2010 is the third year that CA Training Ltd. have helped sponsor Project Merlot, the MX-5 track day car operated by MX-5 Eastern region members Jon, Martin and Robbie. As ever the mission statement at Project Merlot is unchanged, to provide hands on experience backed up by experienced drivers.
During 2009 I was lucky enough to experience one of Project Merlot's track days at Woodbridge. With the aid of drives with all three of the team I soon appreciated how valuable their experience was.
Yesterday I attended the first Project Merlot event of 2010 at Snetterton. As ever the car was well turned out and when a minor mechanical hiccup threatened the afternoon, the teams experience was on hand to ensure the Project Merlot car was back on track in minutes.
CATraining wishes everyone involved in the project an extremely busy 2010 and we hope to be able to report back on another action packed season at the end of the year.
Chris Gage Cambridge Area Training Ltd..
19 March 2010
11 February 2010
Starts on the Button
After standing, untouched since the MX-5 Owners Club's National Rally in September and through a very cold winter Project Merlot started on the button with not even a Jump start boosting its small AGM type battery! The alternator appeared to be seized, a fact pointed out by a loud squeal and smoke being emitted from a slipping drive belt. But giving the pulley a spin with a spanner seemed to free it off. I am thinking it may have been the massive charge load on the alternator casuing the belt to slip rather that a mechanical seizure... although the alternator was stationary with the belt spinning around it! I took the car into the Workshops at EMG Motor Group in Cambridge for a quick once over ready for the new season ahead.
Other than usual service items, I have decided to change 2 of the metal brake pipes which have rusted. The one that runs from the front to the back of the car is rusted where it passes though the plastic retaining clips. The clips tend to scratch the protective coating off the pipe exposing the metal which promotes the corrosion. The 2nd pipe is the one that runs from the right to the left side of the car accross the rear subframe. I think that this pipe is subjected to rusting due to its relatively exposed, lateral location accross the car.
Other than usual service items, I have decided to change 2 of the metal brake pipes which have rusted. The one that runs from the front to the back of the car is rusted where it passes though the plastic retaining clips. The clips tend to scratch the protective coating off the pipe exposing the metal which promotes the corrosion. The 2nd pipe is the one that runs from the right to the left side of the car accross the rear subframe. I think that this pipe is subjected to rusting due to its relatively exposed, lateral location accross the car.
22 November 2009
Footman James and Project Merlot partnership continues.
Team Merlot are please to confirm that their long standing association with Footman James the car insurance specialists is to continue. Footman James, (formerly AON) have provided motor insurance for Project Merlot since the project's inception in 2006.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)