Classical Gas: Blog

More work on The Croft Report

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:18:04 GMT

Published Croft Pictures

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:36:38 GMT

Michael Leete (classicalgas)'s photos- powered by SmugMug

Post Historic Results

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:38:44 GMT

1. Stephen Primett (Escort RS2000) Class C
2. David Howard (Jaguar XJ12) A
3. Jason Christie (Escort) C
4. Dave Nixon (Mazda RX3) C
5. Chris Nixon (Escort) C
6. Neil Bray (Capri) B
7. Mark Lucock (Escort) C
8. Len Allgood (Escort) C
9. John Wright (Escort) C
10. Phil Waller (Avenger) D
11. Martin Doherty (Cortina) B

DNF

Roger Stanford (Lotus Cortina) Spin Off
James Christie (Avenger) Mechanical (HT lead came off)

Croft Group 1 Results

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:25:27 GMT

1. Jim McLoughlin (Capri) Class B
2. Mark Fowler (Capri) B
3. Neil Bray (Fiesta) D
4. David Howard (Jaguar XJ12) A
5. Roger Stanford (BMW 2002) C
6. Chris Nixon (Escort Mk1 RS2000) C
7. Brian Goodwin (Fiesta) E
8. Martin Doherty (Cortina Mk3) B
9. Robert Wheeler (Renault 5 TS)
10. Tim Scott-Andrews (Rover Vitesse) B
11. Phill Waller (Avenger) D
12. Matt Irons (BMW 323i)

Jim McLoughlin wins wet Group 1 race. Neil 3rd overall in the Fiesta

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:53:19 GMT

At one time it looked like Neil might get another Laurel Wreath on his Birthday. He worked his way up from 5th on the grid to take the lead from Jim on lap 4. However, it wasn't to last as a couple of laps later Neil went straight on approaching the Complex. Neil slipped back to third. People were going off everwhere but Jim didn't put a foot wrong and took the checqured flag after a supurb controlled drive.

Croft Post Historic Quali

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:20:44 GMT

1. David Howard (Jaguar XJ12) 1.41.7
2. Stephen Primett (Escort RS2000) 1.41.8
3. Neil Bray (Ford Capri) 1.43.1
4. Mark Lucock (Ford Capri) 1.44.0
5. Roger Stanford (Lotus Cortina) 1.44.5

13 qualified

dave nixon damaged his RX3 after a solo off

Croft Group 1 Quali

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:04:26 GMT

1. Jim McLoughlin (Ford Capri) 1.40.7
2. Roger Stanford (BMW 2002) 1.41.9
3. David Howard (Jaguar XJ12) 1.42.0
4. Mark Fowler (Ford Capri) 1.42.5
5. Neil Bray (Ford Fiesta) 1.43.7

12 qualified

Neil's Fiesta ran well although afterwards we found some of the drive shaft bolts were loose.

David Howard probably could have gone faster but for a severe flat spot on a tyre.

the weather was dry but cloudy. The race is scheduled for 4pm

Neil Racing at Croft on Saturday

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:31:50 GMT

Neil will be racing his Capri in the Post Historic Touring Car race and the Fiesta in Group 1 Click Here for Timetable

Chaos at Chaos Manor

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:58:49 GMT

Clearing out the shed finished. The poor cars in the old garage are buried under piles of stuff. The shed comes down tomorrow.

Writing "The Long Goodbye"

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:25:01 GMT

"The Long Goodbye" is my favorite Raymond Chandler novel. The way he explores the loyalty Marlowe has to Terry Lennox is fascinating. In the film, where Elliott Gould plays Marlowe, the end is violent in a physical sense. I preferred the way Chandler did it in the book. A brutal end to the friendship, but in a non-physical way. Chandlers writing is wonderful, complex, precise and poignant. I discovered more in this interesting link concerning Chandlers papers and drafts in the Bodleian library. The miracle of writing before the word processor!

We are Building a new Garage at Chaos Manor

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:55:29 GMT

While we have a nice Double Garage here it isn't that big. However, there is also a big shed and using that to store bits and pieces we had enough room for the Beetle and the Dellow. However, now we have the Seven we have run short of space, and I want to get another car, a Ford Model Y. So the plan is to build a 50 sq m Garage/Hobby room in the back garden, occupying a sort of dog leg that goes up to one side so you won't be able to see much of it from the back of the house. I have been working on the plans for the last three months and most of the detail is resolved. The work is scheduled to start next week but unfortunately the shed has to come down as it stands in the way of access. So I spent most of yesterday clearing it out. Not finished yet but I will have to get a move on as they want to come and take it down Wednesday or Thursday.

Knebworth Park on the Telly Tonight

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:28:38 GMT

It's the "big house" featured on Foyles War. I recognised the drive the army trucks approached on. I remember JP storming round the 90 left and 90 right in his Avenger on the RAC in the early 70's. The stage was run the other way round of course.

I seem to have fixed the computer

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:18:21 GMT

Mike came and collected his computer today. Seems to be OK now. I think the re-format and re installation of windows was necessary as it was riddled with worms, viruses and goodness what else, to the extent it couldn't identify its own hardware. I have ditched Norton and installed the free AVG Virus protection. All the problems occurred while his computer was supposed to be protected by Norton! As you can tell I am no longer a Norton fan! Software wise I think we may go for Open Office. I plan to use that on my own Dell as well.

I've been in Sunny Sweden

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:07:57 GMT

As some of you know I am semi-retired. The work bit is with a Swedish company and I have gone there many, many times over the last 35 years. This time it was to a factory in the small town of Motala on the bank of Lake Vattern and the Gota Canal. Its about 100 miles from Skavsta airport, the main Swedish airport used by that nice Mr O'Leary of Ryanair. I made up for his lack of legroom by hiring a Saab and enjoyed the late afternoon drive and a super evening in good company. The way I go passes Mantorp Park which I believe is one of only two circuits on mainland Sweden, the other being Anderstorp which hosted the Swedish Grand Prix pre-Bernie.

Click here for more pictures

Fixing a sick Computer

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:34:57 GMT

I think I have previously commented previously on the problems with Mike H's computer. Anyway its over here at Chaos Manor. Mike has backed up its data and the plan is to reformat the disk and reinstall windows.

Published more pictures of Falcons Diamond Run, including photos of the Lotus Mk2 at Tewin Water

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:30:03 GMT

Organiser Mike Hayward talking to Lotus Mk2 owner Nigel Halliday. The car was a genuine "barn find" and returned to Tewin Water for the first time since 1950 when it was driven at a Falcon Speed Trial by Colin Chapman.
Click Here for More Pictures

More on Pentangle

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:00:35 GMT

The more I think about it the more fantastic the Pentangle evening was. It was a shame Jacqui McShee choose to open with "The Time has Come" as she had problems reaching some of the high notes. Fortunately she got better as the evening went on and the other material didn't challenge those heights! Danny Thompson's playing was fantastic and his expressions and humour were marvelous. His bass "Victoria" was made in 1865 so it is 143 years old.

At 71 Terry Cox was the second oldest thing on stage! However, like Danny his playing has improved over the years and his cameo pieces were a joy to behold. Bert Jancsh has aged considerably but his voice is just as distinctive as ever and his playing has lost none of its touch.

John Renbourn had a quiet evening and I was disappointed that the band didn't do his wonderful Lord Franklin. However, like all the guys he looked very relaxed and appeared to enjoy the evening.

For those of you who aren't into Pentagle here they are doing some of their stuff back in the 70's

Immense Night at The Pentangle Concert in Cambridge

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:59:05 GMT

MySpace.com - Pentangle - UK - Folk / Acoustic / Psychedelic - www.myspace.com/pentangle

Falcon's Centenary Run last Sunday

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:53:34 GMT

This is where it all started back in 1948, the Crown and Falcon in Puckeridge.

Click Here for more pictures - Yet more to follow!

Falcon Club Night at Dunstable Rugby Club Wednesday Night

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:28:32 GMT

As its not the Rugby season there will be an earlier start (7.45) and an earlier finish (10.00). If you have never been click the link below for a map.

51.913352 -0.529755 - Google Maps

Neil's Oulton Park Write-Up in Autosport

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:53:33 GMT

The Weather Looks OK for Falcons 60 Year Celebration Run Tomorrow

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:35:58 GMT

I will be taking Ron Warren round in my Audi. Expect some good pictures and stories.

Oulton Park Report Published

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:57:18 GMT

Click Here for Oulton Park Report

Oulton Park Group 1 Race Report Draft

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:52:37 GMT

By the time the Group 1 race started the rain had stopped and a dry line had started to emerge. However, the track was still slippery and many of the powerful RWD cars were slow of the line as their wheels spun helplessly. Pole man David Howard was the biggest looser, slipping back to fifth at the exit from Old Hall, behind Roger Bowman, the ex-Brian Stevens XJS repaired after its shunt at Brands, David Hickton, Mark Fowler and Jim McLoughlin.

Roger was finding the big Jag a bit of a handful in the slippery conditions and David Hickton soon got past in his Opel Ascona. Neil made his expected good start, gaining half a dozen places before the first corner, passing another six or seven during the remainder of the lap one and was seventh overall as they crossed the line.

Neil was by far the quickest car on the track, circulating two seconds faster than the next fastest man, fellow rain master Jim McLoughlin in his Capri. Neil was up to third at the end of lap two, just behind David Hickton and Jim McLoughlin. It was only a matter of time now and Neil was soon past to take the lead and pull away.

The track was starting to dry now. Neil had a 2.2 second lead and was lapping in the 1m 59's, still a second a lap faster than Jim. But further down the field Roger Bowman, Roger Stanford (BMW 2002), David Howard and Mark Fowler (Ford Capri) were also lapping in the 1m 59's, could Neil hang on?

The question was never answered as Richard Langeveld ran out of talent while circulating at the back of the field, slamming his Escort into the barrier right under the nose of the Clerk of the Course, and the red flag came out with Neil the winner followed by Jim and David.

Oulton Park Post Historic Race Report Draft

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:38:07 GMT

Unfortunately Qualifying eliminated several of the strong Post Historic entry. Keith Calver's gearbox blew, the resulting spillage added to the already slippery track conditions, causing Tony Crudgington to spin into the wall opposite the pits, damaging the Dolomite sufficiently that he couldn't start. Neither could Keith, nor fellow Mini driver Steve Young who had yet more technical problems. All this left three gaps amongst the first seven places on the grid.

The rain had stopped by the time the red lights went out. Dave Nixon (Mazda RX3) made the most of his pole slot to lead the David Howard's XJ12 into the first corner at Old Hall. Neil gad a great getaway from the back of the grid, making up six or seven places at the start and quite a few more as the lap went on to end the first lap in eleventh place, just behind the Lotus Cortina of Les Nash. That situation didn't last very long as Les soon retired, shortly followed by the other two Lotus Cortinas of Roger Stanford and Tom Lailey De Ville.

By now Neil was comfortably in front of class rivals William Jenkins (BMW 3.0 CSL) and Martin Doherty (Cortina Mk3) and, thinking championship, eased off a little to finish ninth overall. Meanwhile, up front both Steve Primett (Escort RS2000) and David Howard passed Dave Nixon on the first lap and soon pulled away from the rapid Mazda RX3. Steve stayed just in front of David until the seventh lap when he had to secumb to the pressure from the big Jag.

That was to be the end of the action as the red flag came out after Len Allgood demolished the chicane. This was a shame for Len as he was running well in fourth position at the time. There was a little confusion on the podium before Steve Primett was given the winners laurel wreath under the "count back one lap" rule.

Neil only one point behind David Hickton in Group 1

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:26:57 GMT

Just noticed that the BARC points table I linked to in the last post is wrong. Neil scored 9 points at Castle Coombe not 6. This is the calculation.

Starting = 1
Class winer = 9
Only one starter in class = -2
New lap Record = 1
Total = 9

Neil leads Post Historic Championship and is second in Group 1

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:37:21 GMT

Points Tables:-

Started the Oulton Park Report

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:13:05 GMT

Oulton Park

Neil Back to Front in Group 1

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:19:26 GMT

Neil went from the back of the grid at the start into the lead on lap 3, holding it until the race ended on a red flag when Richard Langeveld ran out of talent on lap 5.

Steve Primett wins Post Historic

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:12:51 GMT

Dave Nixon got the jump on David Howard to lead into the first corner. However, once Steve Primett got going he was soon past both of them to take a lead he was to maintain until the race was red flagged after six laps. Dave Nixon didn't keep up his initial pace and it was David Howard who challenged Steve for the lead as the race went on.

The red flag came out after Len Allgood had an off at the chicane. Up until then Len had been going really well and was still credited with 4th place.

Neil made a great start from the back of the 25 strong grid. He passed 5 or 6 cars by the first corner and finished 9th overall and winner of class B

We made it

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:28:56 GMT

To late for our quali of course but Neil did 3 laps out of session in the Fiesta and will start each race from the back of the grid. Its very wet.

We made it

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:27:56 GMT

To late for our quali of course but Neil did 3 laps out of session in the Fiesta and will start each race from the back of the grid. Its very wet.

Drama on the way to Oulton Park

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 07:30:50 GMT

We left Neils place, in the coach, at 3.30. Its coming up to 8.30 now and Mike, Dave Horne and I are in a car on the A14, following Neil with the racers in the Iveco. The coach is on the way back to Jacks Hill on the back of a low loader.

Neil racing at Oulton Park tomorrow (Saturday)

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:28:45 GMT

At the moment the weather doesn't look too good with rain forecast. That won't make for a pleasant day. However, it does mean that Neil stands a good chance of doing well overall with the Fiesta which will run in Group 1. Neil will also race the Capri in Post Historic where he is leading the championship.

Chaos Computing adds a UPS and a Western Digital My Book

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:02:48 GMT

With the Dell established as the main machine here at Chaos Manor it was time to re-examine data security. I reckon the problem I had a few weeks ago (Click Here) was caused by the power cut. So, as planned, I have invested in a Belkin UPS. This powers the Dell, the old HP which is still on-line as Networked machine as I haven't transferred all the data from it, and the two USB hard drives I use for Data Back-Up. The UPS is connected to the Dell by a USB cable. The Dell has some Bulldog softwate installed so that if the UPS goes onto battery power it triggers a soft shutdown of the Dell. All good stuff. Tested it and it works. The only problem is that the USB connection fails when the Dell goes to sleep (I never switch it off). However, it seems to reconnect automatically when it wakes up which i hope it would do when the UPS switches to battery power. (memo to self, must test this).

The Western Digital My Book is a 1TB USB external drive. Its quite small and seems to switch itself on and off as needed which is neat (there is no on/off switch). The Dell came with Norton Save and Restore 2 (set to backup to drive D on the Dell) and I have reconfigured this to back up to the WD My Book.

So the Data security set up here is now:-

Dell (Main Computer)

Powered from UPS
Two 750GB drives configured as Raid 1
Backed up to WD My Book using Norton Save and Restore

HP (Old desktop which still has old data and some programs that won't work with Vista)

Powered from UPS
Data backed up to a separate USB hard drive using a back up program that came with it)

MacBook

Backed up to a Maxtor One Touch USB drive using Apples Time machine program that is built into Leopard.

Future development will be to move all the old data from HP to Dell and use the HP as a second back up machine. I can't get rid of it yet as there are some programs on it that won't work with Vista and neither will its printer and scanner.

MOTOLIAM - A Cog in the MotoGP Machine

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:34:02 GMT

Liam is an American working in Europe for a Moto GP Team who keeps a blog

Click here to read MOTOLIAM - A Cog in the MotoGP Machine

Former Toyota F1 Boss and Rally Driver Ove Andersson killed in Historic Rally Accident

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:40:01 GMT

Click Here

Cars at Chaos Manor

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:46:17 GMT

The Seven has been given a good clean outside, inside and the engine compartment. It was running when it was laid up, but that was back in 2000 so it needs a jolly good check over. More on this later. One of the big issues is that there are now more cars at Chaos Manor than there is garage space. There is a plan!

Click here for more

TVR Founder Trevor Wilkinson has died

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:26:49 GMT

Click Here for Trevor Wilkinsons obituary

I Got a Feeling

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:58:57 GMT

I'm off to get a new swimming costume

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:03:26 GMT

Click Here

Got my feet wet yesterday

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:12:18 GMT

Living in the Ouse valley means getting used to flooded roads. The river is bordered by Water Meadows which, when the rain comes, flood. Which is what they are there for of course. With all the rain in the last few days I decided to avoid the local tracks yesterday as the heavy clay soil around here clogs the works up! Sticking to the roads wasn't without its problems as this picture shows. I had just cycled through that, nice and slow, but my feet still went under the water and got rather wet! Need to look out for some cycling shoes made out of some of this modern waterproof breathable material!