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Tel's Tales 038– Curborough 23rd August 2014 This event marked a change for everyone, I think, as it was an introduction to the newish figure of 8 layout rather than the single or double lap course. There was a full entry and hence it was likely to be a slow day but hopefully the new challenge would make up for the anticipated low number of runs. The weather was also promising to be unpredictable but that’s not unusual and the promise of 100 points for this 1.6e event made up for the downsides. I was up at 0500hrs and it was still dark and raining a bit so things could only improve as I set off to meet my brother Steve near Ferrybridge on the A1. As we approached Curborough on the A38 I spotted John Roberts in a layby going the opposite way to me and he had missed the turning for Fradley Park but eventually he turned up and admitted to getting lost. I suggested he might need a sat nav to find his way around the new track layout but he was preoccupied with repairing a broken cycle wing stay before the scrutineers arrived…. A bit of plastic and duct tape cured that successfully. The track itself seemed to be full of drivers looking at the new layout and the crossover area in particular which looked very tight and to be treated with caution unless you were a Cateringvan driver as they had apparently practiced previously! The paddock looked quite full and there were 16 Westfields in the speed series there and Adrian Clinton Watkins finished his preparations by cleaning his wheels whilst I checked tyre pressures and got my wets ready as the clouds were already building. As it happens we all had a dry practice as the rain held off but the track was cold and grip levels low which may be the reason why Howard Gaskin and a few others had spins. There runs were taking a long time and towards the end there was a big off by a Cateringvan who attacked the trees after dropping a wheel onto the grass at the crossover. Luckily he was ok but the cars suffered a lot but not as much as the poor paramedic who fell out of the ambulance on the way to help and ended up in hospital with facial injuries so we wish him a quick recovery. Eventually it was decided that due to a “force majeur” we would only get one practice as we were running out of time due to the delay. So we all got ready for T1, Mark Schlanker changed his plugs due to a misfire and I had a chat with Mark Stanton and Richard Hoyland (Tricky) who were spectating as was, Sandra, Julie and on this occasion Gary Bunn after his op. T1 strated in sunshine and a dry track but after about a third of the Westfields had been out the rain started and the track got very wet and this somewhat threw the times and places into chaos. Dave Cleaver had a dry run and posted a quick 59.12 secs to lead the Westfields but for most of us we were just praying that the 2n,d, and has it happens last, run would be dry as it had stopped raining and the track was at last drying with the sky clearing fast. So this beacame a one run evnt in terms of posting a good time so it was all or nothing for many drivers. In class A the winner was Craig Spooner on 64.96 secs followed by Dave Richings, David Reed and Steve Wilson. In Class B Matin Harvey had an excellent smooth run to take the points from Phil Nicholls (maybe trying too hard) who recorded 63.96 secs and 64.84 secs respectively. In class C Graham Frankland was quick with 64.85secs from Martin Hepworth on 69.08secs. Steve Everall and Howard Gaskin were expected to take the points in class D but they both were judged to have had all four wheels off as did Mark Schlanker (but it was a bit dubious!) and so Mark Schlanker snook off with the points on his first run of 65.76 secs which was DRY!!!!!! Whilst Howard and Steve’ runs were wet. ACW drove very aggressively touching the grass a couple of times and recorded 59.47secs to take the points in class E. Dave Cleaver improved to 57.87secs in class F and was fastest Westfield on the day. I had a good run with 59.05secs and then Del Hodder in H went well with a 58.26secs and finally John Roberts stopped spinning and was happy with his 69.62 secs. In summary this was a great new track to drive but progress was slow and a bit frustrating.. I wont be at Loton Park but will see you guys at Ty Croes 5th & 6th Sept so lets hope its DRY Terry Everall Speed Series Correspondent Class G competitor

Life rule No1: If you're dong something you'll be embarrassed about when the wife finds out - don't do it! I have no trouble telling the wife how much I spend on tools, bike and car parts, she can tell me how much she spends on shoes and handbags but we rarely ask each other because with a joint account it's not like we can cover it up. Why do people feel the need to keep secrets when relationships are suppose to be about openness and honesty? So in answer to the title - IMO, no, it's never alright to lie. Only time I had to lie about financial matters is when I bought her engagement ring

When I purchased my milling machine for £1100 I created a fake eBay listing on a second account and asked a question offering a buy it now of £500 which I of course agreed to then showed the mrs the email. Then ended the listing. Me bad

Anyone ever wanted to do this on track ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?sns=fb&v=a6iO3TQjXp4&app=desktop Have a look at about 50 sec onwards.

Fellow Mighty Cross flow owner and supporter of the 8V pushrod faith I salute your annual advancement and wish you well with your mighty cross flow

Paul n. I have just registered for tomorrow night. And if you want the V8 experience you are welcome. I need the extra weight to stop the wheels spinning!!!

Wow, watching that makes me realise just how much harder I have to work to go that much faster, oh well there's always next year

Here is a video of last night: http://youtu.be/52qRX4D8K0A

Haha, it's rare I am not so annoyed with my driving that I am willing to let people watch replays! Cheers for the upload help

No sound I'm afraid, the GoPro was 'having a moment' it seems.

This is taken from Red Ten (red arrows) twitter page on there way home from Dunsfold wings and wheels Look carefully in the top right corner... Titled "look what we spotted on the way home"

My pleasure Here's an emoticon preview of a new movie - "When Filfan Met Marto" /implying of course Phil's liberal consumption of vodka jelly

Had a good day at Knockhill yesterday. Around seven hours round trip for me, but well worth it.. I really rate Knockhill up there with the best in the UK. Nice to meet up with the northerners. The day started off quite bright, but clouded over and got a tad cool in the afternoon. Dry all day, which was the main thing, so no complaints here. Had some good sessions on track, but must admit, my front tyres are definitely way past their best. I had a few wide moments as the car understeered quite badly in places. Will get some vid up soon, and I've uploaded some pics here: http://s133.photobucket.com/user/dixonandrew/library/#/user/dixonandrew/library/Knockhill%2025th%20Aug%202014?sort=3&page=1&_suid=140904054816805076511725133863 Afew...

HI a couple of us including some local caterhams are having a run up to Ladybower where Rory's Dad is meeting the caterham club. you can the details in his post in Events. I know this is the same night has derby/notts meet but a good opportunity for a good run out and also meet other area meets. sorry Gary. . Will post a leaving time and place off meet Thursday will be looking at leaving early as possible.

If we ever needed a bulk bulk buy, this is it

Hope them droplets weren't coming from the oil pump.....LOL ?

Had a little think and I'm not really being fair on the current crop of champions, Alonzo, Hamilton, Vettle, Schumacher etc. I think to win nowadays you need to be a bit of a grumpy, spoilt, diva type who believes 100% in their own greatness. Unfortunately I don't like folk like that, seeing how I wake up knowing I'm a loser and go to bed still knowing it... So I dislike these guys on principle. I have to admit they are good at what they are and do... Still not sure if I would want a pint with one of them...