Another engine acquired

I drove up to Cadwell Park circuit this morning to pick up another engine from Peter Gibson, an ex Supermono rider who has now moved over to the Hottrax endurance racing scene. The engine is a 686cc, (102mm bore x 84mm stroke), it has a Carillo rod, JE piston and a trick camshaft, it has had some head work but nothing drastic. I will be taking it to Steve Ruth to check it over and fit a new head gasket, then when I get the frame back from Peter Day, (and the powder coaters if there is time), I will use this engine for Oulton Park. I may even be lucky enough to have Slipstreams motor if it just needs a head gasket, and...and Hugh Freeman is sending me a billet crank and trick rod which means there may also be a chance to get Gordon's original engine back together, I will be spoilt for choice!!

Peter Day

Managed to drop off the frame and radiator at Peter Day's today, found Peter to be a very nice guy and had a nice chat about what he was going to do to Gordon!

Gordon has gone to peices!!

Finished dismantling Gordon tonight, the frame will be going to Peter Day who will reweld a broken rear engine mount, along with modifying aradiator that was kindly donated by Hugh Freeman. The engine will be going to Steve Ruth to have a new head gasket fitted, unless there is more afoot then it will go back to Slipstream.

Gordon in the "Buff"

After speaking to Peter Day about rewelding gordon's rear engine mount he advised me that to do the job properly he would just need the frame, nothing else. I set about completely stripping Gordon down to the last nut and bolt. Peter also informed me that he is very busy but if he can do the repair in time I might get Gordon's frame powder coated so he will look as good as new for Oulton Park in June.

Only at Snetterton!!

The second Buff Supermono/Moto 450 race at Snetterton, Monday May 3rd was stopped after 4 laps as the leading 5 riders, Mark Lawes, will Hodgson, Phil Canessa, Ivan Porter and Perry Golstein fell due to a blanket of hail and ice on the track at the Bombhole.

Buff Supermono podium, Snetterton May 3rd 2010

This was the result from the first race on the Monday, Mark Lawes had won at the previous round at Pembrey and had said during the interview that he was classed as a speciallist at Snetterton!!

Snetterton Buff Supermono round #2

I was really looking forward to racing at my local circuit and arrived early evening on the Friday to set up. Woke Saturaday Morning to heavy rain and a cold wind but I wasn't due out in the practice so there was time for the weather to improve. The first qualifying for the Mono's was at 15:05 so I had plenty of time to check over Gordon. He was running a bit hot at Pembrey so I ensured the radiator was full and bled before going out on the circuit. I dont know if I was concious of the engine running hot but my lap times were down by over 13 seconds from 2 years ago, I just didn't feel comfortable and it seemed like hard work, yet I was sure I was on my usual pace, until I see the time sheets that is! I went home to a comfortable bed and a hot meal Saturday night and arrived early Sunday morning with a positive outlook, I drained Gordons water system and refilled with fresh ionised water, I even changed the rad cap, (Thanks Martin Jarvis). I put the wets on the bike and refuelled and double checked everything. About half hour before qualifying I started Gordon to get him nice and warm, it was then I noticed that the radiator overflow pipe was letting out water. I removed the front fairing and noticed that when the revs increased so the water was coming out more, a classic sign that the head gasket was gone and was pressurising the water system, I took the decision not to chance wrecking the motor anymore and opted not to race.