You are not logged in

More 'Fun with a Purpose'
the next two fund-raising track days for mainly older cars

Goodwood Motor Circuit - 22^nd September 2004

Castle Combe Circuit - 12^th October 2004

By Christopher Darwin

So far this year the track days have generated over £7,000.

20th March raised £2816 and was part of the weekend Regis Classic Tour which raised a total of £26,192 – this was split between the Prostate Cancer Charity and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

7th April raised £4356 for the Royal Navy Historic Flight at Yeovilton which will help keep the World War 2 Fairey Swordfish on public flying display.

Here are the final plans. Thruxton was not possible because of the restrictive 88dBs noise limit, but this may change for the better next year.

1. Goodwood Motor Circuit, Wednesday 22nd September. Noise limit 98dBs static, 96 drive-by.

   This track day will have 25 cars in the morning, 25 others in the afternoon with ten cars on track at a time. Drivers will have six ten minute sessions – about 30 laps - in a busy half day with minimal waiting time. At today’s date (23rd July) all 50 track day places have been taken; there are usually a few cancellations and there is a paid-up standby list. Track day places cost £160; if you are not allocated a driving place you will as usual be refunded in full; send your cheque now. In addition *Parade laps will be available at 0900 and 1330 for those who would like to drive two laps at moderate speed of this famous circuit (no overtaking, no helmets). £20 per vehicle, payable on the day, or I can provide a voucher if you would like to give a friend and his car a treat. EDP photography will again provide an excellent digital print within minutes for a few pounds. See www.edpphoto.com for examples from recent track days – and other events. *Passenger rides will be available throughout the day in the track day cars in return for a paper money donation.

   As with September 2003, this day will raise funds for the treatment of prostate cancer in Sussex. We hope to raise £4,000 again. The consultant at Chichester has told me about a brachytherapy unit being set up jointly with Portsmouth. The treatment involves a simple investigation with ultrasound to establish the requirements; the next visit is a one day stay when radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate to sort it out. This track day will help to fund the ultrasound printer and will again be in conjunction with Friends of Chichester Hospitals. Goodwood is a mile northeast of Chichester.

2. Castle Combe Circuit, Tuesday 12th October. Noise limit 100dBs static.

   This will be an end-of-season all-day event for 36 cars, with twelve on the track at a time. Drivers can expect two hours’ track time throughout the day; a second driver is free, two cars can be brought as long as one is always in the paddock. The cost will be £180 for the whole day, or £100 for half the day. I am not planning any large passenger organisation or parade laps. Once again EDP will be providing photographic service. We shall be raising funds for MacMillan Cancer Relief which is setting up a cancer treatment centre and hospice in Midhurst – our target will be a modest £1,000. See www.macmillan.org.uk . Castle Combe is a 1.9mile circuit 4 miles west of Chippenham, Wiltshire, signposted from junction17 of the M4. See www.castlecombecircuit.com for more details.

If either or both of these days are of interest, please send your cheques now; £160 for Goodwood standby list, £180 for Castle Combe - payable to C.Darwin Charity Account. Any queries, please telephone me, or write; my email McAfee/Virgin antispam seems particularly fierce at present (I sent myself an email about Goodwood and it appeared as junk!).

Christopher Darwin Summers Place Cottage, Billingshurst,W Sussex RH14 9AB c.darwin@virgin.net or cdarwin@luap.com (less fierce antispam) 01403 783458 July 2004 Friends of Chichester Hospitals Reg Charity 225858; Macmillan Cancer Relief Reg Charity 261017

If you fancy having a go at writing up your event, get in touch via the contact us page and we will let you know how you can provide your own article.