mikes

I have had a couple of dropouts for the test day I have organised for the 26th. Does anybody want to take up the chance of some much needed practice, or to see how good those ZZSs really are? Let me know asap as we are not too far away. If you want any additional information please let me know. Mike

They were pretty good until Quarry. Just let me down at the last corner. If only they hadn’t let me down there it would have been a pretty good run - in the 61s, so better than my fastest ....... Mike

Hi Alan, Just thought I would mention that you seem to have transposes some numbers in the class record for Class 4 - it should be 62,17, not 62.71 . I don;t know, you bankers and figures! Mike

Hi Justin, Can you add me to the list as well please - I would hate to be left out in the wet and cold! Thanks Mike Sankey

I also have a dedicated pit crew coming with me (well maybe dedicated!) but still no emails to the names I sent in. Anybody else got anything yet, or maybe just filling in the names, email and phone numbers will be enough? Mike

I can highly recommend Tom New - he did an excellent job on rebuilding my K series, and with the MOT. However, I usually use Field Motors at Bottings Industrial Estate, Curdridge (www.fieldmotors.co.uk, Phone: 01489 799950) which is nearer for my MOTs on most of our vehicles, from a Renault Master-based motor home to the 7, and for servicing (apart from the 7), and Alan has always provided great service...... including getting a BMW 3 series estate with a cooked and completely locked auto gearbox off the AA recovery truck in the middle of the night when the AA man was left scratching his head

I had a very similar problem. Original alternator packed up and I had it repaired, it all tested OK on the test rig he used. The alternator charged fine but the warning light stayed on when I fitted it. I took the repaired alternator back to the repairer and he replaced some additional slightly worn parts, but the result was the same - charging, but light on. There was also a discernable high pitched whine from the alternator when the ignition was on, and a constant drain on the battery even with ignition off. I also got a replacement alternator (excellent service Revilla ) and that was fine, confirming that there was nothing wrong with the wiring. Took the original alternator back to the repairer again and he replaced the regulator pack - again - and now it works fine. Looks like you just can't rely on new components to work properly!! Mike

I would like to buy this - PM sent. Cheers Mike

Thanks Danny, and to all the marshals and recovery who came to help. Luckily not sore anywhere - except probably the wallet, but it looks like it is just the rear basket that needs sorting and reskinning .....again! I will have a proper look over the next week or so and then a trip to Arch. I was going to miss Blyton and Wiscombe anyway - so just need to get it all back together for next year. Mike

Ahh yes, glad someone has their brain engaged - that's the trouble when you are on holiday every day

Roger, will send you a separate message, but although I am pleased Alan didn't overstress the engine perhaps it just needs a better driver to get the best out of it I am afraid I will miss the opener at Goodwood, so I leave it to you Chris to set the new record - although my Chris might come instead to try out all the new bits......... Cheers Mike

Hi Roger, I do have a spare 1800 sitting in the garage that survived being abused by the very same Mr Bowler who managed to blow up his own engine. It appears that I had rather more success with it than the badger, but then he was obviously being careful I was planning on keeping it put the 7 back to its original spec at some time in the future, but if you are stuck you are welcome to borrow it. It has been sitting in the garage for a few years, but was OK last time it was used. Let me know if you want it. Mike

And you still tried to set fire to the car - outrageous

It may be slightly outside your region, but I have used these people in Portsmouth before for remapping my 1.8 K with an Emerald http://www.jkm.org.uk/performance/index.htm I think I was told that they are approved by Emerald for mapping. The last time I was there was 2016 to sort a problem and they were very helpful. Originally they remapped my 1.8 K 'R400' spec engine with Jenveys after the initial mapping was done by Emerald. Mike

Congratulations from both of us. Now the fun begins! Mike & Barbara

But the thing is Jeremy, has the chair got the famous sticker on it yet Anyway, I am sure you wouldn't want me to be out there in the cold....... Mike

As it looks like Andrew Willoughby has had to withdraw from Anglesey, I hope that means there is a garage space now available, if so, I am happy to take up the place Mike

I have also now decided to make the long trip to Anglesey, so if any more garage spaces become available,I would be very grateful to hear Mike

Hi Richard, One of those is mine I think, so if you could bring anoher of the 'firsts' to Goodwood that would be much appreciated Thanks Mike

If only I could remember I am sure that is slanderous I took the precaution of not stopping overnight at Gurston last time and felt surprisingly awake in the morning Mike

Paul and the team, Thanks from me too - it was a very good day and I think the venue and location is excellent. Thanks for all your work throughout the year to help the rest of us to enjoy ourselves, it is much appreciated. Mike & Barbara

I will restrict my comments to what we should do for Class 4. It has been pretty clear over the last few years that the higher power classes are short of numbers, which probably shouldn't be a surprise as we have a high proportion of 'experienced' competitors with a limited shelf life............. As we have struggled for numbers it is worth making some change to see if we can attract more people into the Class - so I would agree that a 210 bhp limit is worth a try especially if it fits into the current/recent Caterham range (which i suppose it does with the R400) and maybe attracts a few who would otherwise have had to go into class 5 but would have felt they were at a significant disadvantage. I think the only sensible option is to go with the 1B tyres - most of us replace them after a couple of seasons anyway so it is not that great an additional expense. Obviously it means Stuart would have to buy 2 new sets but you cannot account for everyone! Mike

Thanks Paul -we will be there Mike & Barbara

We are Grandparents again . Kate had a girl last night and they are all doing well, although Chris looks a little tired! MIke & Barbara

Anybody know if we can drop the car and trailer off the day before - so leasve it there on the Saturday? I am assuming we can as they seem to have a driving day on then - matbe we can use the big storage building again? Mike