Anyone heard of this legend?

[tellor]

Some say... he's a motorsport superdude.

Some say... he's an RC legend

Some say...He's a cock!

Here is his CV from Moto Arena

"Alan Leighton is RC Manager - over 30 years of racing experience inluding BRCA PRO Officer, BRCA Section Secretary & Chairman. RC racing: 1/10th Scale TC, IC, F1, Pro 10, 2 & 4 wheel drive off road, 1/12 scale, 1/5 scale, 1/8 scale, various classes of cars and bikes also aircraft. Also full size Motor Racing/Sports: from Stock Cars, Spedeworth, Brisca, Legend, Indoor and Outdoor Karting, Motorcyle On and Off Road, Trials, Formula 1 etc. Alan has vast experience and vast knowlege of all forms of RC racing and Motorsport in general -too much to list here!)"

i like the bit about Formula 1 etc. If I was putting this on my CV I'd go the whole hog and include the following;
Nasa lecturer
1st man to set foot on the surface of the sun
300 caps for England including triple hat trick in the world cup final.. on my debut!

Has this guy had any time to go to bed!!!

What would you add to you legendry CV?

[davidmog99]

I cant find this on the website. please link.

[mark christopher]

http://www.motoarenadriversclub.com/about-us.php

[telboy]

Could mean Historic F1?

[Darren Boyle]

If it is the Alan Leighton that I am thinking of and know, most of that is actually spot on about him, and he is a really nice guy with it too tbh....

[simond001]

No poll on this one ?

:D

funny though that when you Google Alan Leighton he first appears on page 6. Thats after a man from Asda, a man from the post office, a union rep, a plumber and a wedding photographer. There was one entry with a guy being called a c*nt but it wasnt him. (I checked).

When he does appear it is this thread!

the guy truly is a leg end :)

[Smartalec]

So truthfully, he's never been heard of until yesterday :lol:
Must have kept all his talents a secret ......... perhaps he's just shy :blush:

[KRob]

I know Alan from racing 12th circuit nationals for about 10 years. He also raced a fair bit at PRO 10 and touring car nationals.
He was 12th section Secretary for a few years and then Chairman for a couple of years. He had a passion for the sport and was prepared to give his time to it.
He also organised a 12th Euros in Boston (Lincs, obviously) in the early noughties.
I think the reference to Forumla 1 is to do with the Stock Cars F1 class but has been seperated from where it should be...

[SlowOne]

So, truthfully, SmartAlec has never heard of him - needs to get out more!

Other RC legends you have never heard of...

Andy Dobson, Phil Stone, Les Pipe, Art Carbonnel, Re-Pete Fusco, Phil Davies, Pete Stevens, Rory Cull, and the list goes on. Very poor comment from an ignorant person IMHO. Alan has one thing about him that makes him ideal for that job, patience. In his full-time job he has worked with some very awkward people, and worked with them well. Some people have lived a full life, and some haven't - Alan is the former.

Perhaps a visit to Moto Arena and having a chat with Alan might improve your opinion - but then why let the facts get in the way of your good story!

[simond001]

[QUOTE=SlowOne;416651]
Perhaps a visit to Moto Arena and having a chat with Alan might improve your opinion /QUOTE]

Maybe that's how we learn't that he is a bit of a cock :thumbsup:

[Smartalec]

So, truthfully, SmartAlec has never heard of him - needs to get out more!

Other RC legends you have never heard of...

Andy Dobson, Phil Stone, Les Pipe, Art Carbonnel, Re-Pete Fusco, Phil Davies, Pete Stevens, Rory Cull, and the list goes on. Very poor comment from an ignorant person IMHO. Alan has one thing about him that makes him ideal for that job, patience. In his full-time job he has worked with some very awkward people, and worked with them well. Some people have lived a full life, and some haven't - Alan is the former.

Perhaps a visit to Moto Arena and having a chat with Alan might improve your opinion - but then why let the facts get in the way of your good story!So my one small comment on a thread that I didn't start has certainly rubbed you up the wrong way then. You haven't had a go at anyone else who made a comment!!!, perhaps they know who you are? I don't have that pleasure do I?

I'd read it again if I were you I don't think it says anywhere in my post that I personally hadn't heard of Alan does it?
I think you should say "very poor tongue in cheek comment from an ignorant person" ......... that might fit a bit better don't you think?

Come and find me at the next meeting i'm at and introduce yourself and we'll have a little chat about how ignorant I am :)

[learnerdriver]

So, truthfully, SmartAlec has never heard of him - needs to get out more!

Other RC legends you have never heard of...

Andy Dobson, Phil Stone, Les Pipe, Art Carbonnel, Re-Pete Fusco, Phil Davies, Pete Stevens, Rory Cull, and the list goes on. Very poor comment from an ignorant person IMHO. Alan has one thing about him that makes him ideal for that job, patience. In his full-time job he has worked with some very awkward people, and worked with them well. Some people have lived a full life, and some haven't - Alan is the former.

Perhaps a visit to Moto Arena and having a chat with Alan might improve your opinion - but then why let the facts get in the way of your good story!

You need to hurry up if you want a chat with alan at MA, word on the grapevine is that his customer approach wasnt up to scratch and is soon to depart !

[Smartalec]

You need to hurry up if you want a chat with alan at MA, word on the grapevine is that his customer approach wasnt up to scratch and is soon to depart !
I can't comment Chris, I don't want to upset anyone LOL

[KRob]

But Alec, I only have to look at you and my stomach is upset...

[SlowOne]

Alec - communication is 60% body language, 30% tone of voice and 10% words. Your 10% didn't come across like that to me.

Still, KRob obviously knows you, so if your tum is bad enough for him, it's bad enough for me!! :D (said with a smile on my face in a jokey voice, just to get us up to 100% communication!!)

[DCM]

You need to hurry up if you want a chat with alan at MA, word on the grapevine is that his customer approach wasnt up to scratch and is soon to depart !

I could possibly comment, but MA and Alan have got me kinda annoyed :(

[simond001]

You need to hurry up if you want a chat with alan at MA, word on the grapevine is that his customer approach wasnt up to scratch and is soon to depart !

Whilst my personal opinon isn't that favourable, I would hope that he is given the opportunity to turn things around.

The web make every mistake very public, this thread is proof of that, but he is still a chap who may have a family reliant upon him.

Maybe this thread is the call that they need at Moto arena to clean up and smarten up their act. They have fantastic facilities but need the support of the racers, the BRCA, championship organisers and the goodwill of all the parents, sponsors and club officials.

If Alan can sort his pr and Sylvia can be more realistic with her promotional material I'm sure over the next few months the track can flourish. It's such a shame that all the publicity they get is negative, but that is a reflection of the publics view at the moment.

ps. can they reset the rally simulator so I'm not the slowest driver ever please.

[learnerdriver]

I think the track can best flourish without the two afore mentioned staff

Improvements and changes are being put into place as we speak !

As you say , fantastic facilities but poor customer services, at present

It will be very interesting to see how things develop in the next few weeks

As they say, watch this space :D

[Smartalec]

But Alec, I only have to look at you and my stomach is upset...
Cheers old friend ............. how's the job hunting going? :D

[Smartalec]

Your 10% didn't come across like that to me.

So enlighten me, how did it come across then? :confused:

[David Church]

Can you feel the love:D

[PaulUpton]

So, truthfully, SmartAlec has never heard of him - needs to get out more!

Other RC legends you have never heard of...

Andy Dobson, Phil Stone, Les Pipe, Art Carbonnel, Re-Pete Fusco, Phil Davies, Pete Stevens, Rory Cull, and the list goes on. Very poor comment from an ignorant person IMHO. Alan has one thing about him that makes him ideal for that job, patience. In his full-time job he has worked with some very awkward people, and worked with them well. Some people have lived a full life, and some haven't - Alan is the former.

Perhaps a visit to Moto Arena and having a chat with Alan might improve your opinion - but then why let the facts get in the way of your good story!

Ummmmmm no cant say ive heard of them either, been racing long enough aswell before you say.

I dont know Alan, but from a outside perspective of his work at MA, its not great. He managed to change the track indoors to 9 sec laps cutting out more than 50% of the track, and cause the track to be a car breaker. If someone had years of RC experience im sure they would know how to design or know what makes a good track.

Yes they are/have changing/changed the track again to suit but in my eyes in little to late, they have already lost the credability they deserve by having 4 (correct me if im wrong) launches. It looks the PR person dosent communicate with the other staff there. I think there all on another planet.

I'd love to see the venue flurish and go from stength to strenth, but they need to be asking the right questions to the right people.

SlowOne, truthfully looks like not many people have heard of Alan, but those who know him only have good things to say about him, so im sure hes a great guy. But you cant assume that everyone in RC has heard of the so called 'legends' you have mentioned. Would love to know your real name aswell :)

[PTRU]

Hi pips
I happen to know Alan and Sylvia, they have always been very helpful and good at there jobs in the past Alan helped Tony in his early years of racing with 1/12th.

It sounds to me as if they may have a bigger input to there situation by others in the orginisation who do not have a clue always a problem.

Good luck in this venture there will be problems it is how they are sorted out, will show the stregth of the team. What we as racing people must remember this is not just a racing venue. There must be alot of pressure to make this work from its investers.

[Jim Spencer]

Hi

Hmm, folks who don't want other folks to know who they are, expressing opinions they know nothing about on a subject they no little about..
Just about sums up most forums really..

Alan's CV might read as a bit OTT (but who's doesn't if you're doing it for PR purposes?) but it's about right I reckon, some major bits of our sport wouldn't be here (or would be a lot smaller) without the input he's had over the years - legend in those circles is about right.

While the OP's initial question could have been much better worded when asking about somebody - at least he asked..
...And now knows the answer.
Though personally I might have been tempted to do that sort of thing via email, as there's no point confirming most of the first paragraph is there? :lol:


If however the last few posts are correct then IMHO that's a total disaster to the MA people as far as the RC Racing is concerned*.
MA have a credibility problem in the race organisers community, and if he's not there then that link has gone and he would be very hard to replace - less than a dozen folks I know of with that level of event & section experience, and don't think any of them are short of something to do.

* (the corporate stuff which must be it's core business is totally different, and something the Racing community needs to get it's head round IMHO)

[mk2kompressor]

Ummmmmm no cant say ive heard of them either, been racing long enough aswell before you say.

I dont know Alan, but from a outside perspective of his work at MA, its not great. He managed to change the track indoors to 9 sec laps cutting out more than 50% of the track, and cause the track to be a car breaker. If someone had years of RC experience im sure they would know how to design or know what makes a good track.

Yes they are/have changing/changed the track again to suit but in my eyes in little to late, they have already lost the credability they deserve by having 4 (correct me if im wrong) launches. It looks the PR person dosent communicate with the other staff there. I think there all on another planet.

I'd love to see the venue flurish and go from stength to strenth, but they need to be asking the right questions to the right people.

SlowOne, truthfully looks like not many people have heard of Alan, but those who know him only have good things to say about him, so im sure hes a great guy. But you cant assume that everyone in RC has heard of the so called 'legends' you have mentioned. Would love to know your real name aswell :)

Alan did not make the track a car breaker, the contractor did by putting too many bolts in the track and having wood sticking right the way out in the flappers/hairpins.
We decided to shorten the track as a temporary measure (slowing it down) until we figured out the best short term and long term solution (short term has been completed and the track is now full size again)

As mentioned above MA needs corporate AND you race guys to flourish, dont forget something of this scale will need time to figure out.

[Chrislong]

Give the guy a break. I don't know him, but im not about to make enemies out of people I don't know, as how do I then avoid them? or duck to avoid a broken nose? :lol:

Although, listing F1 (if he did mean it as Stock Cars), Brisca and Stock Cars all separatley is a bit 'pulling the wool'. If he is sending the CV to anyone who know's, then its obvious he is naming 1 sport by 3 names and naming them separately and looks very bad on him doing that. Unless he mean F1 Stock Cars, F2 Stock Cars and another variety... constructive criticism.

[mk2kompressor]

Alan didn't put the cv together ;)

[dale]

Listing F1 on your CV doesn't mean you've been an F1 driver; remember that there are 1000s of people who work in F1 other than a few drivers. I have 4 years of F1 on my CV... as a software developer at the Brawn/Mercedes team.

As for the whole "Alan is a cock" nonsense, that's pretty typical of forums, you wouldn't say that to his face would you?

If you don't like MA, don't race there. If you want to race there but don't like some aspects of it, suggest what needs to be improved. Maybe they will listen, maybe they won't. Either way you still have a choice of where you spend your free time.

[Smartalec]

Could this be the LEGEND hiding behind the "SlowOne" tag I wonder? ........... Also known as Pete Winton :)

[lewis]

Never heard of him :woot:

[Smartalec]

Never heard of him :woot:
You should get out more you ignorant git :lol:

[bondy]

Ummmmmm no cant say ive heard of them either, been racing long enough aswell before you say.

I dont know Alan, but from a outside perspective of his work at MA, its not great. He managed to change the track indoors to 9 sec laps cutting out more than 50% of the track, and cause the track to be a car breaker. If someone had years of RC experience im sure they would know how to design or know what makes a good track.

Yes they are/have changing/changed the track again to suit but in my eyes in little to late, they have already lost the credability they deserve by having 4 (correct me if im wrong) launches. It looks the PR person dosent communicate with the other staff there. I think there all on another planet.

I'd love to see the venue flurish and go from stength to strenth, but they need to be asking the right questions to the right people.

SlowOne, truthfully looks like not many people have heard of Alan, but those who know him only have good things to say about him, so im sure hes a great guy. But you cant assume that everyone in RC has heard of the so called 'legends' you have mentioned. Would love to know your real name aswell :)

Andy Dobson, Phil Davies, Pete Stevens, Rory Cull If you have not heard of these guys then where have you been ????? :confused:

[Chequered Flag Racing]

Never heard of him :woot:

I have :D

also known as 'SlowerOne' on rctech

[mattybucks]

Andy Dobson, Phil Davies, Pete Stevens, Rory Cull If you have not heard of these guys then where have you been ????? :confused:


Who gives a ****. The only person/people i'm interested in is the person i'm chasing on the track, and the people I pit with.

[SlowOne]

Blimey, that's one from the archives - British Team Champions 2003/4 (and 2009/10!). Not quite as cherished as my Phil Davies Team Trophy from Wickham 2003 (we won both days), or my 'Murray Walker Award' from Chesham Buggy Club in 19-*cough*cough*!!

Agree with Jim, people have got to learn to deal with RC as an occasional thing enjoyed by the general public, as well as a dedicated hobby. Look at track days - huge numbers of people have a go, but most will never take up even Club Racing, let alone competitive motor racing. MA have a mountain to climb, not helped by too many dedicated RC drivers trying to create an avalanche from the top!! If you want a dedicated indoor facility that caters for all forms of indoor track racing, try Ardent. If you want something that will attract more people to consider taking up RC, then support MA as well.

[DaveG28]

Blimey, that's one from the archives - British Team Champions 2003/4 (and 2009/10!). Not quite as cherished as my Phil Davies Team Trophy from Wickham 2003 (we won both days), or my 'Murray Walker Award' from Chesham Buggy Club in 19-*cough*cough*!!

Agree with Jim, people have got to learn to deal with RC as an occasional thing enjoyed by the general public, as well as a dedicated hobby. Look at track days - huge numbers of people have a go, but most will never take up even Club Racing, let alone competitive motor racing. MA have a mountain to climb, not helped by too many dedicated RC drivers trying to create an avalanche from the top!! If you want a dedicated indoor facility that caters for all forms of indoor track racing, try Ardent. If you want something that will attract more people to consider taking up RC, then support MA as well.

That seems to me to be a very very sensible post!

[university_dave]

Blimey, that's one from the archives - British Team Champions 2003/4 (and 2009/10!). Not quite as cherished as my Phil Davies Team Trophy from Wickham 2003 (we won both days), or my 'Murray Walker Award' from Chesham Buggy Club in 19-*cough*cough*!!

Agree with Jim, people have got to learn to deal with RC as an occasional thing enjoyed by the general public, as well as a dedicated hobby. Look at track days - huge numbers of people have a go, but most will never take up even Club Racing, let alone competitive motor racing. MA have a mountain to climb, not helped by too many dedicated RC drivers trying to create an avalanche from the top!! If you want a dedicated indoor facility that caters for all forms of indoor track racing, try Ardent. If you want something that will attract more people to consider taking up RC, then support MA as well.

Very true, but race tracks that hold trackdays - like Silverstone - have to be suitable for BOTH race meetings and trackday punters. At the moment the Moto Arena track in no way caters for racers, and I don't think it is ideal for beginners either.

Moto Arena is currently a fantastic venue with a poor track. It has so much potential and there are a lot of people out there that really want it to succeed - and want to help be a part of it and get everything sorted out. What is a disappointment is that from the racers point of view all this seems to be just ignored.

Hopefully things will be sorted out in the next few weeks - it needs to be otherwise they'll miss out on the shot at hosting big meetings next season.

[mk2kompressor]

Have you been down since the track changes?
As I said earlier in this thread, phase 1 is complete

[DCM]

It would be helpful if the guys in charge of the website, would post up to date pictures then, so people can see what is happening rather than just hear say of what is?

[mk2kompressor]

They are updating it daily, new web people have been drafted in to get it up to date with the latest info.
new pics (loads) are being added to the MA facebook page today and tomorrow :)

[DCM]

which site though, as I been checking both MA and MADC (which is off at the mo), and there are no changes, or facebook.

As much as the racer has a small overal value to a facility like this, the gains from being a good venue are great if marketed and treated carefuly.

[mk2kompressor]

The main MA site is being worked on, i saw the 120+ picture disc in daves hands earlier (MA facebook admin) who will upload them over the weekend:thumbsup:

[Col]

Have you been down since the track changes?
As I said earlier in this thread, phase 1 is complete

With Silverstone club just down the road, this should have been sorted before the site opened.

new web people have been drafted in to get it up to date with the latest info.


So, again, the place was opened without the correct number of people to run the commercial machine correctly?
It's no wonder it's got a bad press.

[mk2kompressor]

silverstone club is for offroad buggies:confused:


there was people originally running the website now there are new ones from another source that are better, another thing that has been sorted in the last few weeks.

[learnerdriver]

which site though, as I been checking both MA and MADC (which is off at the mo), and there are no changes, or facebook.

As much as the racer has a small overal value to a facility like this, the gains from being a good venue are great if marketed and treated carefuly.

I have heard that MADC no longer exists and is now Silverstone RC racing on facebook !

[mk2kompressor]

Where did you hear that ? ;)

[Neil Skull]

I cant believe the amount of Negativity still.:thumbdown:
Everyone has their own dream of what a venue should be and because this has potential everyone expects it to be all flashing lights bells and whistles from the start.
At the heart of every great club good people come forward and try to make things better. bad members have selfish goals and expect things to be perfect without making any effort to change or put their own time to make a club work.

This with the right effort could be the best thing going for racers and our industry to help it move forward. Its not perfect now but its something unique that can be evolved into something awesome.

Right now support your local club and make a difference from the grass roots where you can earn respect and self satisfaction.

You guys have to know that its tough times in RC now and the real losers will be the enthuiast and the shops that support them.

I have my opinions on indivuals and venues but its not something ruled by jealousy that will make me spite any of those on such a public forum, I will face those people when its right.
It could be that the owners think why bother with the racers they are a whiny bunch, lets make it a completly non racer event and just cater for kids:thumbdown:

I will always support clubs as much as i can and normally thats just by encouraging new drivers to go there and get involved or giving advice to fledgling clubs, I hope no-one who is thinking of starting a club or going to a club is put off by this thread.

[nobby]

Andy Dobson, Phil Stone, Les Pipe, Art Carbonnel, Re-Pete Fusco, Phil Davies, Pete Stevens, Rory Cull, and the list goes on.
hi guy's i'v just sat here, and read through this thread.
i would just like to say i think i'm in a better position than anyone on here to talk about alan as i'v known him for the last 17 years.
he is one of the most helpful enthusiastic people you could ever find in rc.
away from rc he is one of the nicest people you could wish to meet, and i know this better than anyone as i count him as one of my best mates at the track or away from the track.

as for the people that say they haven't heard of any of the racers above can't call themselves rc enthusiasts.
i would just like to add a few names to your list slowone if thats ok:
nigel hale, david gale, andy griffiths 12th scale driver, mick farrell, neil francis.
if it wasn't for the racers above most of us wouldn't be racing today.
so please do your research before you start criticising people.
just a quick lesson on some of the drivers above:
andy dobson: one of the greatest 12th racers ever moved to usa to work for parma.
phil davis: the designer of the iconic schumacher cat, and also the only driver to hold the 1.12th onroad and 1.10th offroad european titles in the same year. he also left us far to soon.
rory cull: world a finalist in offroad, one of only two yokomo team drivers of the time, the other being his pit mate, and one of his best mates craig drescher.
david gale: pro ten european champion, galeforce cells, and multiple british champ.
andy griffiths(12th scale) multiple worlds, and european a finalist, the first t/c european champion. and has won more british 12th championships than anyone else, and that includes david spashett.
nigel hale: he was highest placed european driver in an electric world championships with second place until dave spashett won in 1994 in paris.
he also holds the record for staying with the same sponsor (27 years this year) and that team is team associated. he was the first racer to win a british title for associated.

so please don't knock people until you get to know them or do as a friend.

[tellor]

There appears to be one name missing from your list Nobby…Alan “I am my own Legend” Leighton

I’m sure Alan is a good man and many people who have been in the game a while have kind words for him, once you know someone for long time and they make the odd slip up they can be forgiven but when you have only met them once or twice and you leave 80 people standing outside for over an hour it doesn’t really help your credibility does it?

Have you ever been to a race meeting and halfway through the organisers want you all to stop and go outside and “play” on the outdoor track so that the public might see you.

Give the racers some respect and they’ll have full meetings all the time


Build a 1000 skyscrapers and shag 1 sheep and guess what you’ll get remembered for?

[mattybucks]

[QUOTE=Neil Skull;417120]I cant believe the amount of Negativity still.:thumbdown:


Yeah i know, you can go there and do a 9 second lap, it sounds great! Have they installed a velodrome since i last went up there?

On a more serious note, what they do have up there is of poor design with little thought. The off road track is a joke. The outdoor tarmac track's pitlane makes it quicker to go through the pits than it is to go round the track

Need i say more?

[Neil Skull]

Matty,

You just proved my point.

Your expectations of the facility are 3 world class tracks that you expect will be there from day 1.
Obviously that will not be the case.

The outdoor tracks are only for fun, I am sure if i had a truck or any car i would be happy just to have a play around as many would.

The Indoor track has potential but need to be developed as the issues are resolved.

[Neil Skull]

[QUOTE=tellor;417136]There appears to be one name missing from your list Nobby…Alan “I am my own Legend” Leighton

I’m sure Alan is a good man and many people who have been in the game a while have kind words for him, once you know someone for long time and they make the odd slip up they can be forgiven but when you have only met them once or twice and you leave 80 people standing outside for over an hour it doesn’t really help your credibility does it?

Have you ever been to a race meeting and halfway through the organisers want you all to stop and go outside and “play” on the outdoor track so that the public might see you.



Well at last someone made some factual issues public,
Now visitors to this thread can see why you and others have a grievance.

I am not here to defend anyone as i say i have my personal opinions.
I just want the personal attackers to understand our hobby is in a big decline and any facilty like this needs to be nurtured and encouraged more for the novice and hopefully for the hardcore racers to have a place to showcase their talents.

Did you know we are having a Mini-z Championship at Ardent in November?
We also plan to have some events at Motor Arena and other clubs in the UK.

[DCM]

But you could argue that with the wealth of knowledge there there is... why would the indoor track be substandard? Thats from a cynical point of view, did MA take their eye off the ball, did they not do their homework, did they not take advice and assistance from experienced track builders?

In the end, from a 'racers' point of view, the facility seems to of been a big let down, now what MA got to do is work hard at turning the negative aspects around, and fast.

[Smartalec]

as for the people that say they haven't heard of any of the racers above can't call themselves rc enthusiasts.
i would just like to add a few names to your list slowone if thats ok:
nigel hale, david gale, andy griffiths 12th scale driver, mick farrell, neil francis.
if it wasn't for the racers above most of us wouldn't be racing today.
so please do your research before you start criticising people.
just a quick lesson on some of the drivers above:
andy dobson: one of the greatest 12th racers ever moved to usa to work for parma.
phil davis: the designer of the iconic schumacher cat, and also the only driver to hold the 1.12th onroad and 1.10th offroad european titles in the same year. he also left us far to soon.
rory cull: world a finalist in offroad, one of only two yokomo team drivers of the time, the other being his pit mate, and one of his best mates craig drescher.
david gale: pro ten european champion, galeforce cells, and multiple british champ.
andy griffiths(12th scale) multiple worlds, and european a finalist, the first t/c european champion. and has won more british 12th championships than anyone else, and that includes david spashett.
nigel hale: he was highest placed european driver in an electric world championships with second place until dave spashett won in 1994 in paris.
he also holds the record for staying with the same sponsor (27 years this year) and that team is team associated. he was the first racer to win a british title for associated.
To be fair the vast majority of the racers you have mentioned are 12th or ex 12th racers so a lot of people (expecially younger ones) might not have heard of some/all of them and I don't really think anyone else needs a "lesson" from you or anyone in a who's who of racers. You obviously know your stuff and that's excellent but it certainly doesn't make anyone else feel inadequate because they didn't shake Phil Davies hand before he passed on.

I've heard of every one of them (with the exception of Les Pipe :confused:) but that's probably because i'm an old git and have been doing this for a long time. No doubt someone will come on and tell me that Les Pipe was multiple world champion of something back in 20's and that i'm a moron for not knowing who he is now :lol:

There's no one out there that can call you Nobby No Mates now for sure ........... Nobby Know All fits better :p

[tellor]

hi guy's i'v just sat here, and read through this thread.

as for the people that say they haven't heard of any of the racers above can't call themselves rc enthusiasts.


Now if that's not the most bollocks I've ever heard I don't know what is.

So any youngsters coming through the ranks are wasting their time are they?

"I'm 12th scale and I'm anal" is the best saying that describes you lot

The whole point of this thread is that you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time

[DCM]

hmmm think we gone away from 'over stretching the truth on a CV' thread to 'who knows more old names' thread, and a 'bash MA thread'.

In the end, we all 'bolster' our CV's.
MA has made a big cock-up and are hopefully doing their hardest to rectify.
Neal Skull LOVES his mini-Z's :thumbsup:
And some people are legend groupies :lol:

[KRob]

Alec, FYI that's not Mark, you've got the wrong 'nobby'.

[KRob]

Now if that's not the most bollocks I've ever heard I don't know what is.

So any youngsters coming through the ranks are wasting their time are they?

"I'm 12th scale and I'm anal" is the best saying that describes you lot

The whole point of this thread is that you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time

That's a very short-sighted comment.
It annoys me because there are elements in every section that look down on other section racers, and that doesn't have to happen. I've raced most classes and have very good friends from all of them.
Why can't we all just get along :blush:

Tellor, it looks like you are just now out for confrontation. There is no need - the 'facts' are out there now.

[Crazy L]

Just flew this thread, lots of personal attacks going on now, I don't like it (cue for Smartalec and Tellor to make some inane remark).

I've heard of everyone on those lists, even Les Pipe, I'm not a big racer, I don't follow most classes, only off road mainly. The thing is, I read about my hobby and like to know stuff about it, I don't about any of you lot, but If I had just read that Phil Davies designed the Cat then Masami took it to a debut WC win in Romsey in 1987, I'd be chuffed that I had learned something about my hobby, not disregarding it as some "that's for old people" shite.

So please, carry on with the jokey cv thing by all means, but pack it in with all the bashing of other members cos they know more people than you.

Also, I've not been to MA, nor do I plan to in the immediate future, cos I'm poor, but it would appear upon reading that they made a few cock ups, it's gonna happen, with anything, homework or not. 'Cos this is the real world, not a textbook or classroom.

It's like a cake, you can have all the ingrediants there for a great cake, but you don't bake 'em right, then no bugger's gonna want to eat it are they. So it might take another go.

I blame reality shows like pop idol for all this impatience, everyone wants something perfect, straightaway.

[mattybucks]

Matty,

You just proved my point.

Your expectations of the facility are 3 world class tracks that you expect will be there from day 1.
Obviously that will not be the case.

The outdoor tracks are only for fun, I am sure if i had a truck or any car i would be happy just to have a play around as many would.

The Indoor track has potential but need to be developed as the issues are resolved.


You've got know idea what my expectations are, you don't even know me. I race buggies and yes they are fun. Better than the boring cars raced on the tarmac tracks.

I emailed the Motor Arena to ask if I could go and have a lok around. I was told that we are open until 10 every night. So I went up ther at 7.00 to find tht they were closing.

The problem is that the motor arena have only themselves to blame, in the right hands this could be the "most exciting leisure attraction in the UK" but sadly it's not.

[mk2kompressor]

Matt, what day of the week was that and to which email please?

The reason alan couldn't let the racers in is the fact that the fire extinguisher installer was a day late and was fitting them as everyone was waiting.

Your input is all valuable guys and alot is being done/worked on to rectify the hiccups :)

[tellor]

The reason alan couldn't let the racers in is the fact that the fire extinguisher installer was a day late and was fitting them as everyone was waiting.



his first answer to why we couln't come in was "coz I said so"

and at 8.30am he said he couldn't let people in "coz the door was locked to where the lights switch was"

get your facts right, i was there and don't remember seeing you there until later.

The latest news is that the king has left the building...for good. Long live the new king!

[mk2kompressor]

As I'm currently sitting right next to the md and owner of ma I think my facts are correct.

I was also in the building with the fire extinguisher guy and mostly in reception thinking "hurry up I want to see some racing!"

[Col]

As I'm currently sitting right next to the md and owner of ma I think my facts are correct.

Just so I can understand your view more... - you are employed by MA?

[mk2kompressor]

From the beginning I've had my shop based at ma and I'm here almost 7 days a week.

[nobby]

To be fair Mark the vast majority of the racers you have mentioned are 12th or ex 12th racers so a lot of people (expecially younger ones) might not have heard of some/all of them and I don't really think anyone else needs a "lesson" from you or anyone in a who's who of racers. You obviously know your stuff and that's excellent but it certainly doesn't make anyone else feel inadequate because they didn't shake Phil Davies hand before he passed on.

I've heard of every one of them (with the exception of Les Pipe :confused:) but that's probably because i'm an old git and have been doing this for a long time. No doubt someone will come on and tell me that Les Pipe was multiple world champion of something back in 20's and that i'm a moron for not knowing who he is now :lol:

There's no one out there that can call you Nobby No Mates now for sure ........... Nobby Know All fits better :p
who's mark:confused:

[mattybucks]

[QUOTE=mk2kompressor;417225]As I'm currently sitting right next to the md and owner of ma I think my facts are correct.

Can you ask him if he's ever thought of laying some astro down over the tarmac and holding a buggy meeting on week night, and then packing it away for the touring cars?

I have emailed him about it but he's not replied.

[nobby]

Just flew this thread, lots of personal attacks going on now, I don't like it (cue for Smartalec and Tellor to make some inane remark).

I've heard of everyone on those lists, even Les Pipe, I'm not a big racer, I don't follow most classes, only off road mainly. The thing is, I read about my hobby and like to know stuff about it, I don't about any of you lot, but If I had just read that Phil Davies designed the Cat then Masami took it to a debut WC win in Romsey in 1987, I'd be chuffed that I had learned something about my hobby, not disregarding it as some "that's for old people" shite.

So please, carry on with the jokey cv thing by all means, but pack it in with all the bashing of other members cos they know more people than you.

Also, I've not been to MA, nor do I plan to in the immediate future, cos I'm poor, but it would appear upon reading that they made a few cock ups, it's gonna happen, with anything, homework or not. 'Cos this is the real world, not a textbook or classroom.

It's like a cake, you can have all the ingrediants there for a great cake, but you don't bake 'em right, then no bugger's gonna want to eat it are they. So it might take another go.

I blame reality shows like pop idol for all this impatience, everyone wants something perfect, straightaway.
thanks for that post it is spot on.
there are other classes than off road, and if people choose to race 12th or t/c or off road that's up to them.
all i was trying to say was people should try to get to know people before they start slagging them off.
alan is a really nice guy, and if you take the time to talk to him you will find that out for yourselves.
i started off in racing off road almost 28 years ago now, and i'v raced most classes since, but now i have come back to off road, but i have noticed since coming back some people just want to have a row or wind people up, and that's something that bore's the shit out of me so i'm bored of this now:thumbdown:

[mk2kompressor]

its something thats going to happen for a race series thats being planned, i dont think the whole thing will be astro though.

[mattybucks]

its something thats going to happen for a race series thats being planned, i dont think the whole thing will be astro though.

a few tarmac sections would be good, some jumps and a rumble strip or two and you've got a good track.

[Smartalec]

Alec, FYI that's not Mark, you've got the wrong 'nobby'.
Corrected LOL

[lewis]

Corrected LOL
Trust you to get it all wrong,you should get out more you ignorant git:thumbsup:

[jiffy]

I think words out there flying planes indoors now too in that hall, on a thursday night :) :)

Jiffy

[mk2kompressor]

Tooleys Rc toys are running the flying club this thursday pm coming and every other Thursday night after.
As numbers increase they may run every Thursday :)

[lotussmart]

It's not nice hearing about anyone loosing their job :-( I don't know him personally but he was probably sold the dream, then challenged with bringing in the numbers.

[Smartalec]

Trust you to get it all wrong,you should get out more you ignorant git:thumbsup:
:woot::thumbsup:

[Col]

Just so I can understand your view more... - you are employed by MA?

From the beginning I've had my shop based at ma and I'm here almost 7 days a week.

After listening to both visitors and MKTCC members we have made a few alterations to the indoor track:thumbsup:


Are you sure they don't pay your wages? Are you the official voice of MA?

[mk2kompressor]

They dont pay my wages, i wish they did:lol:
My interest is to make it work, i offered to help out with forums and generally getting things straightened out.
The venue is great as are the people that are there to run it, hopefully the next few months will prove that:thumbsup:

[Smartalec]

From the beginning I've had my shop based at ma and I'm here almost 7 days a week.
What do you stock in your shop? :)

[jiffy]

Hotdogs, burgers and beers I hope.

[mk2kompressor]

Those are available from the cafe ;)

the big red Kyosho stand is mine, mini-z and larger scales

[jiffy]

If i ever come, I only interested in food and beers, oh and dvd's if you sell um ;)

[mk2kompressor]

There are no beers or non-RC dvd's there, the simulators are upstairs though

[Smartalec]

Those are available from the cafe ;)

the big red Kyosho stand is mine, mini-z and larger scales
Nothing for 1/10th offroad? ......... we need a good shop in the area :thumbsup:

[Smartalec]

If i ever come, I only interested in food and beers, oh and dvd's if you sell um ;)
I can only imagine what sort of DVD's you want Jiffy :lol:

[SlowOne]

Very true, but race tracks that hold trackdays - like Silverstone - have to be suitable for BOTH race meetings and trackday punters. At the moment the Moto Arena track in no way caters for racers, and I don't think it is ideal for beginners either.

Moto Arena is currently a fantastic venue with a poor track. It has so much potential and there are a lot of people out there that really want it to succeed - and want to help be a part of it and get everything sorted out. What is a disappointment is that from the racers point of view all this seems to be just ignored.

Hopefully things will be sorted out in the next few weeks - it needs to be otherwise they'll miss out on the shot at hosting big meetings next season.Pretty much my point! It isn't Silverstone, but it is Anglesey, Castle Combe, and lots of other smaller tracks where the money is made from the track days, and to a lesser extent from the race meetings. In all cases they aren't tracks for professional racers, and they are not ideal for beginners.

You can't have both. A track designed for international events (like Silverstone) is unsuitable for beginners as it is wide and easy to drive in your road car, and only presents a challenge in a really fast racing car. Tracks like Anglesey and Castle Combe (and Goodwood for that matter) are unsuitable for really fast racing cars, and better for track days.

On the point about all the 'legends' being 12th racers, that would be right. With the probable exception of Xray, all the major manufacturers who are in TC and Off-Road today started in 12th in the 1970s! No surprise that the people who made that possible were in 12th, and that their work to 'push' electric RC was the bedrock on which modern electric RC classes are built. No one doubts the talents of Grainger and Cragg et al; some of us are able to remember where it all started.

We are in a new age, and there is still money around for those that would like to try something different. Just as well for MA that this is an obscure forum with a handful of people commenting on the situation - if it were of any influence they might be in trouble!! :lol:

[Col]

Just as well for MA that this is an obscure forum with a handful of people commenting on the situation - if it were of any influence they might be in trouble!! :lol:

Really? 10th off road would beg to differ.

[mk2kompressor]

only Kyosho 1/10 offroad from me, we have small stand from shumacher but waiting on stock

[Adam F]

Just as well for MA that this is an obscure forum with a handful of people commenting on the situation - if it were of any influence they might be in trouble!! :lol:

I bet you make friends easily....

[jiffy]

do they have pick n mix there???


Jiffy

[mk2kompressor]

I wish:drool:

[simond001]

As I'm currently sitting right next to the md and owner of ma I think my facts are correct.

I was also in the building with the fire extinguisher guy and mostly in reception thinking "hurry up I want to see some racing!"

Well I am the guy he was speaking to so I'm pretty sure it was electric related.

I think that the problem isn't being helped here. This is a thread that has turned into a discussion on Moto Arena. The voice of Moto arena however is the chap who runs the onsite shop.

You therefore have a conflict between reality and promoting the business model.

I am a supporter of the venue. What I have seen however is an arrogant bullish attitude by some staff members that have unfortunately resulted in there demise. This isnt a positive for MA, the sport, or them.

MA need to provide a clear message. It may be that they decide that the club racing scene isnt for them at the moment, that they want to focus on corporate and experience solutions first. If this is the case then that buys them time to regroup and get things righ.

The issue is, as we have discussed before, that the public awareness is far greater than before. This compounds any issue, and when racers are aware that a business is in direct competition with local clubs then people will want to know what is really happeneing.

The MA story has changed to much. On road only, On road and a small off road track, on road IC, Off road nationals, BRCA Christmas meeting, new off road track in 1.5 acre site opposite car park etc.

When you have local established clubs that need to plan ahead, drivers that have supported the new venture and the public watching / joining forums etc there is a naturl concern.

MA. Register formally. have a spokesman that will answer questions. Decide what you want from us, the drivers, and then we will all know where we stand. Please.

btw. I was at the 1987 Worlds. 5 lads crammed into a Austin Allegro to watch coloured dots go round. :thumbsup:

[mk2kompressor]

i dont run the onsite shop, sure i have my own section there but do not run it, this is why i have interest in making MA work (that and i want to race:woot:)
permission was given to me by the MD and owner to speak on MA's behalf, for now im doing it under my own screen name.


the fire extinguisher van was right next to the main entrance to the front desk, im not sure why you were told it was an electric issue, maybe al thought it was easier to just say "the lights dont work" or whatever, i do agree though it did come out a bit bullish like you say.

there have been issues and they are being addressed as you can see:)

[Matt Airbrushing]

Well I am the guy he was speaking to so I'm pretty sure it was electric related.

I think that the problem isn't being helped here. This is a thread that has turned into a discussion on Moto Arena. The voice of Moto arena however is the chap who runs the onsite shop.

You therefore have a conflict between reality and promoting the business model.

I am a supporter of the venue. What I have seen however is an arrogant bullish attitude by some staff members that have unfortunately resulted in there demise. This isnt a positive for MA, the sport, or them.

MA need to provide a clear message. It may be that they decide that the club racing scene isnt for them at the moment, that they want to focus on corporate and experience solutions first. If this is the case then that buys them time to regroup and get things righ.

The issue is, as we have discussed before, that the public awareness is far greater than before. This compounds any issue, and when racers are aware that a business is in direct competition with local clubs then people will want to know what is really happeneing.

The MA story has changed to much. On road only, On road and a small off road track, on road IC, Off road nationals, BRCA Christmas meeting, new off road track in 1.5 acre site opposite car park etc.

When you have local established clubs that need to plan ahead, drivers that have supported the new venture and the public watching / joining forums etc there is a naturl concern.

MA. Register formally. have a spokesman that will answer questions. Decide what you want from us, the drivers, and then we will all know where we stand. Please.

btw. I was at the 1987 Worlds. 5 lads crammed into a Austin Allegro to watch coloured dots go round. :thumbsup:

Precisely.

Although mk2kompressor is doing his best to inform us on developments it would be much better to hear things straight from the horses mouth.

Although this may seem like a negative thread im sure that many of the people reading (myself included) are interested in whats happening at MA and interested in racing there.
However without more information its hard to work out if we can race there or not.. the website isnt clear and I cant find you on facebook.

[Smartalec]

Hi pips
I happen to know Alan and Sylvia, they have always been very helpful and good at there jobs.

I've heard on the grapevine that both are no longer employed by the Moto Arena. Can't be sure whether the rumour is true, anyone care to shed any light on the subject?
Not nice for anyone to lose their job obviously but if you're as good as you say you are then you won't lose it :cry:

[DCM]

Well, thanks to Alan Leighton, I am now 3 weeks awaiting payment for two shells that he URGENTLY needed for a 'Launch Event' at Moto-Arena, I used two shells put aside for me kids for the winter indoor racing, and had 24 hours to get them in the post.

So, if anyone from MotoArena is reading this, you got my invoice, please be good and PAY IT!

[Smartalec]

Well, thanks to Alan Leighton, I am now 3 weeks awaiting payment for two shells that he URGENTLY needed for a 'Launch Event' at Moto-Arena, I used two shells put aside for me kids for the winter indoor racing, and had 24 hours to get them in the post.

So, if anyone from MotoArena is reading this, you got my invoice, please be good and PAY IT!
Which of the 4 launches were they for? :)

[DCM]

This would of been the one on or around the 9th of September.

[mk2kompressor]

I've personally called you about these over a week ago and told you I would pay for them myself on payday (today!) as they are now in my possesion.
They were and are still on standby for a tv show, not for any of the open days.
I'll call you when the payment has been sent.

[mattybucks]

Any news on an indoor off road track? Astroturf would be ideal?

Wednesday nights would be good. I reckon you could get a good 30-40 people there on a regular basis.

[DCM]

I've personally called you about these over a week ago and told you I would pay for them myself on payday (today!) as they are now in my possesion.
They were and are still on standby for a tv show, not for any of the open days.
I'll call you when the payment has been sent.

Thats fine and dandy (you said 28th by the way), but the point being, I can't operate having people not pay for work I have done, and sent the work out on good faith, Alan Leighton SHOULD of arranged payment as soon as he received them, or soon after, not let someone else pick up the tab, most frustrating way to run a business.

By the way, this is not a dig at you Matt, but a dig at the way Moto-Arena has operated in my experience.

[Neil Skull]

Thats fine and dandy (you said 28th by the way), but the point being, I can't operate having people not pay for work I have done, and sent the work out on good faith, Alan Leighton SHOULD of arranged payment as soon as he received them, or soon after, not let someone else pick up the tab, most frustrating way to run a business.

By the way, this is not a dig at you Matt, but a dig at the way Moto-Arena has operated in my experience.

DCM you need to change your sig, Models in Motion RIP:(

I think that is a very generous offer by Matt. maybe its worth you making an agreement with Matt (In private) to leave a body on display with your details so you can get some business?)

I hope that now Alan has gone things at Moto-Arena will get better, With Matt being more and more invloved i have every confidence it will.

[mk2kompressor]

its been that busy picking up the pieces i thought it was the 28th today:confused::woot:
i realize the payment should of been sorted asap, there was not alot of time to get anything to be paid right away with the owner as the show was supposed to be going live the day we received the bodies.
ill get it sorted asap for you:)

[DCM]

As I say, I know it isn't Matt's fault of the late payment, more he has picked up somebody elses shambles, which is a shame to be fair. I did the work as I was asked to help out as a favour, which I don't mind, but the fact that Alan could not even bother to acknowledge receipt of the shells, or when the payment would be made has left a sour taste in the mouth.

From now on, rush jobs, pay up front :thumbsup: