Gravity Racing News

All about Gravity Racing in Lincolnshire Centre . . .

The latest news on our Gravity Racers EX121 and EX121 MkII can be found on this page; please revisit to find out the latest information and progress the team is making.

Gravity Racing at Cadwell Park
After a bitterly cold, wet and windy week, marshals and drivers were concerned that the early start of 7.00 a.m. may involve waterproofs and wellies! However, the sun shone (very brightly!) and the wind was not as strong as expected. MG Car Club were controlling and marshaling the second hill "Coppice" but the drivers started their day on the first hill "Mansfield" which had been The Hill in 2009. The photos below were taken by Xtreme Sports Photography and are Copyright Extreme Sports Photography. They appear here with their permission. Dan, driving EX121 MkII, had a fabulous day with four wins and Emma driving EX121 was unlucky in her startline positions but, nonetheless, did achieve some fast starts and second places. Sheila had an adrenalin packed day with her first run being thwarted (see below) and her first outing in EX121 MkII resulting in a spin in the chicane which prevented Emma from continuing as she took evasive action (see below). Sheila did achieve three wins. The Team mates were very pleased to hear the tannoy say "MG is the team to beat!" However, the early fast times were not quite good enough for either cart to make the "Run Offs" for the "King of the Mountain" Final between all disciplines. A great day was had by all and the photos give an idea of the action for those who were unable to attend. (Members photos follow the Xtreme ones . . .
A close dice (see photos above) between EX121 driven by Sheila and No 5 "Newtons Nutters" ended with a coming together when the No 5 driver was unaware he needed to execute a right turn into the chicane, which Sheila was already committed to.
Recovery back up the hill was very smooth with the recovery vehicles and Pipers Crisps vans.
The photos below show Sheila's embarassing excursion in EX121 MkII which was particularly disappointing as Emma had really gained speed coming down the hill in EX121 . . .
The following photos were taken on "Coppice" by Sheila and show MG Car Club members getting very involved. The first photo is of Team Manager David Stonehouse (left), his Assistant Nigel Pack (right) with Robert Taylor who was marshaling on the Start Line.
Team MG! - David with Emma in EX121 and Dan in EX121 MkII with Nigel . . .
Dan gets a very fast start from No 1 "The Joker" and Emma struggles with the inside lane which was very flat at the startline.
John Hebb took photos from a different angle and captured the moments beautifully . . .
Contemplation
Dan in Lane 3 (left) and Emma in Lane 1 (right) wait for the start. The Joker (centre) is keen to have the last laugh . . .
Sheila (EX121) in Lane 3 (left), The Joker Lane 2 and Emma (EX121 Mk II) in Lane 1 (right) all keen for a good start.
Watching the start light . . . Dan in Lane 2 (centre) with Sheila in Lane 1 (right)
Anyone recognise the orange clad lone marshal? The hat will give you a clue . . .
Nigel & Wendy also found a little time between their busy duties as Assistant Team Manager and Timekeeper respectively to take some great photographs. They were both capturing the various disciplines and Wendy even got some podium shots!
Thanks to everyone who has helped to make Lincolnshire Centre's entries in the Gravity Challenges in 2010 such a success. There has been lots of fun for everyone. Special thanks to those who maintain the carts and transport them all over the place (you know who you are!). Anyone interested in helping, marshaling or driving in 2011, please let David know by emailing him.

EX121 gets a new look! Check out the new livery below which co-ordinates beautifully with EX121 MkII . . .

Belchford Downhill Challenge 2010

Photos courtesy of John Hebb - thanks John for a pictorial account of the event for those who couldn't be there.
An early bath for number 12
Ladies team talk
Mens team talk
Number 36 going well...
...& not so well!
Sheila ready to roll
The caravan in trouble
Robert ready to roll
Sheila safely through the chicane
Yarborough School's young driver safely through the chicane
Robert exiting the chicane.
Yarborough School's driver recovered from the skid in the top chicane
Fran just clipped one marker
How not to tackle the chicane
A near miss for the crisp packet!
Dan safely through the Top chicane
Downhill duel No 1
Wendy in charge of the scoreboard
Downhill duel No 2
In the pits
Dan's second run
. . . that caravan again!
No 24 safely through
Sheila's second run
Robert at speed on his second run
Sheila poses with her "Fastest Lady" Rosette and Trophy after the 2010 Belchford Downhill.

Dalby Forest Gravity Festival 2010

Photos courtesy of Nigel Pack - thank you Nigel for this pictorial record of the event for those who couldn't attend . . .
Emma Prepares for the gravity run
Lorraine is jumping for joy!
Can I squeeze my long legs into EX121 - maybe not!
Preparing EX121 Mk 2
Red & Blue - not the usual co-ordination . . .
What's going on here?
Wendy awaiting the carts in marshal mode
Number 1 ready for the off
Strange people in Yorkshire . . .
EX121 Mk 2 ready for the off
Dave in EX121 ready to go (not wheel alignment)
Ex121 after Dave's modification (oops)
Dave & Doug acting the fool! Poor EX121
Dave with the wheel modification
Doug prepares for the off in EX121 Mk 2

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In 2010, the MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre Gravity Racing Team are contesting three events!

Dalby Forest Gravity Challenge on Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 August

Belchford Downhill Challenge on Sunday 19 September

Cadwell Gravity Day on Saturday 13 November

Our two carts are entered for all three events and we are also involved with marshaling the hills in various ways at two of the events. At least six marshals are needed for Belchford Downhill Challenge to marshal the top of the hill and at least 20 marshals for Cadwell Gravity Day where Peter Ellis and Peter Hermite will be in charge of one of the two hills for Gravity Carts.
If you can help, please email Peter details of when you are available.

2010 Sponsorship

Would you like to sponsor our Gravity Racing Team or do you know someone who would like to help in this way?
Does the company you work for sponsor local teams or good causes e.g. green sports events?
Any amount would help towards the running and maintenance of the carts, so please contact David if you have sponsorship information.

Results 2009

To download a copy of the PDF of the final results from the 2009 event please click here - our teams are on the last page (page 4) of the spreadsheet.

Sunday 13th September 2009

After a very hot Saturday, Sunday 13 September dawned cold and breezy. Not ideal conditions for the Downhill Challenge, but it was 6.00 a.m. and we expected it to improve . . .

MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre provided Marshals for the Bottom Chicane, the Rolling Bale at the Finish Line and the Turn Around & Shackle Team for returning the carts 'uphill'. A very special Thank You goes to you all for your hard work to ensure all these areas ran smoothly.

The drivers would like to thank the Team headed by Peter Ellis who maintained the carts and ensured they were in excellent running order. Also the "Pushers" on the day, Adam, Roger and Dan who really made a difference to our speeds into the first chicane. Thank you all.

Despite dark clouds looming, it didn't rain and the event got underway soon after 9.00 a.m. Our Ladies cart, EX121, was running number 33 and the Gents, EX121 MkII, number 37. The pictures below taken by Sheila Laurence & Veronica Stonehouse give an idea of the competition and the chicanes to be negotiated . . .

This cart was piloted by a single driver and finished fastest overall at the end of four runs.	Fran Noble's first run was smooth and fast, giving her 3rd Fastest Lady.
	Dave Noble's speed produced a blurred image!
	Some people can sleep anywhere!!
Team Manager, Peter Ellis is interviewed by Radio Lincolnshire
Caroline on her way to 8th Fastest Lady.	Doug Samuel beats Dave's time by 2 seconds.
The Cookie Monster making a fast run.	Sheila Laurence waves from EX121, Nigel & Wendy & Peter Ellis.
	(Left) Marshal Anne O'Neill chatting to Sheila (EX121) following her successful run downhill. (Below) Fran Noble (EX121) waits for her second run with (l-r) Nigel, Adam, Peter, Dan, Wendy, Peter & Dave (next to her)
	After the timed runs through the chicanes, the organisers worked on the scores and results while the competitors were allowed one run per cart without any obstacles! Our own EX121 (left with Caroline) and EX121 MkII (below with Doug) performed extremely well . . .
Dave Noble accepts the 2nd place Rosette on behalf of EX121 MkII	Sheila with the "Fastest Lady" Cup and 1st place Rosette.

August Test Run

Dave Noble prepares for his next practice run in EX121 Mk II watched by (left to right) Mike & Caroline, John Laurence, David Stonehouse, Peter Ellis, Daniel Fairweather, Nigel Pack & Doug Samuel.	What wonderful sunsets we get in Lincolnshire! Here the scene is busy as EX121 & EX121 Mk2 are disconnected from Peter Hermite's tow car and Nigel Pack's MGB and trailer await loading . . .
Timekeeper Veronica and EX121 driver Fran Noble pose with EX121 (33); EX121 Mk II is behind (37)	Loading the two carts is a meticulous job! Thanks to everyone for a great evening . . .

First the result of the 2008 event, then the background . . .

Peter Ellis accepts the Trophy for the National Class on behalf of EX121 Mark 2 Team - the Gentlemen's Team - while other Lincolnshire Centre look on. (Photo - Sheila Laurence)

Adam and Jonathan, our Mega Pushers, pose with EX121 & MkII
Ladies Team EX121 and Gents Team EX121 MkII with Pushers
Fran takes EX121 safely through the first chicane
Doug taking a fast line with EX121 MkII
Caroline certainly was "Fastest Lady" just caught by the camera!
The Ladies' overall slogan!
Lorraine & Peter enjoying a well earned rest in the pits.
	The Sponsors Board showing the logos and details of the firms and individuals who generously supported the EX121 and EX121 Mk II projects. The behind the scenes work preparing the carts for the big day lasted for many months and we are very grateful to all those involved.
	Much activity in the MG Pit as preparations are made for the next run . . .
The score board tells the story of EX121 MkII's success.
Yes really - EX-POWER - that is, Adam and Jonathan!

Photographs below show the preparations for the big day

Fran Noble being towed back uphill for another Test Run in EX121

Doug Samuel being push started by Adam Key & Jonathan Poelstra in EX121 Mk2 (naked - without body)

Please return to this page for more information about plans for 2010 . . .

The Downhill Challenge at Belchford was held on Sunday 14 September 2008; it was a great day; fun for drivers, pushers, marshals and spectators alike; the 2009 event was held on Sunday 13 September.

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