Gilbern GT Racing at Silverstone

[Andy Downes]

I have just realised that Mike Bell's bright blue Gilbern GT (Gilbert) is due to run in the 'Equipe GTS' races at Silverstone this weekend at the MG Car Club's big international meeting.

There is one on Saturday around 2pm and another on Sunday around 3pm.

Paul Yates is due in the 'Green Dragon' and my 'White Lightning' will also be there in the inner car park so at least Mike will have some marque support !

Other cars in Mike's races include MGBs (obviously), Midgets, Lotus Elite, Triumphs, Morgan, TVR etc etc.

Best of luck Mike - post us some details when you get a chance.

Have Fun

Andy

['Gilbert']

Hi Andy

Thanks for the support, but afraid that I was not worthy of it yesterday! The Silverstone International circuit has to be one of my favourites so after last year's MGCC meet when Gilbert's engine failed in qualifying I was looking forward to a more succesful outing this time!

Practice was good (fortunately I had done the HSCC Guards Trophy there as 2nd driver in a friends MGB recently) but as I came in after something happened to the clutch. When I went out for the race it wouldn't grip and I pulled in after the green flag lap to avoid possible carnage on the grid...............

The problem is all my fault, and I have been kicking myself since! I fitted a larger master cylinder to decrease the pedal travel and occasionally it had pushed the diaphragm over centre and knackered it!! Moral- if you fit a larger m'cyl fit a travel stop as well!

Positive- Fastest qualifying lap was 6 seconds quicker than last year and also 6 secs faster than had done in MG in Guards Trophy (on Dunlops, though). Were 20th on grid of 43. I have just started a gradual modification of the rear suspension to try and get round some of the shortcomings of the GT's geometry. This was the 1st try for mod No1 (finished friday) and even after only 15 minutes I would say the change has made the car more predictable. Next step will be aiming for better traction in corners!

Not there today, so sorry won't be able to meet up. Clashes with National Day for another classic club, unfortunately!

In meantime, pic of Gilbert in Snetterton 'Cloth Cap' race this year. (Professionally taken!)


Regards, Mike

[series4]

Mike, I'd be interested to know how you're thinking of correcting the rear suspension? The two main faults as far as I can see are lack of vertical travel, and the panhard rod design

Peter

['Gilbert']

Hi Peter- I'll PM my thoughts to you (and any other GOC member who wants to know!) but would like to keep actual mods out of the public domain for the moment! I'm sure, however that anything that might be done now was also tried in period.

Now that I have the HTP papers for the car naturally it is 100% legal.

Mike