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Bureaucrats/politicians make the decisions and set the targets, the people on the front line get the blame. Not a lot else to say really

Unfortunately at the end of a damp day at Aintree I managed to snap a driveshaft on the line at the start of my final run, leaving me with a bit of work to do, but friends came to the rescue in my evening of need! So in a particular (chronological) order I'd like to say a massive thanks to... Luke Algar from Plays Kool, firstly for the help pushing my car back from the start line, then secondly for helping with the quick diagnosis. Derek Hodder for being organised enough to have some spare driveshafts with him and generous enough to lend me one. John Hoyle for helping with the driveshaft removal and dismantling Steve D from Middlewich Auto Bodies for letting me come round at short notice and reduce his stock of Westfield spare parts by one CV joint. AdamR for helping me fit the new driveshaft/CV joint and giving me a more comfortable roof over my head than the back of my van. If I have forgotten anyone in my half an hour or so of stress and frustration please don't take it personally! I know it has been said before but the friendly atmosphere in the Westfield section of the paddock in particular and the fact that all competitors are so willing to help one another when the need comes about really does add a lot to the events. Competitive fun is great, though without friendly and supportive people to compete against and have a laugh with it wouldn't be half as appealing to go sprinting again and again! Thanks again to everyone who helped to get me running again for the next event.

count me in but only if Rod Stewarts not playing ????

Looks like compomotive are producing wheels again on some styles I asked about 13's and they are looking at making the minilite style within a few weeks. Just waiting to hear back about cxr's

MT75 so 23 spline friction plate (I used it with the westfield 'spaced' release bearing)

You'd better fire up that big red thing with flashing lights Rab !!! You'll need it to escape

Jeeze, don't start giving him compliments !

Sounds good to me Rab. Can we not go back to Skye, that place is stunning!

Graham, I also am a firefighter I work hard to maintain my firefighting and technical rescue unit skills up to scratch. I also work hard to maintain my fitness. I would not go off with stress after a fatality unless it was truly awful and I find your mates abuse of the system disgusting but these people are in all trades. I am forced into strike action by a government that wont even come to the table. I am professional, I would still put your house fire out or cut you out your car no matter your opinion - why do you insult the people who you or someone you care about may rely 100% on one day? I agree with you re: that road and Police approach but you could also be proactive - ring the local Fire station who should lay sand down. Rant over... Peet

I don't agree with everything Graham has said but I will say this about diesel. All this about riding the conditions and you must be prepared is total bull when it comes to diesel. I'm an ex rider due to diesel. The road was a bit damp but I have riden a lot in the wet. It was my daily commute and I knew the road well. I was following a couple of cars below 40 in a 40 limit. The car in front of the one I was following braked a bit sharpish to turn right so I applied my brake like I would any other time. Next thing I know I'm off the bike with shattered collar bone punctured lung and a set of broken ribs. That was the end of my biking. The front wheel literally dusappeared from underneith me and i was driven into the ground. To this day my father and I are convinced I hit a patch of diesel. Could it be foreseen not unless I can see through cars. I have has diesel on my wheels before and I can tell you it is terrifying you literally have no grip at all until it's worn off. I was unlucky. We are told to report diesel spills to the police and the council. I have done in the past and have seen nothing being done. I can understand Grahams frustration in telling the police and them not putting out a sign whilst the council gets it clean. However I think it cannot be understated how dangerous diesel is to bikers. I don't agree with things said about the fire department as I believe they do a fantastic job.

I know the gathering Graham is referring to and wonder if the police would be more useful turning up at the cafe and chatting with them to get a very valid message across. Its a similar situation to the cat and fiddle where police get in and among them. Fraser I would hope that the riding ability of an advanced motorcycle police rider is very high but that doesn't really help the next mototcyclist around the bend who could be a 16 year old who doesnt know what diesel on a roads looks like or does to grip.

Whilst I agree it's good news, I think I would be very careful dealing with them and only give a deposit / pay via credit card. Which you can get back if anything happens to the company. Just to be on the safe side.

I have heard back regarding the CXR's. Here is the response " Thanks for your mail… Yes we will be bringing these back into the range in 7x13 and 8x13 in a couple of months in Westfield spec. What et were you looking for ? If you can spread the word that they will be back it would be great." Just to add that I am in no way connected with compomotive but just pleased that there up and running again and able to supply us with these popular wheels. Phil