Croc

Ok…officially I am exhausted. Very slow start to the morning. I did not get up until 7am – that never happens with me. Yesterday was a great day. The storms avoided us. We had a ton of quality track time – more than we could handle as it turned out. The food at breakfast and lunch was really good. Just a normal view in the parking lot at NJMP I took no photos yesterday so I borrowed the photos off someone else. Mike W took the on track group photo plus some action shots from Wednesday and he will get those to me when he gets back from the Poconos next week. So the Awards Dinner… This year it was at Andreas Trattoria, a local favorite for track users here in Millville, New Jersey. A nice dinner of family style appetizers – antipasti, fried zucchini flowers (really really good), broccoli rabe with hot sausage, and calamari. This was followed by a choice of some wonderful mains and then most of us ended up with desserts. Plenty of wine was flowing. Lots of laughter although it looks a lot more subdued in these photos.

My dining companions look possessed? Simon is anyway. So lets see what today brings. We are forecast to get a thunderstorm at some point but I suspect it will be quick and then back to business. Dinner tonight is at Andrea's in Millville, a local favorite. Mike W, our track photographer will be here today to do the traditional group photo and get some on track action.

Then we get to session 3. So all is well but then in true USA7s style, Fred breaks down in his bike-engined Locost. Magically he also stopped near this very attractive flag station lady. No idea how that happened? So that was another alternator wire. Both electrical issues were diagnosed by Roman who stopped by to say hello as his car remains under repair. Session 4 went nicely. Full length time despite a certain Stalker observed limping home to the pits. Took us long enough!!! Dinner was held at the Charlesworth Restaurant in Fortescue NJ, on Delaware Bay. Great seafood place. Drinks on the deck overlooking the water. Then dinner inside.

So then we get Drivers Briefing. Big class. Session 1 at the Thunderbolt circuit was going quite well until I happened to notice a certain orange Caterham parked by the flag station at the Entrance to the Devil seemingly broken down but no wait, look at that flag station worker - very very attractive, curves in all the right spots, etc., with the driver happily chatting her up. The rest of the flag station workers were old craggy men. I was suspicious. All was confirmed when Tom got back to the pits "I offered her a ride in my Caterham" Roll eyes. Still he did have a broken throttle cable. They continued to let us run but then a certain Stalker broke down on track That ended up as a loose wire on the alternator. Todd came by to check us out. His Caterham has oil pump issue and could not run. SO he gave us all a tutorial in the classroom on how to drive the track. So then it was session 2. We had an incident on lap 1. Driver is fine. Car is not. No need to mention names. Car is definitely repairable - chassis looked straight, some cosmetic aero, needed. Two new wheels. A nose cone. Front suspension on one side. Some mounting points. It will live again. Driver is very bummed out and will be sore this morning but will bounce back. Some unrelated engine photos.

Gee those Sevens really stick to the road!!!! Glen - as always it was great to have you around. Really looking forward to seeing your video. I am slooooowly downloading video from the camera now - will take some time to process. So where do I start? Breakfast was a great start followed by tech inspection. The fail score was two sets of out of date belts and two out of date helmets. TJ and his team of mechanics was kept running all day to install new belts, fix various mechanical issues and a couple of unusual requests.

This is what the seven collection looked like last night after dinner. Not as many to store as last year but we will all get into the garage today at Thunderbolt. Group photo is at Lightning on Friday.

Then the fireworks at 9pm

Some photos for those who cannot make it (Seb - picked out the new kitchen countertops yet?) Yesterday was a test day for me to break some things. It was hot...really hot. I guzzled 10 waters and 2 Arnold Palmers between 8.30 and 4pm and I was still dehydrated. IT did not help that old cars are heat engines especially the Mustang. The track was extremely greasy and so lots of sliding was involved. A certain Stalker exited stage right at one point in my rear vision mirror - I have video. However, payback will come as Shane caught me rotating the Mustang in the bowl in front of him and Kitcat. Bimmer was running quick until I broke 3 of the 5 locating studs on the centerlock hubs on one rear wheel. Not surprising as it was starting to match the pace of my Caterham with Steve driving to assuage his disappointment with no Caterham. The Cossie broke a rear bearing and it dislodged from the hub stranding Shane and I out on the track. It was limited to 4000rpm in the low boost mode to learn its handling, braking and other vices. No damage and I got lots of feedback on what is needed on its development program. It is a really fun little car to drive with monumental power once we allow it over 4000rpm. Dare I say it but it may actually handle better than a Caterham. As Tom mentioned, karting was cancelled and at least 12 ended up at an impromptu cocktail party at my garage before migrating to the Clubhouse for drinks around the pool and dinner. Some photos from dinner.

Be nice now, Steve is younger than you! :jester:

There will be orange dust alright when you go for a spray into it at the Devil in your usual flamboyant driving style. :jester: The Colleys and Kitcat are here. Tom and S1Steve rock up this morning. We all joined up at the Old Oar House in Millville for dinner in. Today is a test day for me - 4 automotive money pits to hit the Lightning track with some of the local supporters who I have promised an instructor ride for (plus Shane's son): 1965 Holman Moody Mustang 1974 BMW CSL IMSA 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth (although this is on super gentle low boost cycle as we continue to learn it) my Caterham CSR We had hoped to have the 1985 Holden Commodore SS Group A WTCC homologation special out running today but alas its newly built engine started eating the camshaft on the dyno on Monday. Tear down, new bearings and start again.... They are called money pits for a reason! Temps will top out at 90. The crowd will starting hitting here from around 12 to 3pm. Around 3pm we migrate to karting for a little spirited competition then settle in for a a pool party at the clubhouse until the fireworks come on at 9pm. Bring swimsuits as pool is available Wednesday through to Saturday. Nothing like a post-track time swim! Should be a good day!

Lucky Dawg - The list does say 19 countries and then only show the top 7 countries, so Canada could easily fall into the lower count countries. For valuation keep in mind the price in the Canadian market is seemingly more than the US market - higher price to start with. The 2008 build cost for that CSR200 in Canada was 25% more than my CSR275 2 years later once you subtract the engine cost to compare like with like. The FX movement does not explain that difference during that time so I assume base cost was higher in Canada? Bit of a puzzle but was probably import taxes or quoting list versus true discounted cost paid. - limited supply of Caterhams in the Canadian market - so a buyer has to pay over the equivalent US model - and you cannot move them from US to Canada thanks to the respective country auto import frameworks A CSR200 is still a quick car (although using the CSR260 performance numbers to sell it is not brilliant - very nice catch Lucky Dawg!). 200-220hp is getting around the max (my view) for a very quick road car yet remains a good amount of hp for any track day. Its the wider S5 chassis. Its well spec'ed. 2008 is not that old and 11000 miles is reasonable. Condition seems pretty good. There is a rarity factor as it is a CSR. I could see the equivalent car going for $43-45k in the US, maybe more if it had an accommodating title year/make. US$48k for the same car in Canada is close enough I can rationalize it especially with the instant gratification factor. Terry (the seller) knows his market and he will be reading this. If the buyer has doubts then don't buy and wait for the next to come along. it just may take years... This might make the case for buying a new kit and assembling - new car, perfect spec, possibly cheaper in relative terms, etc. De dion chassis cars are out to 3rd quarter 2019 production slots by recent accounts. The CSR is still being made in limited quantities for the Swiss and Australian markets because of some legacy sales agreements and certification needs. You will not see it for sale on the Caterham website though.

But it must be possible - I saw it happen on TV! :lurk:

Nope you are coming the wrong route. I-95 should only be in play for a 1-2 miles maximum. If you come into PA on I-70 then follow I-76 east until Conshohocken PA, just after King of Prussia. Then pick up I-476 south/east and follow until you reach I-95 south. Follow I-95 south a very short way (like 2 miles) until you see Rt 322 east over Commodore Barry Bridge. Follow Rt 322 east towards Glassboro NJ and then exit onto Rt 55 south. This will have you 25mins out of Millville at this point. By doing this you bypass downtown Philadelphia and the usual I-95 mess. Give Tom a call and ask for a better way if in doubt. We have ways to help you get around the traffic. The villas do not have trailer parking so you can leave your trailer outside my garage for the night. Whoever is here Tuesday will join me/Shane/Robin/family at Andreas for dinner.

Not too late to be buying one of these beauties and turning up at the Sevens HPDE at New Jersey Motorsports Park next week! NEW Westfield 11 https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1983-westfield-xi/ Miata Locost project https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/miata-based-locost-project/6629870515.html REPEATS Lotus 7 S4 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Seven-S4/272993367211?hash=item3f8fac34ab:g:rsIAAOSwL81aPVwg Stalker https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stalker-Super-7/282949364029?hash=item41e118a93d:g:qRgAAOSwTFhbD6OG Westfield https://classiccars.com/listings/view/992785/1965-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-washington-missouri-63090 Lotus 7 S1 https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1065332/1958-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-stratford-connecticut-06615 Caterham 280 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/caterham/super-7/2081484.html and here http://wirewheel.com/2014-Caterham-Seven-for-sale.html Caterham BDR https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/caterham/super-7/2111816.html and here http://wirewheel.com/1994-Caterham-Super-7-Cosworth-BDR-for-sale.html Caterham Crossflow https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/super-7/2108833.html Caterham Sv 480 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/caterham/2124624.html Lotus 7 S2 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1871753.html Lotus 7 S4 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/super-seven/2101405.html Lotus 7 S1 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/2099394.html Westfield https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/westfield/1982882.html Caterham BD http://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/lotus-caterham-7-cosworth-bd-powered/ Caterham SV hayabusa http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/other/1458694360/1458694360ss.htm Caterham Zetec https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/d/caterham-super-seven/6620757995.html RM 8 project https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/lotus-caterham-super-7-style/6614291170.html Stalker V6SC https://www.ebay.com/itm/1962-Lotus-Super-Seven/123212672100?hash=item1cb00c2c64:g:k4UAAOSw4RZbJEnD and here https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/lotus-brunton-super-stalker/6626741610.html Stalker V8 https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/road-race-car-brunton-stalker/6604497788.html Replica ("needs finishing") https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/d/lotus-seven-replica-needs/6588212581.html Westfield V8 https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/d/1968-lotus-super-seven-8/6603044118.html Champion replica - stage 2 roller https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/d/lotus-super-seven-replica/6581285815.html MK Indy https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/d/mk-indy-super-seven/6609020591.html Rotus https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/d/lotus-rotus-super/6596576691.html Dutton project https://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/d/1978-dutton-lotus-7/6613601615.html Lotus 7 S1 https://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/d/1960-lotus-7-early-series-one/6607163874.html Canada Caterham CSR https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/calgary/caterham-csr-cosworth/1362376792?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/oakville-halton-region/lotus-caterham-7-replica/1358375488?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true Westfield Miata Turbo https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1286795329 Westfield https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1345047802 Locost frame chassis https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-other/calgary/locost-super-7-lotus-7-frame/1354714443?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

I don't have a specific recommendation but I would call the Caterham Canada importer. Definitely will not be local to you but will likely have picked up local-to-you owners who they may be able to put the question to or even better, connect you with other local owners. You may want to paste this question also in the Canada section of the forum way below and search that section of the forum for people who are located in Toronto. Its actually a pity there is a pesky border in the way but your closest dealer is only 1-1.5 hours away in Buffalo. Non-starter unfortunately as trying to get a Caterham back and forth for service is a no go thanks to customs protocols. The other option which a lot of us have done around the NY metro is find a good race mechanic or old school exotic brand mechanic. They may not know the cars but they have the right mindset to work on the car. I would suggest you be your own parts sourcer - call Caterham UK parts directly - they will arrive in a week that way. No suggestions on paint place sorry.

This looks like the final participation list. I suspect the awkward dates played into the numbers but still it was disappointing to originally have 30 commitments drop off to 18 on the Friday (once Stevie gets around to signing up) and 15 on Thursday. Still, the weather looks like its cooperating. The Wednesday fireworks display that are being put on especially for us will be spectacular. The dinners will be great and the laughter will be very much encouraged. If you are arriving on Wednesday, make sure you read your instructions on where to go initially. It will likely be heavier traffic than normal with all the firework visitors. Quick reminder: If arriving before 3pm - Head to Lightning pits. We will head to karting around 3pm at the back of the Lightning pits If arriving between 3pm and 4.30pm - come and see us at karting or head to the clubhouse for a drink and relax in air conditioned surroundings If arriving after 4.30pm - head to the clubhouse to join us for a cool drink, possibly a swim, and dinner kicking off around 6pm-6.30pm If you are still around at 9pm then fireworks will be happening at the Officers Club at the back of the Thunderbolt circuit. Those with villas should be able to enjoy from their balcony/terrace. Those with pit suites just have to step outside into the pit area. For those driving Thursday at Thunderbolt, keep an eye out for an email from Don Fauerbach with final start times for the day. And if anyone is there Tuesday, see me at the garage and we can organize a track walk as I don't think any are being used that day plus we can get a group together for dinner. Looking forward to seeing you all again and meeting new faces! :flag: Registered 1. Tom G - Caterhams 2. Croc - Caterham 3. Norm - It was a Caterham....at one point 4. Tom C - Mr. Birkin 5. Paul - Birkin 6. Mike M - Misguided Missile 7. Blake - Caterham 8. Graham - Locost Honda 9. Fred M - Locost Screamer 10. Scott L - Caterham 11. Jay - Caterham 12. Simon W - Caterham 13. Shane - NASA Launch Vehicle disguised as a Storker 14. Matt C - Westfield S2000 (Friday) 15. Jim A - Caterham (Friday) 16. Chris S - Lotus 7 S2 17. Dan F - Westfield Miata Committed but have not signed up 18. Steve M - Caterham Mike W will be back taking photos on Wednesday and Friday. Glen S will be back one day to do another of his videos.

Shane - at the Dayton Air Force museum, make sure you sign in with the desk for the Presidential and Experimental Hangar tour as soon as you arrive. Time slot availability goes very quickly - usually within 1.5 hours of museum opening. Only a limited number are allowed out to the connected twin hangars on the base, separate from the main museum complex. Also consider you will need ID for everyone for that hangar tour since you are entering an active military base. It was one of the most amazing places I have been (twice) - must see.

Registered 1. Tom G - 2 x Caterhams 2. Croc - Caterham 3. Norm - It was a Caterham....at one point 4. Tom C - Mr. Birkin 5. Paul - Birkin 6. Mike M - Misguided Missile 7. Blake - Caterham 8. Graham - Locost Honda 9. Fred M - Locost Screamer 10. Scott L - Caterham 11. Jay - Caterham 12. Simon W - Caterham 13. Shane - NASA Launch Vehicle disguised as a Storker 14. Matt C - Westfield S2000 (Friday) 15. Jim A - Caterham (Friday) 16. Chris S - Lotus 7 S2 Committed but have not signed up 17. Len C - Caterham 18. George H - Birkin 19. Dan F - Westfield Miatas' are slow like Dan's sign up 20. Steve M - Caterham Mike W will be back taking photos on Wednesday and Friday. Glen S will be back one day to do another of his videos.

Drives me nuts trying to coordinate numbers. My rule of thumb is that 40% of comittments evaporate. We will probably end up with 18.

Its the usual story - a whole bunch of last minute charlies playing late apex Registered 1. Tom G - 2 x Caterhams 2. Croc - Caterham 3. Norm - It was a Caterham....at one point 4. Tom C - Mr. Birkin 5. Paul - Birkin 6. Mike M - Misguided Missile 7. Blake - Caterham 8. Graham - Locost Honda 9. Fred M - Locost Screamer 10. Scott L - Caterham 11. Jay - Caterham 12. Simon W - Caterham 13. Shane - NASA Launch Vehicle disguised as a Storker Committed but have not signed up 14. Len C - Caterham 15. George H - Birkin 16. Dan F - Westfield Miatas' are slow like Dan's sign up 17. Steve M - Caterham 18. Chris S. - Lotus 7 S2 - running in the new engine 19. Jim A - Caterham 20. Matt C - Westfield S2000 (Friday) Mike W will be back taking photos on Wednesday and Friday. Glen S will be back one day to do another of his videos.

The best kind of lobster roll too! Jay - while you are at it, bring Pickles to NJMP with you next week. Good humored chaps are always prized and I suspect I will need it after Wednesday's test session for a few misbehaving cars...

I love it! :jester:

Well done - I think that adds a nice bit of flash under the bonnet. nice upgrade!

Now now Bob, i don’t recall ever doing anything to your butt? That’s not my style anyway. It’s those people from California that are into such stuff. Possibly Westfield owners from Seattle too?🤭 Despite that aspersion, I am really happy that you had a great drive and appreciate the subtlety that different seven types bring. The nimbleness of a Caterham over the lardy ass of the stalker is quite a contrast. I think you will get s great experience from it as a driver and definitely improve your skills. [emoji6] Next year you need to come at join us for the sevens event as with your humor you would fit so perfectly into the laugh a minute we have. I promise we will not bust your chops as badly as we bust Shane’s! [emoji16] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk