Friday 24 June 2011

One year on

Well 12 months have passed by and here I am again, once more with all my cars up and running! And yet in those intervening months there have been a number of mishaps.


The 1929 Riley Brooklands

Last September at Donington the crank broke going into the Old Hairpin. New crank, rods, pistons and block re-machined. This May back at Donington the mag breaks down at around 4000 RPM and then the boot lid comes off, to be driven over by my fellow competitors. After burning lots of midnight oil the Brooklands is taken to VSCC Cadwell Park. Disaster - front main location screw works lose and the main rotates, cutting off oil supply. Result: almost new engine seized!! Replacement engine fitted and we secure a handicap win at the Double 12 at Brooklands this month. Off to AMOC Donington Park this weekend for three races.


1929 Amilcar CGSs


Wheel comes off on start line at VSCC Spring Start Meeting at Silverstone due to half shaft shearing. Why? Fatigue and poor design. Now back in the workshop her next outing is VSCC Loton Park in July.


1935 MG PB


At the Vie en Bleu Meeting at Prescott eighty year old mother has an off at Pardon, hitting the tyre wall. Result - damage to car and damage to mother but she is a tough old bird and shakes it off. MG's front valence being repaired.


1960 Cooper T56


Now here's a thing. She's all in one piece and is pictured above with a sister car that was once owned by Steve McQueen.


1927 Harley Two Cam Racer


Still waiting for pistons. The intention is to have her running this year. It's been 15 years since her lovely engine note was heard thumping away.


1980s Ducati Pantah Race Replicas


I went to Moto GP at Silverstone as a VIP guest and was like a kid in a sweet shop. I fell in love with two Ducatis and had to bring them home. Pictured is the 500, the other is a 650. More on these when I get them running.

Two years ago today my wonderful dad died. He was my inspiration. Thank you dad. Simply the best.