I've been a bit lax in keeping up with my blog since Donington. Too depressed I think!
To catch up briefly - I replaced my masterswitch for Silverstone and hoped for the best. Frustratingly, that was not the solution and I managed only about 4 laps in practice. Despite plenty of better brains than mine having a quick look I could find no obvious answer and had the same problem after about 3 laps in the race. After the race Andy Bates had a quick look and found a 'clicking' relay which he suggested I changed for a new one.
Having changed the relay I booked a test day at Sliverstone and went to test if that had done the trick. Sadly not. I noticed another 'clicking' relay which was in fact the fuel pump relay. I couldn;t get a new one on the test day so I replaced it in time for Mallory and hoped for the best.
So at Mallory I am reasonably confident that I have found the problem. But no. Same thing happened. After about 3 laps the car shuts down, and the fuel pump relay is clicking away again. Also the starter doesn't work, but the instruments still work so it is not a complete electical shut down.
Andy suggest I hard wire the relay temporarily for the race. So with this done I can start the race.
I'm on the back row having only done 3 warm up laps. I get a reasonable start and avoid some spins on the first lap. I manage to get in front of one other car within the first lap. On the second lap, half way round Gerrards, the dam thing pack in again!
I'm too frustrated for words now.
This car needs some serious surgery! I'm not sure where to start but I know it will involve parting with some cash!
So what a disasterous season. I've only finished 2 races. I've made some stupid mistakes and had some appalling luck with reliability. Actually it probably has nothing to do with luck. It's bad preparation by an amatuer with no expert knowledge.
I am seriously questioning whether an individual with a very limited budget and no expertese can expect to take part in this sport.
Well we'll see. I'm not giving up yet. Watch this space. As long as I still have a job next season I'll be out there again...somehow!
