Croc

Thats how Texas had that mess a few years back over replicas. Someone was rejected, the owner came showing all these other cars registered. Issue bounced back up the chain and the decision was made to pull titles on some types of kit cars (e.g. beach buggies and Ariel Atoms). I do think you have to talk to with the cop again and ask what are the rules for kit cars and where are they documented as regulations. Make it clear you want to understand as much as you can. He has to point you to a written regulation. It cannot be an interpretation in his head. If there are no written regulations then you have to ask him what the appeal process is and there will be one. Engagement is needed to gather all the background information so you can come up with a strategy to get through the process. Your local friendly Caterham dealer may have suggestions or contacts to help you in this information gathering stage. I feel your pain - I have been here myself with another state before - it is very frustrating.

Maserati 250F Alfa TZ Monza

Please be considerate in your responses - the owner is on this forum.

That sucks. Usual story though, bureaucrats love to protect their asses

NOTE: Late change in dates as a result of NJMP needing to accommodate some event-related COVID changes It is now Saturday October 17 and Sunday the 18th, 2020. Numbers are capped at 15 cars. Still an exclusive 7 run group for intermediate and advanced HPDE participants. Introductory green group remains available. Working on registration site this week.

Caterham - re-listing of a July 2020 auction where the buyer failed to follow through https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-caterham-hpc-super-seven-2/

Congratulations on your acquisition! What engine spec are you going to build to?

Sit on belts. The seat base lifts up, pull the belts through and replace base. No seat mods needed. I used this way for years without an issue. Crutch belts should be bolted to chassis frame at rear firewall. Not the same mount points as the lap belts.

I like that idea of the seat being on tracks. Also, you can buy shoulder pads for the belts - a bunch of places sell them, I just picked the first search item to link. https://www.demon-tweeks.com/us/caterham-harness-pads-241857/ However, the tillets are slippery and even I find I slip with a 4 point belt using them. A crutch strap really is the only way to stop the submarining problem.

There are a quite few studies out there, with some conflicting results, including some that are self serving “marketing studies”. From reading them over time, my observations: - it depends on what car you are driving - legally we should not be using harnesses on the street. We should be using DOT three pointers. These give a little in an impact and therefore presumably ease the trauma on your neck being flung forward. - harnesses hold you firmly and so the head is pretty much the only thing fling forward in an impact situation. The example is Dale Earnhardt. He died from neck injuries using a harness but no Hans. - however, we are driving sevens so if we have a heavy impact (+45mph) then we should remember the driver is the airbag installed in the crumple zone. Neck injuries may be the least of our problems when we use a harness. A harness may be preferable to the DOT 3 pointers, especially if the car rolls. - so it depends on a lot of variables. - Hans was designed specifically for a 3 inch harness. So it makes sense a Hans is not recommended for a 2 inch harness. - in most states it is illegal to wear a helmet on the street so you cannot use a Hans. It is in NJ, ask me how I know. - just to make it more complex, at one point Caterham were recommending you not use 3 inch harnesses without chassis mount modifications (need to move the shoulder mounts out to give parallel upper belt alignment). At another time there was guidance on not using Hans for the same reason. Not sure that still applies as I have not checked in a while. - Hans is not the only restraint out there. Simpson have some very good options plus there are others. Each has their own requirements as to belts. I bet I have listed something which is contradicted by one study somewhere, illustrating the difficulties in getting clear guidance on something like a Seven. It’s complicated and I am not sure there is a clear cut path to the right decision (at least not to my mind). It is good that we think through the topic and make our own educated decisions. I think it is good you raised the topic for discussion. So we all have to apply our judgement to assess the compromises needed to make a decision on our own safety equipment. Sevens are immensely strong vehicles and I really like the idea of relying on active safety to keep out of danger.

I have that style of Scroth belt now. The crotch strap loops are well designed in that it only pressures your inner thigh and not the wife’s second best friend. The other crotch strap type (either 5 or 6 pt) which has a buckle attachment and clicks in are directly pressuring your genitals such that in an impact you will hurt big time. So your new belts may be a bit complicated but you will be safer.

NEW Birkin kit https://newlondon.craigslist.org/cto/d/groton-birkin-super-7/7180847555.html REPEATS Lotus 7 S2 https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/lotus-7-america-vintage-race-car/ Stalker http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1437589044/1437589044ss.htm Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/caterham/2416012.html Lotus 7 S2 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/2409828.html and here http://www.motorcarcompany.com/1963-lotus-seven.html Lotus 7A https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7a/2388210.html Wharton 7 https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1299993/1978-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-cadillac-michigan-49601 Replica https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1382221/1979-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-arvada-colorado-80005 and here https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/arvada-1979-lotus/7176720676.html Caterham https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1363082/2004-caterham-seven-for-sale-in-newport-beach-california-92660 Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/201216-nos-caterham-sv-roadsport/ Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/2000-caterham/ Mitusoka Zero https://www.duncanimports.com/used/Mitsuoka/1994-Mitsuoka-Zero1-cb265bd50a0e08b907465681642548f8.htm Caterham http://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory Caterham - this may have sold this week? http://sodo-moto.com/listings/caterham-7-2/ Caterham http://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/ Lotus 7 S2 https://www.fantasyjunction.com/inventory/1964-lotus-super-7-series-2/overview Lotus 7 S2 http://thesmiekelcollection.com/1967-lotus-super-seven/ Stalker https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Stalker/303647971069?hash=item46b2d456fd:g:FwsAAOSw4dxeD8lq Westfield https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/d/pompano-beach-1992-westfield-sei-lotus-7/7172051183.html Diva 7 https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/prescott-diva-roadster-1962-lotus/7179757535.html Stalker https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/carmel-1962-lotus-super-7/7173691388.html CANADA Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-other/owen-sound/lotus-7-clone-kit/1517701608 MCC 7 Project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/mississauga-peel-region/mcc-super-7-unfinished-car-detailed-version/1503983466 Westfield https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camions/laval-rive-nord/westfield-replique-lotus-7/1514071520 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/city-of-toronto/lotus-7-replica/1508403000 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/portage-la-prairie/lotus-supper-seven/1510217779

Its 7 weeks away. They took states off the list this last week at least one is coming off next week. I have been making calls to a health supremo official to get the inside scoop (yes you have met him!) and I expect some more to come off before October. The really problem states are the sun belt which are not expected to lift the restrictions in the next 2 months but I am not expecting anyone from FL, TX, AL or MI this year or CA for that matter. Don't panic - we will be fine. Still trying to work out dinners on a safe social distancing basis - I do not want to put you at risk of getting infected.

Thread covered this fairly recently - refer here http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12819-Harness-for-road-and-track&highlight=degloving

Yes - to reinforce the message, arm restraints are mandatory. For hotels, the best ones: - Fairfield Inn in Millville. This is the usual preference and fairly close. - Hampton Inn in Vineland - about 3 miles back up rt 55 - Holiday Inn Express in Millville - Wingate by Wyndham in Vineland - just next to the Hampton Inn. Sadly the track accommodation is booked out.

These are all good questions that I was planning to answer when the registration site goes live next week. But let me answer them now. All safety requirements that are mandatory for all participants are specified in New Jersey law - Chapter 62 here: https://www.njsp.org/divorg/operations/pdf/mvracetrack/20150709_racing_regulations.pdf Refer the section on HPDE. Its not that long. You will be required to complete a tech inspection - the relevant form to guide your preparations is here: https://njmp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NJMP-Tech-Form-2019-1.pdf Please take the preparation seriously - it is your safety we are concerned about. Summarizing the key requirements of the NJ laws: Helmet Requirement: A Snell M or SA rated full-faced helmet dated 2010 or newer is required for all drivers and passengers on the track. Open face helmets are not permitted in open cars like sevens. Rental helmets are available with prior arrangement through the NJMP General Store. Arm restraints: NJMP requires open top cars to be driven on track with drivers and passengers both wearing arm restraints and full faced helmets. Open Top Cars: Must have approved rollover protection. Pop up roll bars or detachable hard tops are not accepted by NJ State Law. Broomstick rule is applicable for rollover protection: Driver and instructor must pass broomstick test with helmets on. Belts: Only 5 or 6 point belts are acceptable. Belts age must be on a label on the belts. No label – no driving. SFI belts must be 2 years or newer. FIA belts must be within 5 years or newer. No 4 point belts allowed. No DOT 3 point road belts are accepted in open cars like ours. Numbers: Painters tape numbers on both sides of your seven are acceptable. Don’t pick “7” as everyone does that and you will be asked to change it. Please note that Kitcat is incorrect above - NJ is mandatory for arm restraints. For those that forget, I will make people use a pink fluffy set on track and post your photo here. They are pretty cheap - Simpson, OG Racing, even Caterham have them. To answer your specific questions: 1) I’ve done about 5 HPDE events with different clubs but never enough with any club to have enough sessions to be promoted out of the novice group. I have no evidence of those past events. Thats not a problem. The usual range for moving from novice to a passing group is 7 to 10 days. I would suggest you start off in the novice group with its paced laps, we assess your progress/comfort level after Day 1 and consider whether you can move up on Day 2. 2) My car has a road roll bar. Do I need an FIA roll bar or cage? Reading Chapter 62 for the section under HPDE, there is no mention of requiring a cage or an FIA or even SFI labelled roll bar. I know some people refer to the "FIA" bar on a Caterham but its never been officially labelled or stamped as an FIA roll bar since the old imperial chassis. I believe the cages can be received with an FIA sticker but a cage is not mandatory for an HPDE. So as an example my Caterham CSR is a metric chassis and it does not have an FIA roll bar. The Birkins and Westfields run the event with a roll bar very similar design to the one on your car without the cross bracing. If I recall correctly, a small number of Caterhams in past events have run with the same roll bar design as yours. My ex-maroon Caterham SV used to run the event with the same roll bar design as yours. So you are not the only one who has to make an evaluation on your comfort level with your car's level of safety. The NJ HPDE law requirements are a minimum and you can choose to go higher based on your preference. 3) Will I be able to drive on the track? Yes if you meet the safety criteria. 4) Will I have an assigned instructor? (I’d rather not.) Its up to you. If the event was today then the answer is no as the current COVID restrictions prevent an instructor from riding passenger (or student riding as passenger). That is expected to change by the time of our event so you probably could have an instructor if you wanted one. Assuming we have the COVID regs change by the time of our event then I expect you would be able to ride passenger with an instructor in the passing group with Tom, Jeff, Simon, me or John as we are all NJMP instructors. This way you get to see the right line and where we apply brakes. You also get to enjoy the session with lots of other sevens on track. 5) Will I have to run with a windscreen because of the broomstick test? (I’d rather not.) Broomstick test on a Caterham is from top of roll bar to the nosecone. A helmet adds about 0.75 inch to the top of your head. You would have to see how close it is. If your helmet is above the level of the roll bar then I do not need a broomstick to know that you fail it. A windscreen is not structural in a Caterham so that will not help you with a broomstick test. The solution for that problem is work out how to lower your seat. Taking it off the adjustable runners and direct bolting to the pan gets you about an extra inch clearance. Your seat squab is the old style removable type. Coming up with a thinner foam temporary seat could give you more "head room" as a temporary solution for this event. Neither of these is particularly difficult.

I can cut and paste them here in a few hours once I get home.

Bad tires usually lead to the following outcome

The answer is that it depends. You can run at the wear bars as cord would not be showing. BUT, it’s not far from there to cords showing. An example, I went out on Lightning circuit at the wear bars once and mid way through the session could see cords and stopped immediately. Admittedly the Thunderbolt Circuit is not as abrasive at destroying tires but you take a risk. There is a very good chance you will run out of tire at the event and will need a back up set of wheels/tires in order to keep running. Otherwise you are not allowed on track. Does that make sense?

Vlad here is talking from painful experience on the belts. Prepare in advance - in-date 5/6 pointer harness, either SFI or preferably FIA labelled (longer expiry on FIA belts). Its not just HPDE, its intended to be social and build up a support network for all of us to call on. You can meet people who will be local to you for backroad drives, seeking out parts sourcing, upgrade solutions, etc. There are not enough of us around so we need to look out for each other.

And a 360 degree video. If you have not used these before then using your mouse to click and drag, or the little arrows at top left, or if on your cell phone, then just spin your phone around, you can then see up, down, around, behind, etc. for the full panoramic 360 degree view. The track map is on the passenger tonneau. The speed is on the roll bar if you angle down. I start off using a dry line at the beginning. By the 18 min mark, I am running a wet line. Both ways are slow as grip was pretty marginal. Still it shows what a pretty track VIR is and gives you an idea of layout.

Some photos - it was wet

Strangely, the wiring under the scuttle stays well protected. Once fully sorted, these cars are quite durable - far more than you expect. Where you have to watch out for in monsoonal conditions is: 1) The well on the cam cover for the coil on plug connections for a Duratec/Zetec gets a lot of water sitting in there and a little bit will seep through and will cause the car to develop an engine miss. Mine was - really did not like idling. So you have to warm it up well for the heat to evaporate any water leaking through. The Vauxhall engine may be a better design but it depends if the water can leak under that plastic cover. 2) The alternator pulley bearing loses its grease in wet conditions and the bearing starts to fail. You hear the noise developing as the bearing starts to fail. I need to replace mine again... Otherwise, I find things work fine in those conditions.