The Griff has now been basically prepared. The fire system has been installed to MSA regs as has the battery/cut of switches too. This has included the moving of the race battery to the rear parcel shelf in a secure ally case and the relay/fuse box being transferred to the boot in an abs enclosure. The space in the footwell has been used to house the dry sump tank/pas tank/ignition etc, so it’s still short.

The engine has now been re-assembled, with the new heads from John Eales, the block has been honed, new rings/pins/shells etc on the polished crank. The electric water system has been removed for reliability as has the A/C system.

The rear spoiler has been grafted on and the rear catches installed. These are lockable “aero” type catches which are sunk into the fibreglass and do not affect the function or the aesthetics. It is still a road car after all.

With all the suspension rebuilt, re-bushed and powder-coated. The brakes are now back on along with a brake biasing valve…things have really moved on since last we looked – although the car doesn’t look vastly different and I really can’t wait to get my hands on it! The Nitrons stay at the moment so we can move the car, but our sups-dupa GAZ Msports are currently being built for installation next month. Really looking forward to those bad boys. Special valving and springs, remote oil cylinders, multiple bump/rebound setting the works.

Finally, we have also added some of the sports decals. The Sports stripes (modelled on the Sixties AC Cobras have been added along with our A Manning (UK) Ltd sill text. This may change form but will be carried through the season. With these complete and a rolling chassis available, it’s off to “Caged” in Frome for the Cage. This is a Six-Point cage to MSA regs for the Challenge series. It’ll have full rear section with double diagonals (X shaped) forward upper windscreen rail with centre T section dropping down the A pillars to meet the chassis at the sills. There is also a side bar from A to B pillar just under my arm and following the door frame (with a bit of cutting to the door cards when they are refitted.

That’s about for the car, but it doesn’t finish there. I have had some prep too. I now hold a National B race licence (be it still on novice). Wahay! After applying for the MSA pack, it was off for a Medical, to make sure I’m not blind/colour blind or have one leg! From there it was to Castle Combe for my ARDS (Association of Racing Drivers Schools) test. This only took a morning and consisted of a Theory exam (mostly multiple choice) followed by a driving assessment. Which I passed.
I will be doing a “How to” section in the Challenge menus later, so if you fancy having a go all you will need to know will be there.

So, with my form fully stamped and ticked, its sent back to the MSA for the issue of my National B. I will still have to wear the Rookies badge (black cross on and yellow square) on the rear of my car for I believe six races before I can claim a full race licence…but Hey…we’re on the way! 

Thanks are in order here for our Sponsors for all their help!

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