Still waiting...

The Gemini is back in New Zealand but still waiting to pass through MAF inspections. Noel is looking very low key but it may be that I have been taking his mind off it by keeping him busy in the garden instead of the garage. Maybe we will have it by Wednesday.

In the meantime he has been down to Christchurch to try to speed up the progress on the Lotus 22. It is a long time coming. However, he is pleased with some of the work. It is a very drawn out affair.

Coming home.

The Gemini is coming home. Just too many problems and too much work to do to leave it in the UK until next year. A real disappointment for Noel who worked so hard for do long to make it reliable for our trip.

Castle Combe racing 6 October 2013.

Another photo from the Longdons from Castle Combe. 

Racing at Castle Combe, UK

One of some great photos sent by Robin and Sue Longdon. Paul Smeeth in front of Noel.

Jaguars at Castle Combe

Vintage cars at Castle Combe

Castle Combe

Just a mile from the most in tact original village in England, Castle Combe, lies the circuit of the same name. A bit tired looking with a track not unlike Goodwood, it hosted a meeting with lots of Jaguars, Austin Healies, Vintage cars and of course, Formula Juniors.  Great weather and friendly people. 
Unfortunately Noel failed the noise test. There was a mad scramble with friend Robin Longdon and newly met Richard Owen to get him onto the track in time for qualifying. He went out without the rear bodywork in spite of protests from the marshals. 
The actual race went well although the muffler lost him some torque and horsepower.  Result was he came second in class. Duncan even presented him with a prize which was a nice way to end the racing here.

Formula Junior

It was great to meet all the FJ people. Everyone very friendly and welcoming.  Good field.
No 79 is the best prepared FJ Noel has ever seen.

The race at Brands.

Started 10th finished 8th. It rained as they sat on the grid and stopped just as the race finished.  The only wet race of the day. Very slippery. Just the short track today but quite tricky. Swoops up and down and turns at the same time. Paddock Hill Bend (photos) is the biggest challenge. 

Qualifying at BH

A dry circuit although threatening. This was first and only practice and qualifying in one. Qualified 10th. Some difficult corners.

Brands Hatch

Another icon today.  Cold wind and rain threatened.  Parked next to Paul.  Mike, who we met at Spa, arrived with suitable glass for Noel's broken mirror which Noel installed. Mike has been such a help.

More glam at Goodwood.

I've taken hundreds of photos and keep finding some more.
Glamorous grid markers.
Paul on the grid attended by Susie snd Noel.

Remembered at Goodwood

Bruce McLaren, Tony Gaze, Douglas Bader

Friends at Goodwood

Robin and Sue, Kim and Steve

Noel at Eau Rouge

One of the most famous racing corners in the world.  This gives you some idea of the scale of Spa.

Some famous people at Goodwood.

Jackie Stewart, John Surtees and our host, Lord March.

Set up at Spa.

That's Kim Shearn next to us. A lot to be said about camping inside the track. Here at Spa very hilly so lots of walking up and down. We were tucked in underneath the new grandstand so not too noisy.

Noel's second race at Spa.

Guy camping next to us at Spa had the right drive belt which Noel hastily installed. He fixed everything else, taped up the mirror and went out for the second race. Started at the back, passed four cars and survived.  Difficult drive without the mirror. Surprised every now and then when someone came up behind him. All credit to him for finishing in the circumstances and many thanks for the help of neighbouring drivers. I have some great professional photos which I will post when we get home. It was an amazing experience.

Noel at Spa

The main event is a six hour race so others did not get a practice.  Once again Noel had to start a new track without any idea of what it was about except through reading or watching TV. Qualified respectable 3rd in class.  3min 3secs. Pretty good. 
First race, first lap,  followed Australian friend Kim Shearn as he had raced there before. Second lap, drive belt to water pump broke;  the engine overheated and coolant sprayed onto the rear wheels, causing loss of adhesion on high speed downhill sweeper. Noel spun out into stones, missed wall, broke right mirror and other minor body damage. Retired.

Spa, Belgium

This is an amazing F1 circuit! Goodwood may be for the rich and famous,  but Spa is where the Big Boys come out to play!  Look at the size of the rigs!
The circiut is 7k long, up and down hill,  disappearing into the mist. Lots of attrition and easy to be overwhelmed.

Belgium drivers.

On E40, major highway around Brussels in Belgium,  BMW X5 hit us while stationary in heavy traffic and damaged trailer, back of Gemini including rain light and gearbox.  Poor old gearbox. Anyway Noel hammered out the trailer, straightened the rain light,  and hopefully fixed the gearbox.  Wont know till he goes out. Taped up the bodywork.

Racing at Goodwood.

Very slippery track. Tires came in sticky. Hard when you've had no practice! Goodwood is one of the most challenging and difficult circuits to drive on. To be quick you really need to go on the outside where the camber is wrong. It is very unsettling.

Winner Formula Jnr race

Chris Drake won our race. Generous man with huge character. Deserved to win.

Parades at Goodwood.

Noel at Goodwood.

Drivers' club for all meals.
After the race. Relieved it all stayed together.
Relaxing in the Rolex drivers' club.

Glam!