Not this time

Whilst Club MSV emailed the day before (Saturday) to say that all efforts would be made to make sure the track day would go ahead, it was disappointing to see on our arrival that no attempts the day before had been made to clear the Track. I got up at 5.15am, picked up Josh Bell at 6am where we both travelled on icy roads and snowy lanes to get to the circuit. After 1.5hours (7:30am) we arrived to see that the clearing process had only just begun.

Signing on was going to start at 8:30am and the track time was due to commence from 10am. However at 9am, the drivers briefing an signing on had not even begun. After a few individuals rounded together in the arrival area, at 9:30am the acting circuit manager confirmed that the day was to be aborted.

Whilst the staff had also been through the same, it was silly to have wasted everyone's time so near to Christmas. Had the track been inspected late on Saturday afternoon, it would have been cancelled without the additional hassle involved.

I would like to thank Josh Bell for coming and keeping me company on the day and his mum, Terri, for making delicious sausage rolls for us to eat on the journey.

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.

2nd test day now booked

My next test day is on 20th December 2010 at Brands Hatch

I will be testing the car on the short Indy Circuit where this will be in preparation for my race in August next year. Having driven the car already in anger at Bedford in November, I spoke to Richard Grimes of Sidelines who confirmed that I should now spend time setting the car up for race conditions. Unlike Bedford, this will become a more structured day where I hope to make a number of changes to the car to learn more about its handling characteristics. This will probably include the adjustment of tyre pressures throughout the day and finding the best ways to drive a number of the very complicated corners at this historic and momentous race track.

I will report on how well we do, however this is likely to be one of a number of visits to this track as the weather and conditions improve throughout spring and summer of next year.

Track day Video

Link below to footage of the first Track day at Bedford on 21st November 2009 - Unfortunately I have edited this to reduce the footage due to Youtube rules but I hope it gives you a flavour of what we will be up to over the coming months in preparation for the 2010 season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6VKwIyiTJA

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)