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Tyre tech time - grab a seat and a cup of tea, it's about to get crazy.... Most tyres contain a limited amount of natural rubber, the compound that makes tyres 'rubbery' (strangely enough!). As a cost saving exercise, manufacturers replace natural rubber with man-made (synthesised) rubber - the cheaper the tyre, the more cheap synthetic rubbish (hence why they're called ditch-finders, they last forever but have no grip whatsoever!), the more expensive the tyre, the more natural compounds, although still only in a relatively low percentage as manufacturers are always judged on tyre longevity, and nice soft supple rubber doesn't last long! Super soft vs medium compound anyone? So basically, a 'standard' tyre isn't going to be fantastic in low temperature - tyresafe.org suggests 7c or below, but it's more like 3c and below - as the synthetic rubber hardens. A great real life example of this is - have you ever noticed how on very cold mornings, if you get up to 50mph plus within the first 1/2 mile or so, it sometimes feels like there's a bit of steering vibration, like wheel misalignment? You have to pay attention, but it's there. This is the tyre solidifying in the cold, creating a small flat spot that goes once the tyre warms up. So in theory, a tyre with more natural rubber will have a lower operating temperature than an average road tyre. Of course, tread pattern and all the other fascinating elements of tyre production play a massive part in cold weather performance, which is why an R888 in soft compound might still not be your ultimate winter tyre! One of the major factors in winter specific (or snow) tyres is that they contain significantly more natural rubber than a standard tyre. You can physically feel the difference if you dig your thumbnail into one, especially if compared to a standard tyre. They also have more tread (between 8 and 13mm, depending on the tyre), and are covered in sipes (slits in the tread blocks) that allow the tread to move, generate heat, grasp snow and flex to uneven surfaces. Because of the increased movement, they do have more sideways roll which takes some getting used to, but is great fun and very predictable! A decent winter tyre will work well for you in all winter conditions, only losing out to a standard tyre when grip comes back out to play. So what does all this mean for the OP? Basically, I'd suggest you invest in either a premium set of all weather tyres just for winter use, or go whole hog and get a proper set of winter tyres on steelies or cheap alloys and know that your Westfield will go out and play, whatever the weather! I'd avoid the likes of R1Rs, T1R's etc as they are more dry weather focused (not saying they're not good in the cold/wet, just comparing to a tyre designed for the purpose). And do bear in mind that ALL tyres suffer the releasing agent issue, so some patience is required on any new tyre. Or, accept the reasons for low performance of standard tyres in winter and expect the slidey-slides! If you've survived this far, I apologise for the useless information I've just downloaded on you, but now you have an insight into my nerdy brain!

Rickyboy can't make the Sunday, so we'll change to MONDAY, same time and place. Hope this is ok. I've also put this on the Cobra club forum, so there might be a couple of Cobras too.

From the piccies it looks just like Wiscombe 2014 Happy Camping G Free

I used to think T1R's were good in the cold and wet, but since changing to R1R's I found these much better especially in monsoon conditions. Being soft I would think snow tyres would be as good as yer summer trackday tyres for cold and wet roads. They would soon wear out though, in warmer weather. Hope Paul tries a set, would be a good test with the V8 torque going through them.

someone made some Vodka jelly once.

Have a smaller Christmas then! Then you can buy it

Just read latest mag and calender...Wow how impressed am I? I am overwhelmed by everyone's enthusiasm and when I look back I am only now in a position to be able to look at what I actually started all those years ago..keep up the good work you lot. Seems ages from the first X1 many years ago Chris S

I really should make the effort but there are so many of you I can't think where to start..could give you a talk on racing from 1965 to 2004...did it for NSCC last year...?

I was indeed poking fun at the irony of the statement :-)

I'd have also said yes - the instructors reckoned females usually took on board the instruction better, rather than blokes who go 'yeah yeah whatever I know what I'm doing! *testosterone powwweerrrr*', thus got more out of the day.

They have improved from what I see in as much as they have more staff and the phone gets answered and return calls made and emails replied to. I would say it is too soon to comment on the stock / supplier situation but progress has been made in the right direction with the first step.

Just buy some large blank grommets and drill your own size hole through them.

Thanks Panda...

Oh I don't know!! I quite like the Policeman............Joking guys just joking Petemac

They said Lewis got more than double the votes for Rory. So who voted for the lesser mainstream sports stars then? I voted for the guy I wanted to win, and he won so I'm happy.