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150 Days Firstly, I feel I need to apologies to all of you that have kept up with build blogs whilst actually building your cars! I had every intention of doing so, I just never found the time with building the car around work! Fortunately for me there were a number of builds taking place and I take my hat off to you all that kept up with your build blogs! Almost all the questions I asked myself or issues I came up against were covered somewhere in one blog or another! So thank you! My Westfield journey began back in December 2017, when a visit to the Westfield factory was all I needed to place an order for an FW Special Edition kit. I went down the modular route, so ordered Modules 1 and 2. With a few “upgrades”, including the LSD & heater to begin with. Upon returning from the Australian GP I picked up the first two modules at the end of March 2018. The story that’s been told a few times. Nice big Luton van up the M40 to Dudley and then brought a chassis and a load of boxes back! Trying to build the car between F1 races proved frustrating, but looking back it was also a welcome forced break. Any issues I came up against I was able to research from the hotel room at the next race. By the time I arrived home I had an idea of what I was going to do. That said the early days went really well, the build came together fairly quickly. So much so that come the May bank holiday weekend I found myself at Stoneleigh ordering Module 3! Taking full advantage of the discount on offer at the show I ordered module 3. The discount seemed to be an excuse to again order some extras – diamond stitched seats, LED light upgrade (excluding headlights), wider rear wheels to name a few. By the end of May, I had pretty much run out of bits to bolt to the car, which in a way was a good thing as I spent most of June and July on the road with work. So there sat the car in the garage under cover. Fortunately, it was soon August, a delay with the bodywork meant Westfield delivered Module 3 for me. With it being the F1 summer shutdown for two weeks it was full steam ahead with the build! Bodywork was built up and all fitted and the same week it arrived. Again I have to thank the excellent build blogs as I thanks to reading ahead, making a few notes and reading everyone’s tips I felt I was ahead of the game. August came and went and the car was looking like a car. Which was fortunate because between mid-September and December I was only actually in the UK for 12 days. These 12 days were well spent ‘tinkering’ and ‘fettling’ days. It was December before I really got back on with things. It was then I thought I needed to get my act together and sort out IVA paperwork! Once submitted I was offered an appointment at Bristol on Friday 11th January. For the first time of my build I felt like I had an actual target. The stress levels went up a notch, little things like not having a momentary fog light switch and a rocker switch for the fan that didn’t light up. All little things that can be found out working through the fault and possible causes. Westfield especially Ian were really good with getting parts to me quickly to aid the fault diagnosis/replacements parts. Friday 11th January, IVA Day. I was really nervous for the day. I’d hired a recovery truck and a friend came along to give me a hand. Took a bag full of tools, and a box of spares/foam/conduit you know the normal stuff! It was a 5am alarm for a 5.30am leave from just south of Oxford. The weather was dry and we arrived at Bristol at approximately 7.30am. Enough time to warm the car up, get it off the trailer and have a last look over. I went over to reception and was directed to the IVA lane and told to drive the car over and the inspector would be along shortly. The inspector came over and introduced himself and had a cup of tea with us, we spoke about the build. Everything went really well, with a minimal amount of work required at the test. I removed the boot box, pedal box cover, added a single cable tie to the wiring behind the dash and tweaked the headlights. The inspector played his cards really close to his chest, but I had a feeling it was going well. We seemed to be flying through the tests. Before too long we were outside doing the noise test, then off the inspector went, did a lap of the warehouse in it. He brought it back and said right feel free to drive it back around and load it up onto your trailer, which I did. He said he needed to go through the brake calculations and he’d be out soon to let me know the result. Me and my mate loaded the car and just stood anxiously waiting for him! I daren’t go in and bother him. So we waited for about 15mins (Perhaps he was having a cup of tea as well)! Needless to say he appeared with a pass certificate and congratulated me on a well-built car. Over the moon was an understatement! I couldn’t believe it! A year of doing a bit here and bit there had resulted in an IVA pass! I’m still on cloud 9! Therefore, with the added benefit of having a mate who was also driving the recovery truck for me… you know where this is going! We pulled of the M4 at Swindon and found a layby! Thought I might as well take advantage we had the truck! The car was insured on the chassis number, so off it came and I drove the last 15miles home, in convoy with my recovery vehicle! It wasn’t needed the car drove like a dream! This thing really is going to be all about smiles per mile! The only squeaky bum time at the IVA test was with headlights. I’d aligned them on the garage door and the LH light really wasn’t far away. Literally a little tweak forward and we got the right pattern. We really struggled with the RH one and I genuinely feel it was the discretion of the inspector which meant he didn’t fail it. Just strongly suggested I get in touch with Westfield to see if there was a fault with the unit itself. We did everything possible to try and achieve the correct pattern, it just wasn’t happening though. At the time of writing this I’m waiting for Westfield to get back to me. So hopefully I’ll have an answer soon. I spent the weekend making a start on the registration paperwork, letting Westfield know so they can get my Certificate of Newness in the post! All being well I’ll be able to get a few miles in before work gets busy! Once again I apologies for not keeping a built blog. I just couldn’t face starting one then having to abandon it/not keeping it up to date. Equally you all deserve to know that another Westfield is on the road! Plus, I honestly couldn’t have done it without the brilliant build diary’s/blogs a number of you have kept! So guys like BugMan, MrMgoo, Chris Brading, Insuranceman. You don’t know me but I feel like I know you! Thanks for all your brilliant blogs. They were so helpful whilst I was building my kit. I had a count up on the calendar of how many days I was in the UK to be able to work on the car last year and it’s around the 150 mark. Hence the title 150 days! As a post IVA treat/celebration I’ve brought myself the Momo steering wheel kit and quick release steering boss! These cars are never finished! I will post a few photos later!

I am not wanting to be controversial but am I the only one who considers the addition of cash prizes a negative step? I can't see it influencing participation, imho cheapens / doesn't reflect the sporting nature of a club competition and the money could possibly be better used to promote the series, attract novices or to back events building the spirit of the series. David

A few images from my build!

This year I have decided to do my own thing ,a bit of a holiday/tour of my top hotels and roads up north, this run will determine if I keep the westy or flog it? after 12 years of ownership and some fantastic trips I am starting to loose the urge, I hope this run will rekindle my love affair for this fantastic wee car.To give you a wee taster its 800 miles 5 pubs 5 days and a beech Barbie and a ferry trip (drink] Thursday 13th june Livingston to carboast in Skye via the malaig/Armadale ferry staying in the old inn ,fantastic entertainment in the pub that night Friday 14th June Carboast to ullipool overnight in the sheildings b and b, stopping at Applecross for lunch Saturday 15th June Ullipool to durness staying at the smoo cave hotel and a mid afternoon fry up on the beech at achmelvich. Sunday 16th june Durness to glencoe staying at the glen isle hotel ballahulish stoping at loch ness for lunch ?? might get the monster out ha ha Ziplob scare the japs ... get the name now . Monday 17th home after a swim at the hotel Its a Lot of miles and just pray we get the weather , so if you fancy joining in or meeting up just let me know . Bob

2019 Regulations –Comments After consultation I am posting this on behalf of the SSOT in an attempt to clarify certain issues that have been raised. Firstly, I must state that members of the SSOT have done their best to draft the 2019 Regs in a way that minimised changes, was fair to everyone and clarified certain comments and questions that arose during the 2018 season. As we are predominantly a one make championship we have 8 classes of car which are often constructed using a wide range of parts and are often DIY builds so nothing is standard. We have a class structure that has evolved to accommodate groups of cars which might have similar power and technical specification. Clearly this is not an exact science but over the years it has been done in a fair way and is regarded as one of the best championships to take part in. It is the intention to make competition fair and give everyone a chance of success. We interpret the requirements of the Motorsport UK Blue Book as well as the words that explain our own Regss in the best way we can in order to promote a level playing field for all. (initial SVA/IVA and even MOTs are subject to interpretation ) The issue of Daylight only MOTs and Seats was discussed at length by several competitors last year as was the type of prizes that drivers would appreciate. Continuing the awarding of expensive cut glass trophies was considered to warrant review and it was decided to award less expensive trophies along with cash prizes. These have been distributed in the way we feel is fairest and includes Novices and the Mini Sprint . We have considered the money awards and revised them slightly but it will reviewed next year. Many people we have spoken to are in favour of this approach which is similar to the LDMC awards ( several of our competitors are also members of LDMC) Daylight only MOTs gave people the opportunity to have a lighter and slightly more aerodynamic profile (without headlamps etc). which could be regarded as an unfair advantage. The issue of seats has caused the biggest head scratching over the last two years. As a friendly club we have not formally inspected the cars to ensure compliance with our Regs and the Motorsport UK Blue Book. In addition some scrutineers have asked about passenger seats even when our cars were running in Mod Prods and did not require a passenger seat. We have clarified this situation for competitors in classes C, D, E, and F who use list 1C tyres where we state that the fitting of a Passenger seat is optional. Our main concern is with classes A and B which are really entry level classes where cars are more likely to be standard road use cars with syncro gearboxes and no driver aids. As a result we have specified what we think is a reasonable requirement for a road going car rather than a full blown sprint or hillclimb car which has been modified and has trick suspension etc. Driver and passenger seats must be fitted in our championship. A few typing errors have been amended. So, in summary, these are the rules for 2019 and we have done our best to improve our competition to the benefit of everyone who takes part. We have admitted that we are not perfect but we spend hours on your behalf trying to do what the majority want in an unbiased manner. We do not intend to make any changes from this basic concept as we think it is correct.

They're the ones chaps, thanks all, much appreciated

Just to point out as Steve is MOT QC tester, there is only one type of MOT now, it is a test on the day only regarding the cars roadworthiness, you can present a car with no headlights or indicators as long as they have been disconnected or permanently taped over. This would be an advisory note only on your MOT certificate but you would have a 'Full' MOT showing your car is roadworthy. The MOT only states that a seat most be secure and safety belts fitted, it does not mention comfort!

If the MSA rules are going to be applied so rigorously this year with regard to seats and headlights, can I assume that regulation 5.14.4 will be equally enforced within the speed series and we will all therefore have to change our headlights to 6" diameter?

I Miss 1As and Full screens life was simpler.

I can see where it's come from, a nice ideal However, it has been said many times (mostly in reply to my posts regarding ideas for how to try and get newbies in ) that new people coming in cannot and should not expect to win, so I don't see how cash prizes will entice / encourage them. To me, it seems it will just help to line the pockets of those already heavily invested. As David says, chucking - say - a £650 at hiring Curborough for the day, letting potential entrants turn up and have a few laps for free, then giving a couple of people, say, £100 each for their time to rock up and offer advice may help give a few more people the bug? Just an idea. A question, will the target times for classes A and B be adjusted or completely wiped and start again? The new regs mean cars will need to be 10-15kg heavier in theory (full daytime MOT and a 'proper' passenger seat), plus the added drag of front lights. That's at least 0.25s per minute by my calculations - perhaps more as I haven't done any drag calculations in reference to fitting lights - or in points terms about 0.5 points at Blyton Outer, for example. I will need to sit down and have a careful look at the regs before deciding what to do this year. To me it feels like there is a really great intent from those involved, and I admire the thought and time that goes into this, but it feels like things are going in the 'wrong' direction.

As soon as I saw the second two pictures my mind screamed RUN AWAY, very much like the feckless Knights in Holy Grail. You have my respect, sir. That sort of thing scares me witless, despite owning MIG, TIG & spot welders......

Should 3.2.4 allow carbon as well as GRP seats ?? Probably Kevlar too? Or Does the material even need to be specified beyond it being a rigid shell descrete from the vehicle floor and bulkhead? Any issue with half height vs full height seats?

Thanks John couple of observations Cash prizes next to the awards but then in the next line it says no cash prizes will be given. Also I know one car that won't come out this season due to the exclusion of day time MOT's in class A+B. Is that needed/step too far. I thought we were trying to keep as many competitors as possible and attract new ones as well. All good work by the SSOT well done

https://www.cornwallmotorfest.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2bU4_TYbdzBS45xxEHtg3nw9tba6cnd9qgTJ_SHalEklB1V66GANu6G7A

With regard to changes in regs for this year I can clearly see the reasoning behind the passenger seat rule for A/B though I’m not sure I see the point, after all undo 4 nuts before a sprint and most roadgoing cars could lose the passenger seat and 10kg for no cost ! MOT’s I’m with Roz, only one mot available and that’s a Full MOT with advisory notes if head lights /seats not there ! If you want to make head lights / seats compulsory in A/B write it in the regs don’t rely on MOT standards. My biggest problem is with the timing, releasing draft regs 10 weeks before start of the season with unexpected changes is bound to cause problems. Surely it would make more sense to notify competitors now of up coming changes for next season and give everyone time to adjust. M

As some of you know I have always attempted to promote "level playing field" and sensible regs for the Speed Series I have the following observations on the proposed 2019 Regs 1) Passenger Seats As it appears that there is no defined requirement for passenger seats either for the MOT or specified in the Blue Book I propose that NO passenger side seat or seat belts should be allowed in Classes A B C D (Level Playing Field, no interpretation and no further discussion required) 2) Daylight MOT As I don't think there are many competing Westfields with out lights I agree that for classes ABCD the no Daylight MOT rule should stand. 3) Cash Prizes and Standard of Trophies To me the quality of the trophies underlines the quality of the championship! Lower quality trophies will only IMHO detract from the quality of the Speed Series The payment of cash prizes has to me somewhat of a "tacky" feel about it particularly when the proposed distribution of the prize money is looked at it more detail! I don't think the "Expert" cash amounts will provide a great incentive for additional drivers to come to the Speed Series in preference to other competitions! I feel the amounts proposed for the Novice and Ladies championship could in fact be a dis-incentive when compared with the Expert awards! I agree wholeheartedly with Adam Read that we need to make all potential and existing entrants feel important and wanted by using all available monies however generated to help towards attracting and developing the skills and knowledge of as many SS entrants as possible. Graham

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/46846727 "Dakar Rally: Sam Sunderland wins stage after helping hurt rival Paulo Goncalves. British motorcyclist Sam Sunderland was promoted to stage five winner on the Dakar Rally after stopping to help a fallen rider. The 29-year-old lost more than 10 minutes while he tended to Portugal's Honda rider Paulo Goncalves. Sunderland finished in 14th, more than seven minutes behind Frenchman Xavier de Soultrait. But stewards gave him back the time he spent with Goncalves, meaning he became stage winner and lies second overall."

No plans at the mo but but keen when car is built!

Plenty of choice here, too: https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/dashboard-and-panel-bulbs/

There called capless bulbs, normally 1.2w and I think there referred to as a 286.

I read that as yes unless its written into our own series regs to permit the use of something smaller

You are correct - my apologies. in which case Daylight MOTs are certainly not allowed as cars MUST have headlights according to this

It's on this tab

The black green cable is the postive feed to the fan. N5 is a battery fed feed to the relay. BG102 is +12V when the relay is on. It goes to the fuse with wire BG102. BG14 is the wire from the fused side of the fuse to the fan positive. If you link out the thermstat. Is the fan relay energised?

HAHA. Good job Westfields are fibreglass then.

Adam There is no perfect solution to this and we do not have an unlimited amount of cash.

Is it though? Why is a novice win only worth a little over quarter of an expert win? Why does the mini sprint which needs 5 events only get a fifth of the overall win which requires 10 events? Why do 10 'experts' get cash prizes but only a maximum of 3 newbies? Of course I understand why, I'm just teasing the lid of that can of worms open a bit more, but IMO to a newbie coming in it says 'we don't value you as much as we do the regulars'. Edit: imagine offering a £500 for novice winner (no other prizes). If the real motivation is to encourage new participation then surely that would be a better 'solution' (appreciate there is no perfect one)?

The cash prizes go right down to 10th and also apply to Mini Sprint and Novices so it is spread across everyone !

Seats can be Factory, GRP, Carbon Fibre, Kevl;ar , Titanium etc with a a Rigid Shell. So long as there is a head restraint to go with a low height seat then that's fine

As Chris has said, Halfrauds list a number of similar looking bulbs, don't give any dimensions though. https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-bulbs?pageNo=1&pageSize=42&sort=price_for_ranking+asc

Can hardly credit suggesting this these days, sadly, but have you tried Halfords? They are often a T5/286. Is this image shamelessly snagged from an eBay advert any help? If you can measure the base for width, thickness and pin spacing, I might be able to help - I have loads of bulbs from stripped cars.

Brilliant, thanks @Tom (T3OMF) - Cotswolds AO I'll follow that up - be nice to venture out on track (for the first time!) with like minded souls. Chris

Will not fit as you fo not get FW bodywork on a narrow.

Thanks Tim, you're alawys welcome if you are passing? A Castle Coombe session is on my list of things to organise - maybe with @Tom (T3OMF) - Cotswolds AO when they do theirs? I'll keep you posted. Regards

Back in NZ, my mate and I used to go to alot of weekend motorcycle rallies. One particular one, I didn't go to for some reason but he did, and came back with this story. This was the in the days before porta-loos were common-sight, they had a series of long-drops dotted around the campsite. For those not familiar, a long drop is a wee shed with a wooden seat over a very deep hole/pit and 1000 flies upon lifting the seat - the classy ones have a quarter-moon window cut in the door for light. There was a girl using one when the seat collapsed and she fell in! There was also a portable hot-water shower trailer there which cost ?/5mins - the organisers said for her it was free and she could stay in one for as long as she liked. At the prize-giving that night, she got a special prize for being a good sport about it (probably in the hope she didn't sue them).

Thanks Hammie.

My missus wanted a footrest, but as she's only 5'1" I didn't want to screw down a permanent one to suit her as that would prevent taller people fitting in. So I got really dense chip-foam, shaped it to suit the floorpan and contoured it to clear the bungee net on the left hand side, covered it in Veltrim auto trimming carpet, and added a rubber foot pad. In fact, I made two removable footrests for her - one for flat shoes and one for heels! (I like to keep my bread buttered). It also protects the ECU which is bolted to the firewall down at the end of the footwell. Tip for schoolboys - electric breadknives cut foam superbly.

Breakfast meeting this Sunday at the Red Kite on Denby Dale road, Wakefield. The first Yorkshire meeting of the year. Don't think it's going to snow. Anyone coming?