Silverstone 26/09

Could anyone post more info on the Group A / DTM / BTCC cars? Were they all genuine cars from back then? Judging from Uwe's pics there were three of them.

John

The Soper DTM car (the one used for the taxi rides) is a genuine 1989 Zakspeed car as driven by Soper in 89 DTM season.  As part of an extensive restoration the livery/decals on the car have also been completed to reflect that period.  I believe the car/driver came 2nd overall in that year.

Looks like you all had a great day; I was there (to meet Sabine at lunchtime), but didn't have an opportunity to find any of you or blag a ride. 

I did consider standing up in the restaurant and asking if Uwe was there!

I also chatted to a few people whilst waiting for Sabine - a couple of dutch men (on here?) who said they preferred Silverstone to the 'ring; praise indeed. Also a father & son team in an M3 (brave Dad!)

Edited by robmug

robmug wrote: I did consider standing up in the restaurant and asking if Uwe was there

I think at the next trackday we need to have an eye to eye conversation

BTW I have been to the Restaurant but the cowards behind the counter slowed so much down when they saw me, that I lost patience in the queue and went. Lucky sods!

Edited by UweM3

Rob L wrote: The Soper DTM car (the one used for the taxi rides) is a genuine 1989 Zakspeed car as driven by Soper in 89 DTM season.  As part of an extensive restoration the livery/decals on the car have also been completed to reflect that period.  I believe the car/driver came 2nd overall in that year.

Sorry, Soper came fifth that year behind Ravaglia (1st in M3), Niedzwiedz (Cossie), Giroix (M3), and Thiim (Merc).

He did come 2nd at Hockenheim (1st heat), won Nurburgring (both heats), 2nd at Avus (1st heat) and 2nd at Nurburgring (2nd heat) later that year.

In 1990 Steve was fourth behind Stuck (1st in Audi), Cecotto (M3), and Thiim (Merc). That year he won both heats at the Nurburgring.

In 1991 Soper ended fifth again behind Biela (Audi), Ludwig (Merc), Stuck (Audi), and Cecotto (M3). His last year with the M3 was 1992 when he ended 9th, although he won 2 heats, one at Avus and one at the Norisring. Oh yes and he started his M3 career (coming from the Cossies) with a 2nd place at Wunstorf in 1988.

Sorry, Steve was my favourite touring car racer. One of his best performances was when he drove in the BTCC again in the 320i. In one of the races I have on video he started from the back of the grid and just stormed through the field to help his team mate. What a racer.

John

Rob, For me it is the closeness of the armco that makes the NS much more personal and involving than GP circuits.

I really, really enjoyed Silverstone. To be honest I was expecting it to be a bit dull particularly in a low powered E30 M3 but it was a track I needed to do. So I was pleasently surprised and would jump at the chance to do it again.

Cheers

M3DTM wrote: Rob L wrote: The Soper DTM car (the one used for the taxi rides) is a genuine 1989 Zakspeed car as driven by Soper in 89 DTM season.  As part of an extensive restoration the livery/decals on the car have also been completed to reflect that period.  I believe the car/ driver came 2nd overall in that year. Sorry, Soper came fifth that year behind Ravaglia (1st in M3), Niedzwiedz (Cossie), Giroix (M3), and Thiim (Merc). He did come 2nd at Hockenheim (1st heat), won Nurburgring (both heats), 2nd at Avus (1st heat) and 2nd at Nurburgring (2nd heat) later that year. In 1990 Steve was fourth behind Stuck (1st in Audi), Cecotto (M3), and Thiim (Merc). That year he won both heats at the Nurburgring. In 1991 Soper ended fifth again behind Biela (Audi), Ludwig (Merc), Stuck (Audi), and Cecotto (M3). His last year with the M3 was 1992 when he ended 9th, although he won 2 heats, one at Avus and one at the Norisring. Oh yes and he started his M3 career (coming from the Cossies) with a 2nd place at Wunstorf in 1988. Sorry, Steve was my favourite touring car racer. One of his best performances was when he drove in the BTCC again in the 320i. In one of the races I have on video he started from the back of the grid and just stormed through the field to help his team mate. What a racer. John

Cheers for that info John - you certainly know your results!

Great Pics Richie, I especially like the one with Sabine setting the M5 up nicely at the complex (if thats right?)

Good day out.

Nice to meet the usual suspects.

Thanks for the rides Steve and Kevin.

So what's the next step Steve, Launch Control?

Kevin

I really enjoyed the day.

The laps with Sabine were entertaining, as others have said, mostly sideways and offline overtaking others. She is so aggressive.

She said the tyres went off after 2 laps! What do they use on the Ring taxis then or does she take it easy? I spoke to one of the chaps changing the M5 tyres and he said the Contis were the only tyres approved for the M5.

I also enjoyed a couple of laps in Richards ex- Soper DTM car, lovely noise and so poised.

It was the noise of some of the cars that I love. The Benson & Hedges car, V8 M5's, the white D2 DTM was good.

You gotta love the orange Jagermeister with the V8, awesome quality of build, congrats to who owns it.

I'll put up some pics when i have time.

Kevin