L7 FST

Another vote here for the Motamecs - they look as good as the Spa, they work better (the grub screw is simple and really effective at holding them firmly in place, and the modest convex factor is well suited - at least in my opinion - to track use), and they're about half the price. What's not to like?

Yes I've used one on a couple of occasions where I've been close to or over the limit, and it's certainly pushed down the drive-by figure by a couple or more decibels - usually enough to do the trick. Also fits easily over a rolled lip. But £115?? 😬 I bought mine (on ebay I think?) several years ago for about twenty quid. It's a pretty crude thing, though, def not chromed or polished like the S&C one seems to be...

Or (if it's cold or wet).....oversteer!

Yes, a great day indeed... The pre-event communication was a bit sparse, and the 'no entry before 8am' enforcement was a bit bizarre, but it was one of the most friendly, relaxed and sensibly run trackdays I've ever done. And exhilarating too! Open pitlane always so much calmer and safer than sessions... Oddly, I didn't see CtrMint there...or was I looking out for the wrong car?

Yes - I am! Look forward to seeing you there tomorrow.... Stephen

Hi - I was waiting for a 420R owner to reply with some specific comments for you, but in the absence of that here are my thoughts. I recently attended a Bedford track day where several other Caterhams were present, including an R500D with side exhaust, and everyone seemed to be fine (except me on one occasion, when I was warned I was right on the drive-by limit in my 2.3 Duratec). If you do get a warning at Bedford, they normally tell you (or hint at) which part of the circuit is the problem, and it's pretty easy to avoid further trouble by moderating the revs slightly at the crucial point. In my experience the MSV staff there are very helpful and constructive. Have a good day and hopefully the weather will be good. Stephen

Have sent a PM

Given the exceptional spec, condition, and rarity, I think that's an amazing bargain. The new owner will be a very lucky someone...

Ah yes I probably have the old road versions - I bought them new about 8 years ago (very cheaply ISTR!). The lighter race versions would definitely be an improvement...

The Revolution wheels look lovely (I have a set) but they are actually quite heavy - notably heavier than standard Caterham anthracites for example.... MB wheels are unbeatable really, last forever, are easily refurbished, and hold their value. IMO!

Re #12 Chris - I've used Motamecs on all three of my Sevens over the years, either black or carbon 'effect'. But go for real carbon ones, if you can. They're currently available new on eBay for around £100 a pair I think.

Reply to #7: Yes they do - the Motamec is a shameless and excellent copy of the Spa, but even better thanks to the addition of the 'non-slip' screw. Much cheaper too!

Also worth noting that the AR-1 235 rears are 10mm shorter (ie less tall overall) than the 185 fronts, whereas the 205 rears are (more conventionally) taller than the 185 fronts by 25mm. Nothing that can't be sorted out with adjustable platforms, of course.. I agree with James's comments about warm-up problems on track - I tend to run much higher pressures with AR-1s (maybe 25 psi) than with other track tyres Stephen

I'll take these please, Andymal. Have mailed you my details to arrange collection. Thanks - Stephen

These are great, Dave. Thank you so much for doing this.. Stephen

Thanks - have replied

Still for sale!

Thanks - have replied

This trailer has a generous bed size of 195cm wide x 350cm long, but its overall dimensions (just 206 wide, 460 long including hitch) are as modest as a BJ Minno, so it fits comfortably into a standard garage. It’s approx 8 years old, used by me for track days only and serviced by Trident Trailers in Maidstone - most recently last year (at a cost of £550+), including new jockey wheel, electrics, brakes etc; it has covered very little mileage since. A beautifully made and robust trailer that has been faultless in use - very easy to tow, handle and store. All new high-spec tyres fitted 2019, with negligible wear since. Comes complete with mechanical winch and PRG tyre rack with tool/fuel box. This has been my third Caterham trailer (the previous two were both Brian James) and by far the best. I’m selling it only so I can upgrade to a covered trailer. £2295

PRG used to make a trailer very similar in concept to the BJ TT. Here's mine below, with my superwide Freestyle aboard. Overall width of the PRG is 200cm (less than a Minno) and length around 480 - good fit in a standard garage. Mine too will likely be for sale in a couple of months time. It's been brilliant, but I think I'm falling for the charms of a Raceshuttle - even though that certainly won't go in the garage....

Look forward to seeing you there! If Tony W could be persuaded to come too, that would make 3 Freestyle Duratecs.... Stephen

Hi Ed Best thing is probably to give Mike Barnby himself a call on 01634 711801. He can supply decent-quality sleeved nuts that will fit OK... But (at least in my experience) they are always a pain and usually problems eventually recur even when you've found a set of nuts that seem to fit well at first. So, a better long-term solution: if asked, Mike will happily and quickly convert the wheels to use conventional tapered nuts. He recently did that for me on a set of R500s, along with a thorough refurbishment of centres and rims, and all for a very reasonable price. Stephen

On my A-plan policy (including track days), any event at Castle Combe is specifically excluded. Apparently a high proportion of all track day accident claims in the UK relate to incidents at Quarry (the right hander just after half left at the end of the main straight). I don't know whether to believe that, but the policy exclusion is definitely real! Stephen

I wonder if Pipercross have recently changed the spec of the foam? I have a similar problem on my C603D filter, new less than a year ago and, like John's, relatively little used since. The one it replaced had been on for three full years with much less deterioration ...

I'll take the half doors please. Will send you a PM now with contact details. Thanks