Track / Race 172

[BIFCAIDS]

I would have gone ballistic, I know it's not the done thing but I wouldn't be happy.

 

[robzracing]

I feel your pain! That's one of the most PITA repairs to do. Even more work than when I rolled at Donington and had to replace the roof!
If it happened again I'd seriously consider re-shelling I think.

 

[@Josh]

Ouch that was a bit of a ding at Silverstone . Moved my 'testing' setup upstairs as the wife had enough of my late night driving antics :wink:.

Hope the op goes well mate, I tore my cruciate ligaments playing football when I was a kid, it's a pain being led up when there's stuff to do

Yeah I need to move my testing setup too as it’s getting in the way!
Fingers crossed!

 

[@Josh]

I feel your pain! That's one of the most PITA repairs to do. Even more work than when I rolled at Donington and had to replace the roof!
If it happened again I'd seriously consider re-shelling I think.
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This is exactly what I needed to see to give me inspiration haha it just seems so much effort to put right!

 

[robzracing]

If you can do it yourself it's not an expensive repair. Just very time consuming.

 

[Tony Hunter]

Just get on with it.

 

[@Josh]

Just get on with it. :wink:

Have you even replaced a rear quarter????? Never again it’s a nightmare!!
Getting the thing off it’s hard enough

 

[Tony Hunter]

No, not silly enough to do that, used a big hammer on mine, then put a big sticker over it.

 

[@Josh]

No, not silly enough to do that, used a big hammer on mine, then put a big sticker over it. :smile:

I actually used your big hammer after the race.... unfortunately it was not enough

 

[BIFCAIDS]

I actually used your big hammer after the race.... unfortunately it was not enough

Woah woah woah, I don't think the internet is ready for the story of you using Tony's big hammer.

 

[@Josh]

So.... short update to cover a year of racing.

Loads of problems with wiring and sensors etc etc the typical French crap.... this lead to a very up and down unreliable season however came away with winning my class with Track Attack Race Club.

Car spec is now

904kg
Standard engine (178bhp ish)
Gripper diff by @NorthloopCup
Gaz Gold suspension supplies by @Mash.
@NorthloopCup fsmcy hub correction kit
Fiberglass all around suppose by Ally @ccf
Your standard trackday mods
Running Toyo R1R for wet days and Dunlop direzza for dry days.

New for 2019
Going into to @bloke on Sunday / Monday / Tuesday next week for a new belt and pulley for reliability (6 years old and 5000 track miles)
Group N timing (big smile)
Then goingover to Chris at EFi for mapping.

Back out racing this year as cheap as possible and having as much fun as possible

Few pictures from the season uploaded

If your on Instagram give my racing page a follow - @jjb_racing

Cheers
Josh

 

[@Josh]

First fix of the year..... a leaky 5th gear cover.

Took the old one off expecting to find a broken seal however all looked nice and clean so gave the cover a rub down and cleaned off all the old sealant.
Replaced with some fresh stuff and fitted back together.

So far so good with no leaks ??

 

[Ads29]

So.... short update to cover a year of racing.

Loads of problems with wiring and sensors etc etc the typical French crap.... this lead to a very up and down unreliable season however came away with winning my class with Track Attack Race Club.

Car spec is now

904kg
Standard engine (178bhp ish)
Gripper diff by @NorthloopCup
Gaz Gold suspension supplies by @Mash.
@NorthloopCup fsmcy hub correction kit
Fiberglass all around suppose by Ally @ccf
Your standard trackday mods
Running Toyo R1R for wet days and Dunlop direzza for dry days.

New for 2019
Going into to @bloke on Sunday / Monday / Tuesday next week for a new belt and pulley for reliability (6 years old and 5000 track miles)
Group N timing (big smile)
Then goingover to Chris at EFi for mapping.

Back out racing this year as cheap as possible and having as much fun as possible

Few pictures from the season uploaded

If your on Instagram give my racing page a follow - @jjb_racing

Cheers
Josh

We can have group N timing in prod plus can we Josh ?? that's interesting

 

[@Josh]

We can have group N timing in prod plus can we Josh ?? that's interesting

We can... get it done if you planning on having the belts done and stuff.

 

[@Josh]

Had the group n timing done today went for mapping at EFI, not huge power gain but driveabilty will be improved which is what I am looking for.

Graph below

Red is how it stands now and black was before when it was last mapped.

It has been fitted with 182 manifold aside form that totally standard.

 

[Ads29]

We can... get it done if you planning on having the belts done and stuff.

My engine is still in bits and the box is away for some 'upgrades', I'll drop efi a message and see how far ahead they're booking ?

Good to see you've got some extra from the engine too mate, be even harder to keep up with you now

 

[@Josh]

@Ads29 definatly get group n sorted then..... some have seen bigger gains but I am happy with this as opens up for class if I want to go into bhp per tonne.
The car in the past has produced 178bhp

 

[@Josh]

Pre 1st Race Update

So following the group n timing and mapping session earlier this year I have had the car up on stands checking for leaks, I suffered a few last year around gear box seals etc! (Trying to get through a season with reliability)

I have been building up a number of spare sensors / injectors / throttle body / TPS everything you can think off in hope I have a spare should anything go wrong.

Anyway I took the opportunity to jump on a track day with javelin at Oulton Park last week, managed to get there around 2 pm and do the afternoon! One of the best Trackdays I have done in a long time, loads of grate free only around 25 cars on track which is really quiet for those that know Oulton!! Loads of seat time and a few bits learnt as the session were a mix of dry / wet and very wet!!

I also have Harry’s Lap Timer a go..... I have never really been bothered about timing / data logging but built up a mount on my dash and gave it a go, I downloaded the petrolhead one which so far has been great! I am hopefully going to overlay this with video footage this year.

The car needs a good clean now before what will hopefully be a new wrap before race 1 at brands hatch in 2 weeks!

Few pictures

 

[@Josh]

Update - May 2019

So I always forget to update this so I will summarise the first few rounds of racing in the Tricolore Trophy with Track Attack rave club.

Had 3 race meetings so far and this is how they ended up -

Brands Hatch
Race 1 - 1st in Class
Race 2 - 1st in Class
Laps 56.1

Silverstone National
Race 1 - 1st in Class
Race 2 - 1st in Class
Laps 1.08.1

Castle Combe
Race 1 - 2nd in Class
Race 2 - 1st in Class
Laps 1.17.8

The car is going really well this year with some cracking lap times and smashing my PB’s.

All videos are up on my YouTube channel and can be seen here -

Josh Bennett

Hi I Race a Clio 172 in the Tricolour Trophy (Track Attack Race Club) I race in production plus class which is standard engine power but everything else is f...

www.youtube.com

I always have an Instagram page JJB_racing which I put most of my updates across the race weekend.

Few upgrades to come on the car over the next few months and potentially a gearbox and gripper diff rebuild for reliability.

Few pictures of the racing over the few events below

Any questions from anyone about racing? I have been through a lot and started with an extremely basic track car!!!

For anyone who is interested I may have some tickets available to our event at Snetterton on the 25th of May if anyone is interested in coming along?

Thanks Josh

 

[JamesBryan]

Going well mate!

 

[@Josh]

Got some tickets to Snetterton this Saturday if anyone who is into racing wants to come and watch?

The Tricolore Trophy is on with Track Attack along with the BRSCC

 

[Chambers_RS]

Got some tickets to Snetterton this Saturday if anyone who is into racing wants to come and watch?

The Tricolore Trophy is on with Track Attack along with the BRSCC

Why do I have to be working ??‍

 

[@Josh]

Time Table for anyone interested.

Message me in here, if I have no takers I will put on Clio sport on Facebook or something

 

[@Josh]

Few updates to come over the next month before the next race weekend.

In the process of getting some new discs as mine are getting a little worn and tired.

I have collected a new rear beam which has the strength kit attached along with some spherical bearings, this should help stiffen up the rear end as currently I run standard bushes etc etc.

Some fluids to change as we are half way through the season, just want to make sure it stays fresh.

On the hunt for some new tyres as mine are getting low but believe there is abit of a waiting list on Dunlop Direzza

On another not I raced at Snetterton Last weekend, came away with 2 class wins and finishing P8 overall!!! I also got PB times which I was chuffed about.
Some pictures and videos below -

Qualifying- P11 - 2.15.3
Race 1 - P9
Race 2 - P8

 

[@Josh]

UPDATE:

It’s been a long time since I have updated this thread.... been very busy on and off the Trackday including holiday and house renovations!

So since Snetterton earlier in the year I have raced at Oulton Park in the MSVT Trackday Trophy and Donington Park with Tricolore trophy.

Oulton park in July -
This was my first 45 minute race with mandatory 2 minute pit stop.... so I was nervous to say the least!
the rain was on and off all day however quali was dry and I managed to put the car in P4 after a qualifying which saw me post a time over 4 seconds quicker than my last outing here - 2:00.9!!

The race again was touch and go wether the rain would stay off which is did and I stuck with the dry setup which was the right idea, I held P4 for the majority of the race however when I finished I actually realised I was P3 following the leader pulling into the bits with engine troubles!

Over the moon to get on the podium

Donington Park In October -

quali was very very greasy however had some confidence in the car and managed to stick it P3 whcih was a lot higher than expected given I normally start around 10th in the Tricolore Trophy.

Race 1 - the race was however dry which meant I got swamped by the faster cars finished P12 which I was disappointed with however did get a new PB of a 1.21.6!!!
Race 2 - extRemly wet on a dry set up.... nothing much to shout about finished P7

 

[@Josh]

Time now for a strip down and winter TLC

- Gearbox and diff rebuilt
- New fluids
- Poly bush
- Rear Beam with strength kit
- Clean up and maybe a paint inside!

 

[@Josh]

.

 

[@Josh]

2020 Plans

Still waiting to confirm budget for the year and not had time to start stripping the car down yet but I think I will be joking back with Track Attack Race Club. Brief description -


If your thinking of racing in 2020 and unsure where / what to enter get in touch for more information. We now have a dedicated JAP / Asian, French & German series to suit the majority of cars. Races consist of a 15 minute qualifying session and 2 x 15 minutes races all on the same day.

April 13 - Oulton Park - Supporting British GT Championship
May 8 - Cadwell Park
June 14 - Mallory Park
July 4 - Snetterton [Club BBQ]
Aug 1 - Castle Combe
Sep 12 - Brands Hatch
Oct 24 - Donington

 

[@Josh]

2020 Updates -

I will be racing with track attack race club for the majority of races looking to hold on to the class E championship for a 3rd year. Also competing with MSVT Trackday trophy as a one off at my local circuit @oultonparkofficial. (see picture for calendar of events)

I have a new helmet design this year which is that to my mate at Cheshire Wraps local to me who has done a lot on the car over the years.

The car at the minute is going through the normal winter refresh, current to do list is....

Gearbox refresh
Gripper refresh
New discs & pads
New rear beam with strength kit
Poly bush from subframe
Fresh engine and gearbox oil

few picture to show the updates.
cheers Josh

 

[@Josh]

Gearbox out and dropped off with @NorthloopCup for a gripper service and box refresh

 

[@Josh]

Successful test at Oulton Park on Wednesday this week.
Car had a few issues with an air lock or something going to the rear right, once that was sorted she was flying.

New pads form @George@RTR_Parts all bedded in and a fresh gearbox from @NorthloopCup did the trick too.

All ready now for British Gt weekend where I will be running with Track Attack Race Club in the Tricolore Trophy.

 

[George@RTR_Parts]

No worries Josh, all the best for this season mate

 

[Greeny.]

Loving this Josh, didn’t see your post about Snet last year otherwise wouldn’t of taken you up on the tickets offer!

Mega time at Snet I’m still stuck around the 2:23’s last time I used Harry’s timer back in 2018, need to give it another go this year.

Out of interest what tyres do you guys use?

 

[@Josh]

Loving this Josh, didn’t see your post about Snet last year otherwise wouldn’t of taken you up on the tickets offer!

Mega time at Snet I’m still stuck around the 2:23’s last time I used Harry’s timer back in 2018, need to give it another go this year.

Out of interest what tyres do you guys use?

Thanks for that.... keep going the times will start to fall with Track time. if I get anymore tickets this year I will post in here!

the majority of us use Dunlop Direzza in a 205/50/15 they come in either Hard or Medium compound.

 

[Greeny.]

Thanks for that.... keep going the times will start to fall with Track time. if I get anymore tickets this year I will post in here!

the majority of us use Dunlop Direzza in a 205/50/15 they come in either Hard or Medium compound.

Will keep trying! Doesn't help that I have to drive the car home in honesty so I do tend to drive with a certain amount of mechanical sympathy, but im sure its 90% down to driver ability!

I also use Direzza's but in 195/50/15 as I wasn't sure on the 205's width wise, I run ET38 Pro race 1.2's with 18mm front spacers and 10mm rear hub spacers.

 

[@Josh]

Will keep trying! Doesn't help that I have to drive the car home in honesty so I do tend to drive with a certain amount of mechanical sympathy, but im sure its 90% down to driver ability!

I also use Direzza's but in 195/50/15 as I wasn't sure on the 205's width wise, I run ET38 Pro race 1.2's with 18mm front spacers and 10mm rear hub spacers.

Ahh yeah that is always a thing in the back of the mind when your driving home.
Ermm it maybe a tight I run 16mm front and 10mm rear on OZ f1’s
I am taken some arch linings out etc so never notice it rubbing. I also know someone running 215 without issue.
Cheers

 

[Chambers_RS]

Will keep trying! Doesn't help that I have to drive the car home in honesty so I do tend to drive with a certain amount of mechanical sympathy, but im sure its 90% down to driver ability!

I also use Direzza's but in 195/50/15 as I wasn't sure on the 205's width wise, I run ET38 Pro race 1.2's with 18mm front spacers and 10mm rear hub spacers.

Same wheel/Spacer setup as mine and I run 205s

 

[Chambers_RS]

Ahh yeah that is always a thing in the back of the mind when your driving home.
Ermm it maybe a tight I run 16mm front and 10mm rear on OZ f1’s
I am taken some arch linings out etc so never notice it rubbing. I also know someone running 215 without issue.
Cheers

Car looks really good!

Do you know what’s needed to run 215 tyres or what wheels/spacers are used?

 

[@Josh]

Car looks really good!

Do you know what’s needed to run 215 tyres or what wheels/spacers are used?

I will PM you mate

 

[@Josh]

Car looks really good!

Do you know what’s needed to run 215 tyres or what wheels/spacers are used?

just hope it’s fast again this year.