GRANITE CITY RALLY.....

[redpoint rallying]

2006 RALLYING.........

Well, the Redpoint Rallying Mini Cooper has been undergoing a fair bit of work recently after a busy seasons rallying last year.

With the help of our support from Framor Garage, Banchory, we have replaced the broken engine mount which caused us a few dramas on the end of season Galloway Hills Rally and fitted new driveshafts, drive belt, water pump and various ancilliaries that were knocked about / mangled last time out.

The engine management is showing a couple of earthing faults but the car is going well. A further poke about should rectify these!

In line with our development of the car, it will be receiving a further re-map from our sponsor Essentialmini.co.uk

Last season we re-mapped the car several times, each time with significant gains so we hope to continue with this improving theme for the 2006 season.

I have given the car a good old re-fettle with the front and rear suspension refurbished along with the dampers. This weekend I had the car up at our supporters at Alan Scotts body shop. I needed the front suspension turrets seam welded for strength. This involved again dismantling the front suspension, removing the inner wheel arches and trim and general removal of most things in the engine bay to allow the lads to get clear access to each turret.

I prepared the turrets, scraping off the paint and sealant and the lads had the welding done in a few hours. Further rubbing down and I had them primed and painted and 'baked' in the 'oven.' It looks all nice a fresh. I got everything bolted back together and the car back in my workshop at home by the close of play. Job done.

So, I need to get an MOT and the sump guard fitted and we arent too far away in the preparations for our first rally of 2006....our home event, The Granite City Rally.

See http://www.osborner.free-online.co.uk/granite.htm

The event is the 3rd round of the Scottish Rally Championship. The rally starts from Castlegate in Aberdeen city centre on the morning of Saturday 29 April and finishes at the Thistle Altens Hotel at Altens later in the day.

Scrutineering for the rally will be during the Friday evening at Specialist Cars Volkswagen, Craigshaw Drive, Aberdeen. Its the place to see all the rally cars in one place.

We havent competed in our home event before so we are really looking forward to this one. There will be 6 Special Stages, all on gravel with a total mileage of 190 miles. The rally will visit the stages in Whitehaugh, Tornasheen and the infamous Clashindarroch before heading over to the Kincardineshire stages (no further details here just yet).

Main servicing during the rally will be at Alford Transport Museum.

The website will be updates by the organisers so if you are thinking of spectating then keep an eye on it.

Remember and come and say hello if you are at the rally!!!

Cheers

M

[Gismo]

Good luck, fingers crossed for your success this year :)

[The Bull]

I went up there last year and is was terrific. Will be there again.

[The Dogfather]

Note in diary made!

[Duncan Stewart]

All the best with your Rallying this year Wont make the granite city but hope to catch you in action later in the year.

[saraandcraig]

good luck with the granite. you gona enter the jim clark?

[redpoint rallying]

Not sure about the Jim Clark this year. I need to buy a Dog Box for the rally car which is going to be expensive and hence curtail some of our forays this year. Its a cracking rally. I see from your photo you have tasted the delights of the famous water splash.....good on ya!

M

[X30YES]

Best of luck Martin and hope you do really well ,however the wheel changing, windea washing, crew will need a bit more than luck
:approve::approve::approve:

[The Dogfather]

Dog Box :question:

[redpoint rallying]

Ah yes, a Dog Box. Not something to carry a pampered pooch in, that would be just silly, they are crap at reading pace notes....

Its a competition gearbox. The gear set is close ratio, and straight cut ie. cut at 90 degs accross instead of normal helical which are cut at an angle. They are noisy but stronger. The Dog bit refers to 'lugs' that are part of the sides of the cogs which offer a better and stronger gearchange/connection to the next cog.....they are called Dogs! A Dog Box usually allows you to change gear without using the clutch, which is handy if your left foot is a bit busy on the brake......

M