Shortshift

Gone back to check PayPal and discovered that, including ticketing charges and so on, I actually paid £83 for the pair of these tickets, including the infield pass (got mixed up with what was printed on the tickets themselves). So, whilst they would now cost £85 each plus charges (so a face value of £175 or so for the two) I'm only looking to mitigate the cost to me of leaving them unused. I've updated the original posting above and am happy to take an offer based on the £83 that I actually paid for them! James

Just to say - still available! James

Unfortunately, I won't be able to go to the Silverstone Classic as originally planned. I have a pair of tickets (allowing access for two people and the car) for the 'Car Club Infield' area - Lotus 7 Club, obviously! - for both the Friday and Saturday. I bought these during the 'eary-bird' period and - after checking - they cost me a total of £83, but they'd cost a fair bit more now. I'm open to sensible offers if anyone would like them? Grab yourself a bargain! James

Of course we have; do you really think we'd overlook something as important as that??!! James

In summary - the lower position will give less rear axle steer but at the expense of some ride comfort, whereas the upper position allows more comfort but at the expense of some control. Difficult to explain without diagrams, and this is in any event something of a simplification with several factors being disregarded, but at a basic level: With the link mounted in the upper mounting point, it is angled slightly downwards towards the axle mounting point with the vehicle at nominal ride height. When the wheel hits a bump, the axle on that side of the car is pushed upwards but in an arc (about the front mounting point) that, initially at least, allows the axle to move rearwards as it rises. So the axle is not 'fighting' the bump - the geometry effectively provides some in-build compliance (the effect of the axle moving backwards as it moves upwards on encountering a bump). But, unless both sides of the axle are affected equally by the bump, the rearward movement of the axle on one side of the car causes a steer effect - and the same effect happens as the car rolls, with the outer wheel going up (and slightly rearwards) whilst the inside wheel is likely to be 'falling' (and moving forwards slightly); as a result, the axle is no longer square to the direction of travel but is turned slightly - hence the steer effect. When using the lower mounting position, the link is more or less horizontal in relation to its mounting point on the rear axle, such that when the axle rises (or falls) it does so in an arc that always 'pulls' the axle forward from its nominal position. But 'pulling' the axle forwards as it encounters a bump is the reverse of providing a cushioning compliance effect and does, in effect, make the ride harsher; you're 'pulling' the axle into the obstacle that caused the disturbance. But follow the argument through and you will see that the axle has a much reduced tendency to move away from being square to the direction of travel as it rises or falls - either in bump or in roll - hence the reduction in steer effect. Two final points: I'm sure this could be explained with far fewer words but it's too late to do that now and, anyway, if you sketch it out (the links and arcs in side view) you'll see what I mean. And finally, the extent to which this is noticeable for most of us in real-world driving conditions has to be open to debate... James

Booking has now opened for the Anglesey track day. Although a paper flyer will be issued with the next edition of Low Flying, you can now download all of the necessary forms (including the Booking Form and the all-important Disclaimer and Indemnity Form) by going to the Event entry in the calendar section of 'What's On' within BlatChat and then booking directly with Sam in the Club office. Should be a good day - two fantastic circuit layouts for us to play on (sessions moving to OPL), lots of support for newcomers, free instruction, hot-laps provided by Caterham Cars, a social get-together the evening before and a breathtaking location... Oh - and the chance to purchase an event-specific T-shirt to mark the occasion! What's not to like? Get booking! James

"Will try and make it along to this if I can - circuit I really want to drive. Might I suggest if a social event is being planned that we do it on the Friday night? I don't think I'll be able to get two off to get across early enough for a dinner on the Thursday. Also - will be more stories to discuss..." I think, on balance, that there will be more people coming to the Anglesey area on the Thursday evening (in order to be ready for the start of the track day at a reasonably early hour on the Friday morning) than there will be people staying over on the Friday night after the track day is completed. I know that there is a sprint event taking place over the weekend, and that some members will stay over for this, but experience suggests that most participants will be driving home on the Friday evening. We're also keen to see the social event taking the form of being an ice-breaker, so that people get to know each other before the track day activities. So, at present, and for these reasons, we're planning to host the social event on the Thursday - but, as ever, we're open to thoughts on this in case we've got it wrong. James

I'm looking for a 'standard' or 'race' carbon airbox for a Duratec R500 - Caterham Cars are out of stock... The version I'm after is the one that draws air in from outside the bonnet (as opposed to the 'quiet' or 'trackday' box which takes air in through a cone filter in the underbonnet area). Confusing I know; the race version is the noisy one and the trackday one is quiet. Anyone have one tucked away not in use, or know where I might get one? James http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/img/p/2812-2787-thickbox.jpg Edited to say that I have been contacted and have bought one. James

Jon The Booking Form will be available shortly; it will go out with Low Flying. Hold tight for a little longer, please! James

Introduction to Track Days Event - exclusive to Club members Have you thought about coming on a Club track day but felt unsure of what to expect and perhaps a bit over-awed by what might be involved? Are you concerned about knowing how to prepare yourself and your car for a track day? Do you think that it would be a good idea if the Club arranged a special event to attract newcomers to its programme of track days, aimed at making it easier to take that first step, removing any apprehension and making everything clear? Well, it's likely that you have already taken the first step if you have a Seven, as you already have a racing car on the road – so why not take it on a race track? The Lotus 7 Club, with support from the BookaTrack team, is organising an 'Introduction to Track Days' event to be held at Donington Park on the 20th of August, starting at 10.00am and finishing in the early afternoon, which is your chance to find out what is involved, how easy it is to get started and – most importantly – how much fun it can be. You (and a guest) will also have the opportunity to drive your Seven around the Donington Park circuit for several guided, familiarisation laps. And, since this is not a formal Club Track Day and you will be following a lead car, any road going Seven can be used and helmets will be provided if you do not have your own. If you would like to take part please email Sam in the office (sam.pearce@lotus7.club) with your phone and membership numbers and the office will call you back to collect payment. The cost, including track time, refreshments and lunch is only £25 which will also be refundable when used as part payment for a ‘New to the Track’ Club track day that is being organised by the Club, exclusively for newcomers, at the start of the track day season next year - further details will be announced at the Donington event. Book now as places are limited, and we don’t want you to miss out. James

Dave PM sent. James

Although it wasn't pre-arranged, the MSV official photographer was at the circuit yesterday trying out some new kit and he has/will be posting photos at the following location: http://www.msvtphotography.com No doubt MSV will make a charge per copy... Anyway, onwards and updwards to the next Club track day at Anglesey on Friday 30th September; hope to see you all there! James

Nice one Stephen! But to avoid any misunderstanding (in case your sense of humour causes some confusion as it travels across the ether...) let me be clear for everyone's benefit: there has been no relaxation of the Club's requirement for FIA or 'track day' roll bars and no further review or relaxation of these requirements is planned. Let's not go there, eh? James

Phil I'd like a set in black, please. If you can supply the SVA rubber as well that would be a bonus. No problem in paying upfront! James

Evening all... Following the various postings, pm's, emails and other incoming I've had today, I've updated the Groupings wherever I can to reflect these changes. You'll see that I've included 2nd drivers where I have the information (in italic font if the 'cut-n-pasting' works ok). As a result of today's changes, Group 2 is now larger than previously but it's still quite a modest size for the length of track, so no worries at all about overcrowding. I'm really hoping that this can be taken as the final update but do let me know (preferably by posting here, on this thread please) if I have made any errors with moving details around. So (fingers crossed), the Groupings as of Wednesday 25th at 2238 hours are now as follows: GROUP 1: Ryan Errol 2001 K Series Jamie White 2011 Sigma Alex Bell 2001 Vauxhall 1600 Adrian Fenwick 2002 K Series Guy Bodger 1994 Zetec Igor Fedor 2014 Duratec 2.0 Phil Mole (Derek Read as Buddy) 1995 K Series Mark Wallace (Peter Steer as Buddy) 2004 1.8 K Series Chris Skillicorn 2016 2.0 Duratec John-Paul Standish (Jim Slater as Buddy) 2010 1.6 Sigma Martin Standish (2nd driver to John Standish - Gp 1) 2010 1.6 Sigma Brian Fitzsimons (plus 2nd driver - details TBC)1987 1600 Crossflow Chris Selley 1998 K Series Stephen Long 2007 Sigma 1.6 Andrew Gilbert 1992 Crossflow Ralph Wood (2nd driver to Douglas Wood - Gp 2) 205 1.8k 160hp GROUP 2: Robert Jacobs (2nd driver to Adrian Fenwick - Gp 1) 2002 K series Sebastian Bodger (2nd driver to Guy Bodger - Gp 1) 1994 Zetec Paul Morris 1999 K Guy Lowe 1995 2.0 L Ford Zetec Neil Barker 2002 1.8 K Kevin Russell 1992 VX 2L James Slater (Buddy to John Standish) 2011 Sigma 150 Peter Hosier (2nd driver to James Slater - Gp 2) 2011 Sigma 150 John Bransfield 2009 Sigma John Valentine 2001 k 1800 Douglas Wood 2005 1.8 k series 160hp Peter Steer (Buddy to Mark Wallace) 1996 1.6 K Oliver Watson 2003 1800K Series Jim Barnes 2004 1.8K Series Edward Barnes (2nd driver to Jim Barnes - Gp 2) 2004 1.8 K Series Tom Arundel (plus 2nd driver - details TBC) 2010 Ford Sigma 1.6 Nick Chan 1998 K series Howard Russell 2008 Sigma 1.6 Clive Russell (2nd driver to Howard Russell - Gp 2) 2008 Sigma 1.6 Alex Clements 2002 1.6 K Series Simon Redmile 2003 1.6 k series Steven Morris 2002 Rover K VHPD Darren Sharpe 2001 1.8 K series Chris Norman 1996 1800 K Series John Minns 2015 2 Litre (Duratec) Tony Whitley Freestyle Minister 2.3 Dave Pattrick R300 Mark Bennett K 1600 GROUP 3: Russell Munns (3rd driver to Adrian Fenwick - Gp 1) 2001 K Series Roger Abbott 2006 2.3 Cosworth Bryan Dick 2002 K Series VHPD Adrian Clarke 2010 2 Stephen Deuchar 2005 Duratec Paul Thompson 2002 Hayabusa David Napier 2004 R400 James Meredith 2000 K 1600 Mark Weatherby 2014 Duratec Roger Needham 2000 1000cc Honda Blackbird Derek Read (Buddy to Phil Mole) 1990 Duratec Tom Slatter 2009 2.0L Duratec Martin Hughes 2010 Ford Duratec Andi Sinclair (plus 2nd driver - details TBC) 2015 2.0 Duratec Supercharged 620R Charles Carter 2007 2.3 Duratec Marc Cartwright 2011 Duratec Adam Keen 2011 Duratec Alex Miles 2014 Duratec Duncan Morrison 2009 2L Duratec Good night! James

Andrew Hope you're not offended; I had to make some adjustments to get the Group sizes in some form of balance and I had to make my own decisions! Anyway: 1. I christened it the 'Fast Group' (not beginners!) 2. It will give you more space on track (it's the smallest Group, still) 3. It's only until we go OPL... James

I'm assuming that Tony (currently Group 2) is not swapping with either Derek (Delbert) or Roger (both of whom are currently Group 3) as I lock down the lists for MSV/Cadwell... Shout or forever hold your peace! James

Yes, Bollywood Fusion around 7.30pm (as per the Final Instructions - always good when my fellow MT colleagues demonstrate their awareness of the procedures and instructions!). I have just spoken to the restaurant and they are expecting us - I've said that I can't be sure of numbers but I've indicated maybe around 20 or so? The more the merrier! If we do appear en-masse, it may make sense to order collectively and keep the choices limited to help minimise waiting time. I'll be there a bit before 7.30pm - hope I'm not eating alone! James

Tony I can move you to Group 3 if you wish. As I said, I was working with minimal information... Let me know your preference! James

Suggested Groupings for Sessions as follows: GROUP 1: Ryan Errol 2001 K Series Jamie White 2011 Sigma Alex Bell 2001 Vauxhall 1600 Adrian Fenwick 2002 K Series Guy Bodger 1994 Zetec Igor Fedor 2014 Duratec 2.0 Phil Mole 1995 K Series Mark Wallace 2004 1.8 K Series Chris Skillicorn 2016 2.0 Duratec John-Paul Standish 2010 1.6 Sigma Brain Fitzsimons 1987 1600 Crossflow Chris Selley 1998 K Series Stephen Long 2007 Sigma 1.6 Andrew Gilbert 1992 Crossflow GROUP 2: Paul Morris 1999 K Guy Lowe 1995 2.0 L ford Zetec Neil Barker 2002 1.8 K Kevin Russell 1992 VX 2L James Slater 2011 Sigma 150 John Bransfield 2009 Sigma John Valentine 2001 k 1800 Douglas Wood 2005 1.8 k series 160hp Peter Steer 1996 1.6 K Oliver Watson 2003 1800K Series Jim Barnes 2004 1.8 K Series Tom Arundel 2010 Ford Sigma 1.6 Nick Chan 1998 K series Howard Russell 2008 Sigma 1.6 Alex Clements 2002 1.6 K Series Simon Redmile 2003 1.6 k series Steven Morris 2002 Rover K VHPD Darren Sharpe 2001 1.8 K series Chris Norman 1996 1800 K Series Tony Whitley TBC GROUP 3: Roger Abbott 2006 2.3 Corsworth Bryan Dick 2002 K Series UHPD Adrian Clarke 2010 2 Stephen Deuchar 2005 Duratec Paul Thompson 2002 Hayabusa David Napier 2004 R400 James Meredith 2000 K 1600 Mark Weatherby 2014 Duratec Roger Needham 2000 1000cc Honda Blackbird Derek Read 1990 Duratec Tom Slatter 2009 2.0L Duratec Martin Hughes 2010 Ford Duratec Andi Sinclair 2015 2.0 Duratec Supercharged 620R Charles Carter 2007 2.3 Duratec John Minns 2015 2 Litre (Duratec) Marc Cartwright 2011 Duratec Adam Keen 2011 Duratec Alex Miles 2014 Duratec Duncan Morrison 2009 2L Duratec James Batchelor 2012 2l Duratec As above, if you really, really can't live with your allocated Group then let me know, quickly! James

Hi all Cadwell Park participants! As I mentioned earlier, I have had to do some juggling to get sensible numbers into the groups that we will be using for sessions during Friday morning. I've clearly taken into account the preferences that people expressed and then I've had to make some adjustments based on pretty scant information - whether someone will be acting as a buddy, the likely performance of the car based on engine spec and so on... Informed arbitraryness! Doing it this way I've ended up with three Session Groupings: Group 1 (shall we call this the ''Fast Group'?): around 14 or so cars, purposely a bit lean so as to give the newcomers a bit of room around the circuit, even with some additional participants who nominated themselves as Intermediate level. Group 2 (let's call this the 'Faster Group'): around 20 cars, with everyone in this group having nominated themselves as Intermediate level. Group 3 (let's call this the 'Fastest Group): again, around 20 cars, with some promotions from the Intermediate category based on my late-night judgement of experience and likely car performance. I'll post this now and try to add a further note with the suggested Groups identified. What I'd ask is: if anyone really, really can't live with the Groupings as I've suggested then let me know and I'll see what I can do. But hopefully everyone will rub-along with this - remember, we plan to move to OPL as soon as conditions and behaviours allow! James

Yes - spaces still available and the weather forecast is looking fine! Suggest you call Sam in the Club office to provide details, make payment and so on. She will pass details on to me. James

Right now, at this moment?? SFO... James

Just to say... Expect to hear from me about 'pairing up' for the Cadwell Park 'buddy system' in the next day or so. I'm currently in the US but about to travel back and, as soon as I get home I will be working on the info that Sam will have provided to me (basically, a summary of those participants who have expressed an interest in being supported, and those more experienced members who have offered to act as a 'buddy' and provide some help). So I will be attempting to match up the "want a buddy" with the "happy to be a buddy" groups on a 1:1 basis... And also the session groupings as well - nearly everyone wants to go out in the "Intermediate" grouping so I'll have to do some thoughtful adjustment there. But in any case, if everyone behaves we'll be running OPL after lunch... Just checked the latest weather and it's looking dry and reasonably good - fingers crossed! James

Just to say... Expect to hear from me about 'pairing up' for the Cadwell Park 'buddy system' in the next day or so. I'm currently in the US but about to travel back and, as soon as I get back, I will be working on the info that Sam will have provided to me (basically, a summary of those participants who have experessed an interest in being supported, and those more experienced members who have offered to act as a 'buddy' and provide some help). So I will be attempting to match up the "want a buddy" with the "happy to be a buddy" groups on a 1:1 basis... And also the session groupings as well - nearly everyone wants to go out in the "Intermediate" grouping so I'll have to do some thoughtful adjustment there. But in any case, if everyone behaves we'll be running OPL after lunch... Just checked the latest weather and it's looking dry and reasonably good - fingers crossed! James