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Showing posts with label Caterham Academy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caterham Academy. Show all posts
Brands Hatch - Bitter Sweet Victory
Testing at Brands Hatch did not go well on Friday. I shared a Garage with Kurt Brady who is a strong contender in Group 2, who was really doing well.
Since my last visit to Brands Hatch they have resurfaced a large portion of the track, which seemed to drive completely differently. I suffered with under steer during the day and could not get the car to run true around most of the circuit. I decided to raise the back of the car which would normally rectify this but it only made slight improvements to my times during the day. I was about 0.3 seconds off the pace and with lap times expected of 57.10 seconds this would be a real issue during the race. I went home a little deflated that evening hoping that by studying my data and video footage I could find some way of improving my times. That evening David Rowe of DPR Motorsport asked how I got on and suggested making further changes to the car, some of which I had never considered beforehand.
Saturday afternoon I was back at Brands Hatch for qualifying. I decided to make the changes that David at DPR suggested because I couldn’t risk being mid pack for the start of the race. The changes I made gave me better steering and I qualified 3rd on the grid. This was very positive because it gave me the inside line into the first corner which I planned would give me both an aggressive and defensive opportunity. Mike Hart was again the one to beat with Merlin who qualified 2nd.
Race day I lowered the car back down which brought the adjustments back into line because some of the changes I made assumed it would be raining. I was also planning to purchase new tyres if the track was very wet, which as it turned out was not required.
The race started and I was demoted to 5th by the second corner due to Mike Hart holding a defensive position and both Jon Mortimer and Blaize Rhodes getting a flying start. I battled my way back from 5th to 2nd where I pursued Mike Hart in 1st following his incident with Merlin which proved to change the result at the end of the race.
I battled with Mike to gain first place and but my position at the front was short lived. Mike overtook me on the last lap into Druids, which later was adjudged to be an optimistic yet illegal pass.
Having finished a close second in the race, in fact less than two tenths behind Mike the Clerk of the course asked to see my video footage following his overtaking move. Unfortunately he was dealt with a very hard penalty by being excluded from the race, which promoted me to 1st. During the race however I did managed to set the fastest lap, which was also fast enough to break the lap recor by almost 0.4 of a second at 56.962 something I am very proud of.
This result puts me in 1st in the Championship with only one round to go, however the exclusion for Mike is somewhat of a bitter result for the good of the season. Whilst I do feel that Mike did not deserve to win, his punishment did not fit the crime.
The next race is on 19th September and it should be a great finale to the season.
Since my last visit to Brands Hatch they have resurfaced a large portion of the track, which seemed to drive completely differently. I suffered with under steer during the day and could not get the car to run true around most of the circuit. I decided to raise the back of the car which would normally rectify this but it only made slight improvements to my times during the day. I was about 0.3 seconds off the pace and with lap times expected of 57.10 seconds this would be a real issue during the race. I went home a little deflated that evening hoping that by studying my data and video footage I could find some way of improving my times. That evening David Rowe of DPR Motorsport asked how I got on and suggested making further changes to the car, some of which I had never considered beforehand.
Saturday afternoon I was back at Brands Hatch for qualifying. I decided to make the changes that David at DPR suggested because I couldn’t risk being mid pack for the start of the race. The changes I made gave me better steering and I qualified 3rd on the grid. This was very positive because it gave me the inside line into the first corner which I planned would give me both an aggressive and defensive opportunity. Mike Hart was again the one to beat with Merlin who qualified 2nd.
Race day I lowered the car back down which brought the adjustments back into line because some of the changes I made assumed it would be raining. I was also planning to purchase new tyres if the track was very wet, which as it turned out was not required.
The race started and I was demoted to 5th by the second corner due to Mike Hart holding a defensive position and both Jon Mortimer and Blaize Rhodes getting a flying start. I battled my way back from 5th to 2nd where I pursued Mike Hart in 1st following his incident with Merlin which proved to change the result at the end of the race.
I battled with Mike to gain first place and but my position at the front was short lived. Mike overtook me on the last lap into Druids, which later was adjudged to be an optimistic yet illegal pass.
Having finished a close second in the race, in fact less than two tenths behind Mike the Clerk of the course asked to see my video footage following his overtaking move. Unfortunately he was dealt with a very hard penalty by being excluded from the race, which promoted me to 1st. During the race however I did managed to set the fastest lap, which was also fast enough to break the lap recor by almost 0.4 of a second at 56.962 something I am very proud of.
This result puts me in 1st in the Championship with only one round to go, however the exclusion for Mike is somewhat of a bitter result for the good of the season. Whilst I do feel that Mike did not deserve to win, his punishment did not fit the crime.
The next race is on 19th September and it should be a great finale to the season.
Rockingham - RACE 1
Rockingham was a great weekend and a big learning curve for the years that follow.The qualifying was over in a flash and when it finished I immediately knew that I messed it up completely. Having had excellent tuition from David Rowe of DPR Motorsport and Fulvio Mussi, a racing driver currently racing in Clio Cups, I understood the importance of getting a tow from other participants during a qualifying session. However, I took this to the extreme during our qualifying session where in 15 minutes I abandoned 4 of my laps to concentrate on the perfect tow - which didnt happen. I also didn’t realise that we would only get 8 laps in total and this included navigating through a crowded pack of drivers to get a decent lap.
This resulted in me qualifying 5th on the grid which was disappointing. The only saving grace was that it put me on the inside line for the first corner, which at Rockingham is a must due to it being a Hairpin. If I am completely honest I would never have gained pole position because Mike Hart the Championship leader was on fire once again but my practice times the day before were more than half a second faster than during qualifying.
Having completed my warm up lap, making sure the tyres and brakes were up to the job, the race started. I got great traction in 1st gear, which propelled me up to the next row of the grid, only to miss second gear (and having watched other competitors videos - included REVERSE). By the first corner I was back to my starting position of 5th, chasing Blaize Rhodes hard who qualified 4th.
Mike Hart was overtaken by Blaize who also made a poor start early in the race where I then put pressure on Mike. Mike passed Blaize into 3rd and then I followed into 4th.
Merlin Edwards, who qualified 2nd, spun on the second lap which propelled me into 3rd, however Balize was keen to make me fight for it. Blaize continued to put pressure on me, which enabled Mike and John (the race leader) to create a gap of approximately 25 metres.
After a further two laps, I managed to shake off the challenges of Blaize before catching the front two (Mike and John). I caught 2nd place Mike in the infield and passed him into second, before he passed under braking into the next corner. At this time my door was flapping open, creating a blind side on the right hand side of my car where the wing mirror had also fallen down, which was now pointing towards the floor (less than ideal!).
I became very conscious of the blind side of my car and was unable to see across the right hand side of the car to make any reasonable lunges and defensive moves on Mike who was watching my every move behind him.
The 5-minute board came out at the start finish line, which was then followed by the last lap board which I missed on the following lap. I continued to press Mike on the lap that followed but I did not realise it was the last lap and did not make the aggressive moves that would have been taken had I known.
I finished 3rd in the race, my first race ever in a race car and something that I guess I should be proud of, however there are may things that I have learned during qualifying and during the race that makes me think that I could have done much better. I am not saying that I would have improved my position, just that I could have given a better account of myself during the race.
During qualifying and the race I also practised the ‘heel and toe’ technique, which is used by racing drivers to stabilise the car under heavy braking into slower corners. This is something that I initially found odd and uncomfortable, however it should be something that improves my race results in the future.
Well done to John and Mike for finishing 1st and 2nd. They drove really well and it was a pleasure to be part of the first Caterham Academy race of 2010.
Next race is 25th July at Snetterton.
Silverstone Slalom Challenge
The Silverstone Slalom Challenge on 27th March was the first time all Group 1 Drivers competed in a Friendly pre-season event. The day was organised by Caterham where the purpose was to get drivers to push their cars through short, tight, twisty courses during the day to get to know how they perform.
The day also included the opportunity to practice standing starts against the clock and to discuss the tales so far with other drivers.
The day also included the opportunity to practice standing starts against the clock and to discuss the tales so far with other drivers.
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
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
Brands Test a Success - Eventually
Having no sleep the night before due to the excitement of achieving a childhood dream of driving the Brands Hatch Circuit in a car, we arrived in plenty of time to get a Garage in the pits.
After signing on and driving my sighting lap in a group of 5 behind an instructor, I set about driving the car in the dry for the first time.
It took until mid way through the second session before I found my braking points. In the third session I pushed the car hard and was not totally convinced with the brakes. I set about bleeding them with Josh Bell (my co-pilot for the day) where things did not improve throughout the morning. I was then joined by a number of friends in the afternoon, Mac Engledew, Aaron Dalrymple and a valued client, Rod Germany who all helped in trying to sort things out. We also used 21 PSI in the tyres where later I learned that last years competitors would have used between 26-30 PSI for the cold conditions. This would have only helped to gain grip earlier in the session, but would not have cured the Brake problems.
My long standing sponsor, Richard Grimes of Sidelines Automotive, turned up with the brains and quizzed me all afternoon after each session before I realised that I had made a significant change since our last outing at Bedford Autodrome.
I moved the brake pedal to enable me to practice 'heel and toe' which seemed to change the dynamics of the brake feel. After moving it back to the original setting, the last two sessions went really well, the only problem this time was that it was now snowing.
The car performed well during the day, the engine felt strong and I learned a lot about the track, even though I could only drive really hard in the afternoon.
Thank you once again to everyone who attended the day, assisted with the mechanical elements and took the 'mickey'. Special thanks go to Richard Grimes again and Rod Germany who attended but worked harder than I am sure they were expecting.
After signing on and driving my sighting lap in a group of 5 behind an instructor, I set about driving the car in the dry for the first time.
It took until mid way through the second session before I found my braking points. In the third session I pushed the car hard and was not totally convinced with the brakes. I set about bleeding them with Josh Bell (my co-pilot for the day) where things did not improve throughout the morning. I was then joined by a number of friends in the afternoon, Mac Engledew, Aaron Dalrymple and a valued client, Rod Germany who all helped in trying to sort things out. We also used 21 PSI in the tyres where later I learned that last years competitors would have used between 26-30 PSI for the cold conditions. This would have only helped to gain grip earlier in the session, but would not have cured the Brake problems.
My long standing sponsor, Richard Grimes of Sidelines Automotive, turned up with the brains and quizzed me all afternoon after each session before I realised that I had made a significant change since our last outing at Bedford Autodrome.
I moved the brake pedal to enable me to practice 'heel and toe' which seemed to change the dynamics of the brake feel. After moving it back to the original setting, the last two sessions went really well, the only problem this time was that it was now snowing.
The car performed well during the day, the engine felt strong and I learned a lot about the track, even though I could only drive really hard in the afternoon.
Thank you once again to everyone who attended the day, assisted with the mechanical elements and took the 'mickey'. Special thanks go to Richard Grimes again and Rod Germany who attended but worked harder than I am sure they were expecting.
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!
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 Passed
We passed the VOSA IVA test yesterday morning. This means that we have now 'officially' finished the car build and the car is classified as road worthy. I will be registering it from next month, meaning that I can drive it on the road to put some miles on it before the racing starts.
Thank you once again for John MacDonald helping me to build the car, coming to the IVA tests and joining in with the roller coaster of emotions when dealing with the "WONDERFUL" VOSA.
Thank you once again for John MacDonald helping me to build the car, coming to the IVA tests and joining in with the roller coaster of emotions when dealing with the "WONDERFUL" VOSA.
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!
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
Calendar Updated
I have updated the Calendar on my website. This will continue to be updated throughout the year and those following me may wish to keep an eye on the website as the year unfolds.
Calendar
Calendar
1st Track Day
After a very wet start from home, we arrived at Bedford Autodrome in damp conditions. After the sighting lap, I drove the car relatively aggressively in the first session which also doubled up as the running in period. Having only 1 mile on the clock, the car was pushed harder than advised.
I then set about thrashing the car to within 9/10th's of its life for the rest of the day!
There was an assortment of cars on the day and I learnt a lot about the handling characteristics of the car and tyres, something that I thought I would not get by just driving it on the road.
Doing the test day highlighted a few things that I need to follow up on at Caterham.
Doing the test day highlighted a few things that I need to follow up on at Caterham.
Provisional Calendar for 2010
17th February
ARDS Course Castle Combe race circuit (Wiltshire)
6th March
Set up morning, Caterham Midlands
27th March
Handling day, Silverstone (Northamptonshire)
14th April
Track day, Castle Combe race circuit (Wiltshire)
EVENTS
Sprints
24th April - Aintree (Liverpool)
15th May - Lydden (Kent)
12th June - Silverstone (Northamptonshire)
RACES (more to follow)
21/22 August - Brands Hatch, Indy Circuit (Kent)
ARDS Course Castle Combe race circuit (Wiltshire)
6th March
Set up morning, Caterham Midlands
27th March
Handling day, Silverstone (Northamptonshire)
14th April
Track day, Castle Combe race circuit (Wiltshire)
EVENTS
Sprints
24th April - Aintree (Liverpool)
15th May - Lydden (Kent)
12th June - Silverstone (Northamptonshire)
RACES (more to follow)
21/22 August - Brands Hatch, Indy Circuit (Kent)
Ready for the off
Friday 6th November was the day the car was being taken to Caterham Midlands for its post build check. It was the first time I had put the car on my recently acquired trailer so this was done with some apprehension. I knew it was going to fit but I did not know how well our family car was going to pull them. It also sounds silly but I didn't know how best to strap the car down. This would be essential during our 2 hour journey.
Everything went to plan, however I did have to stop at Huntingdon after the Jockey wheel lowered onto the M11 due to not clipping the handle to the shaft. This resulted in the handle unwinding and lowering onto the Motorway, where it dragged on the floor whilst I over took an articulated lorry. You live and learn!
Sidelines Support
Richard from Sidelines came over today to finish the brake assembly and offer some expert advice. Fortunately he has prepared many race cars in the past and supported me when racing Karts. We bled the brakes, filled and bled the clutch reservoir, checked the ride height, set the steering wheel positioning and set up the tracking.
My best mate Aaron also helped, where his previous experience and hands on attitude helped with many of the tasks today.
Richard and Aaron worked well together today (making fun of me).
This is Josh. He has taken time out from Uni in Sheffield to come and be 
