simon_fletcher

After a couple of sprints on predominantly right hand bend circuits the passenger side tyres on my car are looking a bit the worse for wear and need replacing. Trouble is they're Bridgsetone RE720s and they don't make 'em any more ☹️ Yoko A539s seem to be the List 1a tyre of choice now - does anyone have any opinions? Also, 'cos I'm not rolling in cash at the moment I really only want to replace the two tyres that have had it rather than all four. Any thoughts on whether having RE720s on one side and A539s on the other will affect the handling? Cheers! Simon

btt

btt

Brodie, Left you a message to say that I got your phone message and then my phone packed up and I hadn't written your number down. Could you give me a call about the track day place on 020 7777 5374 or email me at simon.fletcher@jpmchase.com? Thanks! Simon

Due to being a bit slow off the mark my co-driver fort he Llandow sprint got in to the track day the preceding day but I didn't. ☹️ If anyone did get in but can't make it I'd be very interested in taking it off your hands...for a reasonable fee or donation to NTL, of course! Cheers, Simon

A big thanks to everyone who helped get my car running on Saturday, especially Colin Heseltine (helping a competitor, a true gentleman) and the other gentleman who's name I unfortunately did not get. Hopefully all will be fully sorted with the car in time for MIRA and maybe with the drivers too! Simon

Does anyone know what the standard Caterham pads actually are (mines a 2000 Academy car)? When I asked Caterham they basically said they send out whatever they have lying round the factory on the day they pack the kits...Mintex, Ferodo, whatever. Interested in what people have actually ended up using... Simon

Really? I've been running with a cat...now I know why everyone lese goes faster than me! Simon

Many thanks! Expect one extra (non-member, yet!) driver on the day. Simon

I know we can have passengers at a tenner per person, but what's the position regarding 2nd drivers? I have a friend who would love to come and have a go for a few laps in one of the sessions...I'm trying to convert him to the Caterham way! Simon

Chaps, thanks! My email is simon.fletcher@fletcherassociates.co.uk. Will ensure head is screwed on to make sure I don't lose that too! Simon

I would have said that I'd like a bhp limit on Class 2 to give me a bit more of a chance (something just below what NNs got preferably!), then I remember the time Mr Potter got in a standard (albeit well set up) Academy car and figure that driving ability makes more of a difference than an extra 50bhp ☹️ . I'd definitely like to see a hill climb or two in the events next year though. The final corner at Harewood really sorts out the men from the boys ! Simon 😳

OK, I've been dippy. I've lost the paperwork about the Brands Hatch trackday on the 23rd September. Does anyone have any contact details for the organisers? Many thanks! Simon

I did the Academy in 2001. As everynoe else has said already, it was great fun and an excellent introduction to motorsport. I'm not sure I'd recommend it now though as the price seems to have got a bit silly. As a £10.5k car it was good value, as something closer to £15 now there are other options worth considering. People have already mentioned buying secondhand and this is a good option, There's no shortage of people here and on the Graduates web site who would be more than happy to help you through the first few events till you know what's what. In fact, the folk on the Graduates web site probably gives you more of an idea about what you need to be doing than the support from Caterham for the Academy! Other options (wait for the flames!) are Radicals, Formula Ford, Mini's, etc. All have their pros and cons, though none have a community of enthusiasts like a Caterham! One big consideration is how tightly specified the various classes are specified. You want to make sure that you don't end up in a class where you can spend your way to success...it's nice to know you are winning (o being beaten) because of your skill rather than the size of your wallet! Simon

If Southampton is in the south of Hampshire and Winchester is north Southampton then Winchester must be North Hampshire...or is my logic as good as my geography ? OK, so gearbox builder's in south Hampshire (and Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, etc.) would be of interest too! Simon