Mallory, with a difference...
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Our next race meeting to open for entries will be Mallory Park, taking place on Saturday 18th April. Look out for entries opening tomorrow, at Midday on Friday 27th February. This is the start of the season for the R-Werks Special Saloons & Modsports series, with a pair of 15 minute races to please the crowd and, well, everyone!
As has been the case for a number of years, local noise restrictions mean we can't run our traditional 40 minute race format for Adams & Page Swinging 60s, Co-ordSport Tin Tops, Trackday Solutions Puma Cup and Fox Transport Turbo Tin Tops. Last time here, in 2023, we ran 2 x 20 minute sessions, with cumulative times added together at the end.
For 2026 we're doing things a little differently, running 40 minute races, but instead of a quick-as-you-can or 90 second pit-stop, it will be 15 minutes from pit-in to pit-out (Total race time being 55 minutes)! The 'Mallory Mix' race meeting will certainly be different.
Sprint races will take place for:
R-Werks Special Saloons & Modsports (2 x 15 mins)
Lackford Engineering Midgets & Sprites (2 x 20 mins)
40 minute races with 15 minute pit-stops include: Adams & Page Swinging 60s Co-ordSport Tin Tops Trackday Solutions Puma Cup Fox Transport Turbo Tin Tops
Here's how it will work in those races: Cars start from a standing start, race for 20 minutes, then, larger than usual 'Pit Window Open' boards will be displayed at the finish line and repeated just afterwards, indicating that the mandatory pit stop is required by all cars after they have crossed the line. The race remains 'live', with cars continuing at race pace, with overtaking permitted for the remainder of that lap, until coming in to the pit-lane, just after the Esses. Cars slow to the required pit lane speed and start their 15 minute timer at the pit-in line. At this point there should be no racing or overtaking in the pits, the pressure is off, cars slow to a halt at the end of the pit-lane, parking closely behind the car in front, as directed by a Marshal (yes, you will all fit). Whilst there are no cars on track for the next 15 minutes, the race is still live, so drivers can get out or change over (with engine off), the bonnet may be lifted and minor car checks/tweeks can take place (but no refuelling). Battery fans or leaf blowers are allowed, as per usual during pit stops.
As the 15 minute mandatory stop draws to a close, drivers should theoretically leave the pits in the same order and with the same time gaps they had when they entered the pits. Skill is still required to use your mirrors, not to excessively wheel spin, speed, or leave too early and pick up a penalty, or waste time with too long a stop. Those who won outright at Donington will serve their winners time penalty in addition to the 15 minutes. Care may need to be taken to re-warm tyres depending on conditions, the race then continues for the final 20 minutes, until the chequered flag drops.
