Alexander72's Blog

Looking forward to it very much, James!  I just wanted to say good luck - we're all counting on you!

Hey folks, it's the end of 2012 and i've got 5 minutes free to add a post on my blog!   Martin Parkes (the former owner) wrote as excellent article that appeared in the WSCC magazine for the end of the year so I will take up from there and update the tale of Q82VOF.

 

Martin delivered the car to me on his trailer and within a week a bloke on a moped had smashed into the back of it while i was waiting to cross the A5 at Litchborugh cross roads..... this cracked the rear arch, smashed the rear section and catapulted him onto my lap..... not good, but at least I got a re-spray on his insuance of all the rear, sides and scuttle.  Pillar box red and a nice freshen up.  I took the nose cone and bonnet to a mate of mine, Bill Leggett, at BL Auto's body specialist and he did his best on a nice black finish with lacquer so i now have a shiny car.  It was a real shame to loose some of the badges Martin had collected, like an original Hesketh F1 racing teddy bear on the nose cone and various "old school" Ford Motorsport  stickers but perhaps the time was right to "re-brand" my car.

 

One of the first trips out was to help out at Stoneleigh with the WSCC where we were lucky to meet ChazPowerslide, Cap'n Colonial (now MemSec), and many other like minded folks who do so much for our great club.  I had a small airfilter smoulder on the way back so have changed to K&N's that look rather snazzy.

 

Later that month it went to Northampton Motor Sport for a fettle that included a rolling road tune, geometry set up, and minor tinkering like new starter motor and stuff.  I am technically minded, being a tree surgeon, but i don't trust myself to work on a car that i will be competing in and those boys at NMS really know their stuff.

 

 The car came with a dyno print out of 166bhp at 7,250rpm but with quite a lumpy power curve around 3,250rpm.  When i got it back i did a few road miles and it immediately felt more tractable (is that a word?) and grippy on long roundabouts and smooth road surfaces.  It wasn't until I went to Curbourough a second time and had a few dry runs to push my ability a bit further that the changes were evident.  The car felt smoother "on the cam" and wheelspin was less of an issue.

 

Martin came to see me at Curb and was impressed with the car and how it has evolved.  Mechanically it is unchanged with 1700 x-flow, 40's, quaife Type-9 box and LSD on the back end.  it runs 13x7" A048's all round though I have picked up a set of split rims that will be refurbeed and fitted in the new year (185 front and 205 rear).

 

Interior is functional and "snug" considering my bulk so i cant afford to put any weight on :-)

 

Diff oil has been changed and checked, a thermostat fitted for winter running to ensure it doesnt run too cool and all is looking good for spring.  I have pixie boot's, a race suit, a helmet and nomex long johns!!

 

I'm really glad i bought my Westfield and became part of this small, but excellent, fraternity...

 

Happy New Year to all from me, Debbie, Charity, Max, Jonty, George and Henry

Just about got round to printing orf License pack tonight - but too tired.... 

today I have thought about sprinting..... just a thought mind.... Cant wait for warmer weather... garage is too cold to do anything in right now...

yesterday i did my photo's for my licence again as my last ones i looked like a serial killer.  

 

Have paid my entry for the WSCC Speed Series and just need to start on the rear axle hub seal replacement, fettling a restraint for my new small battery and possibly some new pull down seat belts :-) 

Update: MSA licence filled in and being posted tonight!!!  

Right, the licence is posted - check.  I have a race suit - Check, I have small boots (size 13) - check, I have a helmet - check, I have a car ready for scrutineering - check, I have a supportive partner and kids - I think so as she has just asked me to ensure I have life insurance.  

 

I think she means death insurance but the devil is in the wording.....as it doesn't pay out in the event of my "life" continuing......

 

I have a trailer now and a jack that fits under the car.  Ive got loads of wheels with tyres on and i've got the green light from my Operations Director.

 

Just got to sort a hub seal on my axle, get the engine fetlled when it's warmer, organise some liveried pit wear for the dog and the kids, find a winnebago with 40 foot awning  and i'm good to go! Oh and i want a mini-moto bike to ride around the paddock on.....

New Harnesses ordered from Playskool - pull downs to replace the Luke ones in there.  Will be selling the Luke one's in due course.

 

Starting on entry forms for events tomorrow afternoon. 

Phew... feb is always busy for us but this week I have managed to clean my wheels and check the battery mounting system for my small battery. needs some fettling so will do that next month...

 

car going to NMS next month for a final tickle the Castle Coombe on 23rd March - cant wait 

8 days to go until Castle Coombe... my entry confirmed yesterday.  Jesus, what am I doing.

 

Car is in garage today, new axle seal on drivers side, new brake line that had a micro split, new engine mounts and new gearbox mounts.  

 

Cannot fault the service and attention to detail of all the staff at Northampton Motor Sport.... well done folks and thanks.

 

Just need some life insurance now :-) 

2 days to go until I leave for Castle Combe - just need an exhaust, spanner check, fluids check and load her up!  :-) 

Time to update the blog.

 

Drove about a bit, span a few times, had loads of cider, made loads of friends, drove about a bit more, got sewn into my race suit, had a few beers, drove about a bit, got gout, then got a decanter for port :-)