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Since July 10th 2002 |
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2005
9th Nov This is the last of the race reports for the year, with only the Dinner and Dace report to come. I hope you had as good a year as I did.
Halloween Showdown As we had been asked (Through Chris) to display our car on the NSRA stand at the classic car show, we had taken the body off to repair any damage and I decided to leave it in the garage to stop it getting any more. We got up the track at to find the pits quite empty and settled down next to the MadRs mob for the weekend.
Sat At the last two meeting, the car had been running a little flat and as I had not checked the timing for about two years I checked it when warming the engine in the morning. The timing is normally set at 38 deg, when I checked it, it looked like the were two timing marks on the pulley, with 38 in the middle and about 6 degrees either side, I took the distributor cap off and found a lot of play in the rotor arm and shaft. we left it as it as it was for the first runs.
Dave was running it for the day and I was meant to run on the Sunday, so Dave got booted and suited and we made our way down to the pairing lanes being towed by Steve and the Black Pig team.
It was like Dave was bracket racing as the first two runs netted him with a 11.45 (NPB (Body off)) at 113 mph.
We took it back to the pits and I took the distributor out and found the play was in where the shaft goes into the gear and pump drive in the engine, on the end of the distributor drive shaft is a screw driver type end and I tapped the bottom slightly with a hammer until it was a tight fit in the cog. I rechecked the timing and while it was out by a few degrees at least it was not moving about, I reset it to 38 deg and we wend down for our next run.
Dave done a good burnout and the run looked good from where I was standing. I looked at the scoreboard and saw a .38 on the end, it was not until I saw it was only 99 mph I noticed it was only a 12.38.
When we got down to pick them up, the rear brakes were still red hot, seams like Dave had a problem with the line lock and had done the run with the back brakes half on. He said he did not really notice until after the finish line when he took his foot of the throttle for the car the nearly stop, he had to keep driving it all the way the the end. (Normally you can just coast it.)
It was straight around for the next run, this got Dave his NPB and into the 11.3s with a good 11.39 @ 113 mph. while back in the pits for Steve to put in some fuel, without Dave knowing, I put 200 rpm on the limiter, but when we were down the pairing lanes I add another 200 making it set for 6500 rpm. I had a felling we would not be running the next day, so I was hoping for Dave to get a PB for the car. All was going good until mid track, when Dave said the car starting to skate around and in the end took his foot of, so we only ended up with a 12.51 @ 109 mph for this run. the weather conditions were good and we had sorted out the timing but the track had just gone off at the end of the day.
Sun As you all know it was in the end rained off, that was not until the track crew gave it all their best to get it dry but after the last big shower it was on the trailer and a early start home.
Classic Car Show. NEC First I would like to thank Jon Paine, I have known Jon for years, he works for another garage but still found time to come over as much as he could and repaired all the body, touched up the paint, mopped it and gave it a good polish before the weekends show. I did all I could on the chassis and other parts, but has the car is parked in the open and it rained most of the week. the only thing I did manage to do was repaint the headers and put some exhaust rap on them, They are always looking tatty and the bandage is meant to be good for the engine (This part I will have to wait and see next year.) I think it looks good anyway. (I bought it on EBAY for a lot cheaper that you can get anywhere else, I paid about £55 for 2 rolls, 1 in x 100 ft and 2 in x 100 ft. Every where else is about £50 for one 50 ft roll, all you don't get is the clips to hold it on.)
We took the car up on Thursday evening, getting there about 9, we set it up just in front of the NSRA stand, gave it a quick clean and sprayed all the black we could see, we left it there sitting nice with the body down.
I phoned Barry Timm's up on Friday to see if it was in the right place and he said they had lifted the body, I didnt mind that much, but knew the paint on the front end was not to good as it had bloomed in the damp when I tried spraying it.
We went up for the Sunday and took Rhia with us, we got there about 1pm and the place was packed. we had a good look around the show and found there was plenty to see and do (If you wanted to.)
The show ended at 5.30 and we were on our way by 7 and got home just after 9.30. As I said, it was a really good show and well worth going to, with lots of trade and auto jumble stands.
I would like to thank Chris for asking if I would like to take the car (Sorry we didn't have chance to talk on the Sunday) (Also thanks for the use of the manikin.) The NSRA for having me on their stand, Jon for doing a good job getting the car ready, Dave, Linda and Linda helping on the weekend.
There will be a small report after the Presentation Dinner & Dance.
Look out for the Guess Who Comp coming soon.
20th Oct Sorry its taken so long, but with lots to do and a holiday in between I haven't had much time, anyway, it's another two for one report.
Santa Pod, Nat Finals and our Wild Bunch finals, I went into this round still leading by a couple of points, even that I had to miss the York round. I was hoping for a double No 1 as I can't afford the stickers for a new number for the car, looks like I'm going to have to have a whip round for the cash now so I can put W B 2 on the side of the car. Well done Mike Cresswell for getting the well deserved W B 1.
Sat The weather was not too good with showers throughout the day and with the promised 3 runs turning into 2, with the last just as it got dark. On the first run, the car did not feel right and was a little flat going across the line, I had dialed in the normal 11.52 and run a off 11.81 @ 107mph, we had a look at the car, but put down to the weather. I altered the time to 11.62 for the next run and ran near the same time as the first run with a 11.79 @ again 107 mph.
To try and find the problem, during the evening, I drained the fuel take and filtered what I put back in after I found dirt in the bottom of the tank, we also stripped the carb and found some dirt in there.
Sun. In the morning we started it up and found it was running a lot better so did not really know what Time we was going to put up for the first round, in the end we dialed in the same as the last run Sat with a 11.62. we were against Darren in The Wicked Lady.
When it was our time, we staged almost together and the green went to me first, the car was running really strong and I knew I was going to fast, I could not see Darren so I backed well out of it before the line and well after Darren went by. I did not see the win light come up on my side so did think I had lost, when Dave came down, I had run a 11.59 @ just 101 mph and had broken out with Darren being a second off his time.
Mike won his round and as soon as he staged for the next he would win the championship, which he did by just one point.
Club Day With Mike winning the Wild Bunch championship and Sarah winning the Ultimate Power Series, this was my last chance to win the Real Steel Championship, this again I was just leading over Mike by a couple of points.
We were on Holiday staying down I Bunt and Dinah's down in deepest Dorset, we were going to come home on the Saturday and just go up for the day on Sunday. We were out shopping in the market on the Sat morning when Chris phoned me and said that Mike had broke his diff and was out of the event, this meant that I had won the championship even if I did not even turn up, but as we had already planed to go, go we did.
Sun. We arrived about 10 and set up next to the new look Bee Sting, it was looking good and seamed like it now does have a sting in its tail showing me the way every run I was racing it.
We joined the queue early hopping to get a run in to see what to dial in for the day, this was not to be when I bike crashed and laid oil down the last half of the track and it was time for the first round before it was cleaned up.
As the car ran so well the last run at the pod we decided on 11.50. The car felt just has it done on the Sat at the pod and ran a 11.73 @ 108 mph. The next three were the same with a 11.89, 11.84 & 11.89 all at 108 mph, these put me in 4th place for the day with Steve Field getting his first win of the year.
After the last WB run, we went back to the pits and quickly took the body off and I ran a good 11.47 @ 113 mph.
With only the Halloween Showdown to go and the car being on display at the NEC the weekend after, I have decided to leave the body at home and have a play without it.
See you all there and again well done Mike.
23rd Sept I work it out to be the 16th Hot Rod Drags, the car and myself have been to every one so far, so I was not going to miss this one. it was a normal drive up Friday to find the pits fuller than ever and we set up camp next to Ron Bartlett with his Anglia.
Sat While we waited to be scrutineered, I went around the pits taking photos of some of the cars waiting for the other scrutineer , the queue was right from the top of the pits and half way around the other side, I went to the office and found that the scrutineer had not turned up, so I went to help Richard, Lee & Smoking Joe to get them all sorted. I did not take us long to get the queue down and I went and had mine done so Dave could go out and play. We had decided that Dave would do one day and I would the other.
I think Dave now knows what its like to be strapped in for a long time in the car, as just as we got to the end of the fire up lane, all the demo cars came down the middle. He had a good first run netting a not so bad 11.83 @ 110 mph, with the next in the right hand lane (and I think for that lane) a better almost bounce free 11.76 at again 110 mph. It was back into the left lane for the last two runs and he ran his best for the day first at 11.65 then a 11.75 both again at 110 mph.
After the racing had finished, it was all the Bunch cars down to the first turn off for the 10th anniversary photo session, taken by Sharky, 15 cars turned up and got knows how many drivers and crew, I hope to see the results soon.
Sun It was my turn to sit and wait while strapped in this time, It seems every time we are nearly there, there is some kind of hold up on track. Going on what Dave had ran the day before, I dialed in 11.65 for the day and the first run netted me with a near on 11.652 @ 111. mph.
I don't know what it is, but the next run, I knew I was going to quick and took my foot off well before the line, this still did not work as I ran a well off 11.50 @ 108 mph. Dave said that he did not know how I did it, as he had keep his foot in all the way and only got a 11.65 and I had done better even taking my foot off.
All my run were against Steve in the Black Pig, this time it would be to my peril, Steve was trying to get more load on his converter and pushed straight through stage and got a nice red, but I had not moved and a red came up on my side as well, normally, I would have stayed there and restaged, but I just put my foot down and headed for the finish line with no times or speeds recorded. (Claire said, even if I had been spot on that run, I would not have been in the running for a top four place. You lot are getting to good.)
Between the last to events, I have got myself a little digital cam recorder and strapped it to the cage for two of Dave runs. (One front view and one rear.) and one rear view on my first run Sunday. (They only take 3 minutes video at the time and have to be down loaded onto a computer.) Ed download the first two and will be sending them to me soon and the other you can see here (Its a WMV file) The other two will be put on as soon as I can.
Our next meeting is the National Finals at the pod. I am still in the lead. but the first 3 places are still to fight for, so hope its going to be a good meeting. See you all up there.
7th Sept Sorry its taken so long with this report. I would like to thank Sarah & Darrell for dropping the computer off to me on Monday night, I was hoping to have that set up and in use, but I cant get it to load some of my programs at the moment and will work on it when I have a little more time.
As I had to miss the York event due to my sons wedding (Which when off great) I knew the only person who could catch me, was Mike Cresswell, so well done Mike winning the event and getting real close to the No 1 spot.
Allstar Nats We got up the track to find all the Wild Bunch pits were full and found a spot next to Phil Sweeney in the Outlaw Anglia side, the place was full, so we set up and had a chat with a few of the Bunchers.
Sat It was a early start as we had to get the car scrutineered for the first qualifier. With this done I put in my normal first dial in time of 11.52 and when it was my time, I ended up in the right hand lane to run a 11.68 @ 112 mph. It bounced a little but not as bad as it used to, so for the next run I managed to get into the left lane but changed my time to 11.65. This time it ran a nice straight 11.50 @ only 110 mph as I knew I was going to fast and backed out a little. For the 3rd and last run for the day, I dropped the time to 11.48 and again ended up in the right lane, this time it was a little more bouncy and I only managed a 11.80 @ 111 mph.
Saturday night was Crazy Chris's birthday party and then it was a film show of the York event and some old drag racing at the Pod in Sid's pits.
The sad bit about the day, was that we lost Mike in the running, when he broke one half shaft and bent the other, Hope it can be fixed before the Pod.
Sun We were only meant to have one more qualifier today, then into eliminations in the afternoon, but as we had only 3 instead on 4 runs Saturday, they gave us 2 and we would do our first round Monday morning.
For the first run, I kept the 11.48 and promptly ran a 11.46 @ !!2 mph this was in the left lane, like the next one, for which I dropped the time to 11.44 and ran a good 11.47 @113 mph. Not long ago this would have earned the No 1 spot, but not these days with all the teams getting very close to their dialing's and I was in 3rd place behind Sarah and Sid.
Sunday night was another film show, this time the previous two days racing and time I went to bed, they put on one of my favorite films, Hot Rod, I wish I knew as I would have stayed up to watch it.
Mon I was due to meet Darrell in the fist round, but he had a phone call that his mother had had a heart attack in the night and both Darrell and Sarah made their way to see her. Get well soon Mrs. Howells
For the first run, I kept the 11.44 time and ran a slightly off 11.56 @ 111 mph, it went flat a little and I put it down to being the first run so kept to same time for my second round race with Crazy Chris. I had the left hand lane and was off over 2 seconds before Chris, I kept my foot in all the way and just as I got to the line, he flashed past me like a rocket, for some reason, I knew he had won as mine felt a little flat like the first run and he did not have me by much. Claire was the first down to confirm that Chris had won. I had ran another 11.56 @ 111 mph but with Chris better reaction time (0.15 to my 0.23) and being closer to his dial in with a 9.04 on a 8.95, he won it fair and square. I waited for Dave to pick me up and we took the car back to the pits, loaded it up and went and watch some racing.
Chris got through the next round and met, new boy on the block, Phil Sweeney, on his first ever MSA event and his first final. Phil not only got the win light, but also got the perfect ET award, (Not bad for a first timer.) Well done Phil, and Chris for getting in the final.
I came away with being second in the Ultimate Power Championship, behind Sarah (Well deserved)
Our next meeting is the HRD's where Dave will be doing the driving, then the Nat Finals at the Pod.
I have put up a couple more "In Ya Face" photos.
19th July British Mini Showdown. Got to Ragland services at the normal time and waited for Dave & Linda, the next thing I saw was a Peugeot Camper van pull up. I had to look twice before I realized it was them, they had not told me they were even thinking of getting one and had picked it up on the Tuesday, very nice and I now wish I had one, but mine will have to do for a while yet.
We got up the track and pitted between Team Twisted and Black Pig, we set up and had a normal look round the pits and was surprised how many Wild Bunch cars were there (20 I was told after.)
Sat Got up and got the car ready for scrutineering, this done, we went down for the first run. It was a good 11.72 @ 112 mph, the next was a better 11.53 @ 111mph. on the second run, I had left a little drop of oil on the line so we fixed that (Tightened up the sump bolts and sealed the plate in front of the flexy plate.) and went down for another couple of runs, the first was a 11.64 @ 113 mph, the second was a 11.62 at 111 mph, but just after I took my foot off thought the finish line, the engine sounded odd (As some of you know, I wear ear plugs while racing, I think I can hear the engine better and I don't get deafened. (That's why I cant hear any one talking to me while I am strapped in and ready to go.)) So I switched it off and coasted down to the bottom end. (I was doing this all the time, as I was getting a tow from Steve & Lesley, he always goes down there and it was easier to pull in behind him and when the crew came down, just tow us both back from there.) anyway, when Dave came down, I told him and when we got back to the pits, I put some more fuel in and we started it up. it sounded OK so we took it down to do another run. It was almost curfew time time I pulled into the burnout box, I done a strong burnout and as I waited for Dave to pull out the chute pin, I gave the engine a quick rev. It went flat, so I shut it down and was pushed back behind the line for the last couple of runs to take place.
One of the fire crew towed me back to the pits and we started to see what the problem was.
We took out the plugs and took off the rocker covers, Dave found that No7 inlet valve retainer had broken and the valve had dropped. I took off the inlet manifold and Dave took off the head and we found that it had only just marked the top of the piston. I went to the van and pulled out the spares box, dug out a valve and gasket set and started to repair the engine. This was finished and the engine quickly started up just before 9pm.
I would like to thank every one for the help and support to get it done, Roy Wilding, Steve Field, Twisted Dean and Bob (Wicked Lady) (For the lend of the battery charger in the morning.) just to name a few.
Sun It dawned hot and when I was asked for a dial in time, I thought the car would be slow due to the heat, so we decided on 11.70 for the day.
On the first run, I knew I was going too fast, so backed off just before the finish line to record a 11.72 @ 108 mph.
It was the same for the second run, this time it was a backed off, spot on 11.70 @ 107 mph.
We knew that we would only be having 3 runs for the day, but we were sitting in the pits when it can over the PA that the track would be closing a 4 and not 5 as normal, so we quickly made our way down for the last run.
I done my normal burnout and went into stage, off I went and near the finish line I backed off, as soon as I done it, I knew it was too soon, so I stood on it again. I was kicking myself all the way down the shut down area, even more so when Sarah told me I had ran a 11.8. Mind you, when Bernie came down, so had she.
I had in fact ran a 11.80 @ 105 mph and knowing the rest of the bunch, I thought I had blown it for the meeting.
When we got back to the pits, we loaded up the car and was called for the presentation, When Joe only had 4th followed by Steve and Helen 2nd, I had given up, but then Clare said that I had in fact won the event. It was a great feeling after what had happened the day before, I am grateful that I managed to run at all, not alone win.
I would Like to thank Dave for his help over the weekend and Steve & Lesley for the tow for the weekend, I am sorry that I am going to miss the next round at York, but I hope you have a great event and will see you all at the All-star Nats at the end of August. Well done Sid & Phil getting your MSA licenses over the weekend, also Alec & Tom for the brilliant runs you done in your new car.
5th July A day at the races, after last years blow out on the trailer and not being able to attend the Nostalgia Nats for the first time, we were thinking that we would not be attending this years, but after the win the weekend before, I decided that we would go just for the Sunday only and let Dave do the driving for the first time in over two years.
We aimed and got to the track about 10.30 thinking we would have time to set up before the 11pm start, but when we got there, the track was already open, so it was a quick unload and get the car scrutineered, (Which we found the second time going around the pits.) the it was down to the pairing lanes for Dave's first run.
we dialed in 1160 for the day and when it was our turn, Dave drove around the water and backed into it, the start line crew shut us down as there was oil on the track from where Dave had stopped. I pushed the car back to the wall and had a look underneath, there was not a drop of oil anywhere, so did not think it was coming from our car. Ed the starter also had a look and said that we could run as soon as Bev said we could. When it was our time, Dave pulled into the water and had to wait a bit while the track cleared so I looked under the car to find oil coming out of the gearbox. I shut him down and we took the car back to the pits.
we found it was the oil cooler bypass pipe had split at the flange, so we went into the trade stand area and looked to see what we could find, in the end we found Brian Huxley and crew and in the end they found a short pipe and fitting and some hose to make a temporary repair. This we done and it was back down the track.
Dave has never driven the car since the new converter and slicks and was surprised how quick it is now of the line, he ran a straight but slightly bumpy NPB of 11.72 @ 111 mph (12.09 was his old best.) this was in the right hand lane. for the next two runs, we were in the left lane with the first a better 11.55 and the normal 111 mph and the last a 11.95 at the same. (When he done the run, it came out up at another 11.55 on the score boards, but looking at the timing slip, he was a little slower all the way down the track, so all I can think of is that a bulb was out on the board.)
We, as you know also took Rhys with us for the day, Linda said that he loved the cars and didn't mind the noise at all, we did fine out something though, he must be like his Gramps and love altereds, as I put him in mine and Smoking Joes and he loved it, put him in Crazy Chris's and Marks and he cried, so we think that proves it and I will have a new driver for mine in 16 years time.
We had a great day and thanks to Claire, Sarah and Darrell for the tow and great to see Mark get his top 4 and drivers choice trophy's, well deserved. (Don't forget to sort out the wiring.)
See you all at the Mini Meeting.
29th June Well what can I say? had a smile on my face all the way home, read on the find out why.
As Dave was taking his caravan up for the weekend, I decided to go the easy route to the Pod via the M4 to Swindon, then off to Oxford where I meet Dave & Linda (My Linda had to work Saturday.) this way is a lot less hilly and I was there about 15 minuets before the other two. We made our way to the Pod getting there about 11 pm. As with the last few meetings there, we were pitted against the track fence, we found a nice spot and set up camp and then when to see who else was there. It was great to see Dave Ward for the first time this year, its a pity that he had problems and had to miss racing, Hope its fixed soon.
Sat We woke up to a damp start to the day, but had to get up and sign on and get the car scrutineered, (For those who have not been to the Pod, involves pushing, towing or driving the car well past the finish line to the scrutineering bay.) I drove the car down and helped push it back, (With the help of John from the Black Pig team. Thanks.)
It was after 1 before the track was opened and it was ages before we went down. For the first run I dialed in my normal 11.52 and was hoping to get somewhere near it as every other class seamed to be going to quick. I chose the right hand lane and was against Sarah, Sarah by mistake went straight into stage, I panicked (I do some times.) and we in as fast as I could, but did not get my revs up and even missed the first change point, this netted my a slightly off 11.75 @ the normal 110 mph. Even this got me into No 2 qualifying spot.
Time we got to do our second round, it was starting to get a little damp and before I could stage, my visor had misted up and I could hardly see the rev counter. any way, on the green, the car went off at the normal pace and it was not until about 3rd track, the car started to really move about, I backed off a little, got it straight and floored it. this got me a 11.76 @ 110mph. With every one else (Well nearly) I ended up 4th in qualifying after this session. After racing, there was a drivers meeting at the start line, we was told there would be another qualifier first thing in the morning.
Sun I got up early to get the car ready for the first run, I said to Dave that I thought we would be better putting 8 lb into the back tyres (Instead of the normal 6 lb) this we done and we then waited to be called. it was quicker than we thought it would be and I only had a little time to warm the engine before we towed it down to the pairing lanes.
I kept the 11.52 as from the day before and ran a oh so close breakout 11.15 @ 110 mph. I ended up in 5th place by now and faced Crazy Chris for the first round.
I was in the right hand lane and changed my dial in to 11.50, I cut a good .191 light (Chris a better .182) and I was heading for the finished line and just before backed off, just as I did Chris went storming past. (I had noticed during the weekend, that only the left hand lane, win light worked.) his light did not come on and I was hoping that he had broke out. I had ran a 11.53 @ 108 mph and Chris had just ran a breakout NPB 8.74 @ 151 mph (Well done Chris)
For the second round, I was against the driver and crew of the meeting, Helen Smythe and Team Twisted. they had ran a slightly better times and speeds of the Saturday with the new engine, when out of the blue in the morning qualifying, she ran a brilliant 9.4 @ 137 mph. Brilliant (And she took it like a normal Sunday drive.)
I was again in the right hand lane and kept my 11.50 time. I had a good light again at 208 and again as I could not see Helen, I just backed off on the line, netting me with a 11.54 @ 108 mph again. This put me into the final for the 4th time in four meetings that had not been rained off.
I met up with Mike Cresswell in his sling shot for the final. Mike had dialed in 11.50 throughout the weekend and as I had been backing out at the top end, I propped my dial in a little (And I mean a little) to 11.48.
My plan was to hopefully get passed Mike and just keep in front of him to the line, this is was exactly what happened, For some reason, we both cut rubbish lights (.512 - .513) and I passed him at mid track and backed off well before the line. I ran a 11.55 @ 106mph (to Mikes 11.78 @ 104 mph) to make me the winner of my first MSA event, ever. Pleased?? I should say so, as I said at the start, I smiled all the way home.
I know it might sound daft, but I have won a few WB rounds, but winning in a MSA event is very different.
As most of you know, I was not going to go to the Nostalgia Nats, but after winning on the weekend, I have decided to go up for the Sunday only and letting Dave have his first drive in about 2 years. Also we have decided to take our grandson Rhys with us (He's less than 2 years old but loves cars & bikes, while Rhia, does not like them.)
See you all on the weekend.
Before I forget, I would like to thank Mark Coulsell for selling me his old two piece fire suit, he recons that is why I won the meeting.
21st June After the wet week and the promise of hot dry weather we headed up the track on Friday evening and set up at the top end of the pits next to Tracy Froome and crew. We found there were two cars missing Alec's new sling shot and Helens Helles Belles (The first not finished in time and a bad oil leak on the second.) But Tracy had entered his Funny Car instead.
Sat We were 3rd in line for scrutineering, so I got up early to get the car ready, once that was done, it was down to sign on and get the car ready for the first run.
When we started it up in the pits, it did not sound right and Dave said he could hear a tapping on the left hand side, we took of the rocker cover and found No7 inlet tappet was not pumping up. I got a big screw driver and worked it up and down a few times, it went hard so we put the cover back on and restarted the engine to find it was running as it should.
In first qualifying , I was up against Mike Cresswell and dialed in 11.52. The car went off the line OK but started to miss before I changed into 2nd, then it still missed and I was about to take my foot off when it cleared and I ran a 11.99 @ 110 mph.
We checked the float levels and went out for the next round, I kept the same 11.52 dial in and ran a better 11.77 @ 110 mph.
I opted for the left hand lane for the last qualifier and changed the dial in the 11.65, I drew Sarah this time. The car bounced around a bit, but I beat her (This time) with a 11.93 @ 110 mph.
Sun While it had been hot for the Saturday, it dawned hot on the Sunday and it stayed that way all day, it was hard work doing anything, not alone sitting in a race car booted and suited waiting for the next run. I had been No3 qualifier and had drawn Steve Field in the Black Pig for the first round. We both done our burnouts and I waited for Steve to pull into stage, he was shut down and the starter said I was on a bye. I had dial in a 11.75 for this run and managed a 11.85 @ 111 mph. I also pulled my best reaction time of 0.164 which got me the best reaction trophy. (My first and last no doubt.)
For the Semi's I was racing Mike again. he was playing catch up, but only a little, as I kept my 11.75 to his 11.35. I was off on my green and was waiting to see mike to the right of me, as I could not see him just before the finish lie, I backed out a little not to brake out, I ran a 11.85 @ only 107 mph.
This put me through to the final, its the third time and I was hoping for my first win, but I was up With Sarah and I knew it was not going to be easy.
I don't know if it was the car or just the track being so grippy, but I pulled a good light and the car just started to bounce violently, I kept my foot in, but it started to miss again, by the time it had sorted itself out, I could see Sarah in my mirror, then she passed and I could even see her back off before the line. Well done Sarah, it was just not my day, it was all yours.
We had a good trip back home and today, I took off the float bowls and found some muck in the front one, this has now been cleaned and blown out and there is a new set of plugs on there way.
Our next meeting is The Summer Nats at the Pod next weekend, so hopefully I can do a little better this time.
Before you go. I would like to thank Sarah and Darrel in a big way for their gift to Linda the other week. Most of you will know, we had our car stolen and burnt our a few weeks ago, well it was Linda's car and was a present from out daughter Lesley for her 50th birthday.
At York Sarah and Darrel told Linda that she could have their other car if she wanted it, it had been standing in the drive since last year. We went to see it the other weekend and picked it up the weekend after. Its a little Honda Civic and will do nice for Linda to learn in (Once insurance has been sorted out.) Thank you both, we are well pleased with it and hope to get as much use out of it as we can.
1st June Roll Up, Roll Up, two write ups for the price of one.
American Car Nats We got to a cold and windy track on Friday night and set up camp, as normal, we took the car of the trailer and found the new ramps worked great. (And us not losing any fingers getting the old ones out from under the car as normal.)
Sat It was sunny, but still cold with the wind running down the track towards the start line, we made our way down to the track and ran a 11.80 @ 107 mph, we had lost about 5 mph due to the wind and was a couple of tenths off our normal times, the next was a 11.87 @108 mph. The biggest shock I had was on the next run, I was paired up against a near stock standard looking Mk 2 Escort, I did not expect it to be so fast. On the green I left the line as normal and it was just after half track when it came storming past running a 11.07 @ 129 mph to my 11.70 @ only 108 mph. Later in the pairing lanes we saw why, it had the biggest turbo I have seen fitted to a Cosworth motor.
By the time we done the last run, the wind had dropped a lot and I managed a 11.67 @109 mph.
Sun Woke up to a really nice wind free sunny morning, which mad it hard to guess what to dial in for the day and with the newt system in place it was making it harder. In the end I dialed in 11.65 for the day and on the first run done a so close 11.66 @ 109 mph. The next was not so close as I went a little to fast running a 11.53 @ 111 mph.
As it was running a little to quick for my dial in time, the next run I just backed out before the finish line and ran a 11.57 @ 106 mph with the next a long way around 11.77 @ 106 mph.
At the end of the day, I ended up in second place behind Sarah in Destiny's Angel, Well done Sarah on your first win in the car.
I had a little problem with the trailer again on the way home but has I had the week off, I phoned my mate Anthony and arranged to take it down his factory. I backed it into the back of his place and put it up on stands and at long last really think I have solved the problem, putting some large gusset plates around the stub axle area.
York As it was a Sunday Monday meeting, both Linda and myself had to work, Linda did not finish until 3pm, so it was not until 4 before we got away, for the first time for ages and for the first time with the new van, we had to go over the mountains to get to Dave & Linda's, I fond the van in a lot slower going up the bigger hills but got over with no problems.
We got to the track at just after 10pm and set up camp in the middle of the pits, with Dave screwing his tent to the floor. (Thanks Steve for the lend of the drill and extension leads.) I had taken my generator and during the set up, it started to slowdown and in the end seized. (We stripped it down and in the end put most of it the bin.)
Sunday For the first run, I chose the right hand lane, but it was not long after a oil down and the was still cement dust at the top end, so I shut down just before it (The dust ends up trapped inside the body.) and ran a 12.45 @ 86 mph. For the next run I ran a better 11.97 @106 mph.
I tried the left hand lane for the next run and ran (I think a NPB for that lane.) a12.11 @ 98 mph, it was back to the right lane for the next, this time I ran a very good 11.66 @ 110 mph.
The last run of the day, I ended up in the left lane again and the first half of the run I was up on my normal times and was even thinking I would at long last get into the 11s in the lane, next second the car went sharp to the right and I had to back off, I floored it again and it just went all over the place, so I just took my foot off to run a 12.49 @ only 80 mph.
I have no problems in the shut down area on the left hand lane (Mind you, I'm not going so fast.) but I have a real problem in the right, so it was chute out time on every run, it don't stop the bouncing, but does help a lot.
Monday As my times were up and down Sunday, I decided to dial in 11.85 for the day with the first run netting a little far off 11.99 @ 102 mph after I had to take my foot off during the run. The next two were better at 11.81 & 11.86 and to finish off, I ran a 11.89 (All with low mph's due to getting the chute out before the line.)
While getting towed back from the 3rd run, one of my body struts decided to break, so thanks to Chris for the stud to put between the two parts and then it was two big cable ties (Also supplied by Chris. (But a while ago for something else.)) and it was fixed for the next run. The other side had broken the last time we were up there, so I have made up some gusset plates to put in this time I weld it up.
Time we had packed up, it was time to go down the tower for the trophy's, I was awarded Best Burnout and Best Dragster/Radical ??, then it was down to the top 4. It was Sid in Destiny who got 4th (Well done Sid, 6 runs over the weekend, great to see you get the trophy.) 3rd was Crazy Chris and then Pete & Gavin Loveridge, I knew I was not far off, but I'm still getting used to the new system, so I was very pleased to come first for the weekend. With a cheque from Real Steel for £75 and £40 from the club and York Raceway, it helped with the fuel and entry for the event.
The journey home was very uneventful, with a break at Tamworth and we was home just after 12.
Our next event is the Power Nationals in a couple of weeks time. hope to see you all there.
(I wonder who was twisted this meeting??
Just in case your interested, I have added a new photo to my photos I know I take photos of you lot, but I know you, but this is the first time I have done a photo like this, I think it came out great, what do you think?? (I did put some money in his hat.) Also I have added a new face in the "In Ya! Face" section, guess who it is??
27th April Sorry its taken so long to do this report, but I have been very busy and we have had a little problem since the meeting. The little problem being some low life nicking our car Sat night Sunday morning, we had the kids over for Sat night, we was about to take them home Sunday morning when Linda asked where I had parked the car as it was not in the normal place, we reported it straight away and then had to use the Van.
When we came home later, the police were outside and said a car like mine was burnt out at the top of the valley and could we have a look and see if it was ours or not. It was, so we are car less for a while. We did notice that the baby seat was not in there (Its got a metal frame, which would have still been there.) and on Monday our daughter told her friend in work about it and said the seat was missing, her friend said she had seen a baby seat next to the Law Courts in Tonypandy. I looked and could not see anything, but Lesley went and looked on her dinner break and found it sitting inside the compound, The police are now looking at the CCTV footage and there was a finger print on the seat, so hopefully they might catch them.
Lets get back to the first main race meeting of the year for us.
Fri After meeting Dave & Linda on the way, we got to the track at about 9.30 and we found a spot that the top end of the pits with the rest of the Bunch, we set the van and car up and went for walk around the see who and what was about, the pits were quite empty around where the Methanol cars were meant to be but the rest was very full, I saw a couple of new cars out.
Sat I got up early and got the car ready, and we started it up ready for the first run. I asked Dean (Team Twisted) what I should dial in, he said 52, this was funny as we were talking about 52 the night before (Its Linda's age.) and decided to give it a try. I put on 11.52 and went for the first run. I went into the left hand lane and was against Steve Field in the Black Pig, I done what I had been doing at the last tow meeting, by taking the revs up to 2000 and leaving on the yellow, I cut a .319 light and was waiting for Steve to come storming past, but he didn't and I got the win with a 11.62 &112 mph. We decided to leave the dial in at the same time and went out of our second run. This time I was in the right lane, but again next to Steve. I cut a better .19 light this time but still did not get near the .52 running a 11.61 at 111 mph, this made me No 4 qualifier and to meet Crazy Chris in the first round (Well done on you amazing 8.88 @ 150 mph run.)
Sun I was nice but cold on Sunday morning, with the temp going down to about -1 overnight, I was a long wait for the first round and we did not get out until just before mid day. I chose the left hand lane and dialed in 11.60, we pulled into stage at about the same time and I ran a good .19 light again, as it was Chris who was playing catch-up, I was waiting for him to come storming past, I could not see him so just before the finish line, so took my foot off (So not to break out) and he went passed well after the line.
It was Clare who said I had won as they drove passed to pick up Chris, I had ran a 11.72 @ 106 mph.
For the next round I was facing Sarah in Destiny's Angel, she had been doing very good for here first real meeting in the car, running 9.5s the day before.
We waited and waited to be called up and when we did and we got down the pairing lanes, it started to rain, not much at first but it got to a point when they said for us to go back to the pits, this we done but time we got up there it was really coming down and the meeting was called off.
We loaded up and made our way home, just after Dave & Linda had pulled off at their junction, the bus behind me started flashing his lights, I pulled into the next lay by and found one of the tyres was slightly rubbing the arch again, (I thought I had cured this after the last time.) I put my spare on and made our way home.
I took the car of the trailer the next morning and found the problem, there was damage on the suspension arm which must have been done during the blow out, it was in a place which was not easy to see, most probably why I missed it when I repaired the rest, anyway it was easy to repair, also I have had new ramps made by Sovereign Services, these are fitted to the back. (So we now don't have to pull them out for under the car and carry them around the back.)
Our next meeting is the American Car World National, see you all up there (And watch your cars for the Team Twisted Bears, they are on the loose.)
6th April As I had the work and it was not a points round, we done the same as last time and went up Sat evening to run on Sunday only.
I know most of you know by now, that we have a new (To us) Transit van and I have been fitting the furniture from the old one, so on Sat afternoon, my son (A electrician) fitted it out for 240 volts so I can plug it in at camp sites or a generator if needed. Talking about generators, Dave phoned me up the other day and said he had asked his boss at Smiths Builders Supplies, what deal he could do on a new one, he came back later and said we could have one for free if we stick a couple of stickers on the race car, welcome S. B. S's as a new sponsor.
Sun After the first event's consistent 11.70's, the first run was a good 11.60 @ 11.95 mph, but on the next run, after my burnout, I was held on the line and had to back out of stage, at first I could not started the engine when Dave pointed to the gear lever and I was still in reverse, when I pulled to the line and the lights came down, I floored it and the car just went sideways towards the center of the track, I backed off and when it was straight floored it again, this time the car just started bouncing side to side, so for the first time for ages I just shoved it into 3rd and cruised down the rest of the track, recording a 14.73 @ 59.66 mph.
I had set the rev limiter to 6200 (Which soft cuts at 5900), I reset it to 6300 to see what difference it made, for the next run I ran a 11.58 @ a faster 113 mph with the next 11.62 @ 112.62, so we had gained about 2 mph for the extra 100 revs.
The next two runs were with the body off with the first a NPB of 11.30 @ 116.04 mph with the next a good 11.39 @ 116.18 mph.
It was back to the pits and refit the body for the last two runs for the day, these netted me with a 11.57 @ 112.99 mph and a 11.78 @ 112.06 mph. All these runs were taking the engine to 2000 rpm on the start line, this had done great for my reaction times with most around the .2 (.600) mark, (Before it would be .4s)
The next meeting is the first of the Ultimate Power Series, so see you all up there, this time for the whole weekend.
21st March Well that's to first meeting of 2005 done and dusted, I am quite pleased with how it went.
Sat I had decided that as it was only a Test & Tune, we would only go up for the Sunday (Will do the same for the next one.) We left here straight after the Wales + Ireland match (Well done Wales for winning the Grand Slam.) and got in our new (To us anyway) and towed the car with it for the first time, we met Dave & Linda at the Ragland services, then made our way to the track.
The van ran great and we got there about eight, set up the van and went for a wonder to see who was there, there was quite a few Wild Bunch cars there but not that many others. I was told that you could have circuit race during the day with the fire up road empty most of the time.
I went to the club house and met a few other friends there and when I got back to the van Linda was in bed, so as I was knackered (You get like that at my age, (Or so I've been told.)) and done the same.
Sun I was awake early and got up to start getting the car off the trailer, by then Dave had got up and was giving me a hand, after it was on the stands and we were just about to start it up for the first run, I found I was surrounded by other Wild Bunch members, I did not understand what was happening at first, then Claire came out with a great birthday cake for me, there was even a couple of presents, a collection tin (There must be at least 10p in there now.) a tee shirt (Both from Chris & Claire) and the much sort after watch from the Mad Rs team.
I would like to thank you all for the birthday wish's and presents it was a real surprise Thank You.
After all the excitement, we took the car down to the track to give it a check out pass, I was put up next to a Pro Et V Dub and thought "I don't want to be beaten by him" and kept it in all the way, I ran a very straight 11.78 @ 110 mph to beat him (13.58) I done another two 11.7s and we decided to try and improve my reaction times, for the 4th run, I tried to build the revs up to 2000 rpm, (I have been flash stalling the converter) while this did bring me reaction time down to .202, the tyres spun off the line and I recorded a poor 1.88 60 ft time and a 11.88 run. We dropped the tyres down to 5.5 lb, I again took the revs to 2000 rpm and the last two runs were both 11.7s with better reaction times.
I know I can load the converter to 3000 rpm, but I have trouble stopping to car creeping across the stage beams, so at the next T & T I am going to try the same at 2000 rpm and see how this works out. Also I have a problem with seeing the rev counter, as my shift light don't work, I don't know if I am changing at the same time every time, its either getting contacts or a new shift light (Which ever is the cheapest.)
Anyway thanks again for the surprise and will see you all again in a couple of weeks.