11Budlite

Enkei 15x7" RPF1's on my old Birkin. Really nice wheels, under 10 lbs.

Stock 14x6" Minilite-type wheels on a 2019 Caterham.

I'm running 13" 4-spokes for my track setup. They look retro but I've gotten some nice comments in the paddock.

Congrats John, looking forward to your updates.

Yup, and the heat of the exhaust showing too!

A couple more photos from NYST:

Just barely, I'll have to try a little harder next time!

You got some air time there CBuff!!

https://www.hagerty.com/media/lists/10-things-you-should-know-about-gordon-murray/

Not all about Lotus but a nice video none the less. Lotus content around 22:20 and Seven content around 27:50. Interesting lightweight special at 18:10.

How about a Sprinter? That 3-pointed star would look good in any wives' driveway! https://racecarsdirect.com/Advert/Details/126080/2019-sprinter-race-van-for-caterham-or-smalle

CBuff - It was great meeting you on Saturday and talking Caterhams, track days, etc. Thanks for taking those photos, looking forward to having you join us on track once your Caterham is done! Some observations from my first time at NYST: 1: It was grey, windy, cold, with a little drizzle early. What happened to the sun that was predicted?? Thank goodness I was only cold in the paddock, and was fine on track even with the aeroscreen. 2: The track was a lot of fun but a little intimidating for the first time there. Going up 'wheelie hill' to turn 7 was a little sketchy, it wasn't until one of the afternoon sessions that I didn't lift a little at the top of the hill. Not knowing what was waiting for me on the other side was concerning being the smallest car on track. 3: I wish they had braking zone markers on the main straight into turn 1. Coming up the hill, it was hard for me to see where the corner was. Maybe I'd get use to it once I did more laps there, but I just wasn't braking late enough even later in the day. 4: Overall, it wasn't my favorite track, but it still had lot's of fun sections and I had a good day. I think it'd be more fun the next time I go there when it's a little warmer. 5: The paddock was decent size overall but narrow in areas that made it crowded for cars and probably more amenable to bikes. Had a couple cars go off during the morning sessions, with the recovery of one of the cars taking a fair amount of time resulting in about 2-1/2 of the 20-minute sessions being lost. 6: Because of the cold track I put my stock 14" wheels/tires on to get more experience on a cold/slick track. What I found was that the Caterham was a very forgiving car to play around with, with very progressive breakaway on the harder tires. I would like to experiment with that more at lower speeds but I did have a lot fun!

Slowdude - I live in CT and just started doing track days last year. I've done 10 days so far, with 6 of those in the Caterham. I've been to Palmer, Canaan, Club, LRP, and just recently went to NYST. I'm hoping to be at LRP (infield course) this Saturday, and I'll be at Watkins Glen on 10/23. I was in the novice group last year and went up to intermediate starting this year. I'm 65 years old and definitely not one of the fast guys, but it's been a fun and exhilarating experience. One of my proudest moments on track is having my son in his hot rod Miata come up behind me, pointing him by, and then trying to stay with him as long as I could! I haven't been to Thompson yet but I plan to go next year since it's the closest track to me and I've heard some decent reports. I PM'd you in case you want to discuss my experience further. Congrats on your Caterham. Once you get used to RHD I don't think it's going to be a problem and could be a benefit at certain tracks. The exhaust noise on the passenger side could be helpful to your hearing as well!

I'll be there on Saturday. As long as I get my tow vehicle back together, I'll be bringing the Caterham. If not, I'll be taking the Miata.

I agree with Graham about joining the locostusa forum. Lot's of knowledgeable people there with many different builds. Someone might actually recognize your car.

I have a Gerbing heated motorcycle jacket that I have used in multiple sports cars, most with heaters and one without. It's been the most effective setup for me so far. I must admit that the heated seats in my 2020 Miata work very well though.

Just finished watching the EP race at VIR. Nice drive by Peter Norton in a Caterham to come in 2nd to Jesse Prather in a very wet race. The EP race is about half way through Fridays coverage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j48fWEGSjb4

Yes I did. That'd be great if we could get another Seven to join us! I don't think I'll be able to make it to LRP on the 10th.

My son is going to be at an event at LRP on the 15th too. I have family coming up from Texas that weekend but I'm going to try to make it to LRP on the 15th too. Hopefully I'll see you there.

Des - I can't make it to LRP this weekend, but I do have a track day with MassTuning at NYST on 10/8. Hopefully the weather cooperates and I can take the Caterham, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be at least one more Seven there. Check it out if you want.

Glad it worked out for you Dave!

If you're really looking for something traditional there are many forms of rear lighting that were used over the years for Lotus and Caterham Sevens. These included Lucas, Wingard, and Thorpe. When I ordered my Caterham I had hoped that that the ugly fog and reverse lights were not going to be installed. That was not to be, so I did some careful measuring and came up with a plan to install some traditional Lucas L594 'Beehive' lights that would cover up the existing holes in the rear body and fenders and would not preclude installing the original Caterham lights in case I wanted to go back. There was a fair bit of wiring involved to utilize the existing Caterham connectors (forgot the name of them, Econoseal maybe?). It was also similar to what Caterham was supplying with their Super Sprint model from a couple years back. I also changed out the black plastic license plate light cover to a chrome plated version that I had in my parts stash from my first car, a '61 Bugeye Sprite. Here's a photo showing what it ended up looking like. Not for everyone but I like it. Even put LED bulbs in to brighten them up.

1962 Lotus Seven on BaT: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-lotus-super-seven-5/

You're welcome Dave, I hope it works out for you.

Simon - I sent you a PM.