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Are you still asleep in your tent Russ?

This is the final race of the year for me, mainly due to lack of time, family commitments, holidays and a depleted bank balance. So off to Donnington Park I went with my friend Mark. This was a race meeting with the CSCC rather than the WSSCC. The format being 30 minutes practice/qualification and a 40 minute race with mandatory 60 second pit-stop. I was in the ‘Magnificent Sevens’ Group 1, which is for cars up to 185 bhp. Group 2 is for cars above 185 bhp. I was really looking forward to this one having been at Donny for trackdays in the past. I even started weight training to build up my lower arm strength for this 40 minute race. I knew from the Forum that another WSCC member was racing. Lee Morey or ‘Iowlee’, albeit he was in Group 2. We stayed at a pub with rooms near to the track, which wins the award for the most sticky tables in the Midlands... At least the bathroom was clean. This turned out to be an important fact. Marks snoring was quite frankly, unbelievably loud. I have always managed to avoid sharing a room with mark as I knew this and I forgot to pack my ear plugs. Damn. This meant at 2.30am and not having slept, I took matters into my own hands and moved the matress from my bed into the bathroom. This along with earplugs made of toilet tissue helped, but I didn’t really sleep until about 3.30am. Up at 6.45am, it was not the best preparation I was hoping for. Still nothing a gallon of strong tea, Lucozade and adrenaline could not sort out. Scrutinering was a non-event and only took a matter of minutes. Looking at the entries prior to the day, I was very concerned that I would be off the pace with a field almost exclusively of seasoned racers driving Caterhams. I knew I had lapped Donnington Park earlier in the year at a trackday in the low 1.22s and this didn’t bode well given the times of the entrants who were there the previous year. So out I went for the 30 minutes practice and quali, determined to not come last. We were qualifying with the Group 2 cars as well so it was busy. Some cars in Group 2 have 2.3 duratec’s and full pit crews, so it was an exercise of watching your mirrors whilst setting a time that I would be happy with. Lee followed me round for a few laps then overtook me, only to have a bit of a moment and end up running thought the gravel at McCleans – no damage done thankfully and he carried on (we both had a laugh about that one). I managed to set my best time on my penultimate lap, before I got the dreaded fuel surge again and had to come in 2 minutes before the end of the session. Lesson learnt. I posted a 1.21.5 which was good for 5th. I was more than happy with that. Lee managed a 1.19.9 which was a great time considering he had not even been to Donny before. So now we had a near 6-hour wait until my race. I managed to fill some of the time by helping Lee out with his race (Group 2). I offered to time his pit stop and give him some water. Mark was going to take his tyre pressures. The race turned out to be quite eventful. Lee pitted early as agreed but it was clear he had a problem. His front wheel arch had come loose and was rubbing against his tyre. We spend a very frantic 2 minutes trying to get a spanner and tighten up the nut. It was a blind panic as there was not a tool box/mechanic to be seen – blooming typical. We watched Lee go round for a few laps only for him to then start frantically pointing at his front arch again. Turns out it was his other arch rubbing this time. We prepare for another pit stop which the race commentator picked-up on but Lee decided to stay out. Having given me the thumbs up we monitored it from the pits for the rest of the race. Towards the end of the race Lee had another moment going straight on at the chicane, hitting the raised kerb and taking off skyward (the airport is next door Lee!). The floor was looking a little second hand but all was good. We also had more drama as one of the leading Caterhams managed to break his propshaft. The carbon firbre propshaft with CV joint still attached (well who doesn’t have a CF propshaft on their car?) came to a rest in the middle of the start/finish straight, being collected by one car which lost it’s rear arch as a result. Luckily no one was hurt. The safety car was called out and the Marshals grabbed it. So after a nervous wait, it was finally time for my race (Group 1). We were caller earlier than scheduled so Lee kindly stayed on, delaying his long drive home to help with my pit stop. I got a good start from the rolling grid. This was despite the 6th place Caterham being in front of me prior to the lights going out. At one point the grid was so messy I thought the start would be aborted. I held position in fifth despite grabbing some oversteer into Redgate and again at Craners (not something I want to repeat). Annoyingly I fluffed a gear change and didn't defend well going onto the back straight and lost two places as a result. It was that close running. My pain was made worse when I just could not find third coming out of the Foggy esses. This reined my speed along the start/finish straight. Fortunately, the two cars that overtook me continued to battle and I began to reduce the gap. One caterham span having lost the back end at McCleans and I managed to get clear of him for the rest of the race. Then at the next corner, the Westfiled of the Mowbray father/son team had a coming together with a Caterham and with bodywork all other the track, both retired from the race. This was a shame for the only other Westfield in the race. They were both quick too. Surprisingly, the safety car was not called out. I soon caught the car in front and we traded places for about 6 laps. This was sevens racing at its best with very equally matched machinery and plenty of drafting on the straights. The racing was hard fought, very close at times but clean and fair. I lost one of my front wings going down Craner Curves at some point was well. Shame really as it was CF. At about 23 minutes I pitted. This went as well as could have been expected. We know from the race organisers that the minimum time you can do a pit stop is 76 seconds and I managed 79. That helped a lot - thanks Lee and Mark!. The lap after pitting was ‘exciting’ to say the least with tyres not quite up to temperature. Pitting late meant the pit lane was virtually clear and there was no traffic in the pit lane or on the track as I left. This allowed me to put in 8 consecutive laps (after the pit exit lap) in the 1.22’s with a 1.21 on my penultimate lap. That Lucozade during the pit stop really did the trick! With about 6 laps to go Mark put out the pit board. This was really helpful. The pit board said ‘Mike 14’ (my race number) ‘30’ and ‘P3’. I though great I only have 10 minutes to go as I must admit I was very worried about my fuel level (I finished with virtually no fuel but with no fuel surge either).The following pit boards said the same but this time with ‘35’ and ‘37’ and I prayed that the safety car would not come out. I know this was the time remaining/counting down but refused to believe I was in third – ‘P3’. We had not agreed to put positions on the pit board. With two laps to go I saw a Caterham approaching fast and I could just not keep him behind me. Had I just lost out on my first podium? Again, I could see cars in my mirrors on the straights and I really dug deep to keep my concentration until the chequered flag came out. I was so relieved. I went round on my cool down lap, thanking the Marshals on the way. When I came into the pits I was pointed towards the winners section, I still didn’t believe it until Mark confirmed it – I was third and took my first podium! I was over the moon. What a result, even if I was a little lucky. I was interviewed by the race commentator, but quite frankly I didn’t know what to say! Interview practice was not on my training schedule! What a race and one I won’t forget in a hurry that’s for sure. Thankfully I remembered to collect my upgrade card and with my previous 4 races plus marshalling, I now have the 6 I need to upgrade to National A next year. I ceremoniously ripped my yellow cross off the back of the car. What a great journey this season has been. It’s been such an experience and I have enjoyed every moment. I cannot wait until next year now. Thanks for reading. Mike - No. 14. (My internet at home will finally be working next week so i'll try to sort some video)

Good turnout, thanks all

Recorded for watching tomorrow Lee. I'll be cheering you on (even if I know the result…)!

Mine from Mark at Carbon-NV

Was it something like Kit Car Crisis?

Fornication and excrement have little to do with arachnids...

Tigger should sort that tonight Maurici

Can't guarantee that Chris .. blame the physicists at the mo your right about the mounting holes tho. Quinten they look right to me. But best ask dunnel before you order as they are generally great at advice. I think they even sent a new set of bolts for the flywheel

Mine runs old Hepolite +90 1300 pistons in a 1600 engine which look similar. Once made 140bhp according to the build sheet and was at about 120 last time I had it dynoed. They need running quite cool though, 74 degree thermostat in mine.

On a modern (relative to car) Reliant engine.You can also see pipe to radiator only goes half height due to moder radiator fitment which is half size of original. Apparently it can go 60mph now! I wouldn't want to be in it doing that.

I've found these guys good for tuning parts (VX and Ford) - near Bedford so can save on postage..... http://www.turbosport.net/acatalog/Zetec_engine_parts.html I sort of agree with the idea of getting all the parts from one source - I nearly did that with QED but in the end I probably saved over £500 by shopping around (for identical parts - just often cheaper elsewhere). Apart from the cost saving it also helps you to understand how everything works and fits together (though keep a list of things in a spreadsheet for later !!)

That's like the one I have, but mine suits the 220mm Mondeo clutch - I believe the Pinto clutch needs the mounting holes drilling out (or something??) I have a new clutch and flywheel that came off my crate Zetec - but pretty sure it's wrong splines and positive its stupidly heavy! Checked the 'bay for the kit I bought originally, but listings are too old - so all I can offer is the following info: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clutch-for-FORD-Mondeo-Mk1-93-96-1-8-16v-2-piece-kit-1796cc-8-94-7-96-2-Pie-/361708212769?hash=item54377d5221:g:dmEAAOSwgmJXxyJG this will fit - 220mm with 23 splines Can't find a flywheel but is a Ford zetec off an early mondeo/escort/fiesta 1.8 - but not a zetec turbo - 220mm and with trigger holes on the back.

http://forum.wscc.co.uk/forum/index.php/blog/17/entry-56-westfield-seight-v-lego-seight/

Should be there

Thanks Ben for posting this message about the road works. I will add that there are long term road works on the southbound side which means that you cannot go into Lichfield at the first junction either when leaving Curborough. Other reminders for the day are that the BBQ is on together with somosas etc (thanks Shinda) so food sorted. However, you will need to bring your own drinks to keep hydrated. I now have the full list of attendees and all outstanding monies that need to be paid on the day. If you need to know what you owe please PM me and if possible it would be good if you could bring the correct amount as I may not have sufficient change available. General information. I will be opening the gates around 9.00am Track opens at 10am Lunch will be 1 until 2pm Track close/gates locked 5pm Any other question please PM me Martyn

Not for sale yet- http://uk.caterhamcars.com/news/lego-group-produce-caterham-seven-set I bet FinkAngel has got one on order though

Yeah, I think I got a bit lucky with this race to be honest. Generally my pace on the first lap has been good in my other races (helped by the sprinting I guess) but I was rubbish in this race. I managed to pick off places later in the race and then when I got some clear track after the pit stop managed to get 8 laps in the 1.22 and one in the 1.121s, which was the consistancy I needed to keep the pack behined me. Driving on cold tyres is definitely a skill and one I need to practice more. It was a bit hairy after my pit stop as well. I guess I lifted at creners to try and set the car up for old hairpin I was definitely optimistic going into the chicane. At one point I thought I would have them both - not a chance in hindsight! I’ll have to put that down to inexperience…. Racing is great fun and I have enjoyed every moment of it, but I definatley fell the need for more race seat time. There really is so much to learn over and above the trackdays. I found in my first few races that I was not carrying enough speed in the race as I either: followed the car in front/copied their mistakes or defended too much and too early and comprimisted my lap time. This has improved over the season but its not come as easliy as I would have liked. More practice needed. I’m still very new to this and it certainly felt like that on a number of occasions. It’s so similar yet so far away from doing trackdays. I just can’t wait to get out there again. I would really like to get a day with you next year Adam, prior to the season starting. I think it will help me a lot. I just didn’t have the budget this year with getting the car ready

Ive had a quick look in my emails but dont seem to have an order invoice. The flywheel was: http://www.retro-ford.co.uk/shop/node/174 As for the other parts required they will be able to tell you, as they did for me.

Haha! Track day review and video coming soon...

I'll try and dig out details of the ones I got prior to using the light flywheel as long as Dom promises not to tell me off

Mrs H and I will be there to cheer you all on!

This isn't named "Marto" by accident you know

i saw this on the curbourgh website just incase IMPORTANT- Road Works Notification By Curborough Admin on September 6, 2016 in Course Please note that long term road works affect your access to Curborough Sprint Course until December 2016. There is NO access from the A38 on the NORTHBOUND carriageway to Fradley Park and Curborough. PLEASE FOLLOW DIVERSION SIGNS, which will take you up to the next Junction (Alrewas) where you will be re directed to return on the Southbound Carriageway where there is access. The return to the A38 is NOT affected, but there are traffic lights at the works section. Please see the link below for full information https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/transport/staffshighways/roadworks/schemeinfo/lichfield/Hilliards-Cross.aspx

Great stuff Mike! Shows you gotta be in it to win it Your driving is looking really good, smooth and consistent. Couple of observations... Your oversteer at Craner on lap 1 was caused by a lift - maybe contributed to a little by the fact your tyres won't have been fully warmed through. Practice 'hot' laps straight out the pits on track days to get a feel for the car on cold tyres (as long as the oil is up to temp!), this can really help you maintain or gain places on the first lap. You've clearly got the feel and skills to deal with that sort of 'moment', so with more track time you'll find yourself carrying more speed everywhere to the point where that sort of steering correction is perfectly normal and completely subconscious multiple times a lap. The chicane at lap 1 - IMO you'd have been better to sacrifice a little on the preceding straight in order to end up with a net gain overall on exit. Cross gate shifts are always slower too, so following in behind the other cars would have allowed you to take a normal line and carry speed in 3rd. Appreciate there was someone having a nosey at you from behind but if you can block their line as long as poss, then brake diagonally away from the apex you can usually keep them behind and get back to the normal entry line... Hope that makes sense! All this stuff just comes from experience and track time, so with you already up the front of the pack you'll be flying soon...

can't help but love these, I know its choreographed etc but his precision is amazing, would love to know how many tyres he actually uses on all that concrete ... Loved the way he kicked the door at the start to bounce it shut

Seen it and passed the details onto a friend. Looks like a decent spec.

Yeah, neighbour just dropped mine round, I must have missed the card trough the letterbox when I got home telling me where it was. Looks decent enough!

Wirrai N./Wales trip to Scotland Coast road out of Applecross Kyle Rhea Ferry Loch Cluanie Kyle Of Durness Rhiconich Near Drumbeg We had a fantastic time in Scotland, hope to do again next year Jeff

Ha ha! I refer the right honourable gentleman to post No2. You'll have a good day when the adrenaline kicks in.

My older brother passed his 11+ and went to a Grammar School - I failed mine and went to a (good) Secondary Modern school. Both of us have grown up fairly equally in terms of ambition and intellect (I think) though I have a slightly better mechanical hands approach to things (a lot of that down to the school I went to as well as my fathers engineering background). I also had friends at my school that went on to universities and the last time I saw them, most were struggling to maintain their "aspirational" jobs (and for a few, their marriages as well, though I suspect that applies to all regardless of your schooling !!). My son went to a local secondary school and enjoyed his time there before leaving with some good GCSE's and getting his first job working for Jedi (racing cars). He has the same approach as me in terms of practicality and problem solving (cars, caravans, lorries etc). I have no objections or anti feeling about Grammar schools, what I do object to is the "social engineering" that was started by Blair back in 1998 - as mentioned, one size does not fit all, and trying to obtain some form of "socialist utopia" by standardising the level of education and achievement to almost the lowest denominator (and remember the "no-one is allowed to lose philosophy" ..... my !!). It is hardly surprising we have just about the least qualified young people in the whole world and for many, they are trapped exactly where Blair wanted them to be trapped (and I suspect Corbynista's want the same as well). In my opinion, what we need to change is the expectation from just about every youngster that after school they will go on to university as a "right". It should be that when you get to 16 you should be looking to what you'd like to do for a career - at least for the next 10 years of your life - not which university you can get into so you can have as much fun as you can get away with (after doing your "gap year" trip around the world of course ). Bring back career advisers, bring back apprenticeships in ALL industries (especially manufacturing rather than "media studies") and let's get this younger generation thinking for themselves for a change - state, grammar or private. As for all those luvvies who are whinging ....... // rant mode off <as well> //

It's a 630, they're a special model that Omex sells to manufacturers like Westfield (and some well known names form the specialist car and motorbike world). That's why as standard, users couldn't access the settings on them, only Omex. In terms of its internal spec, their based around the processor etc of the 710, but in the casework of the 620 series and with a reduced I/O count. I hope Steve doesn't mind me mentioning, this ecu has been unlocked, so can have fuel and ignition etc remapped to suit your individual engine. However it needs to be understood that these Westfield supplied Omex S2000 ecu's have hardware and firmware mods to make them compatible with the Honda F20C engine. You cannot re map them for a different engine, they require the input signals from both an F20C pattern crank position sensor and (exhaust) cam position sensor to work, and cannot be reprogrammed for other sensors. They make a cracking ecu for the Honda engine though and work with the Honda's original throttle body and idle control motor etc to give a proper production car feel to the Westfield driving experience, or can be reprogrammed for individual throttle bodies etc.