ticket position generally depends on how popular the track is, where it is and what the weather is like on the day.

If you do attend one or more of the races I would always be glad to see you in the Paddock (free entry for all) where you can get a good look around not just the TRs but every other car in there. Most drivers are happy and proud to show off their cars, just don’t get under their feet if it is obvious that they have a problem and are rushing around to get it sorted with only a few minutes to go to qualifying or the race itself!

Oh, by the way I am usually looking for assistance with the seat harness at the driver change in the Swinging 60s races. All offers of help gratefully accepted.

Hope to see you at a race meeting in 2008. Several members have visited in the past
and always seemed to enjoy themselves. Give it a try, it really is a good day out.

Dave McD

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