Pete Croney

Simon...

Where are you both testing? Gravel or tarmac (looks too low for gravel but could be a PR shot)?

I was going to ask you and John if you wanted to share a gravel test day.

I'm sure you've realised, but this is where the SERIOUS expenditure starts

ex-webby

hehe

The picture is a bit deceptive, but the car does need a bit more ride hight for forest, but the testing we have in mind is at Manby which the suspension is perfect for. (fairly smooth dirt roads).

I'd definately be up for sharing a test day.

When I say "with John Felstead", I mean, that he is coming along with me.

Do you have a venue in mind for full gravel testing?

I have been looking at sweet lamb, but want a good succesful shake down before as it is quite demanding on the car and expensive if you break down after 2 miles!

Lots of high speed stuff there also where you could easily get caught out and destroy the car.

But... It's about the best gravel testing venue in the country that I know of.

Any suggestions? It would be great to do one at the same time.

Although I'd hate you to get jealous!!

Cheers

Simon

SDB

Hi All

This is the latest pic of the rally car..

(note the scoobynet stickers on the lights, and in-front of the front wheel arches )

We've had to ditch the company that was supposed to be running it as they have caused so many problems, cocked so many things up, caused so many time delays, told so many lies, broken so many things, etc, etc that it got beyond a joke.

John Felstead has (inredibly kindly) re-built the fuel system and fitted it all for me. Thank you John!!!

Thank you to everyone else who spent that Saturday on it also!!

The car is just about there now though. We went testing in it about 5 weeks ago but due to a bodged repair by Muppet Rally Preparation Ltd it only lasted 2 miles before the engine stopped!

Problem found and there is no reason why it shouldn't go well now (except that it's a ford I guess ).

--------

Having said all that, the main problem now is that we could really do with some help.

Althogh Muppet plc were useless, they DID have everything we need, from service crew, to a van and trailer, etc.

Tyre Northampton are being a HUGE help and are probably contributing more than any other sponsor, but we don't have a main sponsor as yet.

There are a few things we need, and if you are able to provide any of them (even if it is at a cost) I would be really grateful if you would let us know (especially if you are local to Northampton).

- Car Transporter Trailer
- Service Crew (nothing too demanding. skills required are.. reasonable mechanical skills, and able to have a laugh early in the morning! (not necesarily in that order )).
- Preparation / Mechanical Help Locally (to Northampton)

We also need sponsors !!
"No?!?!?" I hear you cry!

If anyone is intersted in some cheap publicity / corporate entertainment, etc, or if you know anyone who might be, I'd love it if you'd email me.

------

That aside...
We're hoping to go testing this weekend (with John Felstead), and if all is well will book an event for the next few weeks. I'll keep you informed in-case you want to come along for a giggle to spectate.

Cheers (sorry for long post)

Simon

SDB

Any news on this pete?

Paul Wilson

Simon, do you need a open or flat car trailer as I may be able to get loan/cheap hire of an open trailer for some rallies.
A friend uses it for his Rallying Cortina, so there may well be clashes, don't think the Escort would fit on the Caterham trailer.
Could also help you out with a tow car, arrive in style get towed in by an STi

SDB

Hi Paul

Thanks mate! If he's up for it, it would be great.

What kind of trailer is it? (eg 2 metal runners or flat bed beaver tail thingy.)

Also, where in the country is it?

Cheers

Simon

Paul Wilson

Trailer is proper metal one with two runners and ramps etc. not a bodge job, only 2yrs old and Brian James to boot.

Trailer is in Bicester.

Bicester is sort of on my way to Northampton so if you need a tow car as well, be happy to oblige. I know which end of a spanner is which if you need any help on that front as well, although these new fangled turbo thingies , my dads fault bringing me up on classic cars

If you mail me dates etc. I'll give him a call, very friendly chap who I've done management car for before.

SDB

Paul

You are the man!!

Have mailed you.

Cheers

Simon

Pete Croney

Hi M8

Manby... great place unless it has rained in the past 5 days. It can be almost completely submerged and very slow to drain. That dust turns to silt and holds the water wonderfully.

Also, similar probs to Sweet Lamb in that you can be a very long way from base camp (and normally are) when something goes wrong. Sweet Lamb... BIG drops of you run wide. Not so much "shakedown" as "fly down"

I've used Drive it All, which is cheap, but only approx 1.5 miles long. It is VERY safe for exploring the limits of driver/car. DIA hire by the hour.

There is also a gravel school in Essex that I am going to view tomorrow. Plus, could probably get Dono infield.

The good thing about DIA is it is wide enough for me to drive around the outside of you and not be held up

SDB

LOL!!

I've spent many a happy hour testing at DIA, but the surface is so far removed from reality that it makes it less of a shake down and more of a play, I guess. (This is not too much of a bad thing though).

you're dead right about manby and weather.

Dono infield would be great, nice gravel, some good wide areas too so that I can continually doughnut round you while you nail it round the stage (This is gonna get nasty soon - an I'm the one with the ford )

Would you let me know how you get on with the one in essex?

Cheers

Simon

PS. I'm booking up for this Sunday, are you up for it?