After Brands the engine had to be re-built. I had been hoping for 500 ponies as I would need every one I could get for Snetterton. Unfortunately there was a breathing issue with the engine (asthma or swine flu maybe?) So I had to make to with 420. It sounds a lot but the supra's etc were putting out 850Bhp for snetterton. With its 2 bloody big straights it takes a lot of catching on the corners.

I traveled down to Snett on Friday night for a track day on Saturday. Failed noise testing. Luckily Adam and Fee from TrackScotland loaned me a bung. Decided not to over do it on the Saturday as I was having oil surge issues at Corum, despite my baffled sump. So just did enough to learn the circuit. Went out for dinner with the Wallace performance lads had 1 pint and went to my bed at 11.30(on a Saturday night :shock: )Could not sleep at all because I was too excited about racing the next day.

I knew I was in for a tough time at the race, being a fair bit down on power compared to a lot of cars especially at Snetterton as it is a power circuit. I would be happy with a place in the final. Top 10 in 4WD

In the morning I managed to pass noise testing without a bung :wink: And came 5th in warm up. With a 1:18.4 I did not get too excited about this as I know a lot of the guys know the circuit very well and would not be ramping up the boost till later in the day. I was 3rd quickest in the 1st speed trap which is well into the braking zone but only 11th over the start finish straight, showing my lack of power. Or maybe just dodgy lines or bad driving round russels chicane. Though I was shown the lines from Phil Glew who won Pro Class and broke the record. So I can’t blame the line!

In practice I pushed a little bit harder to take the time down to a 1:18.0 putting me in 10th overall.

Qualifying did not go quite as well as I had hoped. I knew I could push a little harder and had hoped to go a bit quicker. I always try and get a couple of 'banker' laps in the 1st couple of laps. As traffic can be a real issue later in the 15 min session. Even now when club has been split into 2 groups to help traffic. Everyone is generally going for it so traffic is less of an issue if you can make space on an outlap. Unfortunately on my 1st hot lap someone pulled out of the pits and ruined my run into the 1st corner. In the 2nd lap a Porsche decided to run my lap. I knew I only had 1 more lap before the tyres went off. As I was going down the main straight Duncan Graham was catching me and the cars were level just going into the braking zone. Probably either of us could have lifted but were both trying to get a decent banker lap in. Duncan missed his breaking point and had to go down the escape road and I could not turn in because he was there. I still managed a 1.18.1 late in the session in the traffic. Duncan came over to apologise for runing my lap and I did the same for messing up his lap. I finished 12th overall and 8th in 4WD which was enough to put me in the final. Result!

Wheels came off to check everything was ok and found the brake pads to be very very low. I decided not to change them and possibly mess up the brake pedal as I had only planned doing a few flying laps in the final as there was a lot of heat going into the tyres.

I usually spend a lot of the warm up lap with my left foot on the brake to heat up the brakes and tyres. Decided to save the brakes and just get them just warm enough and just do some weaving to heat the tyres. Into the 1st flying lap and there was plenty of space to get a couple of banker laps in. 1st corner, nearly 100mph, front tyres warmish back tyres cold. Big drift   decided just to keep her lit and give it a dab of opposite lock after an impressive drift (warming the rear tires :wink: )which is on a trackscotland video. Pushed really hard down the main straight. Into the chicane a wee bit too hard and ended up with 2 wheels in the dirt. Just kept her lit again and everything was fine. Nice and clean round Corum as the tyres were getting a bit warmer now and then a nice cut at russels chicane. Turned in a wee bit more than I needed as I expected to slide a bit. Looks like the tyres were nice and warm by then as I twatted the marker and put a big dent in my B&Q motorsport splitter( right next to the plywood :wink: ) The track was still clear in front so I was ready for a proper, cleaner, flying lap. I then looked at my oil pressure which had dropped. I knew that by getting into the final I had scored enough points to finish 6th in the championship and I was not going to catch the guy in front so I decided to call it a day and save the engine. After putting in a 1:17.7 on my lairy lap putting me 7th in 4WD

The end of my 1st season. In reflection it’s been an absolute blast. I have been to plenty of great new circuits and Silverstone and met some great people. Plenty of headache and heartache on the way and ill not bother adding up the bills :blackeye. The only downsides have been some of the traffic problems before they split club class into 2 sessions. And being a long way down on power and budget compared to some of the other cars. It’s a tuner series though so I can’t really complain and I know that evo's and skylines are supposed to be cheaper to tune. I love my Subaru though with no electronic aids, not even gAy B S.So ill be sticking to it

Next year. I’m pretty sure ill be doing Time Attack again. Plans are already in motion for 500-520BHP. After that I might give some wheel to wheel racing a shot or maybe rallying

Richbrook’s latest must-have auto accessory is a cunning one. Despite looking the absolute business and adding a real visual kick to any car, its true purpose is protection against one of the fastest growing problems on UK roads.

Number plate theft is a scary crime. Over 40,000 pairs of number plates are stolen in the UK each year. To help combat this, car accessory maestros Richbrook have come up with a stylish and secure solution in the shape of their anti-theft number plate bolts.

Believe it or not, if you’re unlucky enough to have your plates stolen, the default legal position is that any crime carried out under your registration number is attributable directly to you, until you can prove your innocence. Like identity theft, the victim is liable for any indiscretions until they can come up with an adequate defence.

Police statistics show that a large percentage of stolen cars use previously legitimate, stolen number plates for nefarious purposes such as robbery, petrol theft and congestion charge evasion - leaving the original registered keepers to face the music.

Several manufacturers have designed ‘shattering’ plates that disintegrate when thieves try to steal them. Sadly this doesn’t help the original owner, who then has to run the risk of driving temporarily without plates, risking a fine!

Richbrook’s neat and elegant solution offers 2 silver, 2 black and 2 gold fittings in each pack that fit using a unique tool to affix the number plates to the car. The external spinning washer isn’t just there for looks - should a thief attempt to remove the bolts with pliers; they will simply rotate, leaving the threaded section firmly embedded in the car. Finished in anodised Staybrite aluminium, they’ll keep their looks for years, even on salted British roads.

Priced at just £5.95 for a pack of 6, or £12.95 for the Official Ford and Vauxhall versions, Richbrook’s Anti Theft Number Plate Bolts are a lot cheaper than a fine or legal representation, and look the business in the process. Faced with these superb visual deterrents, most thieves will keep on looking, so don’t be a victim!

For more information on the Richbrook range of high quality car accessories, please visit www.richbrook.co.uk or call the team on 01328 862387.

Richbrook’s latest must-have auto accessory is a cunning one. Despite looking the absolute business and adding a real visual kick to any car, its true purpose is protection against one of the fastest growing problems on UK roads.

Number plate theft is a scary crime. Over 40,000 pairs of number plates are stolen in the UK each year. To help combat this, car accessory maestros Richbrook have come up with a stylish and secure solution in the shape of their anti-theft number plate bolts.

Oil giant Prolong has just released a new and improved version of its unique octane booster onto the market. A product that raises the octane rating of any petrol by between 5 and 6 points!

Each bottle of Prolong Octane Boost contains enough additive to treat two average sized tanks of fuel. In doing so, the RON value of the pump fuel can be raised considerably. Typically, Premium Unleaded rises to around 100-101 RON whereas Super Unleaded can be taken to a heady 103-104 RON!

The advantage of these higher values is more efficient combustion, resulting in a vehicle that’s noticeably more responsive, cleaner burning and with greater fuel efficiency.

Also, many imported Japanese sports models are only configured to run on 100 RON fuel, so running them on the UK’s lesser-quality petrol may be false economy, with possible engine damage ensuing from inefficient combustion. In independent tests against leading competitors, Prolong consistently outperformed the opposition in terms of octane improvement and performance increase.

Track-day enthusiasts or club racers will also notice an impressive rise in throttle response from the addition of Prolong. Essential when striving for that perfect lap! Classic car owners will find much cleaner and swifter acceleration throughout each gear.

Prolong Octane Boost is priced at £19.99 for a two-tank bottle and is available from all good motor-accessory retailers and from Prolong themselves by clicking to www.prolong-uk.com, or by calling them on 01628 828473.

Oil giant Prolong has just released a new and improved version of its unique octane booster onto the market. A product that raises the octane rating of any petrol by between 5 and 6 points!

As any engine mapper will tell you, the hardest and most nerve wracking part of fitting any new ECU is getting the engine to run in the first place. Only once that fairly vital hurdle has been established can the mapping process begin.

As any engine mapper will tell you, the hardest and most nerve wracking part of fitting any new ECU is getting the engine to run in the first place. Only once that fairly vital hurdle has been established can the mapping process begin.

Santa Pod Raceway, the home of European Drag Racing has just released its full 2010 calendar. In-keeping with previous seasons, Santa Pod offers something for everyone throughout the year, mixing classics, modified metal, bikes, music, fireworks and of course racing! Lots and lots of racing!!! Basically, if you enjoy a great day out, there’s bound to be something there you’ll love.  Best of all, in these credit-crunching times, kids under the age of 16 get in for free at almost all of Santa Pod’s major events throughout the year, so taking the clan needn't mean breaking the bank! Best of all, the ‘Pod team has frozen prices for all of its own events at the ’09 rate!

Show highlights include February’s Stunt Night on the 19th, where the cream of European automotive performers and artists wow the crowds. March the 21st sees the hugely popular Fast Show and the 11th of April offers the Gti Spring Festival, for those who like their cars loud, proud and quick! April’s Easter Thunderball (2nd – 5th) showcases the finest in European Drag Racing and the Big Bang Camper and Bus Show from the 23rd to the 25th is perfect for those who prefer their VWs old - and comfy!

Fans of all years of modded metal will love the PTM show on the 9th of May and there’s more stunt based japery abounds for the May Bank Holiday. In fact, May’s a busy month at the ‘Pod, as the host venue for the FIA European Drag Racing Championships between the 28th and 31st. If you want to see just how fast cars and bikes can really cover the quarter mile, get a ticket, quick!

June sees the Summer Nationals on the 19th and 20th for quarter mile fans to get their fix and also hosts the UK Truck Show, - both being a cracking family weekend away. July sees Japshow on the 4th and of course, the legendary Bug Jam , now in its 24th year, between the 23rd and 25th .

August brings the unstoppable party that is Ultimate Street Car between the 6th and 8th whilst September hosts classic VWs once again for VW Action on the 3rd, 4th and 5th.

Drag fans will also love September’s National Finals between the 9th and 11th,   and Jap fans who didn’t get enough in June can visit the Japshow finale on the 3rd of October. Finally the year ends in a bang with the eyeful that is Flame and Thunder on the 30th of October and the Fireworks Frenzy on Bonfire Night.

Of course, in between these massive events lie a plethora of ‘Run What You Brung’ and ‘Drift What You Brung’ days where petrol-heads can thrash the living daylights out of their own car in total safety, without falling foul of the law. In addition, there are literally dozens of marque-specific and club based events throughout the year to ensure that no matter what your church, there’s a Santa Pod event to suit.

With its central location, warm welcome and superb facilities, make sure you get to the Pod at least once in 2010. With the most eclectic mix of events in the UK scene, it’s hard not to find something you love! See you there!

To see the full line up please click to http://www.santapod.co.uk/calendar.php of call the team on 01234 782828

Santa Pod Raceway, the home of European Drag Racing has just released its full 2010 calendar. In-keeping with previous seasons, Santa Pod offers something for everyone throughout the year, mixing classics, modified metal, bikes, music, fireworks and of course racing! Lots and lots of racing!!! Basically, if you enjoy a great day out, there’s bound to be something there you’ll love.

The latest product from Eibach Springs is as effective as it is simple. Their new spring wraps are fabricated from unbelievably tough plastic and fit simply around coilover units and race springs to protect the spring and damper unit underneath from a multitude of elements.

The specially formulated polypropylene sheet has been tested in Eibach’s Off-Road racing programme and is impervious to stones, rocks and sand to help prevent damage and pitting to the damper shaft and seals beneath. In wet-off road environments, it also prevents mud and detritus from building up on the coils which can add weight and reduce efficiency.

Here in the damp conditions of the UK, the Spring Wraps also serve a useful dual function. For any road or track and race car running competition or coilover units, the wraps can stop any water borne dirt or salt from embedding in the threads of the damper body, which can ultimately cause the spring seats and adjusters to seize or become difficult to adjust.

Four diameters are available; covering springs sizes from 2.5” right up to 3.63”. Heights increase with each diameter but can be easily cut down to accommodate shorter lengths. Fitment is blissfully easy, taking only seconds, with hi-tack industrial Velcro securing the two ends and then a supplied set of cable ties to affix to two coils on the spring itself.

Priced at just £21.00 plus VAT each, there’s no excuse for not having your race suspension or coilover kit operating perfectly! And they’re much, much cheaper than a damper rebuild!.

For more information, please visit www.eibach.co.uk  or call the team on 01455 285851.

The latest product from Eibach Springs is as effective as it is simple. Their new spring wraps are fabricated from unbelievably tough plastic and fit simply around coilover units and race springs to protect the spring and damper unit underneath from a multitude of elements.

The morning of Modified Live started off a little bit different for many of us this year as we had stayed overnight at various local hotels after attending the SIDC track day on the Saturday.  It certainly made a nice change to arrive at a show already well fed and not in the usual state of severe sleep deprivation!

As we approached the entrance to Snetterton we were amazed at the long queues of traffic awaiting entrance to the show compared to last year when we pretty much drove straight through and onto the stand.  After a moderately short period of time though we were on the stand and there was Phil on “car park duties” turning us from a rabble of 20 or so scoobs into an organized club stand.  A slight sense of panic broke out for a certain SIDC member when he managed to lock his keys in the boot of his car - I won’t cause embarrassment by naming and shaming but if I say that this was a problem because (white) Spec C’s don’t have a boot release lever you may get an idea who he was and why it was such a problem ;-) lol.

As the cleaning cloths came out of the boots of the cars Phil informed us that he had arranged for there to be a “clean car” competition – nothing on the scale of the show and shine, just a friendly little competition judged by a few impartial club members, I’ll freely admit as much as I was going to give the car a quick clean over this did spur me on to do “just a bit more” – aided by Robbie who took great pleasure in informing me “you’ve missed a bit” and “there’s a dirty bit there”, however this was very much appreciated after I (somehow) managed to achieve 3rd place!  2nd place went to Woodcote with his gorgeous (ok so I’m biased) type R with a very well deserved 1st place going to Jackie (Mrs Budgie) with her gleaming GB270 wagon – well done Jackie!!!!!!

Competition over it was time to wander over to the pit lane and see what was happening with the Time Attack guys.  Team Zen were busy working away on their car while at the same time helping out Duncan Graham (Dynamix) with his, so as you can imagine it was pretty “full on” in their garage. After having a quick chat with Paul we let him get on with what he does best and continued “talking shop” with Liz and Phil Glew who were driving for Team Zen that day and who later achieved P1 in qualifying and the fastest Subaru lap in the Pro class. Duncan was also extremely successful on the day, not only achieving the fastest Subaru lap but also becoming the Club Challenge champion for 2009.  Of course I mustn’t forget that huge congratulations are due to Olly and all of the RCM team for securing the UK Time Attack title with their awesome car “The Gobstopper”.

Presentation time arrived and despite it now being pitch black, raining and pretty much blowing a gale I can honestly say it was a very proud Little Green Goblin and Woodcote who presented the SIDC trophies to the winning drivers – many thanks to Phil for entrusting us with this responsibility.  Unfortunately my camera batteries decided at this point that enough was enough and died on me – after much cursing by me and patience by both Nige and Phil Glew I did manage to get one photo!

It was a really enjoyable end to the 2009 show season and I’m already looking forward to seeing you all again in 2010.

The morning of Modified Live started off a little bit different for many of us this year as we had stayed overnight at various local hotels after attending the SIDC track day on the Saturday.  It certainly made a nice change to arrive at a show already well fed and not in the usual state of severe sleep deprivation!