Pembrey, Engines, Brands & Leathers

Hello Nor-bloggers – it’s been a while, sorry…………

Things haven’t been going that well recently, with a couple of engine failures at Pembrey causing me to miss all four races, after illness caused me to miss both races at Oulton. Actually, one of the engine failures occured at Oulton – a siezure while negotiating Hizzy’s, which Rucksack only managed to avoid getting tangled up in by jumping off!! And hurting his hand in the process – sorry chap. Close examination of my seat suggests there was contact, so that must go down as a tick in the “close one” box.

Anyway, after discovering the siezure at Pembrey when a rattle developed a couple of sessions into the damp practice day, I set about swapping the lump for my spare. Unfortunately that didn’t last long either, as a gearbox failure while trying to take to the grid for the first race on the Saturday meant I ended up spending the weekend as a spectator with a couple of beers instead of actually racing. Could have been worse I guess – at least the beer was cold!!!

So, for Brands it was my third engine of the season, and this time I actually got to race!! Yep, there were a couple of minor problems with the clutch and what turned out to be a flat battery on the Sunday, but after all the hassles at Oulton and Pembrey I was pleased to be taking to the grid, having a bit of a dice with a few of the guys and actually crossing the line when the black and white flag was waving……..

Oh yeah, I got wear my new Scott leathers on Sunday for the TV cameras too, not that I’m expecting ‘em to have been focused back towards the tail end of the points for too long. I’ll let ya know when it’s due to be on Motors TV. They look really cool with the sponsor logo’s (Fuchs, Norbar, Norfolkline etc….) and when Fish manages to get his set adjusted to fit a little better we should be far and away the best presented team in the paddock. Again………..

Kev has been doing really well as our third team rider, having a couple of minor bike problems, but doing enough to get rid of his rookie vest, and also beating me in one of the races at Brands. Yeah, my clutch was slipping, but that doesn’t show on the results sheet. Just as well I picked up a spot prize share of the Norfolkline cash at the presentation on the Saturday night. I think Team Black Sheep Griggsy was a little jealous that Kev was running with full Team Norbar status – chap, that’s what a white fairing and a set of stickers does for ya!!!

Fish has been Mr Consistant as the front runner for Team Norbar picking up a brace of trophies for some 3rd positions – did we expectanything else?? No!!! Dude, get a stronger shelf in the garage, eh??

Gaz hasn’t been out on track so far this year, but it sounds like that’s about to change at Cadwell as part of the next meeting at the end of June – superb!! He’s been a great help in the paddock though, keeping on top of the fuel and tyres etc for us, and helping Kev with spannering when there’s been a problem or two that need investigation.

Anyway, have a look at www.norbar-racing.co.uk for a more detailed set of updates on what’s been happening, and you’ll find a bunch of pictures too – profesional stuff from Rusty and the guys at Racing Line, and a few more casual paddock snaps too.

Laters…………….