Speed Season 2015 The Reluctant Doris

[RussellT]

Having invested in a new cam sourced from Kent Cams via Engine Dynamics under the guidance of Scoff who also arranged the install and did the mapping, I was hopefull of a new begining for Doris. Last year had been a struggle 2 gearbox failures were expensive but worse than that I could not keep pace with my class. The top lads in the North had always been too quick for me but I had now slipped back within the midfield cars.

Scoff had found that the cam was significantly retarded even though the timing marks were correctly aligned. The new cam got the power back to 190 at the FW but more importantly with more torque mid range.

Doris didnt seem to keen to perform. I backed her out of the garage on Friday and a coolant hose broke off the manifold to water pump. I managed to replace that with old turbo water jacket one cut to size. Then in the queue for scrutineering the drivers door lock broke and I had to remove the door card and bodge it up. The scrut team had a look and decided to go for a coffee rather than exclude me.

The forecast was dry to start then rain so one of those days when you could not afford to screw up the first timed run

After messing with the door I was late for my 1st practice which can be a prelude to going off so I deliberately took my time and checked the tyres were vaguely at the right pressures. I put the boost to 17 psi and waited my turn.

Off the line in anger for the first time even at practice boost I could feel the car had far more energy and I rocketed into the first right hander over the hill cautiously and down into the tight right onto the pit straight. My plan was to try and take this in 3rd utilising the improved mid range torque and saving 2 gear changes. She seemed to pull out well. I completed the run with a very positive feeling as a result of Scoff's work.

[RussellT]

http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/Doris%20Files/IMG_1392.JPG
The bodged up door, Im getting far too old for clambering across from the passenger side!

I was up against a very strong class with my old advesary Keith Minshull in his Dick Dastedly Black 306 the charging Paul Henderson in his 306 and a father and son team in a very rapid Honda integra DC2 Mike and Alex Thornton who are experienced campaigners from the Wigton Motorsport Club. The son Alex worked for M Sport and now works for Hewland and has been a rally driver instructor. All together there were 14 in class.

For second practice I decided to give her race boost. Wow despite a poor start I fly up the hill, she takes 3rd gear for the corner off the hill no problem and roars down the pit straight. Around the long hairpin to the tight uphill left hairpin into the esses bumbing off the kerbs to finish and I stop the clock in 52.27 setting the fastest time in practice. Paul was next on 52.59 and then Alex on 52.69 dad Mike was back on 54.80 and Keith got no time.

[Woznaldo]

Firstly I happy to hear, despite the niggles, that the car has more get up and go and you seem to be on the pace!

Secondly, I'm interested to know what Cam you are running? I completely understand if it's a bit a secret at the moment, but interested all the same.

Well done Russell. :agree:

[Ian S]

'Faster with more midrange torque than peak power'Makes a change for someone to say something meaningful instead of boast about a largely meaningless 'headline' number. :) It's horses for coarses, of course.

[RussellT]

Pressure on for the timed runs, Alex was quite suprised how quick the 1988 shopping trolley could be. As a double driver he went out in the first batch and looking at the ever darkening sky he mused that it would be a shame if he got a dry run and then it rained for the rest of the class. Thats part of speed events if you fall lucky with the conditions you have to take advantage.

In the event we all got a dry run. I gave it my all and managed to stop the clock at 52.16, Keith was 52.45 then Alex 52.48 Paul 52.54 then a gap to dad Maike Thornton on 53.49.

I was in the lead of a very tight class but was now able to return the "wouldnt it be a shame if it rained" sentiment back to Alex.

David Taylor the LDMC Clerk of Course is developing quite a reputation for delivering all he can in value for money to the drivers and although the stated plan at the drivers briefing was for 2 practice and a timed run prior to lunch I knew he would look at the weather and go for a second timed run before lunch and so it turned out to be. Definitely not to me advantage. I was lined up again. With the large class I was at the back of a long queue and with the previous 3 runs in fairly quick succession the under bonnet temp recorded on my intercooler was getting up to 50 degrees. Off the line Im sure she was pinking but that stopped and I attacked best I could to stop the clock at 4 seconds. In the wind debris had blow through the finishe line and messed up the timing. I was actually given an official time of 43 seconds and I had to point out to the timming team that was wrong.

If it was the other way around, ie a much slower time than you normally run the team will tell you thats your time you cant have a re run however in this instance they readily accepted that a time beating most of the slick shod racing cars was erronious and I was put back into the start line.

I didnt really want to go but before I did I had a quick glance at the timing screen to see that Keith had run the exact same 52.16 as my first run. I had to try, but was wary of the possible pinking so turned my boost down a few psi.

I was very lucky that the rain held off. She didnt pink I felt I got a better start and put in a fair run around the tricky go kart track but I could only manage a 52.38.

That was lunch and the rain came down just as we were going to resume. That was game over for any improvements in time but the club still ran multiple runs for anyone who wanted to have them and you have to say a HUGE thanks to the team of marshalls out in the rain making that possible.

So the final result 2 runs of the track and I came 1st on the faster second best time of 52.38 to Keiths 52.45 just 7 hundreths over 2 runs. Alex piped Paul with a 52.46 to 52.54 and Mike also broke into the 52 sec bracket with a 52.98.

So Im not going to win many awards at the end of the year with those lads in my class but we shall have some fun trying. Next event is in 2 weeks at Aintree where big BHP counts. In the meantime I need a new door lock & I need my remote fan switch to work.

[RussellT]

I understand that the cam is the one Engine Dynamics put into Ian Butchers mega 5.

[Matt Cole]

Great read that Russel!:) I felt like I was actually watching having read all that.

It does sound like you might need to refresh a few engine ancillaries especially if hoses are breaking etc. Good news on the cam, it's amazing what a correctly set up cam can do on these engines.:agree:

[Woznaldo]

I understand that the cam is the one Engine Dynamics put into Ian Butchers mega 5.

Thanks Russell.

What do you think is causing the pinking? Is it just under bonnet temps while stationary? Do you have any Fans on your intercooler?

[Trevhib]

Wow, class win! :) Great read and well done to the reluctant Doris. Really glad you sorted out the power issues and she's pulling well. :agree:

Keep us updated through the season Russ.

[Ian S]

Russell do you have the Renix ECU or a newer mappable one? I had a look at your The Doris Dilema thread but it didn't seem to day there. You could probably have that pinking mapped out and more power mapped in.

I recall Mark Fish telling me that he got a faster lap with a set up that gave more torque, for exiting the corners faster, at the expense of peak power.

[RussellT]

Its the Adaptronic ECU sold by Scoff it does all sorts. ;)

My intercooler is at the front of the engine so acts as a heat soak it just got hot. I normally have the bonnet open between runs to let it all cool down I just forgot to do it. Also I have a switch to turn on the rad fan and its not working at the moment after the pit crew installed another for the fuel pump.
It all cooled down by the time I got to the first corner as it was a cool day and the IC gets a massive air flow through it.

By the way last year on the same event warm but damp day I managed a 52.92 and a win. Keith dead heated for second with Paul Edwards.

[RussellT]

Its the Adaptronic ECU sold by Scoff it does all sorts. ;)

My intercooler is at the front of the engine so acts as a heat soak it just got hot. I normally have the bonnet open between runs to let it all cool down I just forgot to do it. Also I have a switch to turn on the rad fan and its not working at the moment after the pit crew installed another for the fuel pump.
It all cooled down by the time I got to the first corner as it was a cool day and the IC gets a massive air flow through it.

By the way last year on the same event warm but damp day I managed a 52.92 and a win. Keith dead heated for second with Paul Edwards.

[RussellT]

photos at http://www.castlevision.co.uk/#!longton--district-at-3-sisters-wigan/c5ea

[michael tierney]

great to see someone actually driving the nuts out of it and having an even better time(and times of course)!!:)

[Trevhib]

photos at http://www.castlevision.co.uk/#!longton--district-at-3-sisters-wigan/c5ea

Here you are Russell.

http://www.rtoc.org/boards/picture.php?albumid=331&pictureid=10812

[RussellT]

Here is a link to a in car vid of Matt Rowe AKA "Fearless" atcking the course in his Honda S2000 . His class are allowed to use 1B tyres (more motorsport derived) He beats my time by over a second.

http://youtu.be/NtAl5zFp85k

[Trevhib]

I reckon you'd gain a second with the same tyres on and 'ave 'im! :D

[RussellT]

The weather was a key factor on Saturday, damp in the morning with heavy showers but warm and windy letting the track dry quickly in between. The circuit itself was swept by a road cleaned but there was still some dust and gravel around off line from the activity of the Grand National a few weeks earlier.
This was my first sprint up against the mighty Ian Butcher Bumble Bee combination. He had gone fuel injected over the winter and I was very interested to see how his car performed especially at this venue where out and out BHP was the key to a quick time.
At practice boost for the first run I talk the corner entries cautiously but enjoyed the acceleration between corners. I needed 5th gear to reach the finish where as last year Doris didn’t have the puff to pull max revs by the finish line in 4th. That’s got to be a good sign I felt and the terminal speed of 110 was also up on last year’s pace. I didn’t expect much from the time of 56. 37 and was stunned to find I was the fastest time in class eclipsing Ian’s first effort of 56.95 the next fastest being a newcomer to Aintree Deryck Jones driving a very tidy 205Gti.
That result got me a little too excited I knew that Ian would go a lot quicker when he could get all of his power down but as I hadn’t been at full power myself it raised that dangerous emotion “hope”.
For second practice I gave her the full “race boost” I blasted off the line round the first corner as fast as I could then slid the back around the long second corner which is one of the best we do all year and out onto the back straight. In the distance I see one of the marshals jump up and run forward with the red flag. This is not a good sight as Ian is ahead of me and I know from painful experience an off on the entry to Bechers can be very nasty. The red flag is held steady not waved so that tells me to proceed with caution not stop. I slow and trundle around the corner to see Ian’s car regaining the track thankfully no worse for wear.
I get a rerun which can be a bonus with warm tyres and brakes and I give it my all but unfortunately Ian crossing the finish beam just ahead of me screwed up the timing computer and no time was set for the next 7 cars.
Onto the first timed run, the track was dry but with a dark sky and the threat of rain this was an important run to get right. That slight glimmer of hope from the first practice was stoking the butterflies, could the carb fed Doris compete with the mighty Bumble Bee?
Well you all saw what happened to Ian https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qlGSjDWC1M (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qlGSjDWC1M) it’s a shame I was ignorant of his issues as I too flew into the entry of Bechers and almost as soon as I had turned into the corner I knew that I had overcooked it, far too greedy with the entry speed and I was off playing on the grass yet again. For me the back end slid on the entry bump the correction put me a just few feet wide and the front lost grip on the dusty part of the track and I understeered off. Where once I had would have been in panic mode I knew exactly what to do, there was a moment when I felt the sideways traveling tyres dig in and threaten to roll Doris but they gave way and with some twirling arm action I get the front wheels realigned with my direction of travel and I could possibly turned inside the National fence but I decided to head for my gap as much to keep the tradition alive and the slope down to the track is smoother on the other side.
Ian came to apologise he felt his off had effected my run. I smiled the 5GT’s had been synchronised spinning I don’t know who was Torvill and who was Dean but we were both in trouble as it started to rain, very hard.
Lunch was a depressing affair in fact I couldn’t face food, if the weather didn’t improve I had blown a chance to beat Ian. It was Deryck in the 205 with a 54.08 who was the leader in the clubhouse. Then came Paul Henderson in his 305 55.56 just ahead of Keith Minshull of dead heat fame on 55.75.
It was still damp for the second run and the first 2 corners were a slidy affair but I got around and for Bechers I really slowed down and as soon as I was through the entry bump I was back on the gas to the end. Having taken it so easy into the corner on a moist track I was very pleased to finish with a 53.57 and 112 through the speed trap. Ian was red flagged so I was able to wait for his time to come up on the timing screen. He aced his run 2.76 for the first 64 feet 33.70 at the entry to Bechers 118 mph through the speed trap and a final time of 52.15. That flicker of hope had just been crushed like a bug under a jackboot. I was second though this time it was Deryck’s turn to slide off at Bechers, again no harm done.
Ian then packed up as his championship only counts the first 2 runs and he was also concerned about some oil coming out of the engine breather. He had only just got his car back from a broken timing chain at the Harewood practice day.
My 3rd run was quicker still at 53.13 but the pinking came back. I checked fuel pressure and AFR as I ran to the line pressure looked good but the AFR was a lean at 12.6. Keith improved to 53.90 and I could see another close finish between the 2 of us was on the cards especially as I had to turn Doris down for my last run. I still managed a 53.8 and 112 through the trap and Keith didn’t improve and Deryck took him with a final run of 53.57.
A real day of highs and lows a great performance from Doris to set a new PB by 0.01 sec on a far from perfect track delivering a solid second, but that is also the distance Im away from the mighty Bumble Bee!

[butch]

Far more entertaining and engaging than a video!

Your line through Village as I was leaving was delicious :agree:

Really pleased to see Doris healthy again Russell, hopefully see you in June if not before

[RussellT]

Thanks M8 great to see a 5 GT turbo up with the very best and another 1,2 for the French Pocket Rocket.

By the way Doris' time beat the best of the Honda S2000 on their 1B tyres so I wasnt hanging around and Ian is seriously quick.

[steveT2]

When you guys at harewood??will have to pop over,been a while since I watched a gt turbo in action.
Saying that...it could start me wanting to get another gtt:scared:

Would love to do something like this:smokin:

[RussellT]

In car of 3rd place man Deryck Jones having his own problems at the last coner

http://youtu.be/ZgGjvfHB7IU

[RussellT]

TORA TORA TORA!
Kamikaze driver at Barbon Hill Climb. On Saturday I managed to crash not once but twice :ashamed:

Report to come

[Matt Cole]

TORA TORA TORA!
Kamikaze driver at Barbon Hill Climb. On Saturday I managed to crash not once but twice :ashamed:

Report to come

Oh dear!:crap: Hopefully nothing to serious?

[RussellT]

Barbon
My 3rd event of the season was to be the picturesque hill climb at Barbon just north of Kirkby Lonsdale. The Cumbrian venue is prone to rain and with a meadow utilised as a paddock it’s liable to become rapidly muddy and impossible for race cars to negotiate. The weather forecast with 4 days to go was for heavy rain and it looked like the whole event was likely to be cancelled. In the event the weather front made a fool of the super computers attempting to predict its path and we had no rain to speak of all day, which was a shame as a nice shower at 3.00pm would have seen me take the class win.
After the last event at Aintree I had to turn the boost down to just under 20psi as she was pinking. This is easily done via the Blitz Boost Controller, you can set a target boost but I tend to use the gain setting and record the peak boost and adjust the gain accordingly. So where I was using a gain of 75 I had reduced that to 60. I had also taken the pads out of my brakes and deglazed them with some course wet and dry laid on a flat surface. At the time I was hoping for improved braking performance and did not anticipate the problems it was going to give me. Finally I had an annoying winking of the battery light with an associated variation in tone from the fuel pump as the voltage from the alternator flicked in and out. A peculiar situation but it doesn’t seem to have stopped the car running. The pit crew are going to replace the cars 27 year old relays in the hope that sorts it out.
Having arrived in good time I unpacked and walked the hill. I picked turn in points for the 3 corners and paced back 100 yards from the turn in point for the top hair pin which was just before the “III” marker board, conveniently marked by a trail of cow’s urine that looked like tears running down the track, how prophetic.
First practice at this venue is always a bit fraught, there can’t be a more contaminated motorsport venue in the world with at least 3 species of faeces on the tarmac. The coefficient of friction between rubber and sheep shit isn’t great. The venue just has 3 corners, a uphill start to a 90 left a straight to a 40 degree left and then a longer straight to a 120 hairpin right with the Armco of Armageddon on the gentle sweeping right hand entry to the hairpin. Originally this was a dry stone wall with several perforations where competitors had failed to make the corner.
First practice went well, Doris felt urgent and the line into the first corner worked well. I was on the power hard and early rocketing off the corner and up the straight. The line I picked for the second corner was a tad late and the back slid which was rather alarming as a back wheel off the narrow track and onto the grass there could have introduced me to a large oak tree at high speed. On to the final straight and Doris pulls all the way to the soft rev limit before I brake at a conservative distance from the hairpin. Down to second and around to finish. That all felt good and judging how much room I had left after I had reached turn in speed I considered breaking after the III marker was easily on. The mid range torque from the change of cam is nothing short of intoxicating and that was at practice boost. A quick twiddle of the knob on the Blitz Boost Controller and I was ready for second practice.
With the higher boost setting (19.6 psi) and a bit more commitment I stopped the clock on 30.29 to be fastest in class ahead of the Ex Harewood Championship winning Polo G40 driven by a young Will Roberts on 30.76 and Michael Thornton in his Integra DC2 on 31.29. Game on!

[Trevhib]

Three species of faeces :laugh:

Fab write-up and another win to boot, good effort Russ :)

[RussellT]

Hold your horses Trevor that was just practice, more to come with photos and video

[Alex]

I'm guessing it went a bit down hill from there! :(

[Trevhib]

Hold your horses Trevor that was just practice, more to come with photos and video

Oops :ashamed:

I did wonder when you said a shower at 3pm would have seen you take the class win. I ignored it and decided you must have won after all :laugh:

[RussellT]

The first timed run was taken before lunch in case the weather turned so we were in the situation where a botched run could leave you way of the pace with no chance of recovery.
I tried to be smooth even so the entry to the hairpin was fraught and I stopped the clock at 30.14 with a relatively slow 64 foot time of 3.01 I hit the split at 20.00 and 82.17 mph through the speed trap. Next best was Michael in the DC2 Integra 2.92 off the start 20.37 to the split 78.95mph and 30.36. Will in the mega G40 (which is basically a race car made road legal) 3.00 of the start 20.26 to the split and the same 82.17 mph for a 30.69. After Will was Steve Price in his non turbo Subaru back on 33.18, he easily wins the start though at 2.46.
I was truly amazed that Doris could match the G40 though the speed trap especially as I had turned the boost down to stop the pinking. She is a real joy to drive with the new cam, even at 12 psi. The other notable development was that my brakes were working. I had gone from not been able to lock the front wheels in the wet to locking them in the dry and after 3 runs they had some heat in them and were ready to catch me out.
Michael was egging me on over lunch subtly indicating that he could go quicker yet. Will’s dad was giving him a hard time as his was the fastest car. I was up for the challenge I could see from the splits that I was quickest through the middle corner and just had to nail the braking for the hairpin…
Well that didn’t go well. In the timed run after lunch I replicated my performance on the first 2 corners got to the split in 20.06 with the same 82.17mph in the speed trap but was too greedy at the hairpin. I braked in the manner I am used to which is to give the pedal everything and immediately locked up all 4 wheels and slid towards the Armco at huge speed. At the last possible moment when all hope of avoiding a crunching accident was lost I thought I may as well come of the brakes and steer in the forlorn hope the fronts would rotate and take Doris away from the Armco. To my delight that’s just what happened and the front missed the Armco, the first straw bale and bounced of the second, which punted me to the inside of the track and I found myself staring at the huge tree in the centre of the hairpin. A stab of throttle and with the diffs help I was around the hairpin back on the track and stopped the clock at 30.07 phew that was close. So was the competition Michael improved to 30.19 and Will to 30.23. I checked with the Clerk of the Course to see if mine was considered a valid run, usually all 4 wheels off is a fail, and from the inside of the car I couldn’t be sure, all I could remember was a blur of Armco, bales, tree, then finish line. He just smiled and said that if I made the finish it counted.
If it had rained then I would have taken a close class win however the weather held fair and we all had one more go at the challenge. Michael, The Predator, could smell my fear.
I had the same 3.00 start but beat my best time to the split with 19.84 to Wills 19.92 I had the same 82.17 mph through the trap Will was slightly down on 80.52 however I failed to learn from the previous run and if anything went even deeper into the final corner and slid like a rocket sled. I tried the same technique of lifting and throwing her at the corner but I was still way too fast and this time I missed everything but ran up the bank towards the crowd. The splitter made contact with something solid and a stopped going up and started coming down. I bumped started the stalled engine and finished the run in a disappointing 35.71. Will blew us all away with a final time of 29.91 but Michael could only improve by a hundredth to 30.18 and I was second.
All in all that was some day. The front splitter AKA the “patented tyre wall deflector” had once again come to my rescue but was left cracked sacrificed protecting the front of the car.
I have now crashed off the course 3 times in 3 events I need to calm down practice my breaking and understand that Doris is approaching the corners faster than last year. I am going to try a few less psi in the front tyres to try and improve traction.
The next event is back at Aintree on the 27th June and if you would like to see that fastest hill climb cars in the country attack this narrow tricky hill the British Hill Climb Championship is there on the 4th July.

[RussellT]

http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/Barbon%20Armco.jpg

[RussellT]

http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/DorisMidCornerBarbon.jpg

[RussellT]

http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/PoloBarbon.jpg

[RussellT]

This is an in car from Matt "Fearless" Rowe in his Honda S2000 with sticky 1B tyrres

https://youtu.be/oznxjglT2ZI

Question: Was he faster or slower than Doris through the speed trap at 20 seconds into the run?

[RussellT]

This is what happens if you dont get off the brakes when your locked up heading for a corner.

At 1min 40sec

http://youtu.be/USm9A4UhJNc

[Hoolio]

Great write up as always. you can actually hear your bum squeaking in that first picture.

[Trevhib]

Wow that is a dangerous course in places! :scared:

That Audi though :crush:

[RussellT]

Good news bad news, leading the class by 3 seconds at lunch bad news waiting for the AA at junction 3 M58 looks like headgasket has gone

[GTphil]

Bad news, I know how you feel, I cracked a liner last weekend and suffered the same AA fate:disagree:

Fingers crossed it's just the gasket. :agree:

[Alex]

I reckon the AA have the RTOC on speed dial!

[GTphil]

:laugh:
I reckon the AA have the RTOC on speed dial!

[RussellT]

As I set off for my 4th event of the year my main ambition, having worried the armco and tested the integrity of my anal sphincter at Barbon, was not to crash. The weather was set fair it looked like my main opposition was to be Deryck Jones. In the event he didnt turn up so on paper I was the fastest car in class.
Practice was fine Doris ran well my starts were around 2.7 sec which was pleasing having played with the traction control settings and reduced my front tyre pressures a tad.
All was looking good for a fun day.
Several cars were having mechanical issues, a drive shaft went on a escort broke its clutch cable the normally reliable 205 Mod Prod car of John Moxham came back smoking badly and sadly on the first timed run Doris also succumbed to the mechanical gremlins.
I had turned the boost gain up to 62, she had been mapped at 75 by Scoff so I felt that was a fair safety margin. I felt I made a good start and was quick through the second corner but at the entry to Bechers I braked and then gave her an extra stab of retardation on entry through the dip, which I feel is getting deeper almost a vale, back on the gas up to 6K revs and just before I go for 5th she cuts out completely. I put her into 5th and the engine is back but there is something not right I finish the run and its obvious Im running on 3 cylinders. There was smoke out the back and its game over for Doris.
My time was 53.85 against a PB of 53.13 so a respectable run that gave me the class win by 3 seconds.
Reflecting on the day as I waited for the AA recovery (having driven to a local Starbucks on 3 cylinders) , I hadnt crashed and won my class with a max score, but could I get her fixed in time for the next event in a week? The new head gasket was ordered from CGB before the AA arrived.

[RussellT]

In car from the track.
http://youtu.be/CNUX0883MEI

[RussellT]

Bob at CGB provided the new head gasket and head bolts and Andy at Shaw and wright St Annes had her repaired by Thursday so a big thanks to all involved. Cylinder 1 and 4 had stretched the gasket into a oval shape. Thank fully and suprisingly there was no evidence of any detonation.
So back at 3 Sisters with Alex and Mike Thornton providing the main opposition. With a field of 60 we had 2 practice runs and 4 timed runs before lunch. I was conservative with the boost setting and was very pleased to be leading the class with 51.86 to Alexs 52.10. Rain was forecast after lunch but it just didnt arrive in time to prevent Alex taking the win with his last run 51.84. Just 2 hundreths of a second ahead of me.
We all had a great day and I was very pleased to be able to make it home withouit having to trouble the AA.
Next weekend is a double header at Blyton Park. Fred Curell and his mighty Golf are on the entry list. He is the fastest class 1b driver inthe North of England so we shall see how far Doris is off the best.

[Nottswoody]

Keep it up rustle I always enjoy reading seeing you and Doris doing well.. :)

[Matt Cole]

What caused the head gasket trouble Russel?

[RussellT]

Lets exmine the evidence Matt.
She is a Renault 5 GT turbo
running race boost 20 psi
being reved to nearly 7K
enthusiasticaly driven
:coffee:

[B18ftMOJO5]

Lets exmine the evidence Matt.
She is a Renault 5 GT turbo
running race boost 20 psi
being reved to nearly 7K
enthusiasticaly driven
:coffee:

Enthusiasticaly driven:rolleyes: Russel you certainley seem to follow the "treat them mean, keep em keen" mantra with doris.
Love reading these updates.:agree:

[RussellT]

Up to 9th n the LDMC however Im missing a bonus round due to a stag do so ultimate position will be severely compromised

[RussellT]

Report on the double header at Blyton Park to come
here is a taster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqPRVJl0WlE

[Trevhib]

Brealthless. That S2000 seems to handle really well. :agree:

[RussellT]

Balmy Blyton
A 5.00am alarm saw me leaving St Annes at 5.30 to make the 140 mile journey to Blyton Park for 7.30am. I would have got there sooner if it wasn’t for a large section of motorway with a 50 mph average speed restriction and NO ROAD WORKS what so ever apart for one drilling machine on the hard shoulder. That not only delayed me but reduced my petrol consumption resulting in a car heavy with fuel as I parked up and unloaded.
Blyton Park should be known to several members as it was the site of our 2012 National Day. The club banner from the day is still on the club house wall. It’s a great track laid out on an old WW2 airfield.

The start is at Twickers there is a 64 foot beam then another 2 beams making a speed trap just before the Wrigler on the back straight. Sector 4 is from the 2nd of those beams to the finish. Marshals report 4 wheels off at the exit of Bishops, Bunga Bunga and the exit from the fast chicane. All 4 wheels have to be on the track through the finish.
The weather was set fair for Saturday with a threat of rain for Sunday. In my class I had a 205 GTi wearing a Skip Brown Cars sun strip (usually an ominous sign) a tidy Clio 172 and finally a father and daughter team of Andrew and Heather Wright driving a 306 Rallye. Fred Curell in the mighty Golf Gti didn’t arrive. I was told he had tripped over his trailer hurt his wrist and had a hospital appointment for a scan on the Saturday.
Andrew welcomed me with a invite to his van and tent complex for a tasty bacon and sausage butty with a cup of tea, both most welcome after the early start.
The first run was at low boost but even so the 2015 Doris roared around the track. She is a real hoot to drive and better than that I had brakes! Its so much more fun trying to compete when you can stop the car.
My time of 82.76 was the fastest in class so things were looking good. Steve Tilley in the 205 was pottering around in 107 seconds Heather was on 91seconds whilst Richard Jenkinson in the Clio ran 86.65 and Andrew had no time recorded.
More boost dialled in for 2nd practice resulted in a 79.49 for me with Andy my closest challenger on 81.49 and the win looked to be between us two with Richard in the Clio the next fastest car on 85.58.
I upped the boost again to 16 psi and stiffened the Leda dampers to 3 clicks of full stiff for the timed runs. A committed run saw the clock stop at 78.62. Andy was a tad slower than 2nd practice at 81.63 however Richard knocked 2 seconds off his practice time with a 83.30. Heather managed 87.40.
The first run after lunch didn’t go well for me, Doris jumped out of 3rd gear breaking for Bunga Bunga and then I was given a failed run at the finish when the outside wheels strayed too far on the exit. Andy improved by a tenth but was still slower than his practice time and Richard ran the exact same time as his first run. Heather meanwhile was down to 86.52.
I had a chat to Heather, having sworn her to secrecy not to tell her dad, giving her a few suggestions on gear selections braking points and the line through the last corner although at the time I wasn’t aware that I had been given a failed run for a last corner transgression.
Driving Doris there were some alarming clunks on hitting the brakes like some major part was moving and I was blaming that for her jumping out of gear. Matt Fearless Rowe of the Honda S2000 You Tube fame advised me that if you didn’t quite get the gear fully located it held under power and then jumped out as you came off the gas. He used to drive a 106 and had past experience of similar issues. All the same I resolved to invest in some new engine mounts for the next event.
I lined up for the final run knowing that I had probably done enough with my first timed run to take the class on the day but I still wanted to try and set a valid faster time if I could.
Off the line up through the gears into third, left foot brake for the first corner which is a long left hander specifically set up to reward trail braking. I aim to try and just get the rear of the car sliding to help point the nose in to the apex however overcook it at your peril as you have to thread a needle on the exit to get the right line through the first chicane. Fail to do that and the middle kerb will take your sump off. Andy did test the metal of his 306 on the first practice run. A lake of oil there on was about the 10th run of the weekend would have seen him less popular than Tony Blair.
I slip through the chicane kissing the kerbs then accelerate smoothly as grip would allow not wanting to wash out on the adverse camber, up to 4th and I’m full on the power. The braking point for the back chicane is tricky as the entry is hidden behind the infield curve, again it pays not to be too greedy so as not to be fighting the car on the entry to the chicane enabling you to drive the correct line. Of course that’s just what I did sliding the car at the first apex I bounce of the second and just about stop losing all my precious momentum for the run to Bishops. I take that in 3rd and was careful not to use too much road on the exit. I hold 3rd for the run to the double apex Bunga Bunga corner, missing the first apex to hit the second. On the power again up to 4th and through the high speed chicane on the run to the finish. The exit is key, it’s not really an issue of being brave as there is plenty of run off its just judging how fast your car can take the corner and stay on the defined track limits. Once through there it’s a straight line to the turn in point for the final corner. Back to 3rd and slide her round using all of the road but keeping 4 wheels on track.
The clock stops at 77.72 for my best run of the day but I had left a chunk of time in that back chicane. The speed trap registered 98.2mph. Andy had benefited from my tips to his daughter and knocked a second off for a best time of 80.58 to Just pip Richard’s Clio who had gone almost a full 3 seconds faster on his last run with 80.88. Heather also went significantly quicker knocking 2 seconds of her previous best with a 84.34 and the 205 was left trailing, for once, on 96.30.
All in all a cracking day, as good as Speed events get; great venue, weather, camaraderie and competition. For comparison Roger Fish took the honours in the battle of the S2000’s with a 75.15 (on his 1b tyres) and the same speed as Doris through the trap.
Later that night I joined Roger and Matt for a meal at their hotel then returned to my digs at the local pub where I had a pint with another 2 fellow competitors enjoying the night air. One of the barmaids came out for a drag on her vapour e cig. She was a friendly soul and when I happened to mention that her e cig looked like a mini industrial unit, she offered it to me saying that I could try sucking on her Beaver Juice! In all my years on the planet no lady has ever said that to me before. It turns out a local man called Mr Beaver makes his own vapour liquids called Beaver Juice. I declined the offer.

[RussellT]

http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/Doris%20Files/Blyton%20Circuit.jpg

[Hoolio]

Entertaining read as always. What it is they say about 'no good deed going unpunished' :)

[V Man]

An action packed day by all accounts:agree:. Beaver juice. Ah yes I remember it well....

[RussellT]

Blyton Park Day 2
In contrast to the 5.00am start the day before I had a relative lie in to 7.00am in my excellent room at the Black Horse Blyton. A cooked breakfast inside me (Andy’s bacon was better) Doris and I headed back to the circuit.
As I entered the paddock there was Tony Hart of Prima Racing unloading his mighty Mod Prod R5 GT turbo (stripped out, running on slicks). That was a very pleasant surprise and I had a chat about what he was up to these days and generally how to make a 5 faster.
As a stand alone event I had to sign on again and go through scrutineering again. There was a drivers briefing for the competitors not there the day before, but I attended as I wanted the Clerk of the Course to try and improve the system that let drivers know their time had been discounted for 4 wheels off. This he was happy to do.
We had lost the 205 and the Clio from the class so it was just me against Heather and Andrew in the 306 Rallye. Andrew aimed to crack 80 seconds and Heather wanted to beat her best time from last year which was a high 81. I left Doris set up as she had been the day before and we all ran conservative times, I stopped the clock on 79.47 Andy 81.94 and Heather 86.23.
Second practice was a new experience for me. I was staged at the start in sunshine and I had a fully dry track from the start but after the 64 foot beam a sudden and seriously heavy shower deluged the track. There was a surreal moment where I was still driving in “dry mode” with the track waterlogged. Certain disaster was awaiting me at the first corner but thankfully some part of my conscious brain said hang on a minute there might not be much grip now. I braked early but still lost the back end on turn in requiring a rapid and significant chunk of opposite lock to correct. The rest of the run was a slimy affair and I was happy to finish in one piece. Heather managed a 90.03 to my 89.04 and Andy had a full wet run on 93.08.
The Westfield lads on slicks all the mutinied and lunch was called early. During this time we had the unusual spectacle of Andy, a scouser, removing the locking wheel nuts from his car with a socket a hammer and plenty of muscle. He wanted to swap his Yokohama AD08 to Michelin Pilot Sport 3. Heather was convinced that they were the faster tyre for her and he fancied taking me on in the wet.
In the event the combination of warm sunshine and the breezy airfield dried the track for the first timed run after lunch. I had softened the front dampers and reduced the allowed slip to 5% on the traction control but had her back into dry mode for the run. It was odds on that we were only going to have 2 timed runs so a banker time was essential. I completed the course without overstepping the track limits in 78.37. To Andy’s obvious delight he smashed through the 80 second barrier with 79.43. Heather also managed a large step up in performance to 82.65 and the effort required to swap the tyres had been fully justified.
One last go I sneaked in a bit of extra boost up to 18 psi. I tried to be more aggressive on the turn in to the first corner and got the entry to the chicane slightly wrong taking more of the middle kerb than I liked bouncing the off side wheel up into the air. This did give me a quicker exit and I roared through the speed trap at an impressive 100.6mph ( the same speed as Tony’s Mod Prod 5). I was too greedy on the brakes for the Wrigler and again took too much of the middle kerb but kept hard on the gas. I could have taken Bishops and Port Froid a tad quicker but overall I was happy to finish off with my best time for the weekend, a 77.36. Andy on a banzai charge missed the last corner but his splits showed that he was about 2.5 sec down on me. Heather meanwhile popped in a 81.79 to beat her best last year. So everyone in class went home happy with something to celebrate.
For comparison Tony’s best time was a class winning 72.57 and the S2000 honours, in a reverse of 2014, went to Roger Fish on 75.34 just ahead of Matt Fearless Rowe on 75.47. It’s his in car I posted and where he went through the fast chicane in 4th last year he kept her in 3rd . Roger also managed 100.6 through the speed trap but Matt was down on 98.20. He wasn’t happy.
Next event is Loton Park on the 9th August. Prior to that I plan to get new engine mounts have the head re torqued, the tracking checked again and finally put some thought to the rear suspension. I’ve run her on the bump stops for years now and it works well up to a point but the 2015 engine performance demands reconsideration.

[RussellT]

The new engine mounts have arrived

http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/Doris%20Files/Engine%20Mounts.jpg

[B18ftMOJO5]

Those look :smokin::agree:

[RussellT]

Latest news. The rear engine mount was broken.

[B18ftMOJO5]

Hopefully that should transfer into better times with these new ones.:agree:

[RussellT]

Great day at Loton Park yesterday. Beautiful sunshine all day and the track was at its very best, lots of grip translating into lots of PB's and class records. I had a long chat to Bob of CGB Motorsport more about that and a report on the days competition later.

[RussellT]

Loton Park
Last year I missed my annual trip to the Loton Park Speed Hill Climb is set in the deer park of Sir Michael Leighton’s stately home at Alberbury, near Shrewsbury due to the gearbox failure. So having unpacked and signed on I walked the first section of the picturesque hill. It was a beautiful day and the track was in top condition for some good times after the previous days event had laid down some fresh rubber.
In common with all hill climb venues the track is tight with little room for error, no run off surrounded by major trees and a pond thrown in for good measure. The “straight”, snakes up the hill along a ridge so a wheel off line pulls the car off the road and into a pit of doom and certain destruction. Not for the faint hearted.
My class was an eclectic mix from an Elise and the Honda S2000 on 1b race tyres, 4 MX5’s, 2 MG ZR 1’s a Mr1 Escort and Steve Price in his non turbo Subaru. The reason for the eclectic mix is that the Hagley and District Light Car Club that runs the Loton Park events, refused to co-operate with the Northern Speed Classes that were set up to standardise the class regs at the various venues. So on the day I was competing against the Elise but for my championships I was up against the MG’s, the Escort and Steve Price in the Subaru.
The course starts with a dip into a right kink then a tight left into a double apex left then a faster 45 degree left. You then run downhill past the pond to a tight right, another short straight to a chicane that exits onto the snaking straight. At the top of that there is the speed trap and you come over a crest with a left kink to a tight left. You then run up a rapidly increasing gradient to a tight blind right hander that tightens on the exit and from there, there’s a good blast to the finish. Its fast, dangerous frenetic in car action all the way. Often cars arrive at the top with the indicators flashing indicative of “wind milling” arms in the cockpit.
I have traditionally been slow to the 3rd split and I had been given a tip to try by a Loton regular which was to short shift to 3rd after the first corner. That cut out 2 gear changes and maximised acceleration on the downhill straight.
I was hoping for a 64 sec run and first practice 66.25 was encouraging and Doris felt really strong with lots of grip good brakes and an eager engine.
Second practice with a bit more enthusiasm stopped the clock at 64.82 and I was still running practice boost!
Bob from CGB the current Loton Champion no less in the stripped out race prepared class on race tyres was ahead of Doris on time however Doris was faster through the speed trap on 76mph.
Practice took for ever and it wasn’t until 2.00pm that we lined up for the competitive runs. I had spent lunch chatting to Bob who informed me of the dire situation with regards to spares for the Renault 5 GT turbo. I had no idea that the situation was so dire, without spare body panels or bumpers our cars ultimate prognosis is bleak.
Boost up time for a PB. 2.83 sec saw me at 64 feet then 17 sec at loggerheads, almost a second up on practice, triangle came in 25.51 and Cedar in 45.33 with 76 through the speed trap. I rounded Museum in 56.61 and stopped the clock at 63.81. Doris felt nothing short of awesome.
I was way ahead of the other cars in class that I was actually competing against for my championships and the sensible approach would have been to pack up and go home. However I upped the boost and went for it again this time I lifted a tad too early at the top of the hill but still managed to reduce my PB to 63.61. The nearest to me was one of the MG ZR160 cars on 68.76
Roger in the S2000 managed to fall of the hill after the chicaine onto the straight and “nutmegged” 2 very large trees. He was visibly shaken by the experience and Im not sure he will bother with Loton again.
Carl meanwhile was blasting up the hill 62.26 sec to take a class 2nd on the day. I think Doris inspired him to push on.
Next up is Harewood on the 30th August where competition will be fierce and points hard to come by but I hope the weather will be fine and a PB there would be a season highlight.
Here is a link to an in car from Fred Curell setting a Midland Speed record look how close his off side wheel gets to the “pit of doom!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNhj_PHHReM

[RussellT]

Doris on turn into the downhill Triangle bend at Loton Park Hill Climb

http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/Doris%20Files/Loton%20Triangle%20small.jpg

Harewood is next up on Sunday. Butch will be there but sadly in his Honda, although he will still be hard to beat.

[RussellT]

Harewood Hero’s
Pre my annual trip to the countries longest hill climb I knew I was facing the strongest class of the year. 20 cars were to line up in 1b with the Harewood instructor James Kerr as the strong favourite of a field that included ex champions and ex championship winning cars with new drives and RTOC own Harewood star Ian (Butch) Butcher in his back up race car, a lovely imported Integra type R, whilst Bumble Bee’s engine was being rebuilt.
The anticipated competition was both exciting but also daunting and the end result was very likely to be a dropped score at the end of the year, however this was a chance to test Doris against some of the top cars in the North of England.
With this in mind I was going to up the boost to 20psi and I planned to try Shell Nitro + petrol. Unhappy with my starts this year I decided to hold her on the brakes on the start line to preload the clutch and I also raised the rev limit on the launch control to 4K revs and the change over speed to 30 kph.
The timing system at Harewood these days is on a par with Loton with 5 splits a speed trap as well as an elapsed time. This is great for showing relative strength and weakness of your performance.
http://www.rtoc.org/files/Technical%20Files/Doris%20Files/Harewood.jpg


I arrived over fuelled again, this is becoming a significant issue for me. I had deliberately under fuelled by 7L for the trip over but still I had just under half a tank left. Since the change of cam shaft Doris not only has more power but also uses less fuel.
Possibly as a result of the heavy fuel tank I almost spun out at the first corner just catching the back end still I managed a respectable 70.89. Doris felt good and also stable into the fearsome final blind Quarry corner. At the end of a long uphill straight you enter at well over 70mph in 3rd you turn into the first part then after a short straight there is a second tighter apex to take you through the finish. It is the most challenging corner I face all year but where winning times are made so full commitment is required.
Second practice without a slide at the first bend stopped the clock at 68.89 sec and I was second in class! That was on practice boost. James was a second quicker on 67.76 and behind me was Jonathan Mounsey in a ex Harewood Championship winning 205 GTi on 69.07 then David Blakeston in a Integra Type R on 69.19, then our Butch in his Integra on 69.91. the young charger Deryck Jones had fallen off at Orchard and hadn’t set a representative time.
Up the boost went to 20psi Doris 2015 was back up with the competition.
After a long delay whilst the paramedics tended to a spectator who had collapsed we were only going to get 2 runs so the pressure was on not to mess up, very much like Q3 in F1 qualifying.
My starts had been going OK with the new settings and Doris roared off the line through the first corner and down the hill like a rocket. The increased boost and speed caught me out at the bottom of the hill though as I didn’t make the corner into the Esses and in fact did well to stay on the track. This compromised my line through the whole of the Esses and Chippys. I kept pressing on and finished the run at 68.84 faster than practice but I had left time on the hill. I was still 3rd in class. James was in a class of his own on 67.55 then came Deryck on 68.49 then me with Jonathan just behind on 68.98. Butch managed 69.95.
Second timed run and as you would expect I braked earlier for the Esses but this time I ran out of road on the exit of Country. I gave it my all into Quarry squirming through the line to stop the clock at 68.46 the best time Ive done for years and a dead heat with Deryck Jones. However Jonathan had nailed a Banzai last run to take both of us for second with 68.37. Without the extra petrol I would have been close for second. James hadn’t improved but still took the win.
Now most clubs decide a dead heat with the next fastest time however Harewood do it by who ever set the time first so I was 3rd and the recipient of a nice cut glass award.
Deryck has a You Tube channel so I will post a link so you can experience a ride up the hill with him.

[RussellT]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omsrA7mBvvM

[James5]

Russell what a great read loving seeing this something from the normal:agree:, and well done 3rd in your class is still bloody good I will check out the video later when at home:agree: Keep up the good work and keep these updates coming:D

How you finding the new engine mount's? Are those the vibratec jobbies? if so been considering getting some myself.

[RussellT]

The engine mounts are very good and a female would certainly enjoy the race spec ones. I suspect that they have made a significant difference in getting the power down. I can tell this at the start where I ran into issues with tramping.

I would also mention that CGB Motorsport sell their own uprated engine mounts. They are very reasonable (especially compared to the ones I bought) so might be worth considering.

[RussellT]

Comparing the split times with Deryck on the run we dead heated is interessting.

I beat him off the start by 0.09 sec but then he beat me to the bottom of the hill by 0.04 sec (remember I lifted earlier after over shooting the turn in on the first timed run). I then took the lead again after the run through the Esses, Chippys and up to Country by 0.23 sec. Out of Country through Willow and to the entry to Orchard we were dead level (I ran wide out of Country) Through Orchard around Farmhouse to the speed trap I took the lead again by 0.17 sec but then lost that advantage through Quarry.

[Trevhib]

:coffee:

[RussellT]

A link to a photo of me in the Esses on the right line for once.

http://www.jcbphotography.co.uk/_photo_14317061.html

lots of nice Escorts there on the day aswell more photos on the JCB Photography web site

[RussellT]

My last event in the Chester and Liverpool Speed Championship was on Saturday at Aintree. To be onest I didnt have any stiff competition in my class so I had an easy win and only did 1 run on full boost. I managd a time of 53.25 and 113 through the speed trap. Earlier in the year I was a tad quicker trying (and failing) to compete with Ian (Butch) Butcher. We had 7 runs in total and spent the time woring on my start technique. I managed a best of 2.75 and they were all very consistent around 2.80. Ill let you know where I end up when all the scores are in and shaken down.

[RussellT]

Doris spark plug post event

https://twitter.com/turborussell/status/640997396181336064 (https://twitter.com/turborussell/status/640997396181336064)

I've made a threaded copper washer to try and improve the seal on the plug

https://twitter.com/turborussell/status/640997573776515076

What do you reckon good or bad idea?

[RussellT]

As the last results came in I have ended up 3rd overall in the Chester and Liverpool Speed Championship. Overall positions are determined by who turns up to compete in your class so although its nice to be "on the podium" as it were the main reason for that position is not my driving skill (which is obviously on a par with LH) but the facts that Butch engine went early in the season and Fred Curell tripped over his trailer and was having a scan on his injured wrist the day he should have been at Blyton.

[Trevhib]

Listen, you can only go against those who turn up on the day (or throughout the year)! Congrats on your and Doris's podium Russell :yeah: Another great year of fun racing in which I think Doris has really come along.

Not sure what the problem with the spark plug is in the first pic??

[RussellT]

Thanks for that Trevor

Re the spark plug its the oil all the way down to the sealing ring that makes me think they arnt sealing properly and robbing me of some power.

Ive put the one with the threaded copper washer into cylinder 1 and at least she runs.

The end of the plug will be slightly higher up in the head do you think that could cause any issues? I would expect Renault work out the best spot for the spark to start the ignition of the mixture.

Anyway Ill run her around a bit some higher boost settings and see if the oil still comes out of the cylinder.

[Trevhib]

Spark plug: Ah, I thought that might be what you were referring to.

I don't know I'm afraid. My thoughts anyway:

- Actually, where is the oil coming from? I'm guessing you run without valve seals like Phase 1? Seems quite a lot. Anyway, isn't it that the oil is going all the way UP to the sealing ring, not all the way down?? :scratch: If so, it looks like the seal is doing its job.

- I 'think' the spark plug seals are crush washers, I guess for a reason, though I don't know. Not sure whether it will cause a problem using a solid one?

- Maybe, being a crush washer, if the plug has been in and out a few times perhaps the its sealing capability has been diminished?

- Could you machine down the copper washer so it's nearer in height to the original?. If not, could it make the ignition weaker being higher in the chamber?

Just food for thought :agree:

[RussellT]

The final WE approaches and I decided to check out the rear suspension on Doris. I had noticed some loud metalic clanking sounds driving down our access road. with the car jacked up and the nearside rear wheel off all looked OK but when I lifted the wheel up I could see that the trailing arm was moving in the axle bearing.

A call to CGB has confirmed that you cant get the bearings so I might have to have the whole axle replaced.

Will she be ready? Its a bit tough to compete knowing that the rear suspension is broken but i dont want to miss out on the trip to Wales.

[Bigfoot]

You can get the bearings off ebay for about £17, will try and find the link for you, its the pressing in part which is not the most fun

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-CLIO-91-05-1-1-1-2-1-4-1-6-1-9D-REAR-AXLE-TRAILING-ARM-BUSH-7700807180-/371148258719?hash=item566a28fd9f

[Matt Cole]

Russel,

I would consider replacing with roller bearings. There is a thread on here.......

http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=20939&highlight=rear+axle+bearings

[RussellT]

Thanks lads the club to the rescue again!

I found the thread I didnt think I could manage that by the WE and I couldnt find the right sized bearing.

BigFoot I will certainly obtain the one you have suggested off E bay.

I think Im going to get a replacent rear axle anyway as over the last 12 years mine has had SERIOUS and REGULAR ABUSE. :wasntme: I dont want a trailing arm to fail mid corner.

[Alex]

Russell, I'm in the process of refurbishing my axle using those bushes. If you have any questing or need advice let me know. :)

[RussellT]

Thanks Alex is that the Clio ones off E Bay? any tips gratefully recieved and tthat goes for you too BigFoot.

[Alex]

Yes its the Clio ones on ebay. They're a bit of a struggle to remove due to their location and the amount of time they've been exposed to the elements - lots of rust and they'll be ceased onto the axle.

I'll be doing an article on the job once I've finished it. :)

[RussellT]

Cheers I've bought the last 2 the vendor had. I think one of mine is going to fall out judging bythe amount of play in it. Its really disconcerting to think of what I have been doing with the axle in tthis state! Some very fast corners at my last event on the Aintree circuit.

[Matt Cole]

I hope this won't be another NLA part. :cry:

[Bigfoot]

Well can always have a discussion with this ebay person and see what they can do. But price for postage might be high :crap:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Achskorper-Lagerung-Hinterachslager-Tonnenlager-SASIC-4001414-/331496114344?hash=item4d2eb548a8

[Bigfoot]

Has a website

https://www.wagner-autoteile.de/Autoteile/renault-ersatzteile/11-b-c37-466/1-7-b-c37e-7700/Achsaufhaengung-Radfuehrung-Raeder/Achstraeger-Achskoerper-lagerung/

[RussellT]

I had a great trip to CGB Motorsport yesterday. Thanks to Joe for sorting me out a spare rear axle and a pair of front wings. I enjoyed checking out their race car and all the goodies onthe shelfs

[RussellT]

The last WE was at the truely spectacular Trac Mon on Angelsey. My pit crew had managed to replace the worn (as in totaly destroyed) bush in the nearside trailing arm. I had to bleed the rear brakes but all was well for a bleary eyed and foggy run to Wales on Saturday morning.
The other cars in class inculded Mr James Kerr and my arch rival Mr Keith Minshull. Keith dressed in his black race suit and small black beard could be mistaken for a pantomine villain or Dick Dasterdly.
All was in place for a cracking WE with the venue the weather the track but unfortunately there were 135 entries including the final event for the British sprint championship. So with both layouts going past the start line running was limited to 3 car on track and each full run too over 2 hours. The upshot of this was 1 practice and 2 runs on Saturday and 2 practice and 1 run on Sunday. The British Sprint lads only got 1 run off for the points too.
On Saturday I fell off on my first timed run. As many have done I didnt make the blind corner at the top of the hill. I had to pot a time on the second go and was quite pleased with my run but it was only good for 3rd.
On Sunday I slid off on the second practice understeering off on the 3rd gear left hander after the pit straight. I managed to bounce along the grass and regain the track with no harm done.
With only 1 chance for the prizes I couldnt afford another mistake and a tidy run was again good enough for 3rd.
On Saturday Keith was right behind James and might have pipped him but for missing the apex at the final hairpin, but on Sunday James was 5 seconds faster than Keith and I was 0.6 sec behind Keith which over 3.5 miles is pretty close.
I dont know the final championship standings but will keep you posted

[Trevhib]

I dont know the final championship standings but will keep you posted

If you haven't won something, I shall be putting in a complaint :wasntme:

[RussellT]

The Matt Fearless Rowe experience http://youtu.be/Qgx0m9cOSlU

As the film runs on he describes his run to a fellow competitor. I dont agree he was cautious in the corkscrew but he was slower into Church on the second run (the very long very fast right onto tthe long straight. His car stops a lot quicker than Doris. At the end of the straight I started braking just after the tyres at tthe kink and only just made the corner.

Look out for yours truely also spouting excuses!

[RussellT]

Now with our class champion James Kerr showing that he is human at Rocket http://youtu.be/nN5lt-2SG1E

[RussellT]

The final scores have been published and Doris dragged me up to 3rd place.

So the final result of the season is 3rd in the Chester and Liverpool and 3rd in the Longton and District Motor Club Speed Championship.

I reached these dizzy height mainly due to Fred Currel tripping over his trailer and going for a wrist scan when he should have been at Blyton but such is the nature of the speed game.

Doris has been much more fun to drive thanks to Scoffs pre season work on the engine and getting the brakes to work to a consistent and acceptable level, if not perfect. The reconditioned Gripper diff and Leda dampers have also made a diference.

So what now?
Well I fancy a proper rear anti roll bar rather than the rubber door stop mod Ive used for 10 years. I think I need a new clutch judging by the smell coming off the car after my runs in Wales. More power would be nice but Ill have to wait until I need a turbo recon.
I also need a new helmet as the one I have is no longer an accepted standard.

Roll on Christmas!

[Matt Cole]

Excellent result Russel. What a season it's been for you! I guess Doris needs a bit of love and a few mods ready for next season.

Well done and let's see some Doris mods!