Hofmann's Lotus Europa in-car footage from Brands Hatch - LotusTalk

Randy · 10-26-2009, 09:56 AM

Hofmann's Europa in-car footage from Brands Hatch

I'm rubbish at computers... taken me all day to get this uploaded!

Race one:

YouTube - GT Cup Brands Hatch round one in Hofmann's Lotus Europa

Race two:

YouTube - Brands R2

As you'll see it was like an ice rink for me at the weekend and took an age to get heat/grip into the slicks. Guess that's the trouble with running tyres designed for 1200kg GT cars!

Race one ended after a back marker hit me at clearways... apparently he thought I was going for the inside which was an interesting comment looking back at the footage! After that the brakes went and I was pumping the pedal with my left foot down the straights until my OS driveshaft went which was damaged in the impact.

Second race the brakes were still spongy at the start and then went completely to the point of no pedal at all so had to call it a day. Turns out the Race one impact caused the master cylinder seals to burst :-(

Uncle Sam · 10-26-2009, 11:03 AM

Entertaining footage. You looked faster in the second race. I guess having no brakes increases your cornering speed! I am surprised that the impact was severe enough to pop a master cylinder seal. I've never heard of that before. In the first video with no other cars about, it was difficult to estimate how quick the Lotus was. Then, when you passed the F cars, it gave a better sense of how quick the Lotus actually is.

Randy · 10-26-2009, 11:54 AM

Track temps were higher by the second race so more heat in the tyres. Annoying that both races ended so early as the tyre temps were climbing the more I lapped and there was an easy 1/2 second to come which would have put me on the back of the Viper.

Never seen a master cylinder blow like that before either (which is why we didn't look at it between races!) but makes sense when you think about it. there was fluid pissing all over my feet :-(

...m... · 10-26-2009, 12:08 PM

...just wanted to chirp and comment that i love what you've done to that europa and hope you get it back on the track again soon...

Randy · 10-26-2009, 12:22 PM

Thanks for that, I appreciate it. Wasn't sure if the Europa was on the radar over there!

If you're in Vegas in a week then we should have a beer and talk car :-)

Uncle Sam · 10-26-2009, 12:34 PM

When I think Lotus Europa, I think 1972! It took me a second after seeing the dashboard to remember the current version.

Randy · 10-26-2009, 12:36 PM

They share more than just a name... both won their first ever race :-)

ggelise · 10-26-2009, 06:09 PM

You guys are doing an amazing job at such an early stage of development. Congratulations! Looking forward to see the forthcoming victory videos.

10-26-2009, 12:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	...just wanted to chirp and comment that i love what you've done to that europa and hope you get it back on the track again soon... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

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10-26-2009, 11:03 AM	#2 (permalink)
Uncle Sam #14 Sport Elise Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rockville, Maryland Posts: 863 Images: 2	Entertaining footage. You looked faster in the second race. I guess having no brakes increases your cornering speed! I am surprised that the impact was severe enough to pop a master cylinder seal. I've never heard of that before. In the first video with no other cars about, it was difficult to estimate how quick the Lotus was. Then, when you passed the F cars, it gave a better sense of how quick the Lotus actually is.

10-26-2009, 11:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Randy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 17	Track temps were higher by the second race so more heat in the tyres. Annoying that both races ended so early as the tyre temps were climbing the more I lapped and there was an easy 1/2 second to come which would have put me on the back of the Viper. Never seen a master cylinder blow like that before either (which is why we didn't look at it between races!) but makes sense when you think about it. there was fluid pissing all over my feet :-(

10-26-2009, 12:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Randy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 17	Thanks for that, I appreciate it. Wasn't sure if the Europa was on the radar over there! If you're in Vegas in a week then we should have a beer and talk car :-)

10-26-2009, 12:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
Uncle Sam #14 Sport Elise Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rockville, Maryland Posts: 863 Images: 2	When I think Lotus Europa, I think 1972! It took me a second after seeing the dashboard to remember the current version.

10-26-2009, 12:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
Randy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 17	They share more than just a name... both won their first ever race :-)

10-26-2009, 06:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
ggelise Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 193	You guys are doing an amazing job at such an early stage of development. Congratulations! Looking forward to see the forthcoming victory videos.

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