ARD life

[3Dee]

Well! - I have done it! No idea why, not really!

Full day at Silverstone - accompanied by the background noise of one of Marussia F1 cars being put through it's paces (couldn't tell who was driving) - Skid Pan (made me feel sick) was not that much fun, Caterhams round a nice big circuit of cones - pretty-much do what you want - Great fun! Training - 2 sessions of 5 circuits round lower part of Siverstone circuit + a third pushing on - Instructor was a tough cookie - criticising every move - after the 15 circuits - he gave the impression I had failed miserably (line consistency)! 15 circuits is not a lot when you are trying desperately to get used to a horrible gearbox with no feel, get to know the limits of the car, the racing line + coping with others on the track - remember! I am OLD.. and the last time I was on a track was over 30 years ago!...

Then a practical assessment (scary)of 5 laps (poop time!)- Instructor never said a word - screwed up on one corner (bloody gearbox - again! Shifted 5th not 3rd at a critical time) - got back to base - pregnant silence..... ! Instructor turned, looked into my eyes (thought I was in for a boll---king) - he cracked a smile, and said: "Before this final test I was going to fail you, so I have no idea where you pulled out those laps from" - "You sir have passed with a B+ "! I could have fallen through the floor!

Written test (if you can call it that) was a bit err rudimentary...but hey, the driving was the thing -

So - one more old git getting his National B(I felt well out of place - all the others were 18-30)

Why? ...Honestly? ...I suppose just because it was there to do!

Not really interested in racing seriously at my age! Silly idea and a little too costly these days eh Mags! Don't thing my State Pension will stretch that far!

If any of you have not done such a day... I do recommend it! ...and no matter how good a driver you THINK you are - it WILL show up problems you never thought you had! - certainly is an eye opener...

[UltimaCH]

Well done Keith! It certainly keeps you on your toes and even if you do not race often it's a good feeling to know that you have that "special" paper in your pocket...

[spatz]

gear box can be improved with my mechanism to be as good as in the porker, no play, all precise.

[UltimaCH]

Uwe, the OP was using another vehicle than his GTR "...Caterhams round a nice big circuit of cones..."

[F.C.]

Sounds like a lot of fun.
Might give it a go myself.

[DHGTR]

Wish my gear box could be improved ..... well gearbox is fine but rod linkage is so tough. No cable kit for my box either.

[Storer]

Must get round to completing the ARDs pack I purchased last year and just do the test.

No intention of racing (too costly) but one of those things to tick off the bucket list.

Paul


Dave.
The rod linkages need very regular lubrication. All ball joints and where the rod slides though the balls. Each time I grease mine it transforms the change. Road dust and old lubricant make it quite "sticky" so wipe with brake cleaner and re-grease every 1000 miles at least.
Probably trying to teach my Grandmother to suck eggs but worth the reminder to all.


Paul

[DHGTR]

Thanks Paul, always worth reminding.

Its probably the thing that irritates me the most on the car, always mucking about with it.

[F.C.]

DHGTR said:

Wish my gear box could be improved ..... well gearbox is fine but rod linkage is so tough. No cable kit for my box either.

What box is it?

[V8Dom]

Storer said:

Must get round to completing the ARDs pack I purchased last year and just do the test.

No intention of racing (too costly) but one of those things to tick off the bucket list.

Paul


Dave.
The rod linkages need very regular lubrication. All ball joints and where the rod slides though the balls. Each time I grease mine it transforms the change. Road dust and old lubricant make it quite "sticky" so wipe with brake cleaner and re-grease every 1000 miles at least.
Probably trying to teach my Grandmother to suck eggs but worth the reminder to all.


Paul

i use silicone spray on mine, greese attracts the dirt, silicone is supper slippery buy dust doesnt stay there.
lube at least once a fortnight. really easy gear changes now

Dom

[Storer]

Hi Dom

Got to do my change next week so will try the silicon. Thanks


Paul