Hi David,
You were listening then! It's all in the tyres! Going faster is all about low hanging fruit. Once your engine is tuned up as well as it can be for its spec, and your wheels are generally pointing in the right direction, the next cheapest mod which will give the best advantage is tyre choice. On the Mk IV Cobras the Avon CR6 ZZ in the softer compound is almost as good as cheating! They give grip for braking and cornering which makes a normal road tyre feel like driving on marbles. I am sure there are others, but I know the Avons. On my little Ace I run Dunlop L sections which are the control tyres for most historic racing. The grip is OK, but they are beautifully predictable, and flatter the driver by drifting without drama. Unfortunately tyres do not retain their grip indefinitely and are best when fresh. They will last a season no problem, but after 2 years they will harden and start to lose grip. After 5 or 6 years the difference is huge, so try to fit new tyres shortly before you need them, and budget to change them after 2 or 3 seasons even if you haven't used them much. (That should encourage you to do a couple more track days to wear them out!) Well done to everyone who competed last Saturday at Goodwood, and thanks to all the organisers and helpers who made it such great fun. All the best, Andy
