So, a month after Brands Hatch, the first race of the season and what’s Cole Truck Sport (CTS) been up to since?
It’s been all hands-on deck and full speed ahead on getting our second race truck prepared for Archie to race (Simon’s son) – Archie has been racing cars in the junior series for many years, now he has his Class 1 HGV, and is ready to take to the track in a 5.3 ton “Volvo” Division 2 race truck – hopefully at Pembrey in 2 weeks’ time.
Following extensive work to the engine “head”, both by the team and external specialists, issues were subsequently found with other parts of the engine. Following discussions with fellow truck racers a replacement engine was sourced (a big thank you – you know who you are!) and collected – along with lots of spare parts, including the body panels needed (a huge thank you to Craig and Simon Reid!).
The “old” Volvo engine was removed from the race truck, split from its’ gearbox, and put to the side, for a full rebuild in the future … maybe. The replacement engine, fitted to the original ZF Gearbox, was put back into the Volvo race truck.
And that’s when the fun really started, with a fully reworked air supply system (high and low pressure sides), reworked fuel and air pressure lines (thanks Ryan!) and reworked coolant pipework too ….. and a leaking radiator …….
On the electrical side, the “Hummin’ Cummins” was different to the Volvo – so “all change” there too – necessitating a different dashboard and gauges, a replacement throttle and multiple new electrical circuits to and from the ECU.
And now?
…. she lives…. and breaths…. and fills the workshop with exhaust fumes and – much like a petulant child – dribbles all over the floor (only water I hasten to add) !
Nothing is ever simple in truck racing ……
TWO weeks to go until Pembrey …… with TWO Race Trucks (Volvo and IVECO), and TWO race drivers – a father and son driver line up – Simon and Archie – fingers crossed.
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