Pendle District Motor Club Newsletter
February '95

Contents

• Chairman's Chat
• How to Save Money and be Successful on Mull

The car has given good service and must represent probably the ultimate spec "5" especially since the LSD was fitted. Unfortunately of late reliability has been a problem, still it's all history now, so roll on the "Clio". Many thanks to all who have helped us in the past, we hope that we may look forward to the same when the "Clio" turns a wheel. Lessons learnt, build the car as strong as possible, use a relatively standard engine and concentrate on the class awards leaving the o/all awards to the cossies etc. etc. Still perhaps Prima may have a 200bhp 2 litre engine, Ah well!! roll on the lottery jackpot!! Of the accident other than the car only some bruises and dented pride, Alan probably more upset than me (still I'm odd that way) but in 20 yrs or so rallyin (B****y Hell, that long!) that is only the second major bump we have had. The last one was on the Bolton Midnight Road Rally way back in 1985. The real disappointment of all this is the fact that we will miss the new events in the SD34 '95 calendar.

The total knock on effect of this, plus Ian Winstanley's 12/18 month sabbatical, means that Pendle's championship winning ways in the SD34 league look like coming to an end, unless we can persuade members to enter for Autotests, Hillclimbs etc. So any members wanting advice on what events are counters etc. please contact me any time. Although 5 wins in succession is a record, Clitheroe have also had 5 wins, IF and it's a big IF we could win again this year then that really would be a record others would have a job to beat. The league sponsors for '95 (and hopefully for the future) are "Alsecure Guards" owned by international rally driver Rob Barry, watch this space for further details.

By the time you read this we will have a date and guest list for the SD34 presentation night. My friend at Renault is still hanging on to try and get David Coulthard, but since signing full time he's jetting around the world. If all goes well we will have Will Hoy BTCC 1995 Laguna driver, Tim Jackson (PR and Press at Renault) and Shell Helix winner Neil Simpson. Tim Jackson covers all Renault competition in the UK and should be able to give us the low down on the late entry of Renault into the "open championships". It should be quite a challenge to the Astra's, Nissan's, etc. Pity the "Kit Car" Clio is not eligible. Still we will have to watch the boring 6 speed sequentialed gear box Clio's all 285 bhp etc. Tee Hee!! Club news now:-

The next Navigation Night is 28th February at the "Fanny Grey". Only two turned up at the last one, could we see a little more enthusiasm!!

Committee meeting 22nd February at Earby Cricket Club.

Now for a couple of plea's, nominations please for the Lee Holland Award from all committee members, to be presented on the 22nd of February.

We are desperate for marshals, helpers in fact any potential manpower for the Stage Rally at Ty Croes on the 12th March. Please contact Rod, Ian or Alan.

Finally our first event of 1995 on 12th February P.C.T. at Fosters Leap, Wycoller. Everybody is welcome, come and have a fim day out, 9.30 ish.

Bye for now, Rod.

Back to Contents

1)Don't spend a lot of money on a powerful motor.

My pinto engine was virtually standard, just a fast-road cam, and cost £200 back in August. I fitted my Capri 3 litre carb which cost me £25, including the manifold, 10 years ago. An engine with a 6000rpm redline does not need a fancy / unreliable electronic ignition system. (although it could do with a distributer that does not cause pinking.)

2)Don't spend a lot of money on expensive racing tyres.

I have used only Colway remoulds on Mull since 1985 (no, not the same set Taff!). A set of 185/60x14 Intermediates cost about £150 maximum and last for the whole event. They then get transferred to my Maestro for a couple of internationals. After recutting the life can be doubled, and they return to Mull 12 months later on the road car.

3)Reduce tyre wear by keeping the car in the air as much as possible.

Colways perform just as well as racers when the car is off the ground. Soft suspension helps to keep you off the ground and is ideal for Mull. The front struts have been on 700 TU since 1987 and the rears since 1989.

4)Don't fit really powerful lights.

Like Niel Mackinnon wear special spectacles! For 10 years I have worn uprated spectacles for night driving. My vision is much improved and I can reduce my outlay on the lighting system, and cost of replacing broken lights. I have always used just 2 spots and only 55 watt bulbs. I have only ever had a standard alternator (for 10 years the same 35 amp one was fitted!). Lights use a lot of energy: the two 55 watt headlamps on a metro from 89mpg to 83mpg at 30mph, so consider the power loss from 6 100 watt bulbs. When the alternator wiring fails, you do not notice much of a difference on battery power!! P.S. A lamp pod considerably increases drag and reduces speed.

5)Don't bother spending money on lightening the car.

700 TU has always been all metal and glass - no fibreglass panels or perspex windows. It does not have lightweight competition seats. The cheapest way to save weight is to get an ultra lightweight co-driver. On French events over half the co-drivers seem to be 'supermodel' style females. As well as light weight they have other advantages... like the fact that they are less likely to turn over two pages in the notes thanks to long fingernails! Alternatively you could become a seven-stone weakling driver like me.

6)Maintain high speed and extend the life of your brakes by reducing their efficiency

Seized pistons in the calipers reduces pad and disc wear and prevents you from slowing down. The front discs and calipers have been on 700 TU since 1984.

7)Turn the Intercom off to save batteries.

I have had two incidents in the past two years when I have been unable to hear the co-driver (including the last 2 stages with no exhaust this year) and it does not seem to slow me down.

8)Find a cheap service crew.

A team living on Mull, for example, would not need transport and lodgings. As drink is often a major expense, try to find a crew who are tee-total.

9)Get a good B&B.

We have one that provides such a big breakfast, you do not need to spend money on lunch.

10)Limit the amount of recceing.

Just one trip round the island is all that is necessary. After that you start to notice the drops.