Valentines Day 2009 – showed a passion for Goodwood

Once again for 2009 the event was organised by Andy Harris of 1006 Chichester MGOC and took place on February 14th.

For the previous two years I have participated in the 1006 MGOC Goodwood Trackday in Ian Marshall’s MGC and Austin Healey 100-6. This year however was different as I was behind the wheel and Ian was in the passenger seat.

I have recently purchased a 2004 53 plate Trophy Blue MG ZS 180 having had an MG ZR for the past year. So far I have been very impressed with the ZS and consider it a logical (if not costly where fuel is concerned) step up from the ZR. I had heard many positive stories about the ZS when it was hustled along and I wanted to see what the car was like on an organised trackday event. With the 1006 Trackday coming up this seemed like the perfect chance to find out. So I hastily booked my ZS in for the morning session of the day.

It was an early start I had to be at Goodwood just after 8.00 am to have the car signed in and noise tested. Once I had completed the noise test it was time for the drivers’ briefing, which was designed to give all drivers especially novices like myself an overview of the circuit and safety procedures when driving the circuit. Once the briefing was over as a beginner I thought it would be wise to be accompanied by an instructor. This was a wise move as my instructor Richard estimated he had driven over 1000 laps of the Goodwood Circuit and having his experience and input proved invaluable for the rest of the day. Richard was able to show me the best lines and best breaking points around the circuit.

In the pit lane

Jamie in his ZS

ZT waiting to go out on track

Jamie on the circuit

MGB on the circuit

MGB cornering hard – Photo Stephen Owen

Goodwood is a brilliant motor racing course without a doubt but it is also a very fast and there are many corners that are deceptive and could easily catch the most experienced of drivers out. Once my briefing was over, I felt that I could tackle the track on my own. So the most important question you are no doubt wondering is how did the car perform? Very well, I thought – and I think Ian agreed! The ZS does handle very well and surprisingly I felt that it under steered less than the ZR, which is good considering the extra 100 kg for the engine. Ah yes, the engine, well that performed very well indeed giving the extra pull down the Lavant Straight and putting out a lovely deep snarl exhaust note above 4000 rpm that only a six cylinder engine can produce.

Unfortunately after two sessions around the track I had to make an emergency visit to the local petrol station as the ZS had emptied its fuel tank. I had started the day with about half a tank and I planned to get some more fuel on the way home but that was not to be. After a quick return, I was back on track once more. We did another two 20 minute sessions and by that time the morning was all but over. I have never had a morning pass this quickly, hence the old saying that time flies when you are having fun. As I have mentioned already I was very pleased with the way the ZS handled and it felt very planted and safe when pushed hard and even though there is 180 bhp going to the front wheels, it never really torque steered, even when provoked.

I think it was Tiff Neddell that said the ZS was one of the best front wheel drive cars he had ever driven and I believe that this track day proved that. In my opinion, the ZS is one of the best performance car bargains on the market at the moment; if you can afford the running and insurance costs you will get a spacious, fast and stylish car that is equally happy pottering around urban roads as it is on a race track. Take one for a drive and I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Andy Harris, Area Secretary for Chichester MGOC and the man behind the trackday

ZTT on track – Photo Stephen Owen

Through the chicane

James Mason’s 1969 MGC GT

Engine bay of James Mason’s 1969 MGC GT

Midget leads through the chicane – Photo Stephen Owen

Sixty-two cars took part in the parade lap and raised over £300 for the St Joseph’s Night Shelter, 1006’s nominated charity – Photo Stephen Owen

With the morning session now over it was time for the parade lap which gives people the chance to go around the circuit for three laps at a more leisurely pace. This year over 62 cars took part in the parade lap and we raised over £300 for the St Joseph’s Night Shelter – 1006’s nominated charity. The parade lap was led by two MGC’s. Paul Long-Collins’s 1969 car which was built on February 14th 1969 and Dick Immings 1968 car which was built on 14th February 1968, what an amazing piece of luck that both of these cars were present on the same day.

After a short break for some lunch the afternoon session commenced with the same pattern as the morning – noise test, drivers’ briefing and out to the track.

Whilst walking around the pit lane in the afternoon I came across James Mason’s 1969 MGC GT. In case you have not guessed from my previous articles I have a bit of a liking for MGCs and James’s car to my mind is probably one of the best examples I have ever seen. James is from Lewes in East Sussex and had purchased the car in November last year, having been looking for a CGT to add to his 1960 MGA. It took James nearly three years to find this car and I think he would agree it has been well worth the wait. This car is very original and is factory standard which is just what I like in any classic MG. Well done James on a great find and I look forward to seeing you at other events throughout the year.

A big thanks once again must go to Andy for organising a brilliant trackday once again this year; they seem to be getting bigger by the year. Next year will mark the 6th anniversary of the 1006 Goodwood Trackday, if you would like more information please call Andy Harris on 01243 544077.

Thanks must also go to Annie and Jim for their work in helping people sign their cars in, selling tickets for the parade laps and ensuring people knew there way around the circuit.

Final thanks must go to the marshal’s and instructors of the Goodwood Motor Circuit who did a great job in ensuring we were safe and enjoyed our day. As for me I certainly enjoyed myself once more this year and I look forward to the next 1006 Chichester MGOC event at Arundel Castle on Sunday 5th April.

Jamie Brown