2016
The 1750 Veloce: cut springs, a roll cage, a stripped interior.
Towed on an A-frame behind the VW Transporter.
Slow. A hill climb needs power.
Read the 2016 post ›Simola, 2016 to 2026
The obsession (2016-2019)
2017
A new motor, and on a trailer this time. Car #22.
The car coughed and spluttered on my first run.
1.06.7, last year’s time beat, but not my goal. That’s racing.
Read the 2017 post ›
2018
Motor out three times in a month, chasing an oil problem. I decided to withdraw. Then I had to go.
Woke up at 00:00, drove through the night, arrived at 5:30. “If the lights work, I go.”
1.05.5, 1 second faster than last year. Satisfied, all things considered. I bought the Stepnose.
Read the 2018 post ›2019
Another motor refresh. Towed with the VW Transporter.
After 2019 I considered calling it a day.
The cost (2020-2022)
2020
A rush to finish the Stepnose.
Covid. Event cancelled.
2021
My first Simola in the #RescueMod, towed behind a Nissan Navara. In the thick of negotiations to sell the motorcycle business.
3rd and 4th were not available. I called it a day while everything was still in one piece.
Read the 2021 post ›2022
I chose to drive the racecar to the event, in the spirit of the roadworthy class.
The wrong fuel pump kept heat-seizing. I missed the first night’s bed finding a new one.
The car ran great. My happiest Simola. The Bedford idea was born. “A lot comes from misadventure.”
The win (2023)
2023
Towed behind the GWM. My most prepared yet.
The motor broke on the dyno the weekend before. I asked the engine builder to see if he could assemble one over the long weekend. He did. Next drive was the 1st practice run.
Won Class H3.
The dark night (2024-2025)
2024
The new racecar was finished but wouldn’t go into gear.
I took the Stepnose. A knife to a gunfight.
Read the 2024 post ›2025
The car was built and started, but wouldn’t drive. Untested. I withdrew.
I went as a spectator, in the Porsche.
I vowed never to withdraw again.
The arrival (2026)
2026
The Widebody and the Bedford: the first time both my self-built cars ran together.
