OT: Going Racing (again)
Turbo Mini Forums

So, I sold the race BMW at the end of the last racing season and decided to have a year or two out, so I could concentrate on my business, work hard and actually earn some money without wasting it all on motor cars.

That plan was going well until I did a trackday in my Elise, and I realised two things.
1. Trackdays are flippin' boring.
2. I needed to go racing again.

So now, I've gone and bought a Lotus Elise racer - a previously race winning car that needs a good tidy up but is fundamentally sound. I picked it up on Friday just gone, and have set to work making it good again..

I'll be racing in the Elise Trophy, and I'll try and keep this thread up to date.

The spec is pretty simple on the trophy cars - production class, so glass windows, and sensible modifications. They run at about 700-735kg, and have 180ish bhp.

First round is in just six days at Snetterton, on Saturday the 19th. Eek! Lots to do..

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Edited by AlexB on 13th Mar, 2016.

So today was SUPER productive. After writing the to-do list, I was sure there would be loads of things remaining come darkness - and there are - but nothing serious.

Firstly, I got the car up on stands and decided to tackle the awful gear change - I couldn't get 1st at all, and it all felt rubbish. I fitted a new eliseparts linkage kit, and adjusted it so everything lined up as it should and now the gears are all accessible. I still hate the short-shift lever, but I'll replace that once I find a standard one.

I then changed the brake pads for the now mandatory Performance Friction jobbies, which was an easy task.

After that I sorted a bit of interior mess, wiring and rattly bits, and also found some other minor issues that were soon resolved. Whilst I was busy, Nicky, my lovely wife was working hard removing all of the stickers and black marks from the car. I'd never have done such a good job of it, and she really made it look great. I took some yellow duct-tape to the bare fibreglass broken bits, just to seal it up until I have it repaired. Shame the yellow doesn't match, but I can live with it!

I can't wait to get my own number, the series 2016 stickers and my own stickers on the car - it'll really feel like it's mine then!

Working on the car today was actually a pleasure - the car looks very beaten up on the outside, but it's immaculate underneath and where it matters - the moving components such as wishbones and suspension were all brand new in June last year, and everything comes apart very easily. Lovely.

A few pics:

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It was that early start that got you fired up lol.

Car looks cool mate!

I have started posting on Instagram also my name on there is turbomk1golf

Nothing is impossible it just costs more and takes longer.

Looking good mate

My build thread..

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=542985

Looks very nice

I run a supercharger and I don't care the TB is on the wrong side.
VEMS + 12 PSI + Liquid Intercooler = Small Bore FUN!

That is great. I always liked the Elise. And I guess your pretty lucky to. My wife would not used her day of cleaning my race car :(

www.shag.no

Really like that! Look forward to the write ups

Just the ticket that. Good luck!

Really got the bug now !

Good luck and have lots of fun.

looks like great fun!
love the central tow strap sticking out like a tongue

Reading up on RTS Clutches

Sweet little car, good luck with the racing

Very nice. Hope you got the camera mounted and ready

I wish I had one like that... um... same goes with racecar and wife

75' Mini special deluxe.
1275 A+ engine with turbo on the way...

Another good evening spent on the race car, and more progress has been made. I think she is pretty much ready to race.

I've spent a huge amount of time checking things, tidying things, securing wires and trim. I like my race cars to be tight and without rattles or distractions.

I've also put a few stickers on - both the mandatory series ones and a few of my own. I've also taken some off - the small Applecado's on the doors are gone as they looked stupid.

I'd still like a bit of time to re-fit the diffuser as it's only held on with three tiny bolts in the middle, and I'd like to add some ducting and a heat shield on the alternator.

I also spent a few minutes after it got dark being a pansy and adding a lotus sport logo to some sheet carbon fibre and making a steering wheel centre, along with some new black bolts to replace the tired silver ones. For no benefit at all.

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Edited by AlexB on 15th Mar, 2016.

Well, it's not the top step, but it'll do for the 2nd weekend in the car..

Full update here: http://www.alexballracing.co.uk

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C-O-O-L !!!

Good stuff. I got my first pot in the single seater last weekend too. Always puts a smile on your face.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

www.twin-turbo.co.uk

Nice work Wil - didn't even know you had one!!

Had it a few years, been developing it, now really getting there. Up against the big boys i the British hillclimb champ in a couple of weeks

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.p...id=526062&fr=25

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

www.twin-turbo.co.uk

Not the worst weekend..

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Nice one Alex

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

Good going!!! Must be chuffed

Experience counts !

Excellent stuff.