Went to Silverstone on the 16th october to do some testing. Small handling improvements - although as usual the complex highlights the inherent understeer more - engine ran fine. Next day was the race - Silverstone HSCC invitation race for classic racing cars - on the club circuit.
Qualified 5th on a 1.05.29 and finished 3rd with a best lap of 1.03.95
Next up - on the 30th was the Silverstone Walter Hayes Open wheel race. Tested on the Friday - raced in the 50km race on the 31st and finished 9th. Made a balls up to be honest - it was a dry race but I thought track was going to be greasy - big mistake!! - went out on Avon full wets - instead of Dunlop CR65's - you live and learn!!!
No engine problems- so happy with the result.
After the race - I dropped in to see Ted Martin - and it gives me enormous pride to say that he was delighted to see the car. It was only right that we gave his neighbours the opportunity on a Saturday evening to hear a "proper" racing engine being exercised in good health!
Now the season has finished I can look back and reflect that the project has been immensely rewarding. Really looking forward to 2010 - and I am in the process of looking around at the vast number of parts that we have collected - with a view to building a spare engine for racing in 2010.
Other projects which need finishing are the ex-Rob Mclnea Suzuki GSXR1000 1983 TT winning bike, and my 1979 RG500 GP bike for some demos. Also got a 1989 250 GP Honda which needs a bit of fettling for trackdays next year.
After 5 years ploughing on with this project - I might even need to start working again - so if anyone needs any help on any racecar projects over the winter - get in touch - details on the contact page.
Huge Thanks to:
Ted Martin for engine parts - help - and inspiration
Andy Atipas of Titan Cars America - for supplying information
John Gardiner of Crosthwaite and Gardiner for his help
Peter Denty - for help with suspension parts and other stuff
Marcus Pye - lovely article on car's debut
Chris Sharples - for kind invites to HSCC events
Bobby Bell - for help finding the Lotus Chassis
Adrian Beswick - for his rivetting skills
Ike Flack - for his dyno work
Tony Passmore - for his machining help
Steve Moody of SMDG - for his complete and utter faith in getting the car running!
Karl - best pit crew in the business!
and many others who have helped out - see you in 2010!
|
