Modstox is a “budget” contact short oval formula started in 1993 by Harry Keeling, ex F1 driver 298 from the early 70s, who built a chassis to accommodate the Fiat 126 engine, gearbox and suspension to be used by his two sons for field racing. This soon became popular with their friends and about 7 cars were built.
Late in 1993, the chance to race on Wednesday nights at Stoke with the Progressive 600 formula to fill in between their races became available. The formula continued to grow and by the end of 1995 over 20 cars had been built and meetings being held at Stoke, Buxton, Bolton and Grimley near Worcester.
Towards the end of the 95 season some cars were fitted with a “rear mounted” Reliant robin 850 cc engine, whilst retaining the Fiat126 gearbox to see how well they would perform. The speed difference being quite apparent.
Following driver approval the 95/96 close season saw several new cars being built but this time in front engined Reliant configuration and also utilizing the reliant rear axle whilst retaining the Fiat126 transverse spring front suspension.
The formula continued to flourish at stoke right up to the end of the 2001 season which saw the closure of Stoke to four wheeled motor sport. With a lot of uncertainty over the 2001/2 closed season several top grade drivers made a move to F1’,F2 and V8’s whilst Brisca tracks were unfortunately unavailable to Modstox for a number of reasons. From 2002 to 2006 Modstox have appeared at various independent “grassroots” midland and northern venues with the odd one off meet at stadium venues such as Belle Vue in Manchester and Buxton in Derbyshire . 2007 sees modstox racing generally every 2 or 3 weeks to maintain its affordable fun ethos (both in terms of money & time… racing at Blyton , Brampton , Grimley and Warton near Carnforth in Lancashire following a demonstration meeting in 2006.
Superficially the cars look similar to F1 and F2 cars but the detail reveals their cost conscious budget ethos. The engine must be kept to standard 850 with limited modifications to cylinder head although a racing camshaft is allowed more on the grounds of “engine policing” rather than the need for more power. The standard SU 1¼” carburetor is also retained. Suspension utilizes leaf springs rather than expensive adjustable coilovers with rear axles being the Reliant robin although Morris minor axles are allowed from 2007 something of a relic but having the right diff ratio to allow the reliant engine to rev and at reasonable cost. Similarly the majority of cars retain their fiat 126 suspension but with an eye to dwindling supplies metro and micra modified hubs (complete with disc brakes rather than drums) were introduced for 2006 either in fiat transverse leaf or fabricated beam configurations. Allied to these budget measures are, no adjustable shock absorbers allowed, limited use of competition tyres (two being permitted on tarmac from 2006…usually secondhand slicks at £15 a time). Cars cost between £750 and £1250 to buy. Racing is generally limited to once a fortnight between April and October again in the interests of cost/hobby racing and making the winning of overall championships attainable to all drivers not just a select few. And to top it all off you can start racing at the age of 14 so Modstox makes a sensible first step into the world of motorsport or an ideal transition formula for budget ministox racers hoping to move up to the higher echelon contact formulas.Modstox has links with youth projects such as the Swinton Car Project in Manchester supported by the Greater Manchester police giving an positive outlet for young petrolheads. Proof of Modstox’s budget credentials was published in the 2003 national bible “Motorsport News” launched a competition to find the cheapest motorsport formula in the UK. Modstox came 2nd... The winner …Lawnmower racing!!
If you are interested in finding out more about Modstox contact :
Chairman David Roche(99)
d.roche@btinternet.com or tel 01782-516449 /07771-736840.
Vice-Chairman Gary Picken(93)
gp93@gprracing.wanandoo.co.uk or tel 01782 327708 /07786 854534
We will be pleased to send you our latest newsletter and Rules, together with a For Sale listing. You will not be disappointed with Modstox – a true full contact budget formula.
Alternatively see our website www.modstox.org
We look forward to seeing you at the races soon!
