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Archive for June, 2015

United States of Brands: The American Speedfest Thunders Back to the UK

Image Credit: speedfest.co.uk

Image Credit: speedfest.co.uk

American Speedfest has never just been a race weekend; it is a no holds barred celebration of muscle, speed and extravagance drenched in American patriotism. Where can you find pageant shows, hot dog eating contests, live music and driving displays alongside mind blowing on-track action? For one weekend in June, the Kentish lands were transported stateside. America had come to the UK like never before. For the guests of Stopwatch Hospitality, they were treated to an unforgettable experience that for any motorsport fan was something truly special.

People often say that the 3rd film in a series is never as good as the originals and perhaps it needs to end. Well if anything, the American Speedfest is the exception. Having been to the Speedfest for every year of its existence, from my Stetson to my boots I can tell you that it blew the other years out the water. As the hugely popular event returned for its third year, the headline act remained the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

There are many within the world who look at American racing with a certain degree of scepticism; isn’t it just a bunch of rednecks in cars turning left for a few hours? It can be safely said that the NASCAR Euro Series does blow that theory straight out the ballpark. From the fiery pits of hell comes the meteoric rage of the ages, the gods unleashed their chariots of fire to rain their thunderous chorus upon us all.

Stopwatch became American for the day

Stopwatch became American for the day

For guests of Stopwatch Hospitality, it was not just NASCAR racing they got to enjoy, but a full behind-the-scenes tour of the DF1 Racing garage and even the chance to chat to one of their drivers, Christian Malcharek! It is not every day that you are up close and personal with a NASCAR machine, but Stopwatch made that possible! Topped off with a fabulous glass of prosecco for everyone, even Christian’s father Jirko Malcharek, Slovakia’s only ever F1 driver, joined the chat to regale the group with his stories of F1 testing. We even posed the ultimate question to Christian – F1 or NASCAR? Without even skipping a beat the answer was NASCAR, any day of the week.

Entrance to Stopwatch also meant access to the official grid walk for the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. Seeing the cars in their natural habitat with their commanders and crew alongside is something not many race fans will get to experience. The look of childish wonderment spread across the faces of all our guests; that primal passion for motorsport never fades. It’s with you for life.

When it came to the racing, the American machines did not fail to deliver. The racing was intense, action packed and exhilarating to the very end. Some of the incidents throughout the races proved the importance that safety plays in the sport. Cars had their entire body ripped off or even wrecked, rolled and ruined, yet the driver would walk away unharmed. However, if ever there was one tweet to sum up the quality of the racing, it could only be this by Stopwatch’s own writer Lewis Glynn:

“The @EuroNASCAR scriptwriters hath decreed that no car shall gap another. For if you defy me, you will suffer a SAFETY CAR”

Image Credit: Speedfest.co.uk

Image Credit: Speedfest.co.uk

The other support races included the monstrous Formula 5000 cars, who could drown out even a Slipknot concert as well as some V8 muscle cars that were just utterly beautiful to watch. A star in both these races was the Stopwatch favourite Greg Thornton, who came up and chatted with the guests. A star of all types of historic racing, Greg is by far one of the nicest most genuine people you will ever meet, who always has time for the fans. If this man was not a driver, he would be perfect for television; his to-the-point descriptions and analysis of his races made everyone feel they were in the car with him. Genuine man. Genuine talent. Genuine race driver.

But what makes the American Speedfest so special is that the racing is just one part of a fantastic jigsaw that fits together to create something which is every type of awesome. A visit from the auto-cast of Transformers and Cars were huge crowd pleasers, after all who doesn’t want to see Optimus Prime up close and personal? Combine that with iconic Hollywood car displays, an American style beauty pageant and a hot dog eating contest and there really is no reason to even go to the US. But to top it all off, crowds at the end of the day were treated to a Brands-style re-enactment of the famous scene from Back To The Future; the Doc, a chasing gang and of course the DeLorean with added pyrotechnics.

If I was honest, throughout the lead up to the event I was filled with an immovable doubt; NASCAR machines at a track that isn’t an oval and full blown American pomposity? Surely this would not be that good. It takes a lot for me to say this, but I could not have been more wrong. The bombastic fanfare that greeted me would have been enough, and yet every time I took a breath more would come. The American Speedfest has become above all else, one of the highlights of the Brands Hatch calendar every year. The added bonus of spending the day with Stopwatch Hospitality will give you a truly unforgettable experience, matched by no one else. Exquisite hospitality and views, multimedia access and a behind-the-scenes package gives guests a memory few others will share, a first-hand account of the full motorsport experience. It is not just what the fans see, but how the racing is seen by the teams and drivers.

The only way is the USA. The only way is Speedfest. The only way is Stopwatch.

See you in 2016!

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Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @lewisglynn69

Keep Driving People!

Peace and Love!

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Private Fleet Car Review: Subaru Forester L and S diesel.

It’s always nice to do a back to back comparison of like models from a manufacturer. In this case, the new diesel auto Foresters from Japanese maker, Subaru, were parked in the driveway and A Wheel Thing checks out the L and S models.2016 Subaru Forrester L diesel profile2016 Subaru Forester S profile Powersource. Two litre engines seem to be the rage and there’s no difference here, plenty of torque at 350 Nm, from 1600 to 2400 revs and a surprisingly low 108 kW at 3600 revs. These two, though, aren’t intended to be high revving diesel sports machines, they’re family friendly load luggers. Hence the addition to the range of the automatic option, in the form of a CVT (constant variable transmission).2016 Subaru Forester S engine2016 Subaru Forester L diesel engine It’s here where, in A Wheel Thing‘s opinion, the Achille’s heel is exposed. The way the CVT works sapped performance and response, didn’t provide the instant on throttle response from standstill a hydraulic auto does and blunts rolling throttle response as well… For an explanation on CVT’s, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission

From a standing start in Drive, there’s a lag, a hesitancy, almost as if you’ve asked someone a question and they need a moment to process it before answering. With other diesels of same size and torque matched with a hydraulic ‘box, there’s more of a instant response, providing quicker acceleration and potentially a safer environment with oncoming traffic.

Rolling response is also not as sharp, with little of the normal feeling of being shoved back into the driver’s seat, lacking that increasing linear, almost wave like build up. the transmissions are electronically geared, with seven rations programmed into the system and available for selection via the gear lever or flappy paddles. The diesels themselves were somewhat more chattery than expected under load. Fuel economy averaged out at just under 7.0L per 100 kilometres, coming close to equaling Subaru’s official figures (6.3L combined, 7.6L urban, 5.7L highway).

The Suit. The 2016 Forester has a strong family link to the first model, with a series of evolutionary designs. Compared to the previous model, the changes are subtle but noticeable if you look for them. Subaru’s designers have avoided the high profile look of SUV’s by providing a station wagon look to the Forester family, with a lower window line into the doors, which also offers a measure of extra visibility from inside.2016 Subaru Forester L diesel Apart from the wheels, which were 18’s on the S, with an almost Eiffel Tower design to the spokes and clad in Bridgestone Duelers at 225/55 size and 225/60 Yokohama Geolander rubber on the L (with a simple five spoke design for the 17 inch alloys), the cars are virtually identical. The S came fitted with a sunroof (a good sized one, covering half of the roof), an electric tailgate with memory height, roof rails, single exhaust and…no rear parking sensors.2016 Subaru Forester S rear That last one troubled A Wheel Thing momentarily; there is a reversing camera with lane guidance, but, as a driver trained in the day to judge distance using mirrors and to watch (in a car sales environment) others guiding movements, the decision was made that this is not an oversight but a chance for careful family oriented drivers to be a driver, not a pilot.2016 Subaru Forester S front Both cars featured non LED driving lights at each lower corner of the front bumper, flanked by black urethane that leads to the rear via the sill panels. Both cars rear windows had privacy glass fitted and had a rear window spoiler/dust deflector.2016 Subaru Forester L diesel wheel2016 Subaru Forester S wheel On The Inside. To be honest, the interior of the S is a bit of a letdown; the L features a key start, cloth trim and manual seats, the S is keyless (push button) faux leather and electric driver’s seat, plus heating (High/Low) for both front pews. Given there’s no in between model, this may account for the lack of luxury feel for the top of the range S. There’s no other difference between the two, as plastics are the same; dour, a touch hard to the touch and eye, the same look and feel to the tiller and gear lever as well…2016 Subaru Forester S dash2016 Subaru Forester L diesel front seats2016 Subaru Forester L diesel rear seats Subaru have also chosen to stay with a cargo space design A Wheel Thing finds somewhat odd; there’s a full sized spare instead of a space saver but laid at an angle. The liftable floor terminates in a downward angled slope towards the tailgate, ideal for items that have rolled or moved in transit to fall out as soon as the ‘gate is opened….Cargo space is good at 474 litres with the rear seats up, which increases to 1474 with them laid flat.2016 Subaru Forester S spare wheel2016 Subaru Forester L diesel cargo2016 Subaru Forester S cargo Also, the Forester diesel autos don’t come with the award winning Eyesight system, a curious decision. What they do get is the Starlink navitainment system, the simple yet utterly effective ergonomics for the aircon and the clean look to the dash, plus both get the lockable centre diff for off road shenanigans.2016 Subaru Forester S sunroof2016 Subaru Forester S Start button On The Road. The L felt softer in the ride than the S; it’d be hard to say the slightly higher profile tyres would have had much of an impact, so possibly a different suspension tune or slightly lower tyre pressure would account. Both cars gripped in the tight roundabouts, off camber turns and sweepers equally, with a touch of squeal from the Yokohamas occasionally.2016 Subaru Forester S door hinge2016 Subaru Forester L diesel rear seats As they’re identical mechanically, the drive was the same, steering and brake feedback the same and headlights at night gave a good spread across the road. Consequently, they both offer a competent package, torque sapping CVT aside. The Wrap. They’re both nice cars to have but depending on your feelings about CVT versus traditional autos, the driveability may be a sticking point. Otherwise, fit and finish, the feature list for each and, of course, the massive options list available, plus a good price point (range starts at around $29K) should have them high on the “To Check Out” list. Head to www.subaru.com.au for the range plus pricing and download the brochure.
The Car. Subaru Forester L and S.
Engine: 2.0L diesel.
Transmission: Constant Variable Transmission (CVT).
Power/Torque: 108 kW/350 Nm @ 3600/1600-2400 rpm.
Tank size: 60L.
Consumption: (claimed) 6.4L/7.6L/5.7L per 100 kilometres (combined/urban/highway).
Dimensions: 4595 x 1795 x 1735 (L x W x H in mm).
Wheelbase: 2640 mm. Weight: 1627 kg.
Cargo: 422/1474 litres.
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A P-Plater In The Family

driver ed 4My teenage son got his provisional licence last week.  I guess that most parents in this situation will have a mixture of emotions: relief (no more having to sit in the passenger seat! no more Mum’s taxi duty!), worry (I’ve read the stats on young male drivers…), wistfulness (my little baby boy is all grown up) and pride (hasn’t he done well!).  I had expected that I would be a lot more worried the first time he drove solo (out to his uncle’s place for dinner and to drop off some furniture).  When it actually happened, I was more worried that he was going to not tie the furniture onto the deck of the old ute properly and have it fall onto the road.

Which brings me neatly to one thing that the parents of P-platers need to remember: P-platers are still learning. They may be able to drive solo, saving you some of the hassle of running them about, but they still have got a lot to learn.  My son still needs a few lessons in tying loads onto the deck of a ute or a trailer (it’s part of driving in daily life, after all), and in driving in snowy or icy conditions, for example.  Your P-plater may need other advanced level lessons to sharpen up their skills.

Admittedly, some of the things they need to learn while on their P-plates are only going to be learned through experience. They need to learn to take responsibility for their actions even when Mum/Dad/the cops aren’t looking.  They need to develop enough backbone to leave band practice on time to they don’t break the curfew.

And if they mess up, they need to do something to pay for any repairs or fines.  If they don’t have a job and you have to foot the bill, then extra work should be done around the home to help you in return for this.  You shouldn’t cover their butts and take all the consequences for them.  With privilege comes responsibility, after all.

Car-KeysHaving a P-plater in the family does bring a shift in the dynamics.  There are new rules and possibly new routines to be sorted out.  During the inevitable negotiations, remember that you are the real grown-up and you are still in charge!  It’s your name on the ownership papers of the car, after all, so you do get the final say.

Some points worth discussing and setting boundaries for may include the following:

  • What activities can and can’t your P-plater take your car to?  For example, we have the rule that my son can take the car to band practice, to jobs and to church activities, but not to school, as there’s a perfectly good school bus that our taxes pay the petrol for… except on the days when his little sister has gym practice and he can drive himself and her to school as long as he takes her to gym (Big Brother’s taxi instead of Mum’s taxi).  Rule two is that if we’re all going to the same place, we all go in the one car and don’t take two cars per family.  You will probably have your own set of activities and rules.
  • If you have more than one car, are certain cars off-limits to your P-plater? This may be for insurance purposes or for safety purposes or both.  In our family, my son can drive the old Nissan Navara ute solo but not my Volvo.  This may come as a surprise to some who know about the almost legendary safety standards of Volvos. However, the old Nissan ute is a manual with column change and a small diesel engine that can tow trailers well but isn’t particularly speedy.  The Volvo, however, is an automatic and has the tendency to creep up over the speed limit, as it doesn’t have cruise control. Fast automatic car + young male driver = trouble.
  • How will your P-plater contribute towards the upkeep of the vehicle?  Not all P-platers have jobs.  If your P-plater has a job, then it’s reasonable to expect some contribution towards petrol money, especially if he/she takes the car to get to the job.  If your P-plater doesn’t have a job, then assistance can be made in the form of extra chores or running errands in the car.

Above all, remember that it’s your car and that you control the car keys.  Use of your vehicle by someone else is a privilege, not a right.

Safe and happy driving,

Megan

P.S. The furniture didn’t fall off the ute and he got back before curfew.

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BTCC Memorable Drives: The Unsung Hero of 1999

Image taken from: Speedhunters.com

Image taken from: Speedhunters.com

The 1999 British Touring Car Championship is remembered most fondly as both the year that Laurent Aiello won the title as well as the first time an independent won a race outright when Matt Neal stormed to victory during the first feature race of the year at Donington. Perhaps even many would remember the first ever night race in the BTCC at Snetterton where Peter Kox became the first Dutchman to win a race. However when I look back to 1999, I think of the return of a true legend who echoed what Ford did in 1993, competing in less than half of a season yet storming up the [independent] field. May I present the unsung hero of the 1999 season, the late great Mr Will Hoy.

For the 1999 season, Arena Motorsport entered an ex-works Renault Laguna which would be driven by Russell Spence. It was clear from the outset however that Russell Spence lacked both the machinery and determination to challenge for the top places. In his defense however, the lead independent was the mighty Matt Neal in the Team Dynamics Nissan that started the year making mince meat of even the works cars. The other independents never really stood much of a chance. For Spence, his season may well have been defined by his huge accident during qualifying at Oulton Park at Lodge Corner; his car cut the final corner and launched over the barrier. Luckily no one was hurt.

Ouch. Time to call for backup? Enter Will Hoy stage left. Image taken from: SuperTouringRegister.com

Ouch. Time to call for backup? Enter Will Hoy stage left. Image taken from: SuperTouringRegister.com

As the season headed for Snetterton and the first night race, it was announced that Will Hoy would be taking over duties in the Arena Motorsport camp for the rest of the year. This marked Hoy’s return to racing a Renault Laguna after two years racing for the Ford Mondeo team. Hoy was never going to follow in the footsteps of Matt Neal, given the obvious lack of performance in the Arena Motorsport Renault, but it didn’t stop him driving the wheel nuts off the car for the final six rounds of the year.

The independents field may have become somewhat depleted as the year went on, but that should take nothing away from Hoy. Incidentally, Will Hoy was the only independent driver in 1999 to finish every race he started, beating even Matt Neal on that front. The independents title of 1999 went down to Matt Neal, Mark Blair and Will Hoy. Even though Neal won by a country margin, what Hoy achieved was something staggering. At the end of the year, the finishing points were as follows:

  1. Matt Neal – 353 points (9th overall, 109 points) [26/26 rounds]
  2. Mark Blair – 183 points (16th overall, 11 points) [26/26 rounds]
  3. Will Hoy – 131 points (15th overall, 15 points) [12/26 rounds]
  4. Lee Brookes – 78 points (17th overall, 5 points) [14/26 rounds]
  5. Paula Cook – 41 points (Joint 18th overall, 3 points) [16/26 rounds]
  6. Russell Spence – 25 points (Joint 18th overall, 3 points) [14/26 rounds]

You are reading that correctly; Will Hoy competed in 14 rounds less than the top 2 and yet was only 52 points behind second place man Mark Blair. Taking an average of how many points Will scored per round, if he had competed in the full year he would have earned himself 283 points, which would have secured his 2nd place overall. Furthermore, this does not take into account the improvements that he would have made across the year with the consistent developments that come naturally with a full season’s racing.

The highlight of Hoy’s season however came in the final race of the year at a very wet Silverstone where a titanic battle took place between Neal, Muller, Radermecker and our man Will. Lap after lap the four cars were trading places, and even though it was obvious that Hoy lacked the horse power of the other cars, he never let up until the very end. The final two races of the year saw the Renault man take a 6th and a 7th overall. Hoy was never a man to suffer in the rain, as he proved in 1998 when he won at another wet Silverstone in a Ford Mondeo that was in no way the fastest car in the field. The man was very much the living proof that motorsport is as much about talent as it is machinery.

Will Hoy will always be remembered as one of the true greats of BTCC – a real gentleman and a hugely competitive racer.

1999 proved to be his final year in the BTCC (minus two races in Class B in 2000), and what an encore it was.

Here is to the unsung hero of the 1999 BTCC season, and to the true hero of the series. Will Hoy – this one’s for you.

Don’t forget to comment with your other BTCC Memorable Drives, and follow me on Twitter @lewisglynn69

Keep Driving People!

Peace and Love!

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