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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 purchased my 1990 Westfield last February as a (barely) running project with MOT. After a year long almost nut and bolt restoration (www.10-42.com/westfield) , which included a new stage 3 Crossflow engine, Type 9 gearbox, 3.54:1 CWP, drive shafts, coolant system, ignition system, alternator, starter, carburettor, water pump, battery, complete braking system, wheels, tyres, lights, instruments, carpets, repaint etc, it has passed it's MOT with no advisories! The reason for the post is that Manor Garage in Brundall, Norfolk were truly excellent and very Westfield friendly; being able to MOT the car on a Saturday was a real bonus. I also meant to say they also understood the "Q" plate testing parameters very well.

@SimonRad Dont be put off by this. You wont take anything good from a yorkshirer an spanish and a bunch of upset people arguing behind a keyboard. If that was in the pub with beers the tone and the arguments, would be much more relaxed even telling the same. The only one great thing that cant be denied is that the atmosphere and the banter in the Speed Series, is great, and once there, everyone is up for a laught all of the guys are really suportive when it comes to help. If you want to go there, and you are not fused about results and you want to have fun... leave the boardroom aside, as in the real life, everybody is quite easy going and fairly different from here. Even I am quite nice...

Well done all for getting these out as early as possible. Some interesting ideas and new thoughts. These are always done with the best intention and only time and results after bedding in will say if they achieve the intention or some other un-ntended consequence. I know from the past how demoralising something you have worked on is shot down or some other angle is provided and you think oh crap we didnt think of that. All that said the only thing I feel strongly on is cash prizes. Maybe im a snob but it feels cheap. Is it a big draw to me its off putting. As a long time sponsor of the series, I probably wont carry this on becuase of this. My sponsorship is there to make the series happen and work it isnt to put a few quid cash into competitors pockets - that doesnt sit right to me as a sponsor. In business you are very careful to ensure everything is done indirectly, properly and above board - this just feels wrong for me. I think it totally flys in the face of what the ethos of the series is about.

@SimonRad See we’re just like normal disfunctioal family ! Terry thinks he’s the Alfa male, the godfather the matriarch, but we think of him more like grandad from Only fools n horses, an old fart who’s full of wind and stories from yesteryear The rest of the SSOT act like our big brothers trying to tell us what we can and can’t do, so we have to argue with them even if we know their right But when we all get together that’s all forgotten over a few beers and gallons of vin rouge

Don’t be put off Simon, just that we’re all passionate about our daft hobby On the day of an event you won’t find a friendlier bunch guys n girls all willing to offer help, advise and enjoy a little banter. Look forward to see you out soon Marto

Howard and I discussed moving from 1B to 1C tyres. for 2019, as mentioned by Alex in his 2019 Speed Series Regulations posting. Howard is moving to 1B and it is highly likely that I will also run 1B in 2019 for the following reasons: a) I need some new tyres for 2019 to replace my current 1C Kumhos b) It is my personal belief that in future there will be reduced availability of reasonably priced 1C tyres in the sizes and compounds suitable for our type of competition and car c) I want to revisit and compete at some new venues not currently in the SS and will therefore be entering another championship this year in a roadgoing class d) I do not want to compete on-the-day against slick shod cars in Mod Prod. d) I fancy a new challenge. I realise that by running an H-pattern dog box I will still compete in SS Class D and even though the car has a Passport it will compete with MOT, insurance, lights, etc to comply with roadgoing requirements of the other Championship. I am thus likely be at a significant competitive disadvantage in the Speed Series re tyres, seats, etc but as Stu states, that is my problem. I have nothing whatever against 1C tyres and the current SS Class structure which does indeed provide a stepping stone through to Mod-Prod. It is my personal belief however that legislation and subsequent availability and cost of 1C tyres will eventually see reduced use in sprinting and hillclimbing at which point Championship organisers need to make the decision on Classes specifying IC’s and give competitors at least 12-18 months warning of any changes. A mid-2019 Season review of Speed Series Class numbers, 1C and 1B users thoughts and time comparisons between 1B & 1C users should enable an SSOT decision to be made. Richard and Philip are correct: Things were so much simpler when everyone ran 1A’s and full windscreens!! Just need to get the car back together now! Keith

As I see it- The SSOT are just trying to offer classes to group similar performance together. The classes offered do this quite well. It would be simpler just to follow the MSA/ event classes, split Roadgoing and Mod prod but that would put alot at more of a dissadvantage I think

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

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

Not sure about the last bit

Well @Marto303 we have written the same at the same time... must be true!! Xd

Don't be put off! You must understand that this is a game we play every year when the regs are published. The rules of the game are; someone says; if xyz appear in the the regs, then I'll take my bat and ball home. After this has gone around a few times all is forgotten, and it's back to business as usual! Remember the scrutineering is not done by WSCC people at events, so if you stick to blue book you will be fine

You can tax the car with the v5 document reference. you can also drive home from the MoT having passed without having to buy tax for that journey as the legislation allows you to drive to and from a pre-booked MoT.

the reason for raising this issue for discussion now is that if we are to give people reasonable notice about changes we can't leave things until the year end or everyone will complain that they did not get enough notice. So please air your views now. The biggest issue may well be that most , if not all, of the class records C,D,E and F were set on list 1C tres so how do we set Target Times ?

I like the colour. What do you think @Stu Faulkner

We do not have a problem about whether or not lights are required, as this is down to the SSOT, just the fact that the wording on the regs is incorrect, you can not say daylight MOTS are not allowed as there is no such thing. As it is part of my day job, reg's should be clear and factually correct, so it is better to say that working lights are required. Understand this has now been sorted so no problem. Just to clarify if it is legal to run we have an email from the BARC who checked this out with the Chief Scrutineer last year and said as long as we were taxed, insured and MOT'ed we are legal to run in road going. This has never been questioned by a scrutineer.

Is it Ok using the splitter and diffuser in road going?

Whats all the fuss about entering a different class? ( Roz, Swampy, Maurici etc) You can then run your cars exactly as you please. For instance. I will be running in 'Roadgoing ' on the day at events On list 1B tyres. So initially WSCC class A or B However I have a dog box so that puts me in WSCC C , against people on List 1C. But thats 'my problem' as I see it , I have the choice , either fit a syncro box ( I would if I had one) or live with it

Thank you so much for all your kind comments! SXRORY, yes I'm a gearbox tech for an F1 team. So spend most of my year away! Back for a few days here and there between races. Thrustyjust, yes Bristol for the IVA. Inspectors we're really helpful!

We are not excluding them. They just either need to fit lights or change to a different class that allows their car as it is

I’ll move this to the new thread !

Why are some so against having lights in A/B? Also I thought you had to have lights to run in 'Roadgoing' ( 2a, B1 etc) on the day , ?

As a first time (potential) entrant to the series may I seek clarification on rule 3.2.4. If I were entering Class F with a standard 1300cc Busa and am using 1b tyres then I must fit a passenger seat? Seems a strange ruling given a comparable vehicle with 1c tyres (quicker) doesnt have to have a passenger seat, how can that be a level playing field within Class F? Maybe I am missing something? Or could I choose to enter as modified specialist but use 1b tyres I wont mention the strange class structure whereby a 1300cc busa producing 193bhp is in the same class as a 300bhp ecoboost/duratec etc

Oh bring it on !

Indeed it does work. I recently purchased a new (second-hand) car for Mrs H., and traded in her MX5 against it. We did the swap on Friday 30th. November. I notified DVLA of the disposal of the MX5 online the same day, and got a refund which included the whole of December. I'd have lost one whole month's tax refund if I had to do it the old paper through the post way.

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.

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."

It also keeps the idiots away though

https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/Media-Corner/Matterhorn-glacier-ride/The-highest-3S-cableway?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=textlink&utm_content=fanpage&utm_campaign=social#1 https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g2024358-d7154560-Reviews-Kandertalbahn-Kandern_Baden_Wurttemberg.html https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g188071-d4269070-Reviews-Munot-Schaffhausen.html

Here you go @neptune A bit of a taster. http://www.layohn.com/2018/12/teufelsbrucke-devils-bridge-in.html https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/rhone-glacier-cave-furka.html

A few images from my build!

I have an account but i haven't used it for ages. I must try to get a new password

Good meet today considering the time of year, four Westy's braved the elements..

Thank you to all the SSOT, past and present. I look forward to working with you more closely in 2019.