Latest News
18Nov
Brakes bled
I bled the front brakes on Sunday, no leaks detected on the fresh pair of front brake lines. I also fitted the new camlocs for the bonnnet. I then trial fitted the front wing on the car, making sure that the adjustable wing angle was in the operating range I needed, and it all looks OK. So the drawings are now sent off for a pair of brackets to be milled from aluminium.
Ariel Atom sensor rings
The Ariel Atom speed sensor rings are now fitted to the output cups on Ed's car. He's bonded them to the cups using Teroson, so they wont be coming off in a hurry. Ed is making his own brackets for the front and rear axles, to position the NPN speed sensors I supplied. His next job is to order the Syvecs ECU, and the start on the wiring loom.
Fresh paint
The bonnet and nosecone are now at Faircharm Restorations for spraying. I decided to get them sprayed black, rather than mess around with wrap. Shanes going to start on them this week.
Geeky stuff
I've added a couple of lines to my .htaccess file, which fixes the issue where double forward slashes are placed inside the URL for a link to a page on my website. The pages are still delivered, but it causes issues with google's indexing.# Remove multiple slashes anywhere in the URL-path
RewriteCond %{THE_REQUEST} \s[^?]*//
RewriteRule (.*) /$1 [R=302,L]But why would you want to do that? Because, the Google Search Console is reporting some issues with Page Indexing at the moment, and it keeps showing in the Search Console "Alternative page with proper canonical tag - These pages arent indexed or served by Google" and it then shows a load of affected pages that have double forward slashes in the URL. eg http://www.zetecinside.com/xr2//duratectune.shtml. The rewrite code in .htaccess will now remove the pair of forward slashes, and redirect the page to the correct URL, which contains the canonical tag, and this will in turn, resolve the errors. Trying to get Google to index every single page on the site, is not as easy as it sounds. It currently stands at 347 indexed, and 216 not indexed. And it needs to be all 563 pages are indexed. Its slow work correcting the errors, but its satisfying seeing the Indexed count slowly increase as errors are fixed.
14Nov
New camloc receptacles
Possibly the most exciting title ever, new camloc receptacles. I need to get out more. These are used on the car to secure the bonnet to the chassis, via 1/4 turn 2600 series camloc screws. One of the receptacles was damaged in the accident, and believe it or not, they are the hardest things to track down. Partly because the costs are very high, with some companies listing them at £10 each! And others only listing the pressed steel ones, or even worse, the brass ones! Luckily I found a listing on ebay for these new old stock MILSPEC ones, which weigh nothing at all. The listing was for four, and seven turned up, all for the princely sum of £10. What a bargain. I've already got the 2.4mm x 6mm rivets, so I'll replace all of them. Olive drab doesn't look so bad on a racecar. Presumably there's an F-35 somewhere with a loose panel :D
12Nov
Panels unwrapped
The bonnet and nose cone were unwrapped last night and trial fitted to the car, and I must say, I like the red more than the black at the moment.
A friend collected my BSC 11th place trophy from the HSA awards on Sunday. I do have to ask where the sponsorship money went from Woodford Trailers, as it clearly wasn't spent on trophies this year.
Printed parts
Another large order placed yesteday, for another pair of Sierra Output Cup sensor rings (37 holes), more sensor brackets, and a pair of printed guides which will be stuck to the outside edges of both front wing end plates, which will take the wing to the maximum width, and will be used to deflect air up and over the front wheels.
11Nov
Bodywork collected
I went over to Suffolk yesterday to collect the Mygale bonnet and nosecone, which were collected by a friend from the factory in France. That saved me over £200 in postage alone! Both panels are red, as the only colours Mygale had were red or white, and I didnt fancy white. I may leave the panels in their red gelcoat, and apply a graduated strip to their edges where they meet the black body work. I'll mock some photos up to see how it will look.
7Nov
Sierra diff housing speed sensor parts have arrived
I'm very happy with how the NPN sensor brackets have turned out. The M8 barrel sensor fits very well in the bracket, and is be secured with the supplied nuts. The bracket then sits on an M8 threaded stud which screws in to the diff housing, and is again secured with the supplied nuts.
The speed sensor rings took a while to build up with the 37 steel dowels, but they too look great. They're now posted to the MK Indy owner for fitment and testing, complete with four NPN sensors. I'm looking forward to seeing all the parts installed.
6Nov
Printed parts have arrived
The printed front wing drop plate support brackets have arrived this morning, and are now fitted to the crashbox and wing. They're a perfect fit, and the grub screw I've added allows better control of the front wing angle.
5Nov
NCR regulations updated
The latest version of the Blue Book replacement NCR regulations is now published, and thankfully I can now find references in it to Track Licenses, specifically with respect to duties for Stewards and Clerks of the Course.Latest NCR regulations: published November 2024
The document doesn't have a version number or release date, and the hyperlinks dont work in some PDF viewers on mobile phones, which needs to be resolved urgently.
2Nov
Brake lines replaced
I've replaced the front brake lines, with fresh ones, that took about 30 minutes to do. And I straightened all the bonnet support brackets, and refitted them with M5x10mm stainless screws. The video update is on Youtube.
31Oct
Halloween Update on Youtube
Now I've finally started on the repairs, the first job has been to remove the 3D printed plastic parts that were proven in the CFD adding very little to the downforce. Sticking them on with Sikaflex, has made their removal a bit of a challenge!
29Oct
The Blue Book is dead - long live the Blue Book
There's a new set of regulations for the governance of motorsport in the UK, held under MSUK, and you can drive a truck through them at the moment. Rewritten, and full of hyperlinks, they're meant to replace the Blue Book next year, but from what I've seen they're simply not fit for purpose at the moment. The most serious omission I've seen is that of the rules that prevent Cones from being used on sprints.I've not found anything on Track Licenses, Circuit Plans or Apex Markers. Which means on a sprint, traffic cones can be placed anywhere they want them to be. This is a very serious omission. What other regulations have been dropped ?
They also say fire extinguishers are mandatory on all race cars, including single seaters. Which is going to put the costs up for everyone.
Read the NCR Regulations here
Ariel Atom speed sensor rings
My first order for a set of sensor rings for an Ariel Atom has been received, and after designing the rings they are now away for printing. The Atom has output cups with an OD of 91mm, and the rings have 37 dowels and will be a friction fit over the cups. I am also supplying a set of four NPN sensors, as the car is being converted to launch and traction control under a Syvecs ECU.
28Oct
Ford Sierra diff housing model
You know my obsession with details. I've found a 3D scanned mesh model of the Ford Sierra differential housing, which I bought for a tenner on-line, and I then imported it in to Fusion. I've never tried using a mesh model before. The mesh model is made up from 10's of thousands of small triangles, which gives the model quite a crude appearance, but it takes a lot of processing power to manipulate the model, so I'm thankful it is just 10's of thousands of triangles rather than millions.With that model imported in to fusion, I can then incorporate it in to the design, and it gives a far better impression of the sensor ring and sensor bracket that I've drawn.
24Oct
Ford Sierra output cup speed sensor parts coming soon
I've designed a sensor ring and a sensor holder for cars running the ford Sierra differential housing and output cup. The sensor ring has 37 steel dowels and the holder is designed or the RS164-6097 12V NPN sensor. The parts are away for printing, and once tested I will be offering them as a kit, of two sensor rings and two sensor holders, with sensors. The render is not to scale :D
22Oct
Sprint Leaders scoring issues
There are rumours of some issues with the Sprint Leaders scoring this year, and the HSA has pulled the results pages from the web site. The thinking is that as the British Sprint Drivers run at a National A level (RS National), and the Sprint Leaders championship is a National B level championship (RS Interclub), then British Sprint Drivers arent technically allowed to score any points towards Sprint Leaders.The same thinking also applies to the HSA Speed championship, and many other championships that run in parallel with BSC rounds. There are two permits obtained for a BSC round, and BSC drivers sign on as Nat A under the Nat A permit. But does that signing on process preclude them from being eligible for the Nat B event results, or should the BSC results stand alone, so they dont interfere with the Nat B drivers competing at the same event?
17Oct
BSC History Portal updated
I've updated my history portal, that holds all the British Sprint data since 1970. I had to write a python program to scrape all of the google worksheets on Simons scoring system; because all the results are stored in worksheets, there is no option to export to CSV, so it's easier to use Python to open each worksheet in turn, and scrape the information from the page to a CSV file. Once the CSV file is complete, I have to manipulate the data so the drivers names match those in the database, etc, and once that is done, the data can be imported in to the table in mySQL, which is hosted from my web site in the States.I've had to make a few changes to the PHP, because this year the classes have all changed. Which is right faff. But its done and all the run off data from this year is now searchable on the portal.
https://www.zetecinside.com/bschistory <-- click this link to see the whole 2024 season.
Have a look at the attendance page to see the drop in numbers for the past two seaons (2023 and 2024). Its clear that there are too many rounds in 2024, with the highest number of rounds and venues than has ever been seen.
https://www.zetecinside.com/bschistory <-- click this link to see the attendance for 2024.
2022 - 30 rounds
2023 - 42 rounds
2024 - 44 rounds
11Oct
2025 Rumours
So Llandow has gone from the calendar, but its still 44 rounds potentially, but the number of scoring rounds is down from 75% to 60%. This is not a good move. Attendance is the key to running a succesful championship. You just have to look at the British Hillclimb Championship to see what good attendance looks like. If the number of scoring rounds is dropped to 60%, then that will mean even fewer drivers turn up at events. And this year rarely has there been 12 drivers even with 75% counting rounds. Fewer drivers means even slower qualifying rounds, as drivers dont need to qualify, they just have to drive around the circuit and get a time. And where's the fun in that? Fewer drivers means even higher scores for those in a position to be able to travel to the far flung rounds. And that means they have stronger scores when it comes to dropped rounds, and end up with even better finishing positions. Not for driving quickly, but for going to every round! Its turned in to an endurance championship.The argument about including N.Ireland also reappeared; how come the BTCC doesn't visit N.Ireland, or even Wales for that matter, yet its still able to run under the banner of a British championship? If they can get away with it, then surely the BSC can drop N.Ireland? No disrespect to the N.Ireland venue or drivers, but it would make sense to reduce the number of rounds by dropping the one furthest away as a trial, to see how that impacts the scoring. Its a long time since 12 drivers have made the trip over.
I will watch from afar as the championship disappears off a cliff edge. Next year will be hills and sprints for me, with possibly more hills than sprints. You heard it here first :D
8Oct
Chris Jones takes the title
It was hardly surprising that Chris Jones took the 2024 title on Saturday at Anglesey. He has driven the socks off the car all year, and at the weekend went on to win all four run offs again, and broke the class record, to take the title for the first time. Thats how the you win a championship. Not driving to the ends of the earth, just to get easy points because its a low turnout. Chris didnt go to N.Ireland, but did travel up to Knockhill where he won. He's pretty much won everywhere. What a driver! And what a great car/engine combination.20Sep
Apex Markers reminder
MSUK has issued a repeat of the Apex Markers warning, in the latest Clerks and Officials Bulletin for September 2024. Either the message is getting through, or it isnt.
https://motorsportuk.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/clerks-stewards-bulletin-2024-09-september-3.pdf
16Sep
Front wing support plate replacements
I've drawn a pair of wing support plates, which are away for printing at the moment. If you remember, the Plays Kool plate which took the brunt of the impact, prevented the FIA crash box from absorbing any energy. It was massively over engineered, and so I've split the plate in to two seperate pieces, which will be held on with two rather than three M6 fasteners, and have collapsible sections to allow them to absorb the energy of an impact, and not impede the crash box should it hit armco again. They also include a slot, to allow the angle of the front wing to be adjusted, not something I could do previously. When I'm happy with their fitment I'll get some machined from aluminium.The original plate weighs 625g and these replacements will weigh 123g each, saving ~375g in the process.
XR2 pictures
I found the images from the Shelsley Walsh photoshoot in 2010, which I ran through LightRoom to add a filter to, and the images are now on flickr. These are the full resolution images, so if you're after a desktop wallpaper, help yourself :D
Physio
I had my first physio session today, to try to resolve the back pains I've been experiencing since the crash. The physiotherapist quickly found the issue, and I've got another session in two weeks time, and some exercises to perform to try and prevent the pain from repeating.15Sep
Tin Top Challenge Cup winner
Congratulations to Simon Bainbridge on securing the Tin Top Challenge Cup at Doune yesterday. It was a tense battle, where Simon needed a top 3 finish to clinch the title, and after Damien Bradley set the fastest time, there was then a delay of over an hour after one of the Porsche 911's had a terrible looking crash, requiring medical attention off-site, and lengthy barrier repairs. It then started raining before Simon set off, but he remained calm, and drove up as fast as he dare, and scored 2nd overall to take the title :DIf you haven't see the clip of the accident, watch this clip below. I have to ask the question; how has Doune passed safety checks when the armco and gravel boards are clearly not capable of protecting drivers from serious injuries? I wonder what the MSUK team are looking for when they inspect a track. Maybe we need drivers represented when these inspections take place?
BHC news
Alex Summers took both wins at Doune to take the title fight to the final round at Loton Park at the end of September. I will be going, to watch the battle unfold. Its either Alex or Matt for the title. Who is your money on? Which car is best suited to the bumpy Loton track? The big works Gould GR59 or the light DJ Firestorm? I think Matt can do it, he's young and fearless, and has an incredible car underneath him.Four BSC wins for Jones
Congratulations also go to Chris Jones for again winning all the run offs at Pembrey over the weekend, and taking double FTD. He's now firmly in second overall, and has only completed 28 runs out of the maximum 30 that are used for scoring, so he has another two rounds or 50 points to add to his tally at Anglesey in October. The second Force TA driver is now relegated to 3rd, and I expect will drop to 4th if Steve Miles pulls his finger out. It was again another very low turnout, with just seven single seaters running in the BSC. And the entry for the Anglesey event doesnt look great either. Which means points galore again for anyone who just turns up.9Sep
Prescott Hillclimb
I visited Prescott again, to see the BHC guys in action. Simon Bainbridge was there with his SBR Crono, competing in the tin top runoffs, and he kindly signed me in as his mechanic to save me having to pay the £19 ticket price. I took around 900 photos in the tricky conditions. It was wet all morning, I had to shield the camera from the rain, eventually drying out around 1pm. I had a quick chat with Alex Summers, Ian Dayson and Laurence Marks plus a few others and it was great to see Matt Ryder take another pair of run off wins.The new Force TA V6 was in action too, and in the afternoon in the dry, the car was being pushed very hard and sounded fantastic.
My photos are on flickr
I believe Sundays British Sprint round at Knockhill comprised of just one practice and a pair of timed runs, both of which counted as run offs. Thats ok, it's in the rules that this can happen, but I hope they communicated it to the drivers to treat each run as a run off, with best tyres fitted etc.
I think its about time Knockhill was dropped and a cheaper venue found for the Scottish rounds. Maybe a return to Kames instead?
8Sep
Knockhill
Would you believe that only 5 registered BSC single seaters competed at Knockhill this weekend? What does that say about the championship? At Prescott they had 19 cars in the 1100cc class. It will die unless the rules are radically changed, and the number of rounds significantly reduced, to make it affordable. The writing is on the wall. Will the HSA take any notice?4Sep
RAF Coningsby visit
A trip over to Lincolnshire this week, my first visit to RAF Coningsby, to photograph the Typhoons. The weather wasnt great in the morning, very overcast and quite difficult conditions to photograph fast jets, but the results came out OK. Its a far quieter airfield than Lakenheath, but the Typhoons usually left in pairs, so when they did appear there were opportunities to try and take pictures.The public viewing area is at the end of the runway on Dogdyke road. When I arrived at 09:20 there were just a few parking spaces left. Its not the best place to take photographs from, the planes take off over your head, whereas the Lakenheath viewing area is along side the runway, so from that point of view, opportunities for interesting pictures was quite limited.
After I arrived, I had a chap come up to me and introduce himself, his son was making his first solo flight in the Typhoon, and as a surprise he had driven up to try and get some pictures. He asked me if I could try and get some too, and although there was confusion as to which aircraft he was going to be flying, we knew it was departing around 10:10am. I took lots of pictures. The next day he confirmed it was ZJ947, and as luck would have it I did get some photos and video of that aircraft, which are now shared on the flickr album. His son flew over to RAF Valley on his first solo trip, and performed some aerobatics, before he returned to Coningsby. What a privilege it was to be asked to take pictures, which have all been shared with his dad.
My photos are on flickr
28Aug
RAF Lakenheath trip 2
I went over to Lakenheath again on Tuesday, to try the Canon EOS RP out with the 100-400mm lense. I was not disappointed. The only issue with the camera is when recording video, the built in wind filter doesnt work very well at all, so I'll get an external microphone ordered.
My photos are on flickr
Snetterton Sprint
The BARC Midlands Snetterton was a complete washout on Saturday, with rain all day, and a record 70 re-runs, due to spins, people catching other slower drivers up, unsafe releases, and water related timing issues. One driver described it as Chaos. I've seen some onboard footage from a few single seaters, and it looked treacherous. On the pair of BSC run offs, the slowest cars were 39 seconds slower than the winners. Even on Sunday, in dry warm weather, the slowest single seater was 16 seconds off the pace! Since the scoring system was revised, it really has turned in to a 'turn up and drive round and get a championship number' championship. There really ought to be a 107% qualifying rule, which would make everyone drive harder to earn their number for next year. What happened to it being the 'Elite' ?The fundemental problem was caused by the introduction of the 13 points uplift for qualifying for the Top 12. That is, if you are in the fastest 12 drivers, you will score a minimum of 14 points just for driving round and coming 12th in the run off. Twelfth place gets 1 point + 13 point uplift. First place gets 12 points + 13 point uplift. So when there are only 12 drivers, its a points bananza, just for turning up. This is wrong, it doesnt promote competition or encourage the drivers to drive fast. It was meant to reward drivers who rarely scored, when there were more than 12 entries. Which was the norm years ago. But now, its turned in to a farce. Rarely are there more than 12 drivers, so the points scored dont reward drivers for pushing. And if you qualify for the run off, but dont start or finish, you still get 13 points! It needs revising. It should be 12 points for a win, down to 1 point for 12th, and no points if you dont qualify! Like it used to be, when there was jeapordy for falling off or having a drive shaft failure on the start line.
21Aug
Replacement front wing
I've edited the drawing in Fusion for the new front wing dimensions etc. A link to the 3D CAD model is below. I collected the wing from DJ a few weeks ago, and its built up ready for fitting back to the FIA crash box.
19Aug
For reference
This is a link to the Cadwell Park Sprint Circuit License, from the Sprint held there in March this year, and it has a Circuit Plan on page 2. So this is how a track license looks, the first page doesnt have a diagram, but instead refers to the Circuit Plan.
Cadwell MSUK Track LicenseOn the circuit plan you can clearly see, Apex Markers! These are the locations of the permanent markers that are installed on the circuit. Not Traffic Cones! It says Bollard, and gives a number of Bollards where there are more than two.
I have copies of the Circuit Plans and the Track Licenses for Mallory, and there are zero Apex Markers referenced on the Circuit Plan.
Prescott Hillclimb
The BHC round at Prescott took place yesterday. I spent the day there and soaked up the atmosphere. Again, it was a privilege watching the elite BHC with their uber expensive cars, flying up the hill. And Matt Ryder lowered the hill record to 34.60s on a blistering lap. They sure do know how to put on a show.
My photos are on flickr
17Aug
No Cones at Llandow
16Aug
British Hillclimb Championship photographs
On the weekend, I went to Shelsley Walsh, which was my first visit since I last drove there in 2010, and had an amazing day watching the pair of Top 12 run offs, and both Tin Top challenges. I've bought a Canon EOS RP which is an exceptional camera. Its 26 megapixel, full frame and mirrorless, and the quality of the pictures is mind blowing. My next visit is to Prescott this Sunday, I'll see if I can get some more great photographs.My photos are on flickr
02Aug
The End of Cones ?
Page 1 has a couple of interesting sections - this is the August 2024 MSUK Bulletin for Stewards and Clerks.
https://motorsportuk.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/clerks-stewards-bulletin-2024-08-august.pdf
So the question remains, were the Apex Markers or cones shown on the track license, or did the clerk of the course made the decision arbitrarily to place them on the apex to the Edwinas chicane?
What are your thoughts? I mean it's positive that Apex Markers (cones) wont be used again, unless they're present in the speed event track license (and why would they be?), but it also raises more questions. I've just spent £3500 on parts, with about another £1000 to go. If the decision to place the Apex Markers (cones) wasn't covered by the Track License...
I've been the target of some very unfriendly posts on two whatsapp groups run by BSC drivers. To the extent that I have questioned if I even want to perform against these individuals again. Hurtful, shameful comments. Some might call it mickey taking, but its not, its beyond that. It's certainly not in accordance with the MSUK Race with Respect guidelines. Think before you post.
13July
Inspection
On Friday I removed the seat belts for replacement, and the fuel cell cover, to inspect the fuel tanks behind the drivers seat, and I cant find anything damaged in the impact. The front wing 2nd elements have been posted off to DJ for them to shorten and build up the replacement wing.I have checked wether it is possible for the left foot to press the throttle pedal when braking, and no it isnt. But there is a 90 degree side step on the right edge of the throttle pedal, meant to prevent your foot from sliding off, that I may have pressed. I guess we'll never know.
I'm still in considerable discomfort, especially my stomach, I dont think I've any broken ribs, but out of 10 the pain is a solid 9 if I inhale/exhale, so I dont plan on getting back in to the car again soon. I must have done far more damage to myself than I initially thought. My season is over, and I'll aim to repair and test ready for 2025.
11July
Cleaning the car
Hoovering all the grass and grit from the car, and inspecting the seat belts, suspension mounts etc.10July
Setting the brake and throttle fuel cuts
Low and behold, the ECU can prevent you from accelerating if you press the throttle and brake at the same time, by cutting fuel. This video explains all.Note: The values in the table are just an illustration.
9July
Data deep dive
Here is an honest assessment of what happened on the lead up to the crash at Mallory. There were a combination of things working against me, one of which was the throttle pedal being pressed at the same time I was braking! Watch the 15 minute video below to allow me to explain.7July
Inspection begins
I spent a good hour outside in the garage today, to establish if there was any serious damage to the chassis from the 13G impact, and it all appears to be ok. No cracks that I can see, just a few broken cable ties that located a couple of items. I hoovered all the grass and mud and stones from the side pods and the cockpit, and then had a look for any damage to the belts. They do appear to have stretched, most noticably on the shoulder strap buckles behind the drivers seat; there are loops of belt which have appeared around the buckles, but the belts are meant to stretch in a big impact, and therefore they are going to be replaced. The crutch and lap belts look to be ok, but they'll also be replaced.The belts I am using are Sabelt Steel Formula Mid 6 points, in black.
The primary reason for all the bruising and damage to my thighs has to be the location of the metal buckles on both lap belts. They're there to ensure the belts are easily adjusted. My lap belts were always difficult to push in to the buckle (a bit of timber gained over christmas cant be helped); I couldn't have pulled the lap belts any tighter; however, with hindsight, using a lap belt with adjusters probably wasn't such a great idea. The metal adjuster mechanisms sit against my thighs/hips, so in the impact they were bound to cause injuries.
The only alternative is to use the type of lap belt that requires the bolts that hold the belts to the chassis rails, to be loosened, to allow the belts to be adjusted, which is a PITA to do sat in the car, and once adjusted, the bolts have to be done up again to stop the belts from moving. That means you cant make rapid adjustments for say when, a driver swap takes place.
The replacement belts wont have quick adjusters on them. Lesson learnt.
The brake pedal looks to have survived the impact and the 100bar of brake pressure generated didnt burst any of the pipes or fittings, despite them being badly damaged on the front near side wishbone. I will replace both front lines.
The brake pedal looks ok, as does the throttle and clutch pedals, however the steering wheel took a large impact and needs pulling straight again on the left hand side.
3July
Spectator video of the crash
If you havent already seen the impact, there's several videos of it on youtube, from different vantage points. I am now in the process of creating a video explaining what happened and the results, which will be available on youtube in the coming week. I do have onboard video, which I have supplied to Motorsport UK. The video taken by Pescara Productions was also taken as evidence by the Stewards and is also now with MSUK. I am hoping something positive will come from this accident, improving track safety and reducing risks is a very high priority for the organising body.1July
Slow recovery
I've never had such bad bruises before; both my hips are black and blue, my back is still causing me grief, but I am able to get around the house, and sit at my desk and work, for short periods. The bruising on my hips, is caused by the six point belts, as are the bruises inside my thighs. I have other bruises on my legs, caused by making contact with the tubular steel chassis. My left forearm is also very badly injured; on the trip home from the circuit, a golf ball sized bump suddenly appeared on my forearm, which I treated by placing a bottle of iced water against it. But only since about Wednesday the bruising on my arm really started to appear, and its very painful to rest on that arm when I'm typing.I am getting prices for parts, which were destroyed in the impact with the armco. The SM153 front wing is no longer made by DJ, they have a new wing which is even more powerful, and deeper, and needs mounting 100mm off the ground; but I cant use it as the aero balance will be upset and I'd be spending half the year sorting that out. They have very kindly offered to make me an SM153, but I will need to supply the lengths of the second elements, which once I'm able to work on the car, I will do. The bad news is that the wing assembly will cost around £3500 !! And I've not had prices back yet from Mygale for the nosecone and bonnet, which I know wont be cheap.
Meanwhile I've cancelled the entries and received refunds from most of the events I'll be missing, just two remain, BARC-Midlands, and Longton, for the Snetterton Sprint and the Anglesey Sprint, and I've sent further reminders today.
I've had many messages from people who also feel the cones were responsible for the crash; at the event in March there were just two cones, and for the event in June there was a wall of them, which from my onboard footage from P1, T1 and T2, were not being replaced in the original positions as vehicles hit them. Surely if cones are being hit, that's a big clue that they perhaps, are increasing the risk of harm to participants? The cone thats on its side should also have brought out the red flag so it could be stood up again. That was knocked down just a few minutes before I arrived.
For a British Sprint Championship Run Off run, the cones should have been removed altogether. It would have taken 60 seconds to stop and remove them before our runs commenced.
