Castle Combe - Saturday 23rd May 2009

[GeoffSmith]

I had a quick word with the big man before I left. He's a really nice bloke and was totally blown away by it all, especially when I told him that LEC had been watching the progress as well.

Good to see everyone and glad we got some decent weather this year.

[Nige]

A pretty good day, I hope the Elise driver (and passenger?) are ok, not every day you get to see the air ambulance, I'm not sure the car will be repairable. Sy, I'm pleased Stripey is running well it must be great to haveher back on the road. The LEF piece was superb and my hat goes off to those guys for what they did. To those who passengered, glad you enjoyed it and Chris I'm glad your kit was at home and look forwrd to seeing the video I haven't looked at mine yet. Good to see people, sorry I missed you Darren. I like Phils new rear panel very much, Dave thanks to you and Angie for the burgers, I got an accusation of onion eating on arriving home; and confess it was true . The advice, genuinely appreciated and put to good effect on my final session, quarry is now less of a mystery but I still need more practice.

[GeoffSmith]

Well that weren't easy! There you go.

[Sy V]

Well done Geoff (and Messrs Gillan, Lord, Paice and Blackmore).

[Sy V]

Here's at least one shot of every Elan I saw on track during the morning sessions.
These are full frame images (uncropped) without any exposure adjustment. They have been reduced in size to facilitate posting. I still have the full size images of all of these and more.
I can batch them up and e-mail them to individuals (with or without exposure adjustment), just tell me your registration number.

[Sy V]

[Sy V]

[Sy V]

[chris.t]

good photos sy, nice and sharp and captured the action

ps how did the bonce cam come out??

[chris.t]

geoff good choice of music brought back some memories. I think you just about got everyone in our group in the footage

[Nige]

That's my sort of music as well . My in car footage is ok but seems to lack sound? We should perhaps combine the in car footage (Chris's and mine) with Geoffs to give us an edited piece for future shows?

Also occurs to me that we could have been a bit better organised yesterday. I was suprised how many Elans were there and we could have justified our own parking area like the LEF crowd, perhaps a thought for next year? If I drive again next year I'll be in contact with CL so I'll ask.

[GeoffSmith]

Music: borrowed the CD from my Chris - I've only got it on vinyl.


One thing we have all forgotten, so slapped wrists all round ......... Thanks to Dave and Angie for providing the food

Geoff

[GeoffSmith]

I like the three reds second from bottom. Shame they weren't closer together!

[dapinky]

Firstly, it was great to see everyone yesterday, and appologies to those i didn't get to speak to, or who i missed when leaving.

Special thanks to Nige for the pax ride, i enjoyed it (but it seems strange being on the 'wrong' side of a car on the track). I have to say, that although i've been frightened by experts in the past, gifted ammateurs never cease to impress me.

For all the right reasons, Nige, I was impressed

The way you know the car is an inspiration, and its testament to the driver and vehicle that not a lot went by us. I never felt that there was anything done 'wrong' and when you wanted an opinion, i was glad that there wasn't much i could say....it shows how competent you really are. (Not that I'm much of an expert in an Elan, or anything else for that matter, but i have had the benefit of plenty of input from people far better qualified than myself to add to my own experiences, and will happily pass on good advise if i can).

Also thanks to Chris for the loan of a chair whilst Angie was cooking - i hope you found it okay, (when we had to leave i couldn't see you!).

Good to see Sy with a smile on your face instead of a 'why me?' expression.

A humbling experience to see what it really means to feel part of a 'community' instead of just a 'club' - Well done to LEF!

And Geoff, i hope you don't mind, but i've just stolen a download of your video

Likewise Paul, your pic outside Geoffs house is now my desktop immage

[Monty]

Looks like u had a fantastic day, now i wish i went oh well maybe next year.

Great photot`s BTW

[Troy Halliday]

Hi all thought I would pop over from LEF and say thankyou to all of you that help support our little project on BigSi's car. It was very nice to talk to a couple of you that poped over to see the handover of the big mans car and I look forward to meeting more of you at future events.

[dapinky]

Well done Geoff (and Messrs Gillan, Lord, Paice and Blackmore).

Now, at risk of showing both my age, and taste in quality music, don't forget Roger Glover !

By the way, apparently, Ritchie Blackmore recently came 55th in a poll of the worlds best guitarists - WTF!
As far as i'm concerned, the only real rivals to the man are Hendrix and Clapton (maybe a few others not far behind, but they are my top 3).

[DaveT]

Saw DaveTea on the M4 - was the archers on Dave u was going real slow or was i going real fast

Cheeky Bastard

I was obeying the speed limit!!!! No choice. And yes u was going real fast. You managed to fill up and say goodbye to N before catching me up. I was also carrying extra weight- sorry Dave Eds couldnt resist that.

DT

[Dave Eds]

I was also carrying extra weight- sorry Dave Eds couldnt resist that.

DT

Yeah 2 wallets 2 phones etc etc

Sorrry Chris T couldnt reist that.

[dans]

Great day!!! Loved being on the track. Got the bug now!! Good to catch up with a few people.

Had some instruction from Mr Jenson, which was superb. Really good tips on techniques and lines. He also drove the car for few laps to show me how it's done! WOW!!! Very impressive. Seems the Elan can go very quick!!!
He also commented that he likes the Elans and that it was nice to drive one with such good brakes for a change!!! So thats a big thumbs up for the Wilwood kits that Brian and Alan put together.

Will hopefully have some video and photos to put up soon.

Sy, if I PM my email address can you send me your photos of H544 KSX? Looks like you got some great shots!

Geoff, I couldn't get your link to work? What am I doing wrong??

The other plus was that the gearbox was fine everytime I was on the track. No idea why, but was bad again on the way home. weird...