1400 km of shake down

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 2:56 pm

Hello
I grabbed the opportunity to go for a shake down in the French mountains with some of my friends last week end. I remind you my goal is to race the Jean Behra historic in September then apply to do the Monte Carlo historic rally in January 2014.
During that trip, I completed 1400km in 4 days of mountains road at a fast pace ( following super seven is not easy).

It was a good test for the car before the rally season. I realized I have some modifications to do to make it perfect. I made some pictures to share it with you.

I left my wife and kid at home and I was gone Saturday afternoon. I met my co pilot on the way. He was driving his own car for that trip.

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 2:58 pm

We drove all afternoon but when we start approaching the mountains areas, it started to get cold as the evening was approaching. The heater is not working in the Lotus, not a problem now but it will in January during the Monte carlo when temp drop with -15?c ? the car lights are not at its best either, so I need to upgrade the light bulbs (Sue seem to offer an halogen conversion)

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:00 pm

We arrived in Lans en Vercors late in the evening under the rain. I was fine but he was a bit frozen!
In the morning it was much better

It is a nice little village, we were lucky to have some sun. After a solid breakfast, we read the map and decided where to go for the day.

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:01 pm

It was a good idea to test drive the car in hard conditions? and believe some roads were really Rally conditions one!

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:02 pm

When we drove in the mountains we experienced some heavy foggy /misty conditions.
But the good news is.... I never had moisture on my windscreen...

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:03 pm

We had to slow down. Despite the weather, some friends took the opportunity to join us to share some roads together.

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:04 pm

Beleive me, It was not the best day for shooting panoramic pictures for memories?

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:05 pm

We had covered something like 600 km and I realized my brand NEW front tyres were dead. It became urgent to replace it and find out what had gone wrong?

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:08 pm

We drove down in the valley to replace my expensive Michelin XAS by a new set. So, it was time for a pit stop!

I choosed to go for Vredestein Classic, the Sprint Model.

" Vercors Pneus " was the place to go!

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:09 pm

A new geometry was required and we discovered a bad set up.

I highly recommend Patrice from " Vercors Pneus "... he is the MAN !

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:11 pm

He used a modern 3D machine for the Geo.
He also aligned horizontaly my steering wheel with this clever german tool.

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:12 pm

Back on the road, We went for a new blast in the afternoon until....

Post by: **Pistacchio sprint 72** » Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:15 pm

The mountain was a never ending climbing road and the car at some point overheated. I had to stop to cool down. I decided that I have to upgrade my radiator to a bigger one before the rally.

You can not seriously stop to pour fresh snow on your rad during a race!

I don't know yet if I go radically for the 26R TTR rad... or for Clive boy dual fan combo on a Triumph one...