Offroad Wars 2012 at Maritime Raceway

I recently attended the Offroad Wars meeting at Maritime Raceway.

I didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much as I have some other big meetings but there are many who did..

I took a few pics while I was there so thought I would post them up so those who didn't manage to make it along could get a flavour of the venue and the meeting in general.

The track is situated on the top floor of a fantastic old building in Chatham dockyard. It used to be a rope manufacturing facility so is long and low.

The access is certainly not wheelchair friendly as one needs to ascend three narrow flights of stairs.

Schumacher Cougar SV2

Well folks the long wait is over.

The nice chap from UPS came knocking this week cradling in his arms my new Schumacher Cougar SV2.

This has got to be one of the most hotly anticipated buggies of recent times and I can't wait to get stuck into the build.

Things are pretty busy in my 'real life' job right now but I am determined to make some time to bolt this beauty together over the next week or so.

I will be taking plenty of pics and writing a few words so please check back regularly for updates.

I am a lucky boy!

TORCH wrap up the winter series.

A nippy Sunday saw the final round of the TORCH winter series.

Over 50 drivers braved the cold to contest the final round of what has been a popular southern series.

We arrived to a frost covered winter wonderland of a track.

I have not been able to make it for most of the rounds and with nothing at stake decided to give the Losi 22 a day out on the astro. Regular readers will know I have just fitted a gear diff and installed a Darren Bloomfield setup which I was looking forward to trying out.

It would be nice to enjoy a fun day of racing with nothing at stake and no pressure.

Losi 22 Gear Diff . . . but Associated SC10 really!

I have only run it a couple of times but have been struggling to make my Losi 22 diff work consistently.

I am the first to admit that I am not so experienced setting up 2wd slipper clutches so to be fair am probably the architect of my own problems.

Much as I would love to keep on blaming my equipment for my poor performances I have taken steps to eliminate this particular excuse from my not inconsiderable repertoire!

The solution?

A gear diff.

I struggled to find a UK dealer with the Losi gear diff on the shelf. I had read that the Associated SC10 gear diff was a drop in fit so opted for this instead. An added bonus was that it was a few pounds cheaper. Which, as long as it fits, is a result.

It is a well made unit with steel outdrives, metal gears and cross pins.

TORCH . . . Onwards & Upwards . . . Bring on the Regionals.

2012 looks like being a big year for local club TORCH.
All the hard work put in by the lads recently has been rewarded with an invitation to host 2 and 4wd Regional meetings during the coming season.

In my opinion this is well deserved.

I have been racing here for a relatively short time but have seen the club go from strength to strength. There is, it seems, a will amongst the committee to keep pushing the club forward and as a result everytime I go along I see new evidence of this desire to improve.

Area51 ... RC's worst kept secret!

It's a shame about the Petit and all the associated acrimony but as the saying goes 'The King is dead. Long live the King!"  (Or for the French "Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi!")

So named because of the top secret location on military land in deepest darkest Oxfordshire this meeting was organised by the very capable crew from the Silverstone club.

If pre-event interest was any guide then this was going to be a big one.

270 entries across 3 classes (2wd, 4wd and SC) all looking forward to a weekend of racing and camaraderie.

The cars were prepped, the hotel was booked (2 nights in a Travelodge) and I was on my way.

 We were greeted at the gate by security who checked us in, warned us to behave, and directed us to a big mysterious hanger which was to be our home for the weekend.

Bullistorm ESC update ... "The Test"

I had decided to use the 60a version of this Bullistorm speedo in my 12th car. A change of plan means it has now been replaced by it's bigger 120a brother.

This is destined to end up in a sportsman stock touring car but in the meantime I wanted to give it an outing so I wired it into my spare Cat SX2. 

Today I gave it a spin at TORCH, an off road club at which I am a member.

Here it is all snuggled up and ready for some off road action. 

Ivan Mitchell Memorial Christmas Charity Cup at Adur MCC

There was a decent turnout on a crisp Christams bank holiday for the annual Ivan Mitchell  charity meeting at Adur Model Car Club on the south coast.

This annual inter-club event is held each year in memory of well known oval racer Bob Mitchells son who sadly passed away 5 years ago. The proceeds are donated to a nominated charity, this year it was the Royal Marsden Hospital. 

This event is unique on the Adur calender because both the oval and on road circuits run concurrent meetings ensuring a great atmosphere and plenty of banter.

The nippy weather did nothing to discourage gratuitous displays of flesh. Even local superstar Chris Betts waived his huge . . . . . appearance fee to turn up and support the event.