johns

After such a splendid display of cars today at Knockhill, I'm sure we won't have any shortage of volunteers for the Golden Wheels Exhibition (could you get a more appropraite title for an event!), which is held in Aberdeen no Sunday 5th October. This is an indoor event, attended by car clubs from all over the country, each with their own display stand. We have been invited to have a display stand of up to 8 cars, and I'm looking for a range of cars and owners who are willing to put their cars on show. There are some great prizes on offer for the best cars in various categories, and even prizes for the best club stand! The event starts at 10am on Sunday morning, but we need the cars to be in place by 9am at the latest (when they close the outside doors), though you are welcome to park your car inside overnight (24 hour security) on the Saturday if you wish, which will give everyone plenty of time to prepare the cars to their best. We also plan to have a TV and video on our stand, showing ralying highlights, footage from Knockhill and other events. Entry is free for those putting their cars on display (actually two free entries per car!). This is a bi-annual event, and last time I believe there were over 5,000 visitors to the show - and we are expectnig a similar turn-out this year. After today at Knockhill, I've already got 2 or 3 entries, so I'm looking for another 5 or 6 cars. Please either post up here with your details, or send me an e-mail. Lets make this another fantastic event. John

It was a superb day out - and many thanks to all those who helped put the day together, and made sure it ran as smoothly as it should. We also managed to raise an excellent £403 in total for charity, which will be split between Leukaemia Research, and Childhood diabetes research Many thanks to all those who contributed kindly, in exchange for passenger laps, and for those drivers who willingly took out those passengers. John PS There is another similar track event next Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. Contact Town and County in Perth if you wish to book your car onto the track.

Looking to be a very well attended event John

So we can get an idea of numbers, can you please let me know either by posting on this thread, or by sending me an e-mail at john@sidc.co.uk if you are interested in taking part in the show and shine event which we are organising. This is just so we can allocate a big enough area separate from the rest of the parking for the cars, and to make sure we have plenty of space between them Cheers John

Tonight (and first Tuesday of every month as always), at the Old Mill Inn on the SOuth Deeside Road from 7:30pm onwards. All welcome. See you all there. John

Dougster, the Scottish forum here isn't meant to be a community chat forum like SNet, but rather a forum for the announcement and arrangement of events. Any new posts tend to be limited to announcements of new events etc. That way, members can quickly see if there have been any new events announced in the past few weeks, instead of having to trawl through pages of posts. All the "chat" type posts appear in our General forum So far it seems to be workign very well. John

Dougster, I don't have any membership forms at home I could send you. I do have a PDF one, which you can download from the website anyway. If you contact Andrina, our membership secreatary, she'll get some posted out to you. Cheers John

As Derek has said, these forums were never intended to be a rival for Scoobynet - where there is more of a "chat" type community. The events forums here in particular were really supposed just to publicise forthcoming events, and for people to ask questions about them etc. Some members only login once every week or so, and a quick scan of this forum will tell them of all the events lined up, without having to trawl through several pages worth of stuff. For one thing, we couldn't afford the bandwidth requirements to support something like Scoobynet, and we wouldn't wish to be viewed as a rival, but more sort of offering a quieter complimentary service. For several years we didn't have any forums at all, so we started something up a few years ago, and it's generally grown slowly from there as we hoped. In terms of membership, the SIDC offers a range of benefits to members. We now have an ever increasing number of suppliers and dealers offering discount on parts, servicing and accessories. Most members more than save their annual membership fee from the savings on one big service, or a set of tyres for example. Especially in Scotland, we have been successful in getting most of the major aftermarket suppliers on board with discounts on parts and labour to members. We have also started doing driver training courses, and again members were able to make big savings over the normal price. We've also got the excellent True Grip, which has gone from strength to strength, especially in the past year. You have to remember that something like 30 - 40% of our members do not have regular e-mail or internet access, and this is the only way they find out about forthcoming events. If you bring along a copy of True Grip to events and meetings and show it to people, generally they are very impressed, and most will join up. Although funds were tight in the club last year, due to losses at track events down south, the committee have steered the club back into the black again, and we are now hoping to release funds for things like BBQs at events again (remember the free ones at Kames a few years ago, and the subsidised ones at Cameron House ?). Another big advantage of the SIDC, is that being a club with paid up members means that we can organise events like Knockhill, karting etc., as we have the funds available to pay the deposits for these events, without needing individuals to pay, and then collect from people, and the stresses that go along with that. We've also got a bank account, so members can simply write a cheque to "SIDC", or even use our on-line club shop to pay for events, making things much simpler and easier. All we need now are for the Regional Organisers to warm things up by arranging regular meetings in their area, helping out at the bigger events (we're already lining up a Scottish National Day next year), and to encourage people to sign up. The more people who join the club, the more benefits we can offer members Cheers John

It's much the same over here. Lots of interest at all the meetings, but traffic is fairly light in terms of posts. In terms of events at Knockhill - I generally organise the track events there, but it would be great if someone could organise other events (e.g. meets at race events, hot marques etc.) Crail - we've not otagnised many events there, apart from some slots on the 1st Lotus driver training, plus the occasional track event in conjunction with another club. Tekonopete usually sorts out the people going to the fortnightly thrash meetings, but again we'd love someone to sort out additional events, plus there's a karting place in Kirkcaldy as well John

Just a reminder for everyone that we'll be out at Alford on Sunday (25 miles west of Aberdeen on the A944) at the Transport Museum. Static displays, vendors, track time, show and shine stuff, food stalls etc. Weather looking excellent as well. See you all there. John

We'll need quite a few helping hands on the day to sort out the queues for the passenger laps, man the wristband sales, get some mentions in the press etc to get loads of people along etc. I'm going to get started with the PR side next week, and also contact some suppliers to see if they want to come along with a stand etc., and perhaps donate some prizes for a raffle. John

Should be very interesting indeed - especially at the very low cost !! John

The SIDC have booked a whole day's driver training in Aberdeen on Tuesday July 22nd at greatly reduced prices. You will have the opportunity to perform driver training using a skid car on a height adjustable cradle - learning how to handle all sorts of skids using the specially adapted skid car, which sits in a special cradle. This technology can be used to simulate understeer, oversteer, driving on black ice etc. at low and controllable speeds. Things like cadence/limit braking are also be taught. You also learn the best way to brake with/without ABS, and how to steer out of accidents in emergency situations. You spend sufficient time behind the wheel that all the techniques taught become instictive - that extra second or two may just save your life some day, or at least help you avoid an accident. As well as being incredibly helpful, the course is also a great deal of fun (we've already ran one earlier this month), with a friendly timed competition at the end (time permitting). The cost will be a mere £65 per person (£55 if you are an SIDC member), and you will get around 40 minutes behind the wheel, plus additional time spent with the instructor driving to demonstrate the techniques. The training itself will take place at the Aberdeen and Exhibition Conference Centre (AECC), and there are two 90 minute slots remaining (due to cancellations), which are being offered on a first come, first served basis. As an additional bonus, you are free to use the wide open expanse of the AECC car park (flat smooth tarmac) in your own car at all other times, to put some of the techniques you have learned into practice If you are interested, can you please send an e-mail to John Stewart on john@sidc.co.uk John

The SIDC are pleased to announce some more dates of interest to members: Friday 11th July ---------------- Firstly, there is a track night at Knockhill on Friday 11th July, from 6pm to 8pm. This event is being run by our good friends in the Lotus club. Booking is on-line at www.lotusecosse.com, and the cost is £45, which includes instruction. This will most likely be a "quiet" event, with an almost empty track most of the time, so ideal for first timers. Saturday 12th July ------------------ Skid car training in Aberdeen. Using a road car mounted in a special height adjustable cradle, you'll learn how to control understeer, oversteer, use cadence/threshold braking, simulate driving on ice etc, all in a very safe and controllable environment. Sharing the car with the instructor and one other driver, you will spend around 90 minutes in the car, with about half of this time behind the wheel. As well as being great fun, you'll also learn some invaluable techniques in car control, with skid correction becoming instinctive. The commercial rate for this training is £125 per person, but for club members the price is only £55. There are only two places left on this date, both for the 14:30 slot. Sunday 13th July ---------------- We have a choice of two events on this date, one north east, the other in the west. Firstly, at Alford Transport Museum, we have been invited by the Peugeot Ecosse club to attend their national event. There will be a number of car clubs with display stands, traders, food vendors etc, but the highlight as always is the use of the small sprint track. It costs only a few pounds to take your car around this tight and twisty track, and is always a very popular event. Photos from a previous event there can be viewed at Alford Photos Secondly, we have an invite from the RS Owners Club to attend their Central Scotland event at Strathclyde Park, just off the M74 (near Glasgow) on Sunday July 13th. Usual attractions such as concours event, trade stands, visiting car clubs etc. The event is on all day from about 9am, and we are encouraging members to go along on the day to display their cars and do the club proud. Tuesday 22nd July ----------------- Skid Car Training in Aberdeen. As described above for the 12th July, but a mid week session instead of the weekend. Same low price at only £55 for members and £65 for guests/friends/framily, and only a single afternoon slot remaining, though we could schedule another pair from 5pm onwards if there was confirmed interest. Saturday 26th July ------------------ The SIDC have booked Knockhill for a whole Saturday morning, so no excuses about being at work! We have the track booked from 9am to 1pm, though driver sign on is at 8pm. The cost is only £65 for members, for the four hours open pit lane format event. The price includes tuition from the resident instructors if required, and use of the supporting wheel and tyres van to change wheels & tyres etc., rent/buy slicks, etc. Always very popular with spectators, there are no charges for passenger laps, or even additional drivers. Book online at http://shop.sidc.co.uk in the track day section (quickest way to guarantee a place), or send John Stewart an e-mail on john@sidc.co.uk for a booking form which you can return with a cheque. Sunday 3rd August ----------------- A welcome return to Alford for another multi-car club event, this time hosted by our friends in the Ford owners club. A similar format to the Peugeot event, with plenty of well prepared cars to look at, static displays - including a genuine AC Cobra, trade stands, and of course the ever popular track action. If you are interested in any of the above events, or want more information, please contact John on john@sidc.co.uk Happy Summer Drving John

We have the opportunity to perform driver training using a proper skid car (ie on a height adjustable cradle) in Aberdeen during July at greatly reduced prices. The driver training involves learning how to handle all sorts of skids using the specially adapted skid car, which sits in a special cradle. This technology can be used to simulate understeer, oversteer, driving on black ice etc. at low and controllable speeds. Things like cadence/limit braking can also be taught. We have the chance to perform this training on only two dates during July: Saturday 12th July and Tuesday 22nd July The cost will be about £70 per person (possible subsidy), and you should get at least 40 minutes behind the wheel, plus additional time spent with the instructor driving to demonstrate the techniques. The training itself will take place at the Aberdeen and Exhibition Conference Centre (AECC), and would last the whole day with a break for lunch. It may be possible to attend only a part of the day (ie do all your driving at once, rather than over a couple of sessions). As you can imagine, places are very limited (8 - 10 per event) and be very high in demand, and as such, will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you are interested, can you please send an e-mail to John Stewart on john@sidc.co.uk, listing your preferred date (or either), by midday on Monday 23rd June at the latest (when we need to confirm the dates). If we have enough interest to confirm the bookings (which I'm sure we will have), then places will be allocated in the order of e-mails received. John

The other cars clubs I believe are Bentley (should have a good turn ouit after Le Mans at the weekend), Aston Martin, Porsche, Morgan and Lotus. Also, spoke to Martin Wootten last night click for e-mail who is sorting out the track event for the event. If anyone wants more info about it, then feel free to e-mail him, or give him a phone on 01202 474358. He'll be e-mailling me the booking form for the track event later today, but you can always contact him directly yourself if you wish. Cheers John PS Believe we are up to 35 - 40 so far, which is a few more than the same point last year

Reminder about the monthly Aberdeen meeting tonight at the Old Mill Inn from 7:30pm onwards. All welcome, so hope to see lots of people there as usual John

Cracking idea We could sort of tie it in with the idea I've had for a while about holding a family BBQ event in the highlands somewhere (was thinking about a West Coast beach), and people could camp out, or stay in a local B&B etc. Count me in anyway I'll be on holiday in the area during July, so I'll have a look for some suitable venues John

Town and County have extended an open invite to SIDC members, their friends and families to celebrate the opening of their new Aberdeen showroom on Sunday 8th June from 12pm - 4pm. There are plans to have the latest spec Subaru WRC car there in the showroom as well as the full line up of Subaru cars. Light refreshments and snacks will be served throughout the afternoon. There will also be a roadshow (hosted by a WRX owning DJ!) by the local radio station (Northsound) throughout the afternoon. So they can judge numbers attending, can you please send me an e-mail to let me know you'll be coming, and how many people you'll be taking with you (partners, kids, etc.) Everyone welcome Cheers John

If you haven't booked up now you are too late! This event is now fully subscribed with a reserve list in operation. Should be an excellent day out, so I hope to see quite a few of you there John

We've talked about it before, and we normally have a karting event at the AGM every year. We've also talked about an SIDC karting league - a nationwide event with regional qualifiers etc. However the logistics of it all would be a bit daunting, and it would take a fair bit of work to pull it together. I'd certainly be up for it though :-) John

Just a reminder that the next Knockhill event is the SIDC one on the 24th May, Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm. SIDC Club Shop (Track Section) to book online (please note there are members and non-members rates, and please choose the correct one!), or alternatively, send me an e-mail to john@sidc.co.uk and I'll e-mail you a booking form which you can print out, fill in and return to me with a cheque (saves a couple of quid in credit card charges). £65 for 4 hours open pit lane (SIDC members), £70 for non-SIDC members. Price includes instruction if required (we'll have at least one instructor there for use by partcipants free of charge), and also use of the wheel and tyre van (to change wheels, tyres, rent slicks, wheels, buy new road tyres etc.) Numbers are limited to guarantee quality track time, but still superb value for money No extra charge for passenger laps, or additional drivers (all must attend the drivers briefing, and sign on at 8am). Our last event was fully subscribed, and we are expecting this next event to sell out within the next week. Book up quickly to avoid the disappointment of the reserve list (there are only about 20 places remaining, based on the shop and form bookings to date). Please note that in the event being oversubscribed, SIDC members will have priority over non-members, and we operate a last-in first out principle, so it pays to book up early See you all there John

The SIDC have been invited to put on a display stand at the RS Owners Club annual show at the Old Mill Inn on the South Deeside Road, a few miles out from Aberdeen. There is an entry fee of £3.00 per person, and display cars must be on site by 10am at the latest, or they will be forced to park in the overspill car park. As usual, a trophy will be presented to the "best" car on our stand, which will be judged by the organisers. Due to space restrictions, we are limited to 12 cars in our area, and accordingly I'd like people to contact me directly on john@sidc.co.uk if they wish to come along, so I can reserve a space. As usual, there will be a wide range of car clubs there, with numerous trade stands, food vans etc. It's been a very successful event for the past 4 - 5 years that we have been attending. Best Regards John

It's this weekend

There will be a few at Kames on the 24th I believe