The mojo has returned!
The first test session for Archie did not go well, but after that we had a little luck, for once! Its not exactly clear what happened but we suspect an injector failed and caused a pool of fuel to burn directly on top of the piston rather than in the air space above it. In effect this melted the piston, damaged the liner and caused molten metal to stick to the valves and exit through the exhaust manifold damaging the turbo. (Some pictures are in our gallery).
So, another engine rebuild at another track… not the first time or the last I suspect. A “new” head from the box, liner, piston and turbo. The parts for this model of engine are getting few and far between now unfortunately. In fact, we didn’t have a turbo of the right size for the track, truck and connections so we had to comble one together (daddy knows!), by joining two halves. So, a busy Friday.
Simon was booked in for one testing session but forgo that to help get Archie sorted, and its and extra cost in any case.
Qualifying on Saturday went well putting Simon on row 7 of the grid and Archie immediately behind on row 8, following the more powerful Division one boys. It was great to see both trucks out for the full time of the qualifying. For Archie this was the longest that his new truck has been on the track, having failed to make either the Brands Hatch or Thruxton meetings.
Race 1.
Once again, both trucks finished the full race distance without any visits to the pits, although Archie did have a quick visit to pull the speed limiter wire out of the back of the tachograph as it was cutting in at a low speed and preventing progress! A relatively “trouble free” race by our standards with Simon finishing 2nd and Archie 5th. Yes, you did read that right Simon was 2nd in Division 2. Archie had a bit of wheel wobble that was later traced to a buckled rim, easily swapped over. Simon continued to struggle with old tyres making his 2nd place even more creditable. Still there appeared to be a small diesel leak from Frankie somewhere.
Race 2.
Once again, both trucks managed to complete the full race distance with Simon and Archie starting side by side on row 7, in effect row 2 of the Division 2 boys. Simon was up into 2nd place again before tangling with some back markers from Division 1, and taking to the grass, losing a few places while completing a nice pirouette, and finishing 4th overall. Archie finished a creditable 6th in what is a brand new truck in only its second full race. Again, we think that our old tyres were costing us 3 seconds a lap.
Saturday night
Frankie was treated to a set of front discs and pads on Saturday evening, and an extra catch tank to help reduce the diesel issue.
Archie’s truck had a set of front discs and pads too, with a few odds and ends fixed and the valve clearances checked again after the engine rebuild of the previous day.
An early bath for the team as we were finished before 8 pm and even got to see the football!
(Thanks, Neil, for your hospitality)
Race 3
Starting from Row 7 again Simon managed to get another 2nd place, on slightly better second hand tyres kindly donated by a fellow competitor. With Archie completing the full race distance and getting faster each lap in the new truck.
Then an inspired thought and another “head” change for Frankie this time – ultimately this completely fixed the diesel issue that we have been experiencing to a greater or lesser degree since the start of the season; ok so we missed the grid walk with Frankie, but problem sorted.
Race 4
A bit of a bump into a fellow competitor but a sound performance by both trucks, again doing the full race distance and coming home completely dry this time. Simon in 4th and archie going faster with each lap as he gains confidence in the new truck.
A quick service, water and diesel, and a bit of a check-up and “bath” then onto the next race!
Race 5
Again, a sterling performance by both trucks and drivers, Simon coming in 4th that was later amended to 3rd following the disqualification of another competitor.
So, both trucks completing the full race distance for each of the 5 races. And Simon coming home with some “silver-ware” with two second places, a third and two forth places at last some championship points. Archie gaining a lot of experience in the new truck, with a few handling modifications needed and a bit more power.
A huge thank you to our supporters, we will be back; especially to Cole, his sister and mum too – great to meet you all. He’s even got the T shirt; I don’t know if he’s read the book (there isn’t one) or seen the film !
Check out our “Gallery” page for more pictures from the event!
THANK YOU to ALL our wonderful sponsors, especially LPM and TTP; to the businesses who help us out in kind, or with cash (although we accept cheques too of course!), we could NOT do this without you ALL. No matter how big or small your help – this team of family and friends could not do this without YOU. YOU made it possible for Simon, and Archie, putting father and son on the track. THANK YOU. (but we always need more help of course).
Please check out our “Partners” page to find out more about our sponsors.
See us all, cheer on Archie and Simon and “THINK PINK” at the Circuits if you can – we are always happy to chat and show you our race trucks. Unless we are repairing them of course, in which case best to give us some space to work safely.
If you cannot visit the track, then remember to check out the “BARC” live feed on YouTube – or of course on “catch up” later.
CTS#41 and CTS#40; Simon, Archie, John, Colin, Sam, Toby, John, Harison, Zeki, Lou and Kev.
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