Hi I'm Gregg AKA Visco.

Like John F I'm trying to build a racer for next year. I've already built my engine, I was lucky that I found a guy who had an ex- rally cross 1300GT, which was about +60 thou and just pretty much need rebuilding. Only cost me £200 including a spare block, crankshaft inlet manifold/weber 23/24 and head.

What I've found so far is it tends to mount up on cost when your trying to get all the ancillaries and little bits rather that the big stuff, as you know you've to pay for these.
All the running gear I got from Ian Harwood in Liverpool and have reconditioned it myself. I'm not from a mechanical background but have found with some help, a haynes manual and common sense I have been able to complete all jobs so far. I'm intend to buy my chassis so I'm trying to pre build as much before so I can just bolt on once I get my rig !!

I've been to Cadwell(Twice), Silverstone and Snetterton and have found most people quite happy to talk to you. A top bloke in both senses of the word is Mike Topp. His experience and advise I've found really invaluble. Probably like most of you here, my intention for 2003 is to get out as soon as possible and just "ENJOY IT !!" for the first year.
Then there's getting to know the people, learn the tracks and finally rules/regs to understand. As long as I can qualify, race without causing anyone else and also myself any hassle then that will be a very good first season for me.

I'm all for meeting up somewhere next year if us new guys want to chat about stuff, gain some help from each other as I can't really see myself threatening the sharp end of the grid for a while LOL!!!!!

If anyone want to e-mail me use this one: -
greggcastree@aol.com

Cheers to All !!!
Gregg

Can't believe it's just us 2 .. ..

Me Neither John !

Where are you at any way ?
Cheers
Gregg

Hi, will see you at most meetings, doing the RGB series next season, see post in BEC's, it usually runs alongside the Locost series so.......see ya there......

Jon.

Hi there!
Like you I am building with a view to race in (sometime?) 2003. Fozzie

Sounds like you are not that far awaay from Berkshire. What stage are you at?

Hiya, No not far from Berkshire - Surrey!
Chassis done, doing a pre-fit, before painting chassis, got axle on wishbones, trackrod-ends etc and wheels on. Been fabricating brackets for rad. and hung that this evening. Debating on putting fan in front or behind rad. I would like to go with behind.
I've also been pondering over the shockers, and got some good advice and also been in touch with Dampertech who tell me that they have some aluminiums for racing coming out in a few weeks, but looking at the regs (2002), it seems as though its a no no, or have I got it wrong?

Why do you think they will be against regs?

coz the way I've read 'em aluminium is a no no with regard to the build of the shocks!
I hope that I'm wrong, I fully admit that I've been studying em so hard that the brain is like blancmange1 (nothing unusual there)

Hi guys,

I'm new here too and am about to start building my car.
It's going to be for use in the race series but I think I'll be lucky to make the 2003 championship.

Looking at the regs I'm sure I saw something about only using steel bodied dampers which would mean aluminium is a no no.

Look forward to meeting some of you at future races/meets

Jez

Hi Jez, yep, I was right in the respect of aluminium being a no, no! I spoke to Dave at Dampertech, very helpful! I am using my Locost for race and road but the race regs are paramount, so I am building according to them!
I got my shocks from Dampertech and they look great, just the job!
What stage are you at?
Cheers Fozzie

Hello, another newbie intending to race next season.

I'm afraid I cheated though and bought a complete car from Mike Saunders who retired at the end of the 2001 season.

I bought the car earlier this year, intending to do the last race this year, but by the time I got my MSA Licence and set up the car, the race was fully subscribed, including reserves!

So, I'll spend the winter replacing worn bits (steering rack needs attention) and doing some track days to get the feel of the car.

I'd be interested in meeting up with some other 'new boys' before the start of the season, I'm in Wiltshire.

Mark, welcome.
I do the Reading to Yeovil run quite frequently, so go through Wilts each time.


Guys, I asked Chris to add a forum for those building cars with a view to race. After all, there are forums for Bike Engined builds, IRS builds and Luego builds so why not 750mc builds?

It seems he has added a "Race Issues" forum, which is not what I wanted.
Chris does a great job, and I don't want to waste his time or annoy people by being the only person wanting this forum. Since you all share the same build plan as me I am wonderign what you all feel.

Any comments?

Hi John,

I totally agree! Race issues to my way of thinking, means exactly that! Issues with racing, not us guys who are building and yet to race!
Have you decided what to do about the roll cage yet?
I haven't put the film in with my roll cage insitu yet, a job for tomorrow me thinks!
I have read that some guys meet every now and then at Boxhill (very near me) have you been?
Fozzy

My current plan is to get the chassis complete. To do this I need all brackets in place. To do this I need rear wings, nose cone etc.
The idea of buying the roll cage was to ensure the mounts are in the right positions. I can't believe that the mounts are going to be out by more than a mil or 2.
However, funds are a bit tight until the new year, so given the choice I am going for the wings etc.


Boxhill, is that Dorking? It's about 40 miles away. Who meets and what do they discuss? (concerned having seen how nurdy the mini owners club are. . )

I work in Reading, so we probably cross paths John.

Although the car is built, I will have to maintain it (God forbid I ever have to 'unbend' it) and a forum for issues regarding building and maintenance with specific regard to staying within regulations would be of great interest to me.

By the way, did those who are currently building know that next years regulations include the use of transponders, which must be either bought (£150ish) or can be rented at around £20 per race from the 750MC? The club currently has an offer negotiated with a supplier for a slight discount, it might be worth getting in touch with them soon to take advantage of the offer if possible.

Where in Reading?

John, check out the section on clubs and events. Yep, Boxhill in Dorking! As far as I knew it was a bikers meet every Sunday, but hey, theres plenty of room!
Great minds think alike, not into nerdism meself, but, I was thinking more along the lines of looking at the Locosts themselves, as in perhaps, other road/racers? Am I being just a tad sneaky? or just a look see?
Yes it does seem as though we have to get transponders for next season, although the progress that I am (not) making at the moment, it will be quite a time until I have to worry about that!

Cheers, Fozzie

quote:

---

Originally posted by JohnFol
Where in Reading?

---

ooooooohhhhh
I used to be at ICL Retail when the park opened and later at MS . . .

small world

Hi Guys, Just to let you know, 'Box hill' was very informative !. The guys there are mainly building for the road, and sadly no 'cars' were present. There was about nine of us turned up including me and another 'newbie'. They are a great bunch of guys with plenty of usefull advice. Keep a look out in the 'clubs' section. Would be good to meet you all to discuss build progress

Jason

Agreed.
Problem is this time of year the shops are busy, the roads are busy, and no one has time for fun things. Why on earth did they put Xmas at such a busy time of year?

I would be interested in meeting up with fellow would be racers . .. ( and the usual crowd of course)

Hello all from a total newbie! I'm also planning on racing next year, but it looks like I'm bringing up the rear on the build front (currently fitting suspension to a bare chassis)

If there is a meet planned, please let me know, as I really could do with some inspiration on getting this smegging thing done in time.

Is anyone planning of going to the track day in Feb? If so see you there - I'll be bringing whatever I've got by then for a session with the scrutineers me thinks

Cheers,

Blackie (almost finished? - Yeah, right!!!)

Welcome to the group!


What is the track day in Feb you are talking about? The 750 site does not have the 2003 stuff up there yet . .

Fozzie
where abouts in 'surrey are you ?

Might be worth an e-mail to the committee. I was sent the info on the track day when I sent off the entry form to race next yr. The Track day is at Mallory 25th Feb. Costs £75 for a 1/2 day, or £140 for a full day. There will also be scrutineering advice to hand - did anyone else know about this? I can't be the only dude who does

Nobody else is as near to finishing their car probably,that or not applied to race yet (me included!!)

Think of all that the extra motivation you'll get from the fact that you've shelled out the cash!!!!

It really helps you get out of a warm living room and down to the freezing cold garage!!

Blackie

Sadly I'm building the car for someone else and the car is in his garage along with his house hold junk !!.Not alot of space to move and even less money to spend at the moment
He has promised more soon, and a clearout so all is not lost, Hope to get on
track mid season !

Jason

Right then, Blackie you have given me the inspiration to get off my bum, put the car back together, buy an LED light and transponder and get my entry off to race.

When the weather is like it is, it's all too easy to let these things slip.

Hiya Jason,
Sorry that I missed your posting on the 8/1. !


I live in Walton on Thames!

Fozzie

I won't be near completion for 3 weeks time, but would like to meet up with a few people.
Mallory is about 120 miles from Reading, so it makes the journey worth it if there are going to be others there.

So, who aims to be there?

Hi John,

Been slaving away at me car! No, I won't be ready, I'm still way behind schedule after my December break to sunnier climes!
I've decided that the car is ready when its ready, if I try to rush, things tend to go t*ts-up!
I changed the design and positioning of the tank so many times I've forgotten which I did decide on!
Mallory is a lovely little track, I did my ARDS there, but, I don't think I will make it for this track day. Hopefully there will be others.
Cheers, Fozzie

I don't aim to drive, just attend, chat to the scruitineers, meet a few people, and generally drink beer . .. .

Mmmmmmm, beer sounds good, very tempting! Have to see if I can juggle work committments! Getting close to 'the proper jobs' season,might be a bit difficult, but I will try.
Fozzie

Yo Fozzie, was begining to think every one else had left !
Walton eh not to far from Sunbury where I'm working at the mo, small world
how far you got with the car, I've still not done too much to the chassis apart from strip off the bits not required !!.
I've still to buy the roll cage, shocks,some bodywork and the exhaust. Oh and lights,harness,seat and probably loads more still And I've just found out that for building the car for my mate he's giving me 'half the car' hopefully he means that the car will be half mine! what an incentive
How's every one else gettin on ?
ATB
Jason

I intend on going to Mallory - but work are doing their best to have me in Denmark at the same time.

I really want to go as the eligibility scrutes are there and it would give me peace of mind to know I won't be turning up at Donnington only to sit around and watch others race.

I'll post on here if I do make the day though (look out for number 20 - I got my race number the other day I feel like a 'proper' racing driver now....)

Being a Tuesday, I can't make it .. ..boooooooo

Unless I'm working in Brum that day, I can't either. Dam, Bother, I need to get as many photo's as i can to see how they are meant to be built !!

Just a quick hello. I am in Weybridge starting to build my locost. I have been stripping done the Mk2 and am aiming to have the locost running ready to race by August.

Welcome,matey,Always glad to see/help another 'racer'
People do seem to look at these postings, but not add too many new ones, Not sure why, maybe they all know what they are doing !! Unlike me .
Don't be afraid to ask any questions, and try to pop along to 'Box Hill' on the 2nd of March I think it is,(look at the 'clubs and events' section).Not many cars make it as most are still building them,but there is always someone who is more advanced with the build than yourself, with the answers.
Have fun with the build
Jason

And don't forget to use the "Race Issues" forum

Hello! I'm another newbie who's cheating a bit and using someone else's old car (Royce Grey's).

I popped in to the track day at Mallory yesterday but it seemed to be mainly Stock Hatches and i had to be back at work so i couldn't stay long. Hope to meet everybody at Donington though.

Anyone on the M3 corridor going to Donnington on the 1st March need a lift as I'm going from salisbury(don't fancy turning up on my own),

I'm also attending the box hill meet on the 3rd if anyone needs a lift.

Sorry I don't intend to race, but you lot seem to be hiding in this section

Dan.

Yo Dan, I'll see you on the 2nd (god willing)!!. I'm hoping to be at Donnington, along with donut and Bob I think, Will discus it on sun.

Jason

P.S. About the test session, who else went, how did it go, where else is everybody hiding?????

[Edited on 26/2/03 by Deckman001]

Jason, how can you talk about going to Donnington the day after the track day, or have i got the wrong end of the stick.

Dan.

VERY,VERY Sadly, only watching mate. Still no further with the car, It's sitting very lonely in the garage awaiting power and lighting (garage) so I can get on with it when I can find some time !!

Jason

Sorry Dan didn't read your post accurately. Won't be there the 1st, I'm expecting to be there at the first race meet, On that note I'll probable put a new post about the race season starting and try to meet people

[Edited on 26/2/03 by Deckman001]

Shame, I'll bring you some piccys to box hill.

Dan.

What's happnin 1st then ??

Jason

quote:

---

Originally posted by Deckman001

P.S. About the test session, who else went, how did it go, where else is everybody hiding?????

---

Hi, I’m another newcomer for 2003, in the process of completing the car, I bought it from someone who had started but not finished it, and I have definitely underestimated how much ‘finishing’ there is to do. Lots of bits didn’t comply with the regs so lots needed to be changed.

I faxed off my entry for Brands this morning so I hope to be ready for then, I thought giving myself a deadline may hurry things up a bit. I just hope it will pass scruteneering!

Only planning to do a few races this year, and hopefully some track days. I’ve got loads of questions about all kinds of stuff, so I’ll stick them in another section and see if I get any responses. I too have my race number – 79, and as someone else said it really does make you feel like a racing driver!

Gavin