ROLLING ROAD DAY - LEICESTER - SUNDAY 20th NOVEMBER 2005
A new
Event for the MK1 Club, which came about due to the tie up with the IMOC and our
access to their internet forum. Interest in the event was shown by J-Tuner
Magazine who had a photographer present and we will all look forward to seeing
the issue when it goes to print, also Retro Cars Magazine requested a report for
inclusion in their magazine.
A total turn out of some 25 cars running on the rollers plus some spectators on what can
only be described as a bitterly cold winter’s day can only be seen as a
success. Most cars met at Jct.22 of the M1 and travelled in convoy to the venue,
stopping the traffic on arrival. If your going to get the Club noticed this was
as good a way as any!
The event was well supported by the MK2 owners and most participants were MK2s with some
exceptionally well presented examples.
Nine MK1s ran on the day (though Jo sneaked a late run come on Jo what’s the figures!)
with some very interesting results, top output was Simon Taylor’s NO2 injected
car running 111 bhp standard then 146 bhp with NO2 help, that’s a serious jump
in power! Second in the bhp stakes was Matt Dixey who posted an impressive 133
bhp with his ”Cosworth” built engine. Best of the rest was Doris Sanderson
with her standard apart from a Mongoose exhaust posting a 119.2 bhp a testament
to a well maintained car. The average for the day stood at 111 bhp and while the
debate about differing out put figures at different RR facilities could run
forever, running 9 cars at the same time gives a good indication of which car is
running well and which is under performing also giving an insight into what
modifications seem to work best, though this could also be subject to a debate
than will run forever with no conclusion. Whether you think the figures are 10hp
too low or not. My own car posted a disappointing 114.7 bhp due to the exhaust
blowing a big hole in the middle section on Saturday not giving me time to get
it replaced, without this I think I would have gone into the 120’s
and struck a blow for the non TVIS argument! I think though the best
result of the day was Chris Chambers totally standard and absolutely gorgeous
red 1B car with a 115.5 bhp, one of the younger MK1 owners and it has to be said
with enthusiasts coming into the MK1 scene at this age the future of the MK1
Club is safe! Thanks must go to Jo Walker for organising this event and most if
not all participants were already talking about next years run I think we have
the start of a favourite event, I will certainly be there to crack the 120 plus
mark and am now searching for the correct ECU and wiring harness for my engine. Bring it on!!!
KEVIN TOOTH
