Disclaimer: The entries in this section are the personal opinions of the authors. Neither the Caterham Graduates Racing Club nor its site administrator have control of the content of this page and cannot be held responsible for any entries herein. http://www.graduates.org.uk 29540Colin, just to save your disappointment Jen's calendar has cars on it :-) Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:28:22 GMT29539Thanks Colin, please can you give me a call 07912 842 320Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:25:21 GMT29538Jen, Please put me down for a calendar. Sorry for using the Forum for this, but my e-mail is broken at the moment! Ta! ColinMon, 8 Feb 2010 15:22:55 GMT29537Grads Calendar: Just wanted to say a massive thanks to all those who bought the calendars. It seems to have been a great success and I am sure I will do a bigger and better one for next year now I know that they sell! :) I have 10 Calendars left as I re printed them in January due to high demand :) If anyone wants one please let me know. I realise now that it is Feb but those who said they wanted 1 or even 2 have not placed an order. Anyone that would like one please get in touch asap. Thanks Jen Mon, 8 Feb 2010 14:26:28 GMT29536If it wasn't flat before Mr D lay on it, it certainly was afterwardsMon, 8 Feb 2010 12:04:42 GMT29535A very Happy Birthday to Mr. Skinner. Have a good day Andy.Mon, 8 Feb 2010 10:24:43 GMT29534I saw Steve Devine laying on something orange a while back!Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:48:25 GMT29533Bit of a weird one, but did anybody pick up a big foam kneeling pad thing - quite big, enough to lay on? Just been sorting out the garage and I can't find it - last time I had it was probably Spa. I think it's Orange!Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:54:37 GMT29532Martin - from what I remember you got off very lightly in Croft testing from what could/should have been a huuuge crash! Which makes my injury at the slowest corner on the circuit all the more annoying/ironic... :-(Fri, 5 Feb 2010 19:22:52 GMT29531Jo, just go right, left-right, right, right-left, right, leeeft-ish, right, right and right again, left, right a lot, left a very lot and that's about it.Fri, 5 Feb 2010 16:30:04 GMT29530Be good if it happens, but we're unlikely to get 30 minutes extra track time on a racing day for a "nominal sum"! Circuit hire and related expenses are typically 1 per second - so for 30 drivers we'd be looking at maybe 80 with turnaround time.Fri, 5 Feb 2010 16:20:16 GMT29529Thanks Nick - that would certainly put at least some of my fears to rest if we could get a session before qualy :)Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:19:15 GMT29528Croft: Sorry about that. They didn't fix their one and only test date until after we had fixed our pre-season track-day. Not that I think it would have made much difference as I don't think very many of us would have made the long trek north for a single day. We have approached BARC about the possibility of a brief "untimed practice" on Sat AM and will let you know what transpires.Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:15:04 GMT29527Jo its not many years since hardly anyone tested! We just turned up and drove. Plus having never been to Lydden before I was P4 which was a shock. And Croft is a great circuit and not too hard to learn, so it looks like the first race is practice and the second race the real thing! Should be a great weekend.Perhaps what BARC should do is five 30 mins free practice at the start of the day at a nominal sum as Lydden did as this noise problem is not going to go away. FeseyFri, 5 Feb 2010 13:08:32 GMT29526I can't really get to the test day at Croft, and I'm getting quite stressed about my first time on track being qualy. Can anybody reassure me that actually loads of people do this and it's all gonna be ok :sFri, 5 Feb 2010 13:02:27 GMT29525Not only not close to our race weekend - but on the same day as our pre-season trackday.Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:41:37 GMT29524The Croft website says there is one test day this year - and its not close to our race weekend. There is no track day on the Friday. I was hoping that Nick was going to post and say something like "don't worry Easyjet are going to give us an Easyday" but he hasn't. On the plus side - the test day last year really screwed up my racing, or to be accurate, the mistakes I made on the test day rather spoiled the competitiveness of my car! At least it will not have visited the scenery at high speed before qualifying this year, nor been overfilled with oil. Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:27:56 GMT29523And no testing??? Aaarrgh - wish I'd made the effort to get there in previous years.Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:54:13 GMT29522Mikeo- The only Croft days I can find are after we've been there. Doubt there will be anything before mid April due to the circuits enforced restrictions. Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:51:53 GMT29521I have obviously been breaking the rules for years! I always carry my mobile phone when racing. This is because after my big shunt at Snett some years ago I was taken to Norwich A&E by ambulance and after X-rays was 14 miles from Snett with no money and no way of contacting anyone for a lift back or even a taxi. NHS phones will not allow reverse charge calls as they dont generate enough profit. Luckily the receptionist took pity and ordered a taxi for me. Presumably if I turn it off I may not be breaking the rules. Fesey.Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:35:43 GMT29520Hi everyone, I'm trying to fing a trackday at Croft before our race but can't find any. Does anyone know of one?Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:07:38 GMT29518Woolly wording, as usual. What is a "radio transmitter"? Something which emits electromagnetic radiation? Well, that's headlights banned, for a start, not to mention anything on the car warmer than absolute zero. And the "..or receivers" would seem to contradict our regs allowance for in-car entertainment systems. 8.1.10b is much clearer, and simply says that you mustn't flash your headlights, use your horn, shout, or otherwise communicate with your pit crew other than in one of the approved manners. 8.1.10b clearly outlaws the USE of a mobile phone for such purposes (though presumably it's OK to call your wife to tell her you're in the lead).Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:31:57 GMT29517Bunty, most of the marshalls registered faster lap times than you and they had a coffee break half way around. Hasn`t your car been fitted with the optional slow moving vehicle flagThu, 4 Feb 2010 13:17:22 GMT29516The MSA reg seems reasonably clear. Our cars are not permitted to carry radio transmitters or receivers. There are some devices, such as our wireless key fobs, that theoretically infringe this but are, fairly obviously, outside the scope of this rule which, one can infer from the context of the whole of Q8.1.10, is intended to cover devices that could transmit or receive useful information or data between the car and the outside world. Mobile phones are, in my opinion, not permitted. Because it isn't hard to think of situations where one of us could get a theoretical benefit from using one, eg. by calling ahead to a pit crew to say, "I'm pitting to get my punctured LH front wheel changed - be ready," or by getting a call from the trackside to say, "cars are spinning off from the racing line at turn three, oil at apex, go wide," or, "the leader has pitted on the last lap - you are now P3 and will win the championship if you stay there, you now don't need to pass the car in front at the final corner," etc. etc. I agree that a cellphone without a network connection or SIM is not actually a 'phone at all since it cannot make or receive calls, and would therefore, theoretically, not be prohibited. But since that interpretation could lead to all and sundry carrying phones (or things that look like phones) in the car, and to someone having to determine that each and everyone cannot be used as a phone (and also, for example, that a driver does not secretly insert a SIM between scrutineering and competition), I would say that the obvious route for the scrutineers to take is not to allow anything that appears to be a phone!Thu, 4 Feb 2010 12:47:24 GMT29515Exactly, phone doesnt need a sim car to run racechrono. Also find the lap timing and sector view clear and usefull during testing.Thu, 4 Feb 2010 12:23:04 GMT29514Especially if it's a phone with no network - just being used to run the software...Thu, 4 Feb 2010 11:57:25 GMT29513 Racechrono: I fail to see how they contreve Q 8.1.10(b). The bluetooth GPS device will send data to the phone which is installed in the car, there is no data between car and pits. I've seen these systems run on cars in races, whether the scrutineers knew or not, I dont know.Thu, 4 Feb 2010 11:17:23 GMT29512Jo, probably next week. Will bring it and if I can't get it straight to you will drop it off with the usual suspects. Steve, the people were with slower laptimes than you were wearing orange jumpsuits...and they were on foot.Thu, 4 Feb 2010 11:16:31 GMT29511Jo, surely Bunty is referring to his alter-ego? When will "he" be coming down would be more correct...Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:25:34 GMT29510Bunty that would be great :) :) When are you down next?Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:02:19 GMT29509BTW JEB I seem to remember getting 2 best improvers medals for Spa this year so there must have been people with slower lap times than meThu, 4 Feb 2010 08:27:11 GMT29508Yawn,I think Jamie should adjust it so that non-racing club members are not allowed to post on here as their comments are irrelevantThu, 4 Feb 2010 08:23:47 GMT29507Firstly, mobile phones do not contravene reg G35 because it doesn't exist - it's 2010 people, read the 2010 blue book! Reg Q 8.1.10 (a)They are not radio transmitters as meant by the regulation. They do contravene reg Q 8.1.10(b) if they are used during practice or racing Wed, 3 Feb 2010 19:57:20 GMT29506Here is a picture of Shunty's new laptimerWed, 3 Feb 2010 17:32:17 GMT29505Here it is!Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:45:48 GMT29504Shunty have u managed to find a new laptimer with high enough blanking to measure one of yr Spa laps? Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:23:08 GMT29503Jo, I have a friend who is a geek that has a spare phone with Racechrono on it and spare GPS receiver if you want to try it out. I can drop it in next time I'm, er, he's down. If the driver is carrying the phone then technically, the car isn't so doesn't contravene the rules. Notwithstanding that the car is carrying the driver of course.Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:38:59 GMT29502All this talk of lap timers,I have 2 x T100`s for sale and a beacon if anyones interestedWed, 3 Feb 2010 12:57:04 GMT29501Bugger, just re-read it all, and I don't have a compatible mobile phone to install on, so a moot point anyway :(Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:02:19 GMT29500Hey Dave - I have a T100 or maybe 200 - can't remember, that I know longer need. I'm using http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOWKeUuYyvs this year I believeWed, 3 Feb 2010 11:31:44 GMT29499oops. Good point Andrew. Cheers. Obviously the only real use for the data is in testing. I have always had a lap timer with me either in testing, qualifying or racing, but it's pretty pointless for the latter! Does anyone have a T100/T200 that they no longer need?Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:53:47 GMT29498Dave, would a mobile phone not be in breach of Blue book (G) 35: Radio Transmitters 35. Cars will be Permitted to carry radio transmitters or receivers, for which Ofcom licences will be checked at scrutineering, in the following races only: • International non-Historic status races • Those taking place on a high speed oval circuit where regulations Permit the use of spotters • Races which involve a Driver change. • Where the Competitor has a non-transmitting radio receiver tuned to the frequency of a single transmitting device, which is under the direct and sole control of the Clerk of the Course. The system is to be used solely for providing competitors with instructions or warnings issued by the Clerk of the Course. Or are you just talking about testing..?Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:44:09 GMT29497Jo - the recommended GPS is the QSTARZ BT-Q818X. Quite expensive, but supposed to be the best. I have one I'm not using (having bought a DL1 just after I got it), drop me an email if you're interested.Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:55:11 GMT29496I've been playing with race chrono a little bit. I bought a 5Hz receiver off ebay for 20 or so. My plan is to have my phone mounted on the dash, with the receiver stashed somewhere else. However, i haven't yet got it all working reliably, so i'm going to go shopping for a T100/T200 as a backup...Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:49:28 GMT29495Hz (or Hertz) means "per second". I would imagine that a 5Hz GPS receiver updates 5 times a second and is therefore "better" then one which only updates once every second.Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:25:38 GMT29494Oops just found it - does anybody know what the practical difference is between an 5hz and 1hz gps receiver? Is one better than the other?Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:38:54 GMT29493Hi guys - there was a discussion about RaceChrono a while ago and I was thinking of giving it a go, but it's not compatible with my phone. Someone mentioned "their recommended GPS receiver" but I don't see a mention on their website. Does anybody know what it is and where to get it?Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:35:34 GMT29492Cheers RogerTue, 2 Feb 2010 20:27:57 GMT29491I was only lucky enough to get a 2nd and 3rd best improvers medal :-( It has been said though that Tom has his house underpinned with a variety of 1st 2nd and 3rd best improvers medals :-) Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:42:59 GMT29490Why me Bish? I've only got 29 Best Improver Medals and I'm proud of all of them! Ok Adam, shall I bring one to the Oulton track day?Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:18:00 GMT29489Go for it Tom!!Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:38:25 GMT29488bit of a long shot but would anyone like to exchange or loan their 1st place best improver's medal for a couple of fine bottles of wine or similar? with 15 races in the calendar this year we had to dig around to find 3 extra sets of medals but are still short of one medal. As the minimum order quantity is 200 units we'd prefer to delay the order until next year rather than place it now!Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:46:33 GMT29487Sean - should have. I'll send you my config when I have the right computer up. Matt - do the apartments come with a cook to make us curry?Tue, 2 Feb 2010 13:58:17 GMT29486Could anybody with a Dash2 setup in their Super possibly send me their config file if you don't mind? I've got a couple as examples but mainly from a mega, but a couple of the sensors are miles out, so a base config for a Super would be brilliant.Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:23:04 GMT29485Easytrack 19th March trackday Oulton Park Hello all! I know our apartment-style 'hotel' is not exactly on Oulton Park's doorstep but this is a general invite for all those coming up to enjoy an evening of luxury in Liverpool L1 (city centre) and take advantage of all the numerous bars and excellent restaurants all within a few minutes walk. The Casartelli is a listed historic building and the only city centre 4/5* "serviced apartments" - think Penthouse in a 4* hotel with double the space & luxury. Each 2 bed / bath apartment has fully equipped kitchen and spacious lounge and I'm offering special discounted rate of 140 (the themed penthouses are a little more) which works out at just 35 per person for a city centre break! Plus we also have on-site underground secure parking and depending on space and height may be able to take trailers.Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:57:57 GMT29484Not at all. The options only went from 0 races to 4 even before the baby news :-pMon, 1 Feb 2010 17:19:42 GMT29483Thanks JP. I really should try and stop myself before saying the words "full season next year". I'd be interested to know how the sweepstake odds have been affected?!Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:08:54 GMT29482Dave - yes you did. Congratulations - see you at a race circuit around 2028Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:06:16 GMT29481Ha! Unfortunately it's not something i can get out of. To be honest it's not like Em would be able to come with me at the end of July anyway. She'll be about 3 weeks away from giving birth. Did i forget to mention that? :-pMon, 1 Feb 2010 12:52:11 GMT29480Dave, its your cousin - you won't see him/her again for 25 years at a funeral somewhere so just don't go.Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:22:20 GMT29479errr.... oi!!! I never married either of moi sisterrrrss... Show your true identity... and I'll get some local van dwellers to pay you a visit ;-) Mon, 1 Feb 2010 11:53:14 GMT29478Roger - I think you're missing the point. Cousins marrying is a tradition going back years in the fenlands, and has been around a lot longer than this club!Mon, 1 Feb 2010 11:44:10 GMT29477There's around a hundred of us racing. How many people are getting married?Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:04:19 GMT29476Dave, you need to explain the importance of this stuff to your Cousin! weddings can happen any old time, racing needs to happen on set dates and can't be messed around with. There are priorities you know and relatives need to understand them!! Mon, 1 Feb 2010 09:53:31 GMT29475I've just got back from a lad's weekend/jolly-boy's-outing/trackday over in Anglesey. Never been before. What a fantastic place! I'd like to plead on my (virtual) hands and knees for our race weekend there to be shifted so it doesn't clash with my cousin's wedding. PLEEEEEEASE?!?!?!Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:00:11 GMT29474Decals, etc. Give me a few days, Steve.Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:45:21 GMT29473With the season rapidly approaching do we have any idea when the Decals will be available and whereabouts on the car they are going.Surely the preseason track day will be a little lateSun, 31 Jan 2010 11:05:51 GMT29472Not according to the calendar.Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:24:29 GMT29471I may have missed the info somewhere but will George Polley be at the Oulton trackday? :o)Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:17:04 GMT29470Anyone know if there are likely to be any reduced-cost medicals as per @ Thruxton last year? (I've moved house and am not registerred with a GP at present).Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:09:59 GMT29469Hi all With talk of the coming season and dates and venues for trackdays anyone going to Brands Hatch should take care. About one third of the track has been resurfaced, mainly into around and out of Druids. Along with the breaking area into Paddock, also the run off area at the bottom of Paddock has been reduced by at least half. The resurfaced areas are very slippery when wet, and when the rest of the track dries out the new tarmac is still slippery. I was there Monday 25th Jan and witnessed 2 cars hitting the pit wall, one a Caterham, during the afternoon when the "old" section of track had dried out. Neither car looked to well, but no one was hurt. So be warned, it might get better as the season progresses and becomes rubbered in and less oily,it's also not very smooth. Was has JP done!Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:48:51 GMT29468Hi again! Just reading the points below though I'd clarify (our new website will do it for us):If any trackday can't happen due to the weather you get a full credit to use at ANY event.Never times out and not restricted to a "replacement" event. On initial booking you can choose the ever so slightly (but still brill value) more expensive booking which covers for a cash refund.No tricks with that, it's to cover the transaction fees. An additional option is cover for fuel/hotels which may get wasted. We know it's quite sudden the pre-season trackday and some may want to get out before so if you book the official trackday you get the option to add any of our Feb events (Brands Hatch, Oulton, Cadwell, Bedford) for as little as 50. The Feb ones are open-pit lane. Restricted total numbers, never more than twice the number allowed out on circuit so there will be no waiting lines and no crowded tracks. These special offers also get a full credit if snow stops them. Any questions or ideas - Merrick on team@easytrack.co.uk - here to help.Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:42:21 GMT29467Hi everyone! Some may know me from my previous life working on behalf of Caterham. I'm now getting into running some trackdays and have take over Easytrack with Ben & Katie Elliot which gives us a head-start. Exciting time and made more so by getting involved with the Graduates. We have some things coming along aimed at you guys (&gals) and will announce too, likely the same time we launch our new website which will have a special area for Grads. If anyone is interested in helping out with a racing blog we'd love that - so get in touch! Anyway, my reason for posting is that we are in need of a Mega level car. A good one, which is ready to take to the track.Time is of the issue for us so if anyone has one they are selling or knows someone who is please get in touch.I can be contacted on team@easytrack.co.uk We'll consider any car so any help really appreciated! Thanks, Merrick - Easytrack!Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:32:36 GMT29466my experience is the same as Dave's - my snet track day with MSV was cancelled because of snow before Xmas, I then had a credit note to use (for this weekend!)Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:03:07 GMT29465My understanding is that if a day is cancelled due to bad weather then a credit note is issued. The extra "cover" is for if you would prefer a refund. Cadwell was cancelled in December last year and easytrack have given me credit that i can use against a future event with them....such as our pre-season trackday, which is nice.Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:33:59 GMT29464Good news Nick :) One question though - there is an optional bad-weather charge, so you get your money back if the day is rained off (or snowed off!). I thought it was standard practise to refund attendees if the day is called off due to weather, certainly Gold Track did as long as less than a certain amount of the day was completed? Or is that a question for Easytrack?Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:13:50 GMT29463Thanks Dan. Saved me a job over the weekend.Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:57:52 GMT29462I have created and shared a Google Calendar for anyone who is interested. You can add it your own Google calendar or any other client that supports iCal format with the following url: http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/3sibtha0d7bp04b1i35c0qv3sg%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:30:49 GMT29461Our Oulton Park pre-season trackday:Note that we have negotiated that second drivers and passengers will be FREE!Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:42:55 GMT29460Good value Midlands testing? Mallory Park, Weds mornings, 100.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:36:31 GMT29459:-) I normally like slappersTue, 26 Jan 2010 17:02:51 GMT29458Just put a few bits up for sale:- Seats with integral seatbelts ideal for the back of a van etc. Doubles or singles.Large 3.4m galvanised Maxus roof rack almost new and with roller for Ducato LWB or similar. See for sale section. FeseyTue, 26 Jan 2010 17:02:46 GMT29457Change that - on his way to Chessington to NOT give Bish a slap (as he would enjoy that too much)Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:45:07 GMT29456Ahhhh, its just like old times with Misty and Mandy bitching at each other.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:43:13 GMT29455Pash, some of the guys are attending the Lotus track day at Oulton Park on 27/2/10 if that helps.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:24:30 GMT29454so what you're saying is that MandyA's car was illegal in her championship year? ;o)Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:52:13 GMT29453I have booked and confirmed for the 19th March at Oulton but are there any other Grads in the Super class booked onto any other track days or testing in early march or before? I need drive time and need a few pace cars to see how far off the curve I must be having only done the Academy and raced without rear anti roll bars and van tyres!! Are there any good value venues around the east midlands? Pash.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:09:13 GMT29452James, If you want to help JP you will need to take 3 leads off and keep the hand brake on :-) Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:51:13 GMT29451Thanks all, just going to get an idea of whether my cars working proper before the season! No probs JP, I'll just disconnect a couple of H.T. leads...Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:24:30 GMT294505.7 ENGINES5.7.1 Vauxhall 1.6L 8v SOHC (Family 2)MAXIMUM POWER: 101ps at 5,500rpmMAXIMUM TORQUE: 107lb ft at 3,600 rpmHowever, in terms of rolling road results treat them with an element of caution as each one will vary considerably, last year we ran 5 Classics back to back and one, with the ratchet strap 'not as tight as the others', gave a result of around 5bhp lower...Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:02:03 GMT29449James - it is written in to this year's regulations that everyone's must be 50bhp, except mine which can be 100bhp. I think 100bhp has always been the figure.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:53:09 GMT29448Morning all, Does anyone here know what BHP/Torque figures I should expect from my classic at a rolling road?Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:53:34 GMT29447Has he lost it? :-) Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:56:39 GMT29446Martin - Race schedule updated to include the Oulton Pre Season Track Day. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:38:03 GMT29445Race schedule does not yet include Oulton Track Day. Are you slipping? Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:08:18 GMT29444Thanks Nick.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:47:09 GMT29443Half-shafts: not far off now. News in a week or so.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:44:09 GMT29442Any news on the uprated halfshafts for the Classics? I need to work out the timings and logistics of getting it to MMM before the start of the season. Ta.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:40:19 GMT29441Available imminently ............. Chez Fesey ........... my silver covered trailer. Most of you have seen it, just having two new rear doors/ramps fitted and new rear lights. It includes full 240v electrics with circuit breakers, 2 x 3 pin plugs plus flourescent strip lighting. Full width workbench with vice. Space for 8 spare wheels and 4 jerry cans, plus 4 x plastic crates. It has four new extra strength tyres plus three new spares! These cost 770 plus spare wheels!Going on ebay at 3995 but will take a sensible offer from a club member. It saved me more than this in hotel bills over the past three seasons. Fesey.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:17:00 GMT29440Anyone got a pair of surplus indicators lying around, before I hit the Caterham parts dept web page? Thanks. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:53:21 GMT29439Just put my car cover up for sale on ebay if anyone is interested - item number 180460883703 or search caterham car cover.Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:21:42 GMT29438Just put my Ducato up for sale on for sale page. 2000 but only 32000 miles and FSH. Also on ebay. FeseySun, 24 Jan 2010 16:31:25 GMT29437Welcome EasyTrack - Presumably all cars must now be painted orange as in EasyJet! LOL! FeseySat, 23 Jan 2010 13:44:13 GMT29436Hmm... am I going to have time to get the BaT stickers off the car before then!?Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:16:52 GMT29435When I bought my Classic back in 2002 it came with a waterproof cover and also a large net with lots of elasticated clips. Obviously you put the cover on and then the net over it and anchored that down tightly in about 20 different places. I must say that with the net on it all stayed in place but putting it on was so much bother that I stopped using it after a while. I have no idea who made it, although there is a manufacturers label on it. But as I am 1700 miles from my garage I can't see it.Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:30:02 GMT29434Bought a thoroughbred cover last year. Cost just over 300 and it does do the job of keeping the car protected whilst being transported. Despite being 'tailor-made' it still balloons a little over the cage but a strap over the top keeps it tight. Other than that it has sufficient number of straps that keep it tight everywhere else. The one I bought was not sold as waterproof but it keeps the car dry in all but the most adverse weather conditions. The company come out and specifically measure your car but it did take them a couple of attempts to get it fitting just right so it's worth being there whilst they are measuring (I wasn't which with hindsight was a mistake). Mine will be up for sale soon so I'll post a notice here if anyone is interested or email me in the meantime but it will only suit a narrow track car. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:35:51 GMT29433as Nick says, I found towing with a cover = massive balloon. I tried it with a cheap cover (self destructed halfway to the first race at Pembrey) and then with an expensive fitted cover (survived but didn't really work). better option might be to get a strong tarpaulin and tie it down over the car, the thick material will be less likely to tear or stretch and by not being a fitted cover it shouldn't balloon either...Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:54:29 GMT29432New Title Sponsor!I am delighted to be able to announce that we are now the "Easytrack Caterham Graduates Championship".   Easytrack are a well-established track-day company and are very pleased about this opportunity to put their name to our championship.They are organizing our traditional pre-season trackday for us, as you might expect, and it is to be at the lovely Oulton Park on 19th March.  This day will be an opportunity for you to give your freshly re-built (???!!!) cars a shakedown before taking to the track in earnest at Pembrey.  I strongly urge you all to show your support for our generous new sponsors by booking, on-line, ASAP!  You will first need to register as an Easytrack member, FOC, here. (I suggest that, where it asks "How did you find us," you click "Other" and then type in "Graduates", OK?)Many of our members have traditionally used these pre-season days not only for a shakedown but also as an opportunity to bring their friends, family and supporters along and to give them a taste of circuit-driving, either as passengers or drivers - it's a great opportunity to scare the bejesus out of your girlfriend/wife/granny/husband/whatever!  If there is sufficient demand, we will, as in previous years, have special sessions during the day for novice racers and for your non-racing associates to go out on track, without fear of being "mobbed" by over-eager racing drivers!Unusually, Easytrack also expect to be able to be arrange for some sessions to be on the same basis as a proper "test" session, ie. race license holders only, no passengers, full MSA spec cars and safety gear and - most importantly - no overtaking "rules" and timing permitted!The date of this trackday has been difficult to select, primarily due to the very early start to our season - as a "pre-season" track-day, it clearly couldn't have been any later.  But a much earlier date would have increased the likelihood of poor weather - and would also have given everyone less time to get themselves and their cars ready.  Some of you may be concerned that your car could suffer breakdown or damage and that this date leaves too little time to get it fixed before racing at Pembrey.  Rest assured: As you would expect, MMM will be there to provide trackside technical support and say that they will be able to arrange for any faulty or damaged cars to be taken back to their workshop and - unless too many cars are too badly damaged (!!!) - would expect to be able to have them all safely delivered to Pembrey, ready to race, a week later.Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:23:44 GMT29431Will he be having upside down cake? Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:34:25 GMT29430Happy Birthday Charles Elliott!Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:28:41 GMT29429This is (I believe) the company in Leeds I was on about.Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:24:26 GMT29428Car covers: Seriously though. I bought a lightweight outdoor cover for my Caterham, 13 years ago; I forget the make/supplier but it was something like this from Classic Additions. The price, at about 80, sounds about right. It worked very well at keeping the rain off and was effectively the "garage" for my live axle car for 3 or 4 years! It's still in one piece and so I would recommend that type of cover, for storage, to anyone. I also tried to use it as a cover when trailering. Once. Above 30mph, it was not so much a "cover" as a "balloon"! If you are serious about a cover for transportation, you probably need the real McCoy transportation cover, available from the same people, but at a starting price of 500 + VAT!Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:05:23 GMT29427Mike, bloke down the road from me does fitted covers for all sorts of cars. I can ask.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:12:03 GMT29426Mike, Don't bother about those ones...........Ive tried them already and they are not big enough :-p Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:10:57 GMT29425Car cover: try this.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:45:22 GMT29424Does anyone know a company who supplies waterproof car covers to put on a Caterham whilst its being towed on an open trailer? Fesey.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:30:23 GMT29423Only if they have "Caterham" written on them and contain an R300 in kit form.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:27:13 GMT29422Roger, if you're going, please can you take the cardboard boxes from my garage ?Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:23:42 GMT29421Thanks, Bunts. I won't take it to the tip, then.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:11:56 GMT29420Roger, yes probably, but not me thanks Cheers, B.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:44:26 GMT29419Can anyone tell me if this shock will fit a classic? If so, anyone want one (brand new) for not much money?Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:39:46 GMT29418I am selling my Racepod For details please see for sale and wanted section. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:56:38 GMT29417Martin - not yet. See here.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:40:47 GMT29416Ha ha, we're not fooled, you're Jo really, aren't you?Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:18:38 GMT29415Really really dumb question: How do I check whether I have registered for the championship with BARC? I have forgotten whether I have or indeed what to do! I presume we cannot start completing entries for races yet? Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:13:10 GMT29414Just sorted out a set of belts with Jenny which are HANS compatible Thanks to NF for the contactTue, 19 Jan 2010 13:13:44 GMT29413Sorry typing error only used 3 timesTue, 19 Jan 2010 12:27:19 GMT29412I have a set of scroff belts for sale only usd at 1 meeting since bought , they are on sale page if you want to haggle KC I bought them from MSAR Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:22:04 GMT29411Belts? Jenny at MSAR, one of our sponsors, would be an obvious first place to look!Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:20:02 GMT29410Can anybody recommend the best place to get the 6 point seatbelts from as my current set have expired? Thanks KC Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:49:15 GMT29409Oh No! My first message on the forum and i got the date wrong for the Cadwell track day-----it is SATURDAY 6th FEBRUARY---- see ya, John.Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:39:00 GMT29408Before we know it the first race will be upon us and at that time we all start thinking about graphics for our cars! So I thought I would just post a note on the forum to say that we could print them now and take all that last minute excitement away! MX Display can provide all things graphic for your race cars and trailers. From simple one off decals (for those of you lucky enough to have sponsors) to complete car wraps. End of sales pitch Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:58:12 GMT29407I have nearly got the "BISHMOBILE" ready for my first track day in it. It is at Cadwell on Saturday 6th March. It is run by BHP Track Days who have just reduced the cost for the day to 109.00 to get the numbers up for the day to go ahead. They also have Oulton park booked for Tuesday 9th march. Adrian is helping me at Cadwell and if anyone is interested ring David @ BHP (01342 837957 OR 07515 850699) or check their Web Site, hoping to see you all soon, John. Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:39:08 GMT29406This site's calendar page is now available. Details of some of the "supported" test days can be found there, together with dates when Polleys will be at the tracks to supply and fit tyres, and various other info. There are still a few "TBAs", unfortunately - these will be updated as and when the information becomes available (also see here) Dates are still classes as "provisional" because there is still an outside chance that something could change - but that's not very likely.Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:52:11 GMT29405Mmmm, just in time for a certain racing couple's visitSat, 16 Jan 2010 18:26:09 GMT29404But a high chance of rain for JP in a week's time...! ;-) )-; Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:09:37 GMT29403God its hot today! Nice to see it has warmed up a bit in the UK though. As smug as we felt initially being here and missing the cold weather we did start to feel more and more sorry for everyone back home. Still we will be back in another four and a half weeks to get ready for the new season.Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:45:29 GMT29402Thanks Jonathan, but I am trying to bring down the Dark Side with the power of the Grads Resistance...... and R300 D2Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:21:37 GMT29401Jamie - Might be worth contacting The Empire. They tend to throw money at projects on the dark side!Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:34:19 GMT29400Anyone that takes his Caterham to race circuits in a Sunseeker does not need sponsorship! :-)Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:41:14 GMT29399Thanks! Does anyone want to sponsor my R300 season as a present? :)Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:36:38 GMT29398Happy Birthday Jamie!Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:20:38 GMT29397Here's wishing our WEBMASTER a very happy birthday today!Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:45:10 GMT29396Makes a change from the grey hairs getting through :-pThu, 14 Jan 2010 21:26:57 GMT29395def time to get the hair dye out, the blondeness is getting to my brain and it's only January !! Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:39:09 GMT29394'Blonde hairs are showing through again!' ??? Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:40 GMT29393Bimbo!Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:23:52 GMT29392Yep. Enter "BARC" in this page's Search window, above, to see the evidence!Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:09:17 GMT29391Sorry Nick I have a funny feeling I asked the same question a while ago!! Blonde hairs are showing through again !Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:50:04 GMT29390Jo: You won't be able to register until the regs are ratified and available - I'll announce it here when you can.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:46:36 GMT29389Has anybody managed to register for the championship with BARC? I've received my new membership card etc. from BARC but when I try to register I don't see any list of available championships?Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:38:28 GMT29388Pete: New Title Sponsor? As soon as the deal is fully agreed, it will be announced here. Hopefully, in just a day or two!Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:25:39 GMT29387May we ask who the new title sponsor is?Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:54:00 GMT29386Seems like Zolder under threat now. No english version of the site but the usual handful of locals are petitioning against noise at the circuitZolder PetitionWed, 13 Jan 2010 09:16:14 GMT29385Autosport show 2010 Just thought I would let you all know that we will be at the Autosport show from Wednesday until Sunday... If you are free pop by and say hello! Our Stand is in Hall 7 number 6450 We will have various items on display for you to try such as seats, helmets and clothing and we will be there with vendors to answer all your questions and take all your orders! :) We are running another competition as the first one was so popular and there will be much to see and do so please do come if you can spare the time. 14 - 17 January 2010, NEC Birmingham, UK 20 years of Autosport International Take a look at the show website to see what else is on; http://www.autosport-international.com/ Thanks JenTue, 12 Jan 2010 20:13:40 GMT29384Or buy a 3.5T van like a Citroen Relay/Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato and put the caterham inside?Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:25:18 GMT29383Yeah thanks Jamie, after a few hours of trying I did manage to decipher the rules & legalities. unfortunately I was planning to borrow Bish Senior's Formula Racepod which has a gross weight of 1800kgs, so I'd need a 1800kg tank to tow it and then I'd be well over the 3500kg Trailer MAM + Car MAM limit... Nowhere to store a trailer of my own so looks like it'll be get the license, drive to the events (and walk home) or Borrow Bish Snr's trailer and towcar, with Bish Snr installed in the drivers seat. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:19:09 GMT29382James, this doesn't answer your question, but if you want to avoid trailer test fees and time off work, there is a way to avoid a test. From memory you are ok if... the MAM of the trailer is less than the kerb weight of the car and these weights combined are less than 3.5 tonnes. This is workable with a 1400kg MAM Brian James Minno and large hatch/small estate.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:13:44 GMT29381Mike Fesey -re boarding for trailer - I did mine in a sort of shuttering ply and then put wood preservative on -seems to work. Cheap recession proof solution. Holiday Bob PS this year already very booked up!!!!Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:24:26 GMT29380Yeah - I had to do it. Cost a rather annoying c300 by the time you have had a day or so training. Test format is safely coupling/uncoupling a trailer to a car, then driving on the road with one for about hour or so. Unfortunately you will have pay for a least half day/day training before test, as the examiner is exceedingly anal about the coupling/uncoupling procedure - easy to fail on this bit if miss anything. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:22:22 GMT29379afternoon all, Anyone here have to do the additional driving test to get trailer towing entitlement added to their driving license? May have to do this and I'd like to know if a mere novice can pass it! I've done some searches and couldn't manage to find any old posts on it... Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:40:15 GMT29378Fesey, Lathams sell the phenolic ply - (Often callen Buffalo board) Latham depots are Southampton way, just above london and up north as well!Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:04:22 GMT29377I signed up for mine today :)Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:36:57 GMT29376Well, when you put it like that Nick my estate car and trailer seems rather impractical. I'd better get my order in sharpish ready for Pembrey...Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:28:13 GMT29375Only Anglesey? Not so. Pembrey's at the sea-side; Zolder is only a few miles from the Albertkannal, which connects to the sea via Antwerp; I'm not sure if a Sunseeker will fit on the Ashby canal, but if it did, it could park outside MMM's workshop, and thus also give good access to Mallory; Donington is only a spit away from the Trent and Mersey canal; and Oulton is handy for the Shropshire Union. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:20:40 GMT29374If anyone is thinking about changing their tow-car/trailer/van combination for this season, may i suggest taking a look at one of these? The only downside is that the only circuit on this year's calendar for which it is ideally suited is Anglesey...Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:05:08 GMT29373Hi Mike, The type of wood is a phenolic resin bonded plywood.I bought a few sheets from my local trailer manufacturer ( Bank farm ) last year when i did mine.Wasn`t cheap though I tyhink it was about 75 per 2440 x 1220 sheetMon, 11 Jan 2010 10:13:33 GMT29372Eric I think Fesey. Actually why don't you go down to your local travellers site and ask them what material they want this year's trailer to be covered in.Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:59:56 GMT29371Can someone remind me of the name of the composite / wood material used to fully board trailers? I need to repair mine. Thanks. FeseySun, 10 Jan 2010 09:38:22 GMT29370If anyone is considering changing from Classics or Supers for the 2010 season we now have a MegaGrad car for sale, hire or part exchange. Details in the 'for sale' section.Thu, 7 Jan 2010 14:06:50 GMT29369shudder...Tue, 5 Jan 2010 19:56:09 GMT29368With the stealth of a World War 2 U Boat, you never know when my periscope might pop up next to surprise you :-pTue, 5 Jan 2010 17:27:56 GMT29367oopsTue, 5 Jan 2010 13:41:56 GMT29366I wondered how long it'd take for Bish to surface...I was referring to the 12v bike-powered underwear, rather than that powered with AA batteries or your own mojo!!Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:41:32 GMT29365Why draw a line? You should welcome all new experiences in life!Tue, 5 Jan 2010 12:43:03 GMT29364Well i've got a Honda Blackbird, which is considerably more grown up than a hooligan R6! On that basis i think heated grips are permitted, but i do draw the line at heated underwear...Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:54:27 GMT29363Heated GRIPS!! The Geordie police would have taken me away for that one........I just used to swop hands on the throttle and stick the other hand in the engine bay. It didn't work on the R6 because of the fairing!!Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:47:07 GMT29362Heated grips were turned up to their highest setting! The impreza is definitely a better mode of winter transport!Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:28:11 GMT29361I remember Chris telling me about a friend of his who was on his bike in very cold temperatures - got to a junction and had got so cold and stiff he couldn't put his foot down and toppled over :oTue, 5 Jan 2010 11:19:30 GMT29360minus 8 outside my house according to the car - Hampshire......I can honestly say the coldest I have ever been is riding motorbikes in minus temperatures. At times I have been so cold I have had to sing/shout at the top of my voice to stay conscious. Never again!!Tue, 5 Jan 2010 10:00:28 GMT29359JP's weather.Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:59:58 GMT29358minus 5 last night apparently, although I don't think it felt that cold wass fun riding through the ice on the mountain bike on Sunday though!Tue, 5 Jan 2010 08:19:31 GMT29357BTW, what's the temperature out there right now?Mon, 4 Jan 2010 21:03:55 GMT29356I've just thawed out after getting off my Honda after a 1hr commute home. The word "cold" just doesn't seem strong enough...Mon, 4 Jan 2010 21:00:21 GMT29355Thanks JP - it hasn't managed to get above freezing today here. I do hope you and Sue are enjoying the warm sunshine.... Mon, 4 Jan 2010 18:38:19 GMT29354Have they not got any pink gin then? Mon, 4 Jan 2010 18:14:07 GMT29353Just sitting having a beer watching the sun go down so I thought that I would come on and wish all you in frozen old Blighty a very happy new year from me and SueMon, 4 Jan 2010 17:52:06 GMT29352Thanks Nick. I've not used the search function before; it works very well.Sun, 3 Jan 2010 17:24:28 GMT29351ThanksSun, 3 Jan 2010 14:58:07 GMT29350HereSun, 3 Jan 2010 09:53:32 GMT29349where can i find the R300 calendar for next year, folks?Sun, 3 Jan 2010 09:46:00 GMT29348Peter: If you type "Rakeway" into this page's search function, you should find just about everything about the new half-shafts.Sat, 2 Jan 2010 13:23:29 GMT29347How much are the new halfshafts? It may be a good idea to purchase one, as I am planning to buy a grads (eventually).Fri, 1 Jan 2010 18:10:46 GMT29346Ben, you've been pipped. That's no way to start off the New Year!Fri, 1 Jan 2010 15:58:02 GMT29345Classic halfshafts. New parts are in manufacture. Rakeway Engineering are so confident in their solution that all kits are being produced simultaneously. Upgrade kits are expected to be available around end Jan 2010.Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:38:40 GMT29344Classics' half-shafts. Good point. I'll try to get an update and put info on here as soon as I can. But I guess it now may not be until Monday.Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:36:34 GMT29343Any news yet on the classic half shaft upgrades?. was lead to believe that the upgrade would be available sometime in november but as yet heard nothing!. At the moment i have only one usable half shaft and the other one is one of Andy Sagers, which he kindly loaned me at Siverstone.Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:19:07 GMT29342Thanks for the feed back Nick, JohnG Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:39:34 GMT29341John - Welcome! Sorry I didn't get around to chatting on Saturday. Yoko v Avon. (1) cheaper! (2) slightly larger diameter, so check your ride-height and see if it needs lowering (minimum is 120mm) (3) Common opinion is that our 048s are a better (grippier) tyre than the Avons you've been using, in the dry; but less good in the wet.Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:06:52 GMT29340Hi all, New boy John Gil here just like to say it was good racing with some of you guys on boxing day it was a good day and looking forward to the start of the season I have not used the Yokohama tyre yet any comments on how it conpares with the Avon CR500? JohnG Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:56:08 GMT