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. The Speedo stopped working after lunch, which is not a real issue however it wont pass the IVA test until it is replaced. There is also some play from the Differential when engaging drive, hopefully this is something that can be adjusted or corrected - hopefully not a replacement.

Really pleased today - WE have a RACE CAR!

Track Day Booked

21st November is the day we visit the Bedford Autodrome to test the car. John is my co-driver for the day where we will gently run in the car for 1, maybe 2 LAPS!

We will then check the car over, before increasing the speed in what is looking like very wet and slippery conditions. This however will aid the running in process because the drive shafts, prop shaft, gearbox and engine will not be under constant load due to the lack of grip on the track.

This is something we are both really looking forward to where, photo's and a video will be available next week.

For those wishing to attend, we will be there between 9am-4pm. Bring an umbrella and some warm clothes.

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)

New drive shaft fitted

John popped over today to fit the new drive shaft. Amazingly he did it within the Hour where Caterham suggested it would take up to 2 hours. Thank you John, we are now ready for the track day on 21st November!

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.

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!

First Drive

Today, 4th November 2009, the car was driven under its own steam.

It was a very proud moment and one that I will remember for sometime. I would like to thank John MacDonald for his hard work and efforts since the project started and I could not have done it without him.