Mallory Test Day

Mallory Park test days are only on a Wednesday morning for cars, so there was little time to get it right. The test day on the 8th September only provided 3 x 30 minute sessions, which during a 56.00 second lap leaves little time to think about what you might be doing wrong. I kept the same setup from Brands Hatch and still suffered from under steer, which may require further adjustments on race day.

Whilst there is another test day available on 15th September before the race on Sunday 19th, I am unable to attend due to working commitments so what will be will be!

Whilst the circuit layout is relatively straightforward there are again key corners to get right with very few overtaking opportunities without a tow from another racer. The Tow at this circuit are very easy to get and this will make for a very interesting final event. It is also a circuit where you will need to lean on people to get passed and you are most likely to be either attacking or defending narrow lines with your competitors where the pack are likely to hunt together. Any small mistakes during the race could have quite a significant impact because there will be a train of drivers likely to pass together.

The competitive nature of the current Academy drivers and this particular track I feel make it very unlikely that someone will be lucky enough to break away from the pack.

Mixed reports on the weather this weekend will also provide what I hope as a very entertaining race for spectators.

Snetterton - POLE and RACE WINNER

Snetterton was my first race win. I Qualified 1st and went on to win the race holding P1 from start to finish.

I made a clean start, aided by Jon Mortimer of P2 missing second gear off the start line, however getting the clean break was essential knowing that Snetterton has the the fastest and longest straight in the country. This enables those following to get a tow, so to follow is a significant advantage.

I built up a lead that stretched over 7 seconds during the race but I had to slow down on the last 2 laps for fear of running out of petrol, a calculation that I realised I was too close to comfort whilst on the warm up lap.

The race behind was not without drama, which enabled me to build up the lead that I did whilst posting some of the fastest and most consistent times of the weekend.

I am now only two points behind the Championship leader with 2 races to go so its all to play for. Thanks to Brads for his help at the weekend and those who travelled to see the race. Next race is at Brands Hatch on 22nd August.

Snetterton Race 2 - 25th July

Sunday 25th July is race 2 of the Caterham Academy 2010.

The race starts at 13:50 where entry also entitles you to watch the other races which include the Porsche GT3 Cup and the Alfa Romeo series.

Those wishing to attend should contact me via this blog or via email.

http://ticket.motorsportvision.co.uk/media/1269350/britcar%20sn%202425%2007%202010.pdf

2nd at Curborough Sprint

Having travelled to Curborough for the second round of this years Pistonheads Caterham Academy, I feel happy that I have finally solved my long term brake problem.

Having complained for months now, Caterham have finally changed the Brake Master Cylinder which appeared to be the faulty part. This was changed on the morning of the Curborough Sprint which was less than ideal, however the brakes improved dramatically. The only problem was it changed all the braking points that I learned on the previous day during the test sessions.

Having missed 3rd gear twice on my last run of the day, I had to settle for second place. Whilst my time would have improved I doubt it would still have been fast enough to get first place on this occasion.

I am still in a very strong position for the rest of this season however its now time to start winning some races!

Next round is Snetterton on 29th MAY.

Round 2 - Curborough Saturday 15th MAY

This Saturday is the second round of the Pistonheads Caterham Academy 2010 at Curborough. This is one of the oldest motor racing venues in the UK and hopefully I can go one better than last time out. Those wishing to attend can join me at the circuit from 9am.

Castle Combe

On 14th April the first official Caterham Academy 2010 test day took place. The venue was Castle Combe.

It was the first chance to see how quick all 48 Academy would be in the year ahead. Whilst timing was forbidden, a few (including yours truly) timed their laps to see how well they were doing during the day.

The day confirmed that this year is going to be very close and is likely to go down to the wire.

Car Registered

I went to the DVLA in Chelmsford today and registered the car. This means I now carry a '10' Plate confirming that it is a new vehicle

I can now drive the car on the road and therefore get used to the characteristics of it over different surfaces and weather conditions. I am also now able to drive to future events, meetings and test sessions. I really do feel that we have achieved everything now that we set out to do.

BRING ON THE RACING! Next Stop - Caterham Midlands Saturday 6th March

ARDS Test PASSED

On 17th February I obtained my race license. This means that I have passed the MSA ARDS test where I proved that I am capable of understanding the rules/flags, and course etiquette during this year.

The day involved a relatively basic written exam, skid pan training, fast speed track assessment and medical. All the other Caterham competitors were also there on the day where we got to share tales and stories about the journey so far. The course was at the Castle Comb circuit in Wiltshire, which is one of the fastest and most technical circuits in the country.

Next stop Brands this weekend for a Track Day!

IVA Postponed

IVA now Friday 5th February, lucky there was nothing in my work diary!

The rear brakes lights that have stopped working for some reason - need to get this sorted beforehand otherwise it will be a waste of time and money.

Hope to be in good spirits on Friday night!

New Sponsor Confirmed

I am pleased to confirm my latest sponsor. Specialized Security Products of Buntingford, Herts have agreed to support me through the 2010 season. They are providing financial support that will be invaluable through the year. Should you require assistance for any door entry systems, internal or external access devices, please feel to talk to Duncan Easley on 01763 273766

Snow Joke (Brands Trackday)

Weather is not looking too good for tomorrow! Snow forecast again for early morning and sub Zero temperatures all day. Club MSV are going to do all they can to make sure it still happens, however with the poor conditions I wait with interest for the email after lunch today from the organisers to confirm whether it is happening or not.

Watch this space.

Caterham Post Build Check

We arrived ahead of schedule and Caterham were waiting for the car and could accommodate an early start. Simon was our mechanic for the morning. I recently met him at the 2009 Academy race at Mallory Park. After a number of very non committal noises from Simon and a few long pauses, he confirmed that we had built the car to a very high standard. We had less than a page of recommended adjustments but this only referred to things like the tying of electric cables and a different way to tie the brake cable. We will make the recommended changes in the week ahead but they should not take long. We were of course delighted with his comments. Its safe to say that both John and I felt very pleased and proud of our achievement.

One disappointing part of the build check was however, confirmation from Simon of a faulty drive shaft nut and thread. This was faulty from the factory and something that we need to get replaced urgently. This has now been reordered under warranty where John will visit this week to fit the new part. Hopefully this can be done without further problems before our first test on 21st November.

First Engine Start

The car started and Joshua, my son, was the first one to do so - Well done Joshua!

Roll Cage

Roll Cage on - we have a RACE CAR!

This is Josh. He has taken time out from Uni in Sheffield to come and be photographed with the car. He tightened at least one bolt during his 3hour visit today! Thanks Josh, couldn't have done it without you.

Rear diff, De Dion and Roll Cage

Well after an early start John, Brads and I make significant progress today. The rear differential was the first task and after a few attempts, we had it aligned to the 2mm tolerance for it being central to the chassis. There was not much room under the car when we were all fitting it but this was best done together!

We then tightened the Prop Shaft to the Diff, fitted the De Dion tube to the back of the car, fitted the rear brake lines, A-Frame and Drive Shafts. John then set about fitting the Roll Cage. After a few adjustments to the Roll Cage holes, we were able to secure it to the car. It was a very rewarding day and I would like to thank John again for his very hard work and time on the tools. Brads input was also critical where his experience with performance off road vehicles helped us with the differential and rear suspension.

Nearly done Dad

Dont worry Dad, I'm here to help -be finished soon! er..............