First the leading story, compressed version. Annalie and I decide to take a days leave on the Friday so that we can take Fossa to the track get the documentation sorted and scrutineering completed. And of course a lap or two to sus out her new front suspension configuration. Wednesday morning, the Groen Bliksem, our Ford Cortina’s thrust bearing disintegrates. Not a problem we source a clutch and after work we start gearbox removal. Removing the lever we find the nylon / plastic bush destroyed. And as I remove the clutch pressure plate configuration, the remainder of the spigot bearing falls on my chest. Not carrying that kind of spares and it being midnight we call it a morning. Thursday afternoon my heavy, Piet, (swaer) tows the Cortina home and Friday morning Annalie and me start rebuilding at leisurely pace completing the operation at about 17h00. We deserve a well earned earlier night having to rise at 03h00 Saturday morning.
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Fossa in the news. During the week Fossa appeared in The Citizen newspaper,
Fossa in The Citizen newspaper
And footage from Fossa’s GoPro at Midvaal featured in the Ignition TV program …. Will post a photo of the tv screen soon.
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Loading Fossa proves very smooth and quiet. Arrival at Zwartkops Raceway shortly before 06h00 we can go straight in. Finding a spot kept for us by Gary Stacey behind his Mk1 Cortina we unload.
Fossa parked with Gary Stacey’s Mk1 Cortina
Gary Stacey starts the day off early by giving us this,
A new cylinder head for Fossa
Gary claims it to be my birthday present for the next twenty years …… Well, I trust the bunch of us will still be racing historics when I am 72, that way I can get another! Thanks Gary!
Qualifying: 07h20. It is a nervous me behind the wheel. Yet another first, with our new front suspension configuration. I do not have a clue what to expect. Tyres at a lower pressure that what I am used to. Corner two, Fossa wants to drift a little on her cold tyres. Corner five and six a repeat. Corner eight, Fossa really LIFTS her left front while sliding out her rear for a heart stopping moment. We complete five laps with lap 4 coming in at 01:29.52 and lap 5 at a 01:28.18. With our previous best of 1:28.63 we are all satisfied and looking forward to the race. As I was testing Fossa and not running her or the tracks limits I expected entering the 1:27’s ……
Fossa Ford Anglia and long shadows
Race one: Two warm up laps, complete, everyone finding positions, and the race is on, exiting corner three race lap one, a noise, big end probably ….. Not a nice start to a race day. Disappointment? Yes. Was so looking forward to it and with a hell of a lot of adrenaline pumping having to retire. Not fun.
I am finding a sudden increase in the need for speed! We are getting there, may be slow but it is certain! Today was a needed and deserved rest day. The way I know myself the damaged engine may exit during the week. The AX block is to be prepared and in blue as the Ford supporters like Johan De Kock claims it will give an extra few kilowatt! It will also feature the new head supplied by Gary!
I was surprised at the few spectators. These events are spectacular. The makes, models and types of cars take take part will satisfy any true petrol heads thirst! Zwartkops Raceway is a very spectator friendly track with big views of the action. Motor racing at it’s all time best! Come and join us!
Our next outing should see a change in rear suspension. Speaking of that, our next race is scheduled for 7 June at Zwartkops and maybe a test session at a Super Trax Day before then.
Greetings from The Team!