Team Update
One horse power... to manage expectations!
10th December 2017
Long overdue congratulations to Gav Kidwell and Alan Major for each finishing 4th in their respective championships. Chris, after only two meetings!, finished 6th in the UK Classic and won £50 and a pair of race boots.
You see! You don’t have to attend a whole season of racing. Just pick the meetings where Cormac isn’t turning up. It makes things so much easier.
October’s meeting at Brands Hatch will always be remembered, for, in a tragic accident at Clearways, Fran Fletcher lost her life. Warm, caring and adventurous, Fran will always be missed by her CRMC friends and racing colleagues.
There were a spooky number of offs over the meeting each followed by a serious examination of the track for oil, but in each case nothing was found to be wrong.
On the test day on Friday Alan Major’s RS125 seized second session out. Kevin Major and Gav cleaned the aluminium off the barrel by gently scraping it and replaced the piston. The bike finished the meeting with no further incident.
The previous evening Chris had popped home to pick up the North hoping Alan would like to take it out during the test day. Alan did five sessions on the North and was intrigued. With Chris forced to step back from racing since he dislocated his right shoulder at the Endurance, and the subsequent surgery for massive rotor cuff repair, we wanted to be involved still in the CRMC , but not merely as spectators.
Cutting a long story short, Richard Peckett would like to still see the RPS racing and Alan will ride it next year in the Formula 750. Alan Major is only 25. A mere whippersnapper. It will be an exciting year for us all.
Chris will continue to maintain the RPS at and between meetings, and will transport it to and from meetings as usual. Only one bike and spares to deal with now!
It is at this point I would like to say an enormous thank you to Martin Pink who transported the North in the early years of Chris racing two bikes and also to Graham Redrup and Janet who transported the North from when Graham retired from work to when Chris retired from racing. Chris would not have been able to manage without you. Derek did his fair share of stepping in when Graham was on holiday... last year at Pembrey he had loads of fun - arriving at the circuit in the early hours of the morning, pitch black, raining, with the car’s headlights failing as far back as Cardiff, his tent submerged so he had to go to a hotel and up to his knees in mud. Could I just say you’ve all done us proud.
With a new rider on the RPS we are changing the team’s name! I have given this a lot of thought and I feel it is time we had a more mature name and we mark the joining of the Majors with the Chapmen. I am also aware of the fact that Sophia, Alan’s niece, has just started school. She is very proud of her uncle Alan and it is not right that, if asked by teachers what she did at the weekend, she has to say W.A.N.C.A. in her reply.
New Team name:
I would like to begin by going back to the early stages of Chris’ fourteen year romance with motorcycle couriering. For a variety of reasons Chris was named ‘Captain Chaos’ or, merely, ‘Chaos’ to his friends. Our mail would be addressed to ‘The Captain & Mrs Chaos’. After Chris’ exciting and successful racing career we feel a promotion is due and with Alan’s family joining with us we are hence named Major Chaos. Nothing immature about that, is there?
Team Major Chaos’ first flirtation with the mud will be at Pembrey in March. MARCH! So here are the dates and circuits for 2018’s season.
31st March – 1st April Pembrey (a mud bath)
28th – 29th April Snetterton (nice)
26th May AND 28th May Oulton Park (that’s a Weird one as they can’t race consecutive days)
7th – 8th July Darley Moor (you either love it or hate it)
3rd, 4th, 5th August Donington Park (slippery, cramped & noisy)
8th – 9th September Mallory Park (a toilet)
6th – 7th October Cadwell Park (it’s nice when it’s dry)
The RPS is at P&Ms having a new oil tank made and a cross-over shaft put in so it will be left-hand gear change for Alan. We hopefully will meet with the Majors and the Kidwells to discuss preferential camping/paddock set up and everything will run smoothly, as usual.
Major Chaos wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous 2018.
Long Suffering Wife (no changes there... !)
Long overdue congratulations to Gav Kidwell and Alan Major for each finishing 4th in their respective championships. Chris, after only two meetings!, finished 6th in the UK Classic and won £50 and a pair of race boots.
You see! You don’t have to attend a whole season of racing. Just pick the meetings where Cormac isn’t turning up. It makes things so much easier.
October’s meeting at Brands Hatch will always be remembered, for, in a tragic accident at Clearways, Fran Fletcher lost her life. Warm, caring and adventurous, Fran will always be missed by her CRMC friends and racing colleagues.
There were a spooky number of offs over the meeting each followed by a serious examination of the track for oil, but in each case nothing was found to be wrong.
On the test day on Friday Alan Major’s RS125 seized second session out. Kevin Major and Gav cleaned the aluminium off the barrel by gently scraping it and replaced the piston. The bike finished the meeting with no further incident.
The previous evening Chris had popped home to pick up the North hoping Alan would like to take it out during the test day. Alan did five sessions on the North and was intrigued. With Chris forced to step back from racing since he dislocated his right shoulder at the Endurance, and the subsequent surgery for massive rotor cuff repair, we wanted to be involved still in the CRMC , but not merely as spectators.
Cutting a long story short, Richard Peckett would like to still see the RPS racing and Alan will ride it next year in the Formula 750. Alan Major is only 25. A mere whippersnapper. It will be an exciting year for us all.
Chris will continue to maintain the RPS at and between meetings, and will transport it to and from meetings as usual. Only one bike and spares to deal with now!
It is at this point I would like to say an enormous thank you to Martin Pink who transported the North in the early years of Chris racing two bikes and also to Graham Redrup and Janet who transported the North from when Graham retired from work to when Chris retired from racing. Chris would not have been able to manage without you. Derek did his fair share of stepping in when Graham was on holiday... last year at Pembrey he had loads of fun - arriving at the circuit in the early hours of the morning, pitch black, raining, with the car’s headlights failing as far back as Cardiff, his tent submerged so he had to go to a hotel and up to his knees in mud. Could I just say you’ve all done us proud.
With a new rider on the RPS we are changing the team’s name! I have given this a lot of thought and I feel it is time we had a more mature name and we mark the joining of the Majors with the Chapmen. I am also aware of the fact that Sophia, Alan’s niece, has just started school. She is very proud of her uncle Alan and it is not right that, if asked by teachers what she did at the weekend, she has to say W.A.N.C.A. in her reply.
New Team name:
I would like to begin by going back to the early stages of Chris’ fourteen year romance with motorcycle couriering. For a variety of reasons Chris was named ‘Captain Chaos’ or, merely, ‘Chaos’ to his friends. Our mail would be addressed to ‘The Captain & Mrs Chaos’. After Chris’ exciting and successful racing career we feel a promotion is due and with Alan’s family joining with us we are hence named Major Chaos. Nothing immature about that, is there?
Team Major Chaos’ first flirtation with the mud will be at Pembrey in March. MARCH! So here are the dates and circuits for 2018’s season.
31st March – 1st April Pembrey (a mud bath)
28th – 29th April Snetterton (nice)
26th May AND 28th May Oulton Park (that’s a Weird one as they can’t race consecutive days)
7th – 8th July Darley Moor (you either love it or hate it)
3rd, 4th, 5th August Donington Park (slippery, cramped & noisy)
8th – 9th September Mallory Park (a toilet)
6th – 7th October Cadwell Park (it’s nice when it’s dry)
The RPS is at P&Ms having a new oil tank made and a cross-over shaft put in so it will be left-hand gear change for Alan. We hopefully will meet with the Majors and the Kidwells to discuss preferential camping/paddock set up and everything will run smoothly, as usual.
Major Chaos wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous 2018.
Long Suffering Wife (no changes there... !)
Donington Park
4th - 6th August 2017
How very odd to merely be a spectator after ten years. I'm not sure that I like it, compared to being a team at the circuit, but it is the only way to be able to catch up with most of our racing friends.
One is aware of the importance of not getting in the way when everyone is busy. After the final race on Sunday I had lost Chris again and was hanging around the Kidwells and Majors like a spare part as they all dashed about, packing.
I was grateful to Lou that she'd been so busy over the weekend she'd got behind with the washing-up. 'Camping washing-up' is something I am really good at and I soon had it done and then went to fold gazebo sides with Lesley. It made me feel 'normal' for a while.
Sandra Peckett booked a place for us with them on the campsite just outside the main gate. It was so very kind of her. We parked up opposite Sandra and Richard and I found it was lovely and peaceful to go back to between circuit visits.
I'd had two long and physically exhausting jobs booked on Thursday, while Chris drove to Eastbourne to have lunch with his sisters and his new sister-in-law, so we were not able to leave home until after the rush hour.
We arrived at the circuit at 10pm and Sandra made us tea. We sat for a while with her and Richard before setting up the caravan. To not have Richard's bike in my bedroom was strange but wonderful. My bed was already made, there was not the half-a-dustpan of gravel to sweep up from the tyres' treads, no bike-clamp in my living-room nor 'le parfum de gasoline' (pardon my French) hanging in the air.
Getting up at 10am Friday morning was luxurious - a gentle hum of bikes in the distance reminding us that there was a race meeting next door. We set off to do a sweep of the paddocks and find the Kidwells and Majors. Chris was accosted by numerous people who asked how he was. I must admit I didn't know who most of them were. I lived a sheltered existence at race meetings and rarely set foot beyond the caravan and garage/gazebo.
We had been walking for a while when the purple and lemon roof to Gav's gazebo appeared in the distance and we quickly found them. After lunch I went and had a catch-up and several beers with Lou, then Chris and I headed back to the campsite for supper.
Wow!. That's the way to do it! A microwave and a lasagne. A little salad and two forks. I like this side of not racing! We sat for a while with Sandra and Richard & co and it was the most beautiful summer evening. I would have appreciated it even more if I'd known how crap Saturday's weather was going to be.
My body was demanding a rest after the onslaught my muscles endured on Thursday so I spent most of Saturday reading in the caravan. The rain became a storm and went back to steady rain again and the track sounded quiet for long periods of time. I was on the phone in the caravan during the heaviest downpour and had to ring off as the noise on the roof was so deafening.
Chris arrived for supper at 6pm and we persuaded Marshal Neil to join us for a curry. We moved our chairs over with Sandra and Richard and introduced them to Neil. We haven't seen him since Pembrey.
After supper we walked to Gav and Lou's to partake in the consuming of home-made Rhubarb Vodka with her friends. It was extraordinarily fine and, as it burned its way into my flesh, my breath smells of it still.
We met Rod's son, Ian, who was at the circuit for the weekend. He's a lovely chap. We hope to see Rod when we visit Brands in October.
Sunday's weather was fair. Gav, who had a 4th, 2nd & 3rd thus far was preparing for the MT 40th Anniversary Race. The grid positions would be drawn before the race and Alan drew 10th. Gav drew 30th so he was last on the grid. Chris and I decided to get to Redgate and watch from there while Gav donned his new leathers.
We met Spike Livingstone on the way and took him with us. We waited ages for the race to come up as there was catch-up from those cancelled Saturday. Finally they were on the grid. During the race Alan, who was leading, suffered gear-change problems and pulled over but Gav, who I couldn't see for the first two laps because no-one told me he'd changed his leathers, was working his way through the pack up to fourth when I spotted him. He got into third and we held our breath and he kept ahead. He collected his trophy and laurel and was absolutely delighted. He said it was his best racing moment so far. He went on to finish the meeting with another 3rd in his last race.
After seeing everyone off, Chris and I returned to the campsite. Marshal Neil was going to pack his tent and call in and have a cup of tea with us before he left.
I persuaded Sandra that we should eat in the hotel restaurant that evening with the Tapsells. She booked a table and as the time was fast approaching we started to pack away the chairs in case it rained and Neil suddenly realised he was the only person still sitting. We said our good-byes and went to eat.
Sandra accosted a lone diner who'd been at the meeting and had just been served his meal. She took his plate and drink and plonked them on our table. He had to follow if he wanted his meal. He was one half of Team Orange and had a long chat with the boys while we ate. He seemed to have a good time and joined us all for coffee after by the Peckett's caravan.
We were away by 11am Monday. It had been a lovely three days thanks to Sandra booking the site for us.
Gav had done brilliantly. Alan was doing even more brilliantly in each race but sadly suffered constant bad luck which resulted in him having to pull over each time.
Just as we thought the dangerous stuff was over Jade was cut on her knee by the transponder clip on the bike as Alan pushed it into their van. A plaster was required! I feel that her jeans, which were slashed across the knee prior to the incident, would have offered more protection if the fabric was entire. It is unlikely to happen though, as in order for me to sew it up we would first have to drug her. Team W.A.N.C.A wish Jade a speedy recovery. We may not be practising but we are there in spirit.
Thank you Lou for the photos (see 2017 Photo Gallery). The cream bike is Lou's Prototype by the way. Isn't it lovely! And it runs beautifully.
Chris is making slow progress recovering from his dislocated shoulder and subsequent surgery. Thank you to everyone who wished him well. It was painful for Chris to attend a meeting and not be able to race but he really wanted to catch up with everyone.
We hope Gav and Alan have a successful Anglesey in four weeks time.
Finally, we would like to introduce you to Wilson, Marshal Neil's owner. Neil's new Kyham One-Touch tent has passed the Wilson test. A quality tent for a quality cat.
Long Suffering Wife
How very odd to merely be a spectator after ten years. I'm not sure that I like it, compared to being a team at the circuit, but it is the only way to be able to catch up with most of our racing friends.
One is aware of the importance of not getting in the way when everyone is busy. After the final race on Sunday I had lost Chris again and was hanging around the Kidwells and Majors like a spare part as they all dashed about, packing.
I was grateful to Lou that she'd been so busy over the weekend she'd got behind with the washing-up. 'Camping washing-up' is something I am really good at and I soon had it done and then went to fold gazebo sides with Lesley. It made me feel 'normal' for a while.
Sandra Peckett booked a place for us with them on the campsite just outside the main gate. It was so very kind of her. We parked up opposite Sandra and Richard and I found it was lovely and peaceful to go back to between circuit visits.
I'd had two long and physically exhausting jobs booked on Thursday, while Chris drove to Eastbourne to have lunch with his sisters and his new sister-in-law, so we were not able to leave home until after the rush hour.
We arrived at the circuit at 10pm and Sandra made us tea. We sat for a while with her and Richard before setting up the caravan. To not have Richard's bike in my bedroom was strange but wonderful. My bed was already made, there was not the half-a-dustpan of gravel to sweep up from the tyres' treads, no bike-clamp in my living-room nor 'le parfum de gasoline' (pardon my French) hanging in the air.
Getting up at 10am Friday morning was luxurious - a gentle hum of bikes in the distance reminding us that there was a race meeting next door. We set off to do a sweep of the paddocks and find the Kidwells and Majors. Chris was accosted by numerous people who asked how he was. I must admit I didn't know who most of them were. I lived a sheltered existence at race meetings and rarely set foot beyond the caravan and garage/gazebo.
We had been walking for a while when the purple and lemon roof to Gav's gazebo appeared in the distance and we quickly found them. After lunch I went and had a catch-up and several beers with Lou, then Chris and I headed back to the campsite for supper.
Wow!. That's the way to do it! A microwave and a lasagne. A little salad and two forks. I like this side of not racing! We sat for a while with Sandra and Richard & co and it was the most beautiful summer evening. I would have appreciated it even more if I'd known how crap Saturday's weather was going to be.
My body was demanding a rest after the onslaught my muscles endured on Thursday so I spent most of Saturday reading in the caravan. The rain became a storm and went back to steady rain again and the track sounded quiet for long periods of time. I was on the phone in the caravan during the heaviest downpour and had to ring off as the noise on the roof was so deafening.
Chris arrived for supper at 6pm and we persuaded Marshal Neil to join us for a curry. We moved our chairs over with Sandra and Richard and introduced them to Neil. We haven't seen him since Pembrey.
After supper we walked to Gav and Lou's to partake in the consuming of home-made Rhubarb Vodka with her friends. It was extraordinarily fine and, as it burned its way into my flesh, my breath smells of it still.
We met Rod's son, Ian, who was at the circuit for the weekend. He's a lovely chap. We hope to see Rod when we visit Brands in October.
Sunday's weather was fair. Gav, who had a 4th, 2nd & 3rd thus far was preparing for the MT 40th Anniversary Race. The grid positions would be drawn before the race and Alan drew 10th. Gav drew 30th so he was last on the grid. Chris and I decided to get to Redgate and watch from there while Gav donned his new leathers.
We met Spike Livingstone on the way and took him with us. We waited ages for the race to come up as there was catch-up from those cancelled Saturday. Finally they were on the grid. During the race Alan, who was leading, suffered gear-change problems and pulled over but Gav, who I couldn't see for the first two laps because no-one told me he'd changed his leathers, was working his way through the pack up to fourth when I spotted him. He got into third and we held our breath and he kept ahead. He collected his trophy and laurel and was absolutely delighted. He said it was his best racing moment so far. He went on to finish the meeting with another 3rd in his last race.
After seeing everyone off, Chris and I returned to the campsite. Marshal Neil was going to pack his tent and call in and have a cup of tea with us before he left.
I persuaded Sandra that we should eat in the hotel restaurant that evening with the Tapsells. She booked a table and as the time was fast approaching we started to pack away the chairs in case it rained and Neil suddenly realised he was the only person still sitting. We said our good-byes and went to eat.
Sandra accosted a lone diner who'd been at the meeting and had just been served his meal. She took his plate and drink and plonked them on our table. He had to follow if he wanted his meal. He was one half of Team Orange and had a long chat with the boys while we ate. He seemed to have a good time and joined us all for coffee after by the Peckett's caravan.
We were away by 11am Monday. It had been a lovely three days thanks to Sandra booking the site for us.
Gav had done brilliantly. Alan was doing even more brilliantly in each race but sadly suffered constant bad luck which resulted in him having to pull over each time.
Just as we thought the dangerous stuff was over Jade was cut on her knee by the transponder clip on the bike as Alan pushed it into their van. A plaster was required! I feel that her jeans, which were slashed across the knee prior to the incident, would have offered more protection if the fabric was entire. It is unlikely to happen though, as in order for me to sew it up we would first have to drug her. Team W.A.N.C.A wish Jade a speedy recovery. We may not be practising but we are there in spirit.
Thank you Lou for the photos (see 2017 Photo Gallery). The cream bike is Lou's Prototype by the way. Isn't it lovely! And it runs beautifully.
Chris is making slow progress recovering from his dislocated shoulder and subsequent surgery. Thank you to everyone who wished him well. It was painful for Chris to attend a meeting and not be able to race but he really wanted to catch up with everyone.
We hope Gav and Alan have a successful Anglesey in four weeks time.
Finally, we would like to introduce you to Wilson, Marshal Neil's owner. Neil's new Kyham One-Touch tent has passed the Wilson test. A quality tent for a quality cat.
Long Suffering Wife
Donington - Endurance Legends
Sunday 2nd July 2017
Could I just mention, before I start writing about the result of Chris' ludicrous decision to do the endurance, that I told him not to do it. There was me, worried that his recently broken left wrist would be affected by the length of the sessions and might result in there being a negative impact on his racing, when I should have been more concerned about him doing his Superman thing and lobbing himself into the tarmac.
Having had a very busy and physically exhausting fortnight I was going to spend the endurance weekend reading in the caravan and moving as little as possible. Instead I found myself on the pit wall with a stop-watch. This was not unenjoyable, but I was a little too close to the action for my liking. Lyn George went through the procedure of pit boards and pit stops and I tried to shout out the times as accurately as possible. The boys had their pit stop routine beautifully choreographed, with the rider each time striking an odd heroic pose with the fire extinguisher.
Practice and qualifying went well on the Saturday although, for the race, Mark would still have to start from the back as the bike didn't have an electronic ignition. Steve Parrish and Jamie Whittam were with Suzuki in the garage next door and the press was all over them. My claim to fame this weekend was that I nearly got run down by Jamie Whittam on a moped as he shot out of the garage into the fire lane.
After an agonisingly long wait for 3pm Sunday the time arrived for the riders to line up with their bikes under the pit wall to be interviewed. It was incredibly hot and it took an extraordinary long time to get through them all. Silly idea. Then the Le Mans start - well, my heart was in my mouth. How no-one was killed I don't know. Everyone was in everyone else' way and Mark was probably extremely relieved he was at the back.
Jamie Whittam stormed off and crashed immediately so they all went home. Embarrassing. Over the first ten minutes Mark gently increased his speed and settled into a rhythm. After 40 minutes he came in for the change over and, after the smoothest of smooth pit stops, Chris took to the saddle. The lap times fell and fell. I asked Lynn if she had a board in the crate with 'slow the f.... down' on it but it was too late. The safety car came past and there was no Chris, as he had high-sided and landed on his right shoulder. I spent a very long time outside the med centre before the ambulance arrived with Chris in it. I took one look at him and stomped off back to the paddock to pack. I spent a considerable amount of time screaming in the caravan before going back into the garage. Mark's bike took even longer to arrive. Poor Mark and his team. They'd done so much prep and they'd been doing so well. I was gutted for them.
As the hours passed I knew that every bit of effort and time the team had put into Snetterton and Pembrey was totally wasted because Chris would not be racing again this year. Maybe never. I put a considerable amount of time and energy into the first two meetings, especially for Snetterton. It's a shame because he was doing really well. Chris is now more disabled even than when he broke his wrist and he will be off work for months. There was only one tendon on the rotor cuff which didn't need re-joining and he has to wear this rather freaky looking sling for six weeks. Intense physio starts this week.
So from now on if anyone has any more stupid ideas which they'd like Chris to become involved in, they have to be first passed by the committee. The committee is me, the answer will be no, so don't bother asking.
Long Suffering Wife
Could I just mention, before I start writing about the result of Chris' ludicrous decision to do the endurance, that I told him not to do it. There was me, worried that his recently broken left wrist would be affected by the length of the sessions and might result in there being a negative impact on his racing, when I should have been more concerned about him doing his Superman thing and lobbing himself into the tarmac.
Having had a very busy and physically exhausting fortnight I was going to spend the endurance weekend reading in the caravan and moving as little as possible. Instead I found myself on the pit wall with a stop-watch. This was not unenjoyable, but I was a little too close to the action for my liking. Lyn George went through the procedure of pit boards and pit stops and I tried to shout out the times as accurately as possible. The boys had their pit stop routine beautifully choreographed, with the rider each time striking an odd heroic pose with the fire extinguisher.
Practice and qualifying went well on the Saturday although, for the race, Mark would still have to start from the back as the bike didn't have an electronic ignition. Steve Parrish and Jamie Whittam were with Suzuki in the garage next door and the press was all over them. My claim to fame this weekend was that I nearly got run down by Jamie Whittam on a moped as he shot out of the garage into the fire lane.
After an agonisingly long wait for 3pm Sunday the time arrived for the riders to line up with their bikes under the pit wall to be interviewed. It was incredibly hot and it took an extraordinary long time to get through them all. Silly idea. Then the Le Mans start - well, my heart was in my mouth. How no-one was killed I don't know. Everyone was in everyone else' way and Mark was probably extremely relieved he was at the back.
Jamie Whittam stormed off and crashed immediately so they all went home. Embarrassing. Over the first ten minutes Mark gently increased his speed and settled into a rhythm. After 40 minutes he came in for the change over and, after the smoothest of smooth pit stops, Chris took to the saddle. The lap times fell and fell. I asked Lynn if she had a board in the crate with 'slow the f.... down' on it but it was too late. The safety car came past and there was no Chris, as he had high-sided and landed on his right shoulder. I spent a very long time outside the med centre before the ambulance arrived with Chris in it. I took one look at him and stomped off back to the paddock to pack. I spent a considerable amount of time screaming in the caravan before going back into the garage. Mark's bike took even longer to arrive. Poor Mark and his team. They'd done so much prep and they'd been doing so well. I was gutted for them.
As the hours passed I knew that every bit of effort and time the team had put into Snetterton and Pembrey was totally wasted because Chris would not be racing again this year. Maybe never. I put a considerable amount of time and energy into the first two meetings, especially for Snetterton. It's a shame because he was doing really well. Chris is now more disabled even than when he broke his wrist and he will be off work for months. There was only one tendon on the rotor cuff which didn't need re-joining and he has to wear this rather freaky looking sling for six weeks. Intense physio starts this week.
So from now on if anyone has any more stupid ideas which they'd like Chris to become involved in, they have to be first passed by the committee. The committee is me, the answer will be no, so don't bother asking.
Long Suffering Wife
Championship Standings
Sunday 30th April 2017
I have updated the Championship Standings page to reflect the 2017 standings following the second race meeting of the season, as confirmed by the CRMC.
I have made some comments on each championship below.
Classic Formula 750 - With a long awaited turn of events, Chris scored in all four races in this class at Pembrey, including two third place finishes, a fourth and a fifth. Chris now sits tied in third place, however only one point behind Gary Porter, while Oli Linsdell still leads the championship by 35 points. With the ever present end of season adjustment and 19 races to go, all is to play for in what this championship.
1300cc Clubman Multi's - Chris had a hat-trick of wins at Pembrey, continuing is 100% win rate in this championship in 2017. Keith Jarvis trails by 46 points, with Gary Porter 23 points behind in third place. A strong start, though in a sparse field, you can only beat what's on the track. Eleven races to go. plus the end of season adjustment.
Classic 1300cc UK Champion - A second podium in 2017 for Chris, and this time it is a win. Gary Porter is a mere 13 points behind, having taken a third place finish for the second time this year. Again a sparse field, but a strong start to the campaign gives hope to defending the championship. Six races to go and the end of season count back.
Many thanks for your continued support.
Ashley Barnett
CRMC Dinner Dance 2016
We'd like to introduce you to the Hotel's team at the helm - from the left:
Maitre d' - Head Waiter - Gigolo - Parking Valet - Manager
Tuesday 6th December 2016 (more photos in the 2016 Photo Gallery)
Mercure Daventry Court Hotel and Spa
This year we arrived early enough to have a little social time and lunch before the AGM started. All our rooms were ready and when the boys went to the AGM the girls headed off to have a lovely slobby afternoon. Sarah had a bit of a shock when she walked into her room and found it was still occupied. That could have been very embarrassing. 'What did you see!' we all asked. 'Bags' was all Sarah said. (Carpet, eye or ball we wondered)
We gathered again at 6.30pm. Graham gallantly bought two glasses of wine from the bar for Janet and himself at a cost of £10.50 and we sat down to eat at 7pm. Everyone on our table said the meal was lovely. Martin didn't come with us this year so we shared each of his courses between us. Alan, particularly, relished the extras. As usual it was So hot in the dining room, and we were at the very back with a regular cooling breeze from the smokers going in and out. It must have been like hell fire at the front.
The prize giving started and Chris had already been informed that his trophy for the 1300 Triples had been engraved with '1300 Twins' by mistake. He was somewhat disappointed with this. So was Cormac. His trophy had the same mistake on it as well.
The band was very good but if you are not keen on dancing it is hard to hold a conversation when the music is loud. It all gets to be a bit tiring after a while and before long we were all yearning for our beds. We had a little photo session in the reception area with Lou's phone. My camera wasn't taking good pictures and for some reason everything kept coming out orange.
Even Chris, who doesn't normally go to bed before four o'clock each year, headed upstairs with the rest of us. It had been a brilliant day and lovely to catch up with everybody. Shame Spike didn't make it this year. He could've had our spare room. They forgot to give Spike a room last year but luckily there was a spare bed available in with Martin.
We'd had a little fine snow overnight but it was melting by the time we all left.
Gav and Lou did a fine job sending photos straight away. Thank you both! We hope to have more in a few days as I have some to edit.
And finally, Chris is going to the fracture clinic on Thursday and is hoping to have his cast taken off. He's looking forward to having a shower without Lou's arm condom.
Ashley is going to South Africa over Christmas so we'll make the most of him before he goes, then we'll have a couple of weeks break until he returns to us.
Catch you soon.
LSW
Mercure Daventry Court Hotel and Spa
This year we arrived early enough to have a little social time and lunch before the AGM started. All our rooms were ready and when the boys went to the AGM the girls headed off to have a lovely slobby afternoon. Sarah had a bit of a shock when she walked into her room and found it was still occupied. That could have been very embarrassing. 'What did you see!' we all asked. 'Bags' was all Sarah said. (Carpet, eye or ball we wondered)
We gathered again at 6.30pm. Graham gallantly bought two glasses of wine from the bar for Janet and himself at a cost of £10.50 and we sat down to eat at 7pm. Everyone on our table said the meal was lovely. Martin didn't come with us this year so we shared each of his courses between us. Alan, particularly, relished the extras. As usual it was So hot in the dining room, and we were at the very back with a regular cooling breeze from the smokers going in and out. It must have been like hell fire at the front.
The prize giving started and Chris had already been informed that his trophy for the 1300 Triples had been engraved with '1300 Twins' by mistake. He was somewhat disappointed with this. So was Cormac. His trophy had the same mistake on it as well.
The band was very good but if you are not keen on dancing it is hard to hold a conversation when the music is loud. It all gets to be a bit tiring after a while and before long we were all yearning for our beds. We had a little photo session in the reception area with Lou's phone. My camera wasn't taking good pictures and for some reason everything kept coming out orange.
Even Chris, who doesn't normally go to bed before four o'clock each year, headed upstairs with the rest of us. It had been a brilliant day and lovely to catch up with everybody. Shame Spike didn't make it this year. He could've had our spare room. They forgot to give Spike a room last year but luckily there was a spare bed available in with Martin.
We'd had a little fine snow overnight but it was melting by the time we all left.
Gav and Lou did a fine job sending photos straight away. Thank you both! We hope to have more in a few days as I have some to edit.
And finally, Chris is going to the fracture clinic on Thursday and is hoping to have his cast taken off. He's looking forward to having a shower without Lou's arm condom.
Ashley is going to South Africa over Christmas so we'll make the most of him before he goes, then we'll have a couple of weeks break until he returns to us.
Catch you soon.
LSW
Update on Chris
Wednesday 16th November 2016
After visits to Epsom hospital two Mondays running after Silverstone, they decided Chris should have his wrist plated after all. It was mending, but they weren't happy with the alignment.
On Friday 21st October Chris was admitted to St Hellier hospital in Rose Hill where, a few years ago, they tried to murder my father (I don't know which came first, the hospital or the name of the road, but St Hellier is in Wrythe Lane!).
Chris was by himself in a room which was screaming out for a decorator with some sand-paper. He last ate at 6.30 the previous evening. By 6.30 Friday evening, having had the op postponed all day, Chris was starving. He had to be allowed something to eat and then couldn't be done until noon the next day. I cannot tell you how much I had to rush on Friday to get Chris there on time. I could have earned three times as much as I did if I'd have known that, really, the earliest they wanted him was Friday evening.
Chris returned home on Sunday in a lot of pain. They'd had to break his wrist again and wiggle it about then drill holes in it so it was bound to be a bit sore. It took a week before the painkillers gave him total freedom from the aching. Since then he vacuums! dusts! and washes up! and he's done rubbing down and painting.
We've had a lot of visitors and have used an enormous amount of tea-bags, milk, sugar, bread, cheese and pickle.
Six weeks until the next X-ray and then we assume the cast will be taken off and he'll have to get the strength back in his fingers and mobility back in his wrist.
The North is still as it returned from Silverstone except Derek has removed the damaged bodywork. Chris planned to rebuild the North's engine this winter but he'll have to wait and see what he's capable of doing.
Having looked at the dates for the meetings next season I am appalled to see we are starting as early as 18th March. Hopefully the weather won't follow the pattern of all the previous March meetings.
I need to contact His Pinkness and see if he has any photos from Silverstone. Also, Lou has some from Beezumph which she is going to send and then Ashley will put those in the gallery too.
We recently had a catch up on the phone with Marshall Neil Boorman. He very much enjoyed Ashley's montage on the home page (see below). It does take a while to load on some computers, so some of you will not have realised it is there. We have had it in the videos section since Ashley put it together when he was at college. It includes Chris' first win which was at Knockhill. At 00.34 we have Lee Gourlay at Knockhill breaking the screen with his face after stalling on the grid, getting away late and high-siding. He stayed on and came third! Tim Woolley features several times. We've missed him and Molly this season as well as Tony and Hilary Hayward. Tony features on his 500 Triumph which Neil Boorman paraded.
We are looking forward to seeing many of our friends and racing colleagues at the Dinner Dance. I don't know what happened last year - everything got a bit busy afterwards and I didn't write about it or take pictures. I will gather photos from everyone this year and keep you all amused through December.
LSW
After visits to Epsom hospital two Mondays running after Silverstone, they decided Chris should have his wrist plated after all. It was mending, but they weren't happy with the alignment.
On Friday 21st October Chris was admitted to St Hellier hospital in Rose Hill where, a few years ago, they tried to murder my father (I don't know which came first, the hospital or the name of the road, but St Hellier is in Wrythe Lane!).
Chris was by himself in a room which was screaming out for a decorator with some sand-paper. He last ate at 6.30 the previous evening. By 6.30 Friday evening, having had the op postponed all day, Chris was starving. He had to be allowed something to eat and then couldn't be done until noon the next day. I cannot tell you how much I had to rush on Friday to get Chris there on time. I could have earned three times as much as I did if I'd have known that, really, the earliest they wanted him was Friday evening.
Chris returned home on Sunday in a lot of pain. They'd had to break his wrist again and wiggle it about then drill holes in it so it was bound to be a bit sore. It took a week before the painkillers gave him total freedom from the aching. Since then he vacuums! dusts! and washes up! and he's done rubbing down and painting.
We've had a lot of visitors and have used an enormous amount of tea-bags, milk, sugar, bread, cheese and pickle.
Six weeks until the next X-ray and then we assume the cast will be taken off and he'll have to get the strength back in his fingers and mobility back in his wrist.
The North is still as it returned from Silverstone except Derek has removed the damaged bodywork. Chris planned to rebuild the North's engine this winter but he'll have to wait and see what he's capable of doing.
Having looked at the dates for the meetings next season I am appalled to see we are starting as early as 18th March. Hopefully the weather won't follow the pattern of all the previous March meetings.
I need to contact His Pinkness and see if he has any photos from Silverstone. Also, Lou has some from Beezumph which she is going to send and then Ashley will put those in the gallery too.
We recently had a catch up on the phone with Marshall Neil Boorman. He very much enjoyed Ashley's montage on the home page (see below). It does take a while to load on some computers, so some of you will not have realised it is there. We have had it in the videos section since Ashley put it together when he was at college. It includes Chris' first win which was at Knockhill. At 00.34 we have Lee Gourlay at Knockhill breaking the screen with his face after stalling on the grid, getting away late and high-siding. He stayed on and came third! Tim Woolley features several times. We've missed him and Molly this season as well as Tony and Hilary Hayward. Tony features on his 500 Triumph which Neil Boorman paraded.
We are looking forward to seeing many of our friends and racing colleagues at the Dinner Dance. I don't know what happened last year - everything got a bit busy afterwards and I didn't write about it or take pictures. I will gather photos from everyone this year and keep you all amused through December.
LSW
Six years ago, but the spirit remains the same !
Next Up: Snetterton 18 - 19 March 2017
2017 CRMC Dates Announced
Thursday 20th October 2016
The CRMC have published the following provisional dates for their 2017 race weekends, subject to third party alteration.
18 / 19 March 2017 - Snetterton 200
15 / 16 April 2017 - Pembrey
6 / 7 May 2017 - Donington Park (Four Hour Endurance Race)
20 / 21 May 2017 - Mallory Park
10 / 11 June 2017 - Cadwell Park
8 / 9 July 2017 - Croft
4 - 6 August 2017 - Donington Park (Classic Motorcycle Festival)
9 / 10 September 2017 - Anglesey
7 / 8 October 2017 - Brands Hatch (Race of the Year)
We thank you all for your support over the closed season and look forward to sharing the news of the season ahead with you.
Ashley Barnett
RPS on the Dyno - Update
Wednesday 23rd March 2016
Chris went back to P&M early yesterday towing the trailer. On his way there some stupid slut drove her car into the back of the bike trailer and it's now a right old mess. Nice one bitch face! The North's meant to be going on that to Pembrey tomorrow. As if we didn't have enough to do.
The RPS came home last night, but there is still plenty for Chris to do to it. I've been trying to do some of the preparations for Pembrey in between work, but I don't finish my last job until lunchtime today, so it's all going to be a big rush as usual. And there's us thinking that we had it all under control this time!
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris went back to P&M early yesterday towing the trailer. On his way there some stupid slut drove her car into the back of the bike trailer and it's now a right old mess. Nice one bitch face! The North's meant to be going on that to Pembrey tomorrow. As if we didn't have enough to do.
The RPS came home last night, but there is still plenty for Chris to do to it. I've been trying to do some of the preparations for Pembrey in between work, but I don't finish my last job until lunchtime today, so it's all going to be a big rush as usual. And there's us thinking that we had it all under control this time!
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
RPS on the Dyno and Other Pre-Season Updates
Tuesday 22nd March 2016
The RPS had it's first run on the Dyno yesterday and was found to be running a bit rich. The jets were adjusted and a second run performed. The RPS was hard to start on this run and snapped its lay shaft.
So it's an early start for Chris today as he continues to strip down the gearbox. While not the best news with Pembrey looming, Chris expected "nothing more when you're dealing with classic motorcycles".
With Pembrey approaching and with the RPS on the Dyno (per the above), it's been a busy pre-season work up for Team WANCA. Chris has just finished a stretch of work totalling around a hundred hours and is looking forward to eight days off.
The weather does not look great for Easter weekend in South Wales, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a change for the better.
Martin will not be with us for the first meeting as he has a bad shoulder, but Derek Wiltshire has stepped into the breach and will now tow the trailer carrying the Rob North (and be Chris' bitch for the weekend). Thank you Derek. He may not be awake most of the time as he will have done many shifts with very very early starts up to the day we leave. Plus I persuaded him to join me in a mega boot sale last Sunday on his day off.
Derek being available saves Gav and Lou from having to swing past our place to pick up the North. They kindly offered to do it, but I'm glad they now don't have to, as we're in the totally wrong direction for them.
This season will be causing me to have more anxiety than previous years as Chris will be ardently trying to defend his title and I worry that he will be spending more time at the hospital as a result. Let's hope that through the season he will be sensible with his riding (for all of you who snorted at that last bit, there's a first time for everything).
We are looking forward to seeing everybody again.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
The RPS had it's first run on the Dyno yesterday and was found to be running a bit rich. The jets were adjusted and a second run performed. The RPS was hard to start on this run and snapped its lay shaft.
So it's an early start for Chris today as he continues to strip down the gearbox. While not the best news with Pembrey looming, Chris expected "nothing more when you're dealing with classic motorcycles".
With Pembrey approaching and with the RPS on the Dyno (per the above), it's been a busy pre-season work up for Team WANCA. Chris has just finished a stretch of work totalling around a hundred hours and is looking forward to eight days off.
The weather does not look great for Easter weekend in South Wales, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a change for the better.
Martin will not be with us for the first meeting as he has a bad shoulder, but Derek Wiltshire has stepped into the breach and will now tow the trailer carrying the Rob North (and be Chris' bitch for the weekend). Thank you Derek. He may not be awake most of the time as he will have done many shifts with very very early starts up to the day we leave. Plus I persuaded him to join me in a mega boot sale last Sunday on his day off.
Derek being available saves Gav and Lou from having to swing past our place to pick up the North. They kindly offered to do it, but I'm glad they now don't have to, as we're in the totally wrong direction for them.
This season will be causing me to have more anxiety than previous years as Chris will be ardently trying to defend his title and I worry that he will be spending more time at the hospital as a result. Let's hope that through the season he will be sensible with his riding (for all of you who snorted at that last bit, there's a first time for everything).
We are looking forward to seeing everybody again.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
11 January 2016 - Detonation: A couple more races and the engine would have gone bang. This is what the RPS' barrels looked like when it went to P&M for carb fitting.
Our Sister Charity in Action
Sunday 20th December 2015
Firstly apologies for the lapse in updates to the website, Jane and Chris have been taking a well earned rest following the end of the season, but rest assured that an end of year update will be posted soon, followed by the build up to the 2016 season.
To the right is a picture of our sister charity in action ... keep up the good work.
We hope that everyone has a great Christmas and look forward to the new year.
Ashley Barnett
30 September 2015 - Chris is spotted forcing two poufs into his van ...
A rant from LSW ahead of Snetterton
Tuesday 15th September 2015
I must have a rant about the Friday ‘Test Day’ at the Snetterton meeting. We read the changes to procedures but noticed that the noise restriction on the MSV website is 102db which means a huge percentage of bikes cannot take part.
Chris phoned Jerry and he said that the twenty minutes each hour designated to the CRMC is 105db but Chris should contact MSV to check that their sessions will be the same. Chris did this and was told in no uncertain terms that they are restricted to 102db and that the CRMC are restricted too.
We are waiting to hear back from a further call from Chris to Jerry.
Chris would have been happy to have only the normal Saturday practice but some idiot(s) decided it would be a good idea to use the 300 track and he would like to learn it before racing commences.
Who would come up with such a stupid plan when there are never enough marshals for the normal part of the track we use and also we rarely finish a weekend with full length races due to incidences so why choose something which makes each race longer. They’ll be down to three lap races, as we’ve experienced before now, and there will be a lot more incidences as riders will come off from having to go to racing speed sooner than they should on cold tyres.
Chris does not want to take any chances and will have to borrow a bike off Tony Hayward which means going to Balls Green in Sussex before the meeting and drop it back sometime afterwards as well and take three bikes to the meeting.
Want to hear a bit about the Friday track sessions? Oh go on! Let me share it with you! Each rider will be given a token. When you go to the holding area you hand over the token and a sticker will be placed on your bike. So you are guaranteed one track session. Guaranteed ONE SESSION! (Sorry. I mustn’t let it get at me). There is designated twenty minutes each hour for CRMC sessions. When you go for the next one, if there is another for your class, riders with a token who have not yet been out on the track will be given priority. So you could be there all day and only get one session on the track. Of course you can BUY extra sessions with the MSV who are using the remaining forty minutes of each hour but if CRMC IS allowed 105db but the MSV only 102db those in the same boat as Chris won’t be able to join them unless they take a spare bike – AND we’ve still yet to hear if the CRMC is allowed 105db for their sessions.
So don’t just assume you can go out on your bike on the Friday. There’s a good chance most of you will have been got there a day early under false pretences because, as usual with the CRMC, one wheel doesn’t know what the other one is doing.
Am I the only one who thinks that these people couldn’t run a piss-up in a brewery.
Three-day meetings are bad enough for us to organise without all this extra b*******.
Long Suffering Wife
I must have a rant about the Friday ‘Test Day’ at the Snetterton meeting. We read the changes to procedures but noticed that the noise restriction on the MSV website is 102db which means a huge percentage of bikes cannot take part.
Chris phoned Jerry and he said that the twenty minutes each hour designated to the CRMC is 105db but Chris should contact MSV to check that their sessions will be the same. Chris did this and was told in no uncertain terms that they are restricted to 102db and that the CRMC are restricted too.
We are waiting to hear back from a further call from Chris to Jerry.
Chris would have been happy to have only the normal Saturday practice but some idiot(s) decided it would be a good idea to use the 300 track and he would like to learn it before racing commences.
Who would come up with such a stupid plan when there are never enough marshals for the normal part of the track we use and also we rarely finish a weekend with full length races due to incidences so why choose something which makes each race longer. They’ll be down to three lap races, as we’ve experienced before now, and there will be a lot more incidences as riders will come off from having to go to racing speed sooner than they should on cold tyres.
Chris does not want to take any chances and will have to borrow a bike off Tony Hayward which means going to Balls Green in Sussex before the meeting and drop it back sometime afterwards as well and take three bikes to the meeting.
Want to hear a bit about the Friday track sessions? Oh go on! Let me share it with you! Each rider will be given a token. When you go to the holding area you hand over the token and a sticker will be placed on your bike. So you are guaranteed one track session. Guaranteed ONE SESSION! (Sorry. I mustn’t let it get at me). There is designated twenty minutes each hour for CRMC sessions. When you go for the next one, if there is another for your class, riders with a token who have not yet been out on the track will be given priority. So you could be there all day and only get one session on the track. Of course you can BUY extra sessions with the MSV who are using the remaining forty minutes of each hour but if CRMC IS allowed 105db but the MSV only 102db those in the same boat as Chris won’t be able to join them unless they take a spare bike – AND we’ve still yet to hear if the CRMC is allowed 105db for their sessions.
So don’t just assume you can go out on your bike on the Friday. There’s a good chance most of you will have been got there a day early under false pretences because, as usual with the CRMC, one wheel doesn’t know what the other one is doing.
Am I the only one who thinks that these people couldn’t run a piss-up in a brewery.
Three-day meetings are bad enough for us to organise without all this extra b*******.
Long Suffering Wife
9 September 2015 - Before and after Alan Major's incident at Cadwell Park ...
20 July 2015 - When turning the engine over by hand, Chris heard a slight grinding noise...
Post Brands Hatch Update
Newly fitted 'hardtail' suspension
Wednesday 15th July 2015
The RPS is back from P&M.
The rear sub-frame, which was bent downwards, has been jacked up. The front end has checked out okay. The front fairing mount and the oil tank have also been repaired.
Richard Peckett has kindly given me new pulleys in the clutch which got serrated in the crash. The tank, which ended up only half the original height has had the bottom cut out of it and has been beaten, welded and filled and the silencer has been repaired.
On the North I found one of the gear box plates was cracked so I made one at P&M today. He also noticed the primary drive plate was cracked. Probably a result of the big off I had at Cadwell.
Quite a lot of work for me to do before Donington.
Thank you Richard and Steve for working on the RPS so quickly. I’ll try not to do it again.
Chris 'Crasher' Chapman
The RPS is back from P&M.
The rear sub-frame, which was bent downwards, has been jacked up. The front end has checked out okay. The front fairing mount and the oil tank have also been repaired.
Richard Peckett has kindly given me new pulleys in the clutch which got serrated in the crash. The tank, which ended up only half the original height has had the bottom cut out of it and has been beaten, welded and filled and the silencer has been repaired.
On the North I found one of the gear box plates was cracked so I made one at P&M today. He also noticed the primary drive plate was cracked. Probably a result of the big off I had at Cadwell.
Quite a lot of work for me to do before Donington.
Thank you Richard and Steve for working on the RPS so quickly. I’ll try not to do it again.
Chris 'Crasher' Chapman
Jason Takes The Piss
Team W.A.N.C.A. Season in Peril
Wednesday 28th January 2015
For eight years Chris has put his holiday dates forward for approval in December as soon as the race dates were announced for the following year. Chris did the same in December 2014 for the 2015 season but an answer was not forthcoming.
At the beginning of the year Chris asked again and was told there would be a meeting in five weeks. Yesterday he was told that NONE of his dates have been approved as there is a new policy that members of staff have to book their holidays a whole week at a time (Nice of them to give us a bit of notice).
As you can imagine Chris is stunned. I honestly don’t know what he’s going to do with himself all year. If you knew the hours he works and how conscientious he is at work you would agree that this is so terribly unfair.
We thank you all for your support and we wish you well through these troubling times, rest assured we will update you all as soon as possible.
Jane Chapman and Ashley Barnett
For eight years Chris has put his holiday dates forward for approval in December as soon as the race dates were announced for the following year. Chris did the same in December 2014 for the 2015 season but an answer was not forthcoming.
At the beginning of the year Chris asked again and was told there would be a meeting in five weeks. Yesterday he was told that NONE of his dates have been approved as there is a new policy that members of staff have to book their holidays a whole week at a time (Nice of them to give us a bit of notice).
As you can imagine Chris is stunned. I honestly don’t know what he’s going to do with himself all year. If you knew the hours he works and how conscientious he is at work you would agree that this is so terribly unfair.
We thank you all for your support and we wish you well through these troubling times, rest assured we will update you all as soon as possible.
Jane Chapman and Ashley Barnett
Happy New Year
Wednesday 14th January 2015
Happy new year to you all from Team W.A.N.C.A.
The Rob North is having an exploratory as it is not well.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
2014 Final Championship Standings
Tuesday 21st October 2014
I have now calculated the final championship standings for the 2014 season, which have yet to published by the CRMC, but agree to a letter to Chris from the CRMC congratulating Chris on his season.
For the championship standings and a PDF version of my spreadsheet, please go to the Championship Standings page.
Chris has finished in the following positions:
2nd - Classic 201cc - 1300cc Clubman Multi's
3rd - Classic UK 1300cc Championship
2nd - Classic Formula 750
Many thanks for your continued support.
Ashley Barnett
The below video was taken onboard at Cadwell Park BHR race weekend September 2014, where Chris set a new over 50's lap record - more to come from the onboard in the future.
Motorcycle Racing is Dangerous !
More photos added to the gallery...
Thursday 21st August 2014
Getting the remains of Bertha at Donington made circuit conditions treacherous at times.
One of the fallers was Lou who lost it in the gazebo while packing up (It is nearly the anniversary of Gav breaking his foot!)
Lou broke her wrist in the incident and Team W.A.N.C.A. wishes her a speedy recovery.
Our men won’t have a good race meeting without us. Only today I was talking to my friend Julia and she congratulated me on my husband’s success.
Get well soon Lou.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Getting the remains of Bertha at Donington made circuit conditions treacherous at times.
One of the fallers was Lou who lost it in the gazebo while packing up (It is nearly the anniversary of Gav breaking his foot!)
Lou broke her wrist in the incident and Team W.A.N.C.A. wishes her a speedy recovery.
Our men won’t have a good race meeting without us. Only today I was talking to my friend Julia and she congratulated me on my husband’s success.
Get well soon Lou.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris' Pants are Pants
Available to purchase ...
Thursday 31st July 2014
Team W.A.N.C.A. is proud to announce the promotion of team member Gav from General Dog’s Body to Chris’ Underwear Buyer.
Chris has been experiencing slackness in the fabric of his underpants leading to discomfort and at times dangerous exposure.
For a while now Chris has fancied getting into a pair of Gav’s stunning ‘SuperDry’ underpants. He probably would have offered to share with Chris but Chris needs a medium whilst Gav’s are small.
Gav is going to get Chris some in time for Donington so everything will be firmly held in place at those ‘swinging the leg over’ moments and will also comply with Health and Safety regulations enabling ‘The Dresser’ to be able to put his hand up Chris’ leathers and not get an accidental ‘feel’.
Thank you Gav. You are a star.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
P.S. Photos taken by DJG Photography at Beezumph 2014 are now available on the 2014 Photo Gallery page
Team W.A.N.C.A. is proud to announce the promotion of team member Gav from General Dog’s Body to Chris’ Underwear Buyer.
Chris has been experiencing slackness in the fabric of his underpants leading to discomfort and at times dangerous exposure.
For a while now Chris has fancied getting into a pair of Gav’s stunning ‘SuperDry’ underpants. He probably would have offered to share with Chris but Chris needs a medium whilst Gav’s are small.
Gav is going to get Chris some in time for Donington so everything will be firmly held in place at those ‘swinging the leg over’ moments and will also comply with Health and Safety regulations enabling ‘The Dresser’ to be able to put his hand up Chris’ leathers and not get an accidental ‘feel’.
Thank you Gav. You are a star.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
P.S. Photos taken by DJG Photography at Beezumph 2014 are now available on the 2014 Photo Gallery page
Beezumph 2014
Martin's Flies
Thursday 17th July 2014 (Pictures added 27th July 2014)
11/12 July 2014 - Cadwell Park
We got to Cadwell on Friday at 2.30am, threw the RPS out of the caravan and went straight to sleep. After torrential rain at Cadwell on Thursday, which stopped as we arrived, we were grateful for a spell of dry weather, albeit with a
boisterous wind, while we set up camp.
We wanted to put up extra bars inside the back wall of the gazebo to stop the sides bellying but the clamps are made for the 3 x 3m gazebo and just slid down the legs. Professor Kevin Major thought about the problem for a mere moment and came up with a cunning plan. ‘You could suspend the bars from the edge of the roof frame with something!’ he said. So we did. With guy lines. And it worked. He’s such a clever man.
Having sorted the wall bars we had another problem to deal with. Somehow someone had to reach the highest part of the gazebo to push the reinforcing fabric over two of the three roof supports so that the roof wouldn’t tear. We couldn’t face taking the thing down again. It was Martin’s turn to be intelligent and he reversed his pick-up inside of the gazebo so Chris could stand on a tool box in the back of it and reach the roof.
Such cleverness deserved a cup of tea so we put the kettle on. We heard a loud crack and, thinking the gazebo was about to collapse, I dropped the oven cloth on top of the kettle and shot outside and round the back to check. The oven cloth eventually ignited and Chris went in and suddenly grabbed it and threw it on the grass and did a little dance on it to put out the flames – So that was rather embarrassing - and normally Chris is the one who tends to set light to things or himself.
Martin got his bike ready for Saturday and found that the colour of the paintwork was very attractive to flies! (see picture above)
This year Beezumph Friday consisted of a ride out and Beezumph Saturday the usual track day. Grahams Jeffrey and Redrup came back from their excursion and went
for a shower and then we had dinner. It started to rain. A little at first and slowly the paddock was engulfed in fog. Soon we couldn’t see anything beyond the fence.
The fog was still thick Saturday morning but it started to burn off around 8am. It was lucky as everyone who had lights on their bike had taped them up. In the end the sun came out and it was hot and muggy.
Rod put out the awning from his van and we moved our chairs over there and the boys slumped gratefully under it between track sessions. Chris went out at every opportunity and was exhausted by the end of the afternoon. As the last riders came off the track the rain started. And boy did it chuck it down.
The Grahams went for their nightly shower together and we gathered to eat and have a jolly good social for the rest of the evening.
Surprisingly we packed up an almost dry gazebo Sunday morning. We left at 11am and got home at 2.35pm – and that was with Chris coming off the A1(M), going round the South Mimms round-about and going back onto the A1(M), coming off at the next junction, back up the other side of the A1(M) and then onto the M25.
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the weekend go smoothly – helping with food preparation, lifts, support, unpacking and striking camp etc. You were all marvellous!
Chris will be getting into garage mode now to give the North a thorough going over before Donington which is 8th, 9th, 10th August.
See you all then.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
P.S. For those who have wanted to see Graham in his towel or Martin in his onesie, please see below ! Pictures taken by Lou at Brands Hatch, can now be viewed on the 2014 Photo Gallery page.
11/12 July 2014 - Cadwell Park
We got to Cadwell on Friday at 2.30am, threw the RPS out of the caravan and went straight to sleep. After torrential rain at Cadwell on Thursday, which stopped as we arrived, we were grateful for a spell of dry weather, albeit with a
boisterous wind, while we set up camp.
We wanted to put up extra bars inside the back wall of the gazebo to stop the sides bellying but the clamps are made for the 3 x 3m gazebo and just slid down the legs. Professor Kevin Major thought about the problem for a mere moment and came up with a cunning plan. ‘You could suspend the bars from the edge of the roof frame with something!’ he said. So we did. With guy lines. And it worked. He’s such a clever man.
Having sorted the wall bars we had another problem to deal with. Somehow someone had to reach the highest part of the gazebo to push the reinforcing fabric over two of the three roof supports so that the roof wouldn’t tear. We couldn’t face taking the thing down again. It was Martin’s turn to be intelligent and he reversed his pick-up inside of the gazebo so Chris could stand on a tool box in the back of it and reach the roof.
Such cleverness deserved a cup of tea so we put the kettle on. We heard a loud crack and, thinking the gazebo was about to collapse, I dropped the oven cloth on top of the kettle and shot outside and round the back to check. The oven cloth eventually ignited and Chris went in and suddenly grabbed it and threw it on the grass and did a little dance on it to put out the flames – So that was rather embarrassing - and normally Chris is the one who tends to set light to things or himself.
Martin got his bike ready for Saturday and found that the colour of the paintwork was very attractive to flies! (see picture above)
This year Beezumph Friday consisted of a ride out and Beezumph Saturday the usual track day. Grahams Jeffrey and Redrup came back from their excursion and went
for a shower and then we had dinner. It started to rain. A little at first and slowly the paddock was engulfed in fog. Soon we couldn’t see anything beyond the fence.
The fog was still thick Saturday morning but it started to burn off around 8am. It was lucky as everyone who had lights on their bike had taped them up. In the end the sun came out and it was hot and muggy.
Rod put out the awning from his van and we moved our chairs over there and the boys slumped gratefully under it between track sessions. Chris went out at every opportunity and was exhausted by the end of the afternoon. As the last riders came off the track the rain started. And boy did it chuck it down.
The Grahams went for their nightly shower together and we gathered to eat and have a jolly good social for the rest of the evening.
Surprisingly we packed up an almost dry gazebo Sunday morning. We left at 11am and got home at 2.35pm – and that was with Chris coming off the A1(M), going round the South Mimms round-about and going back onto the A1(M), coming off at the next junction, back up the other side of the A1(M) and then onto the M25.
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the weekend go smoothly – helping with food preparation, lifts, support, unpacking and striking camp etc. You were all marvellous!
Chris will be getting into garage mode now to give the North a thorough going over before Donington which is 8th, 9th, 10th August.
See you all then.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
P.S. For those who have wanted to see Graham in his towel or Martin in his onesie, please see below ! Pictures taken by Lou at Brands Hatch, can now be viewed on the 2014 Photo Gallery page.
Caption Time
Monday 7th July 2014
1) Tim never got the hang of hide and seek
2) Don't do it yet dearest. I haven't got you insured !
3) I don't think your laces are in there
4) Will you come out if I tell them to stop overtaking you ?
Jane Chapman and Ashley Barnett
1) Tim never got the hang of hide and seek
2) Don't do it yet dearest. I haven't got you insured !
3) I don't think your laces are in there
4) Will you come out if I tell them to stop overtaking you ?
Jane Chapman and Ashley Barnett
The Curious Case of the Missing Mug
Monday 7th July 2014
Team W.A.N.C.A would like to draw your attention to the curious case of the missing mug.
Some undesirable, having been given a hot beverage out of the kindness of our hearts, has nicked the mug.
Chris is very upset about this as he bought them many years ago.
If you find the missing article in with your possessions, would you please be kind enough to return it to Jane when you are next racing.
Do not be afraid. If you have heard that she might hurt you, it is just a myth. - Ashley Barnett
Team W.A.N.C.A would like to draw your attention to the curious case of the missing mug.
Some undesirable, having been given a hot beverage out of the kindness of our hearts, has nicked the mug.
Chris is very upset about this as he bought them many years ago.
If you find the missing article in with your possessions, would you please be kind enough to return it to Jane when you are next racing.
Do not be afraid. If you have heard that she might hurt you, it is just a myth. - Ashley Barnett
Lastminute.com ... as usual !
Long Suffering Wife at Pembrey 2011
Posted Friday 18th April 2014
16th April 2014
Welcome to 2014’s racing with Team W.A.N.C.A.
We leave for Pembrey on Thursday and we have no whole bikes. It’s so much more exciting this way. The Rob North has no bodywork and the RPS is in a lot of pieces at P&M.
Sadly we will not have Martin with us this weekend but Lou and Gavin have very kindly said they will come and pick up
the Rob North and tow it on our trailer behind their camper.
Chris is leaving Wednesday morning for a course at Milton Keynes and won’t be back until Thursday evening.
The lovely Baldrick is lending Chris his bike to go away on so that I can have the van to unload of Coke stuff and reload with racing stuff so we can leave as soon as possible after he returns from the course. I’m so looking forward to it all I can hardly wait.
Jim is coming to Pembrey with us so we might be able to finish the crossword I started at Snetterton. Apparently the RPS will be ready sometime Thursday but I have the problem of getting it back here as we will by then have no trailer. I have to to pick up the Rob North’s bodywork this afternoon then go on to a customer where I’ll be helping
to take down a heavy galvanised steel green house frame and bring it back home in my car ready for the scrap man to collect Tuesday morning. Life is never dull.
17th April 2014
Our good friend Mark came to the rescue and said he’d take me to P&M in his van Thursday afternoon (another honorary W.A.N.C.A in the making me thinks).
Arriving at Paul’s I was greeted by him saying ‘You’re going to get a bit wet I’m afraid.’ It turned out that picking up the Rob North’s bodywork also involved me holding each item firmly on Paul’s work bench in his garden while he repeatedly dunked the electric polisher into a bucket of cold water before applying it to the paintwork. I was liberally sprayed with polish and water from the waist up until it was all done.
Chris had finished the North Monday evening and left for his course on Baldrick’s bike Tuesday morning (his departure held up by the immobiliser refusing to turn off, and then his departure from the gas station for the same reason).
After hours of packing Wednesday afternoon and this morning I feel like I could do with a hip replacement. The Rob North was trailered to await Lou and Gav’s arrival and I eventually found the trailer’s key, still in its lock from Saturday. Mark and I fetched the RPS and got back just as Chris turned up. Now all he has to do is put the RPS’ bodywork on and deal with the front wheel which has a red sticker on it saying ‘wrong way round’.
We aim to leave very early but will play it by ear. We might go mad and go tonight. Whatever happens I’m going to be asleep most of the way and hope that Chris doesn’t drift off as well.
Catch you all after the weekend.
Jane Chapman - Long Sufferig Wife
16th April 2014
Welcome to 2014’s racing with Team W.A.N.C.A.
We leave for Pembrey on Thursday and we have no whole bikes. It’s so much more exciting this way. The Rob North has no bodywork and the RPS is in a lot of pieces at P&M.
Sadly we will not have Martin with us this weekend but Lou and Gavin have very kindly said they will come and pick up
the Rob North and tow it on our trailer behind their camper.
Chris is leaving Wednesday morning for a course at Milton Keynes and won’t be back until Thursday evening.
The lovely Baldrick is lending Chris his bike to go away on so that I can have the van to unload of Coke stuff and reload with racing stuff so we can leave as soon as possible after he returns from the course. I’m so looking forward to it all I can hardly wait.
Jim is coming to Pembrey with us so we might be able to finish the crossword I started at Snetterton. Apparently the RPS will be ready sometime Thursday but I have the problem of getting it back here as we will by then have no trailer. I have to to pick up the Rob North’s bodywork this afternoon then go on to a customer where I’ll be helping
to take down a heavy galvanised steel green house frame and bring it back home in my car ready for the scrap man to collect Tuesday morning. Life is never dull.
17th April 2014
Our good friend Mark came to the rescue and said he’d take me to P&M in his van Thursday afternoon (another honorary W.A.N.C.A in the making me thinks).
Arriving at Paul’s I was greeted by him saying ‘You’re going to get a bit wet I’m afraid.’ It turned out that picking up the Rob North’s bodywork also involved me holding each item firmly on Paul’s work bench in his garden while he repeatedly dunked the electric polisher into a bucket of cold water before applying it to the paintwork. I was liberally sprayed with polish and water from the waist up until it was all done.
Chris had finished the North Monday evening and left for his course on Baldrick’s bike Tuesday morning (his departure held up by the immobiliser refusing to turn off, and then his departure from the gas station for the same reason).
After hours of packing Wednesday afternoon and this morning I feel like I could do with a hip replacement. The Rob North was trailered to await Lou and Gav’s arrival and I eventually found the trailer’s key, still in its lock from Saturday. Mark and I fetched the RPS and got back just as Chris turned up. Now all he has to do is put the RPS’ bodywork on and deal with the front wheel which has a red sticker on it saying ‘wrong way round’.
We aim to leave very early but will play it by ear. We might go mad and go tonight. Whatever happens I’m going to be asleep most of the way and hope that Chris doesn’t drift off as well.
Catch you all after the weekend.
Jane Chapman - Long Sufferig Wife
Monday 7th April 2014
It was all hands to the starter this afternoon as the Rob North was going to be fired up for the first time since its rebuild. Lessons were learnt during this process.
1) Put a socket on the crank and turn it.
2) Then get someone to place the starter against the bike’s back wheel and press hard with the starter’s throttle fully open. Then just before it fires up the bike, the socket flies off and hits Chris on the left forearm.
It’s really entertaining once we’d found out Chris hadn’t broken his arm.
Anyway. The North fired up beautifully and after a couple of tweaks while the strobe was on it, the sound was as sweet as only Chris’ Rob North can be.
Well done Chris!
Jane Chapman - Long Sufffering Wife
It was all hands to the starter this afternoon as the Rob North was going to be fired up for the first time since its rebuild. Lessons were learnt during this process.
1) Put a socket on the crank and turn it.
2) Then get someone to place the starter against the bike’s back wheel and press hard with the starter’s throttle fully open. Then just before it fires up the bike, the socket flies off and hits Chris on the left forearm.
It’s really entertaining once we’d found out Chris hadn’t broken his arm.
Anyway. The North fired up beautifully and after a couple of tweaks while the strobe was on it, the sound was as sweet as only Chris’ Rob North can be.
Well done Chris!
Jane Chapman - Long Sufffering Wife
Handling Issues Resolved
Sunday 30th March 2014
[Chris at Anglesey] ‘Rob North’s a bit jittery on the front end. Better check everything over boys!’
[Chris at Cadwell] ‘Still got handling trouble! Let's go through it all again.’
[Chris at Pembrey] ‘Handling’s awful! Any ideas?’
[Chris at Beezumph] ‘Got to sort this handling problem out!’
[Chris at Donington] ‘Come on boys. Let’s have a good look & see if we can get to the bottom of this handling problem.’
[Chris at Snetterton] ‘Could’ve done even better if it wasn’t for this handling problem! Let’s start from scratch & have a good look.’
[Chris at British Historic] ‘Had a really great time except for the handling problem. Don’t know where else to look!’
‘Bugger! Didn’t think of that!’
[Chris at Anglesey] ‘Rob North’s a bit jittery on the front end. Better check everything over boys!’
[Chris at Cadwell] ‘Still got handling trouble! Let's go through it all again.’
[Chris at Pembrey] ‘Handling’s awful! Any ideas?’
[Chris at Beezumph] ‘Got to sort this handling problem out!’
[Chris at Donington] ‘Come on boys. Let’s have a good look & see if we can get to the bottom of this handling problem.’
[Chris at Snetterton] ‘Could’ve done even better if it wasn’t for this handling problem! Let’s start from scratch & have a good look.’
[Chris at British Historic] ‘Had a really great time except for the handling problem. Don’t know where else to look!’
‘Bugger! Didn’t think of that!’
Photos from Martin Pink
Sunday 12th January 2014
Photos sent in by Martin Pink of the Darley Moor, Anglesey, Donington Park and Snetterton 2013 race meetings have now been uploaded to the 2013 Photo Gallery page, below is a selection of my favourites, the full galleries can be found on the 2013 Photo Gallery page.
Ashley Barnett
Photos sent in by Martin Pink of the Darley Moor, Anglesey, Donington Park and Snetterton 2013 race meetings have now been uploaded to the 2013 Photo Gallery page, below is a selection of my favourites, the full galleries can be found on the 2013 Photo Gallery page.
Ashley Barnett
A Crushing Blow
Monday 16th September 2013
Chris had a narrow escape last week. At 3.15pm last Tuesday he was parked at a job with the back door of the van up. Another vehicle drove into the right hand side of the open door almost ripping it off the back of the van and bringing it hard down on Chris who was standing underneath it.
With Snetterton only a week away he now has the job of ensuring he gets a replacement van with a tow bar and that the van he gets is capable of towing the caravan. We have had replacement vans before that couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding. Of course, it HAS to be raining at the moment as well so the van is getting wet inside as the door won’t go down any more. I just love the smell of mildew on a nice long journey.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris had a narrow escape last week. At 3.15pm last Tuesday he was parked at a job with the back door of the van up. Another vehicle drove into the right hand side of the open door almost ripping it off the back of the van and bringing it hard down on Chris who was standing underneath it.
With Snetterton only a week away he now has the job of ensuring he gets a replacement van with a tow bar and that the van he gets is capable of towing the caravan. We have had replacement vans before that couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding. Of course, it HAS to be raining at the moment as well so the van is getting wet inside as the door won’t go down any more. I just love the smell of mildew on a nice long journey.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Good News and Bad News
Monday 9th September 2013
Chris, Richard and Dave have spent the weekend working on the two bikes. A different set of carbs (Keihin CRs) have been put on the North. They are infinitely more precise to time. On the dyno this has made it jump from 97 to 102 brake horsepower!
The RPS sadly didn’t fare so well. Having spent most of the day on the dyno, after the broken inlet valve spring had been replaced, it was found that the fuelling was fluctuating at high rpm even though three different sets of carbs were tried on the bike. It was decided that perhaps the other valve springs were a bit on the weak side and weren’t able to close the valves as well as they should. This had been causing a drop off of speed at high perfomance. (so Lou and I were correct! – it wasn’t going as fast as it used to!)
While on the dyno it was also discovered that oil was weeping from a crack in the corner of the base of the barrel. So that’s the end of that for this year. The whole engine will be pulled down during the winter months.
So only the North will be going to Snetterton. Chris will have a much more relaxing weekend and will be able to help Gavin between the North’s races! (I can hear Gavin snorting from here) At least Martin can travel up by bike instead of bringing the North in his pick-up. As he will be leaving home on the Friday evening he won’t get stuck in
the traffic as much.
Ashley is away AGAIN but my niece Laura and her boyfriend are hoping to spend the weekend with us so I will have help.
There is everything to play for in the Multis and National so it should be an exciting meeting. Chris needs to keep it in his trousers and stay on the bike - and finally, remember that the T.W.A.T will be awarded at this meeting! The ceremony will be held on the Saturday evening around 9pm at the gazebo.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris, Richard and Dave have spent the weekend working on the two bikes. A different set of carbs (Keihin CRs) have been put on the North. They are infinitely more precise to time. On the dyno this has made it jump from 97 to 102 brake horsepower!
The RPS sadly didn’t fare so well. Having spent most of the day on the dyno, after the broken inlet valve spring had been replaced, it was found that the fuelling was fluctuating at high rpm even though three different sets of carbs were tried on the bike. It was decided that perhaps the other valve springs were a bit on the weak side and weren’t able to close the valves as well as they should. This had been causing a drop off of speed at high perfomance. (so Lou and I were correct! – it wasn’t going as fast as it used to!)
While on the dyno it was also discovered that oil was weeping from a crack in the corner of the base of the barrel. So that’s the end of that for this year. The whole engine will be pulled down during the winter months.
So only the North will be going to Snetterton. Chris will have a much more relaxing weekend and will be able to help Gavin between the North’s races! (I can hear Gavin snorting from here) At least Martin can travel up by bike instead of bringing the North in his pick-up. As he will be leaving home on the Friday evening he won’t get stuck in
the traffic as much.
Ashley is away AGAIN but my niece Laura and her boyfriend are hoping to spend the weekend with us so I will have help.
There is everything to play for in the Multis and National so it should be an exciting meeting. Chris needs to keep it in his trousers and stay on the bike - and finally, remember that the T.W.A.T will be awarded at this meeting! The ceremony will be held on the Saturday evening around 9pm at the gazebo.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
News Flash
We all look up to Martin !
Monday 15th July 2013
Non-appreciation of your mechanics can lead to excess alcohol consumption and melancholy.
Make this ‘Love your mechanics month’. We are starting with Martin Pink.
Three cheers for Martin! Hip hip, hooray. Hip hip, hooray. Hip hip, hooraaaaaaaaaay!
On a more serious note, a poem to show our gratitude for his hard work and unswerving devotion to Chris and the team.
When Graham and Gav,
find the problems they have,
on the bikes gets them all in a flurry,
they both breathe a sigh,
because Martin is nigh,
and they know that they don’t have to worry.
Chris doesn’t frown,
when the North’s broken down,
and the RPS has trouble startin’,
we awake every morn,
all so glad he was born,
and say ‘What would we do without Martin’.
An awesome mechanic,
electrical wiz,
and you won’t find it’s strange that we think this,
a brilliant chap. (and we think he’s the biz!),
and that is our Martin (His Pinkness).
Thank you Martin !
Jane Chapman
Non-appreciation of your mechanics can lead to excess alcohol consumption and melancholy.
Make this ‘Love your mechanics month’. We are starting with Martin Pink.
Three cheers for Martin! Hip hip, hooray. Hip hip, hooray. Hip hip, hooraaaaaaaaaay!
On a more serious note, a poem to show our gratitude for his hard work and unswerving devotion to Chris and the team.
When Graham and Gav,
find the problems they have,
on the bikes gets them all in a flurry,
they both breathe a sigh,
because Martin is nigh,
and they know that they don’t have to worry.
Chris doesn’t frown,
when the North’s broken down,
and the RPS has trouble startin’,
we awake every morn,
all so glad he was born,
and say ‘What would we do without Martin’.
An awesome mechanic,
electrical wiz,
and you won’t find it’s strange that we think this,
a brilliant chap. (and we think he’s the biz!),
and that is our Martin (His Pinkness).
Thank you Martin !
Jane Chapman
The Return of 'How Big ?'
And Now ...
Resolving the Running Problem on the North
Wednesday 1st May 2013
On past early Triples that didn’t have a tick-over screw on the gantry, a hole was drilled into the top of each slide to aid tick-over and give a slight over-run. This would stop the rear wheel from bouncing whilst coming down through the gearbox.
After much investigation it was found that the holes which were previously drilled into Chris’ North’s slides had been plugged with Araldite as he had a tick-over screw which made the holes surplus to requirements. Over time the ethanol in the fuel broke down the Araldite. It was discovered that one of the plugs had dropped out - making balancing impossible. Whilst cleaning them last weekend another of the plugs
dropped out and the other would have before too long. So the problem has been resolved and the North is running reliably. Fingers crossed !
On past early Triples that didn’t have a tick-over screw on the gantry, a hole was drilled into the top of each slide to aid tick-over and give a slight over-run. This would stop the rear wheel from bouncing whilst coming down through the gearbox.
After much investigation it was found that the holes which were previously drilled into Chris’ North’s slides had been plugged with Araldite as he had a tick-over screw which made the holes surplus to requirements. Over time the ethanol in the fuel broke down the Araldite. It was discovered that one of the plugs had dropped out - making balancing impossible. Whilst cleaning them last weekend another of the plugs
dropped out and the other would have before too long. So the problem has been resolved and the North is running reliably. Fingers crossed !
Not a Blown Head Gasket on the RPS
The RPS was taken to P&M on Saturday. After removing the rocker covers it was discovered that the middle exhaust rocker was not rocking. The lash cap was lying inside the rocker box.
The exhaust rocker box was then removed only to find that the corner of the upper push rod had a large piece missing, and also on the opposing push rod.
Richard Peckett is away until Thursday so it remains to be seen what he decides to do. We hope the bike will be running for Anglesey.
Thanks for your continued support
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
The exhaust rocker box was then removed only to find that the corner of the upper push rod had a large piece missing, and also on the opposing push rod.
Richard Peckett is away until Thursday so it remains to be seen what he decides to do. We hope the bike will be running for Anglesey.
Thanks for your continued support
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Trials and Tribulations
The Village People's latest member
Wednesday 17th April 2013
I know you have all hardly slept since Brands with wondering why the North wouldn’t go. Well it’s a big smacked bottom for Chris as he hadn’t cleaned his carbs, so they were taken off and left in the orange juice tank to be thoroughly cleansed. Last Sunday the North was put on the dyno at P&M but it wouldn’t run on three. Dave walked away in disgust.
The screws were tightened on the stator plate for the Pazon ignition and after several runs on the dyno – re-jetting twice and retarding the ignition a further two degrees – 97 horse power was seen.
Thank you all at P&M, and an especially big thank you to Tony Hayward for taking the North to Darley Moor this weekend.
Not sure what the weather will be like but Chris and Gav are ready with the waterproofs. Chris’ I have had to mend as they were damaged at Snetterton when he thought he was superman. I had a waterproof jacket delivered from A&R Racing Services in Somerset for Chris to try but in black patent he looked a bit gay.
However, it fitted Gav a treat and he looks rather fetching in it. As this is a family web site Ashley has only put the photo on the home page so you can’t zoom in. Hopefully the jacket will stay in the bedroom due to masses of sunshine and cloudless skies this weekend. See you when we get back.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
I know you have all hardly slept since Brands with wondering why the North wouldn’t go. Well it’s a big smacked bottom for Chris as he hadn’t cleaned his carbs, so they were taken off and left in the orange juice tank to be thoroughly cleansed. Last Sunday the North was put on the dyno at P&M but it wouldn’t run on three. Dave walked away in disgust.
The screws were tightened on the stator plate for the Pazon ignition and after several runs on the dyno – re-jetting twice and retarding the ignition a further two degrees – 97 horse power was seen.
Thank you all at P&M, and an especially big thank you to Tony Hayward for taking the North to Darley Moor this weekend.
Not sure what the weather will be like but Chris and Gav are ready with the waterproofs. Chris’ I have had to mend as they were damaged at Snetterton when he thought he was superman. I had a waterproof jacket delivered from A&R Racing Services in Somerset for Chris to try but in black patent he looked a bit gay.
However, it fitted Gav a treat and he looks rather fetching in it. As this is a family web site Ashley has only put the photo on the home page so you can’t zoom in. Hopefully the jacket will stay in the bedroom due to masses of sunshine and cloudless skies this weekend. See you when we get back.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
A Rant from Long Suffering Wife ...
Brands Hatch - 23rd & 24th March 2013
What silly b******* they are putting the first race meeting in March and not having one in October. Two years ago at Mallory in March it rained so much the sewers overflowed and we spent the weekend paddling in poop water. And I KNOW there was a hot spell last March but it was just a freak of nature! Ok! – (I wanted to punch quite a few of the people who came out with that one.) The weather can be just as lousy in April but we have raced at Pembrey for four years and even though it rained a lot at one meeting, racing was not cancelled because of it.
And talking of Mallory – I hear there’s a good chance it will be closed and sold. Don’t be upset about it. Think of all the moaning locals and the possibility of them getting a large council estate built there. I for one will be pleased to never go again. It’s just a big toilet.
Long Suffering Wife
(Full diary from the Brands Hatch meeting to follow)
What silly b******* they are putting the first race meeting in March and not having one in October. Two years ago at Mallory in March it rained so much the sewers overflowed and we spent the weekend paddling in poop water. And I KNOW there was a hot spell last March but it was just a freak of nature! Ok! – (I wanted to punch quite a few of the people who came out with that one.) The weather can be just as lousy in April but we have raced at Pembrey for four years and even though it rained a lot at one meeting, racing was not cancelled because of it.
And talking of Mallory – I hear there’s a good chance it will be closed and sold. Don’t be upset about it. Think of all the moaning locals and the possibility of them getting a large council estate built there. I for one will be pleased to never go again. It’s just a big toilet.
Long Suffering Wife
(Full diary from the Brands Hatch meeting to follow)
Ready, Steady ...
Thursday 14th March 2013
The weekend before last Chris spent a day at P&M helping with work on the RPS. Investigation into the last season’s oil leak on the RPS had revealed a large crack in the oil tank which got bigger as they tried to weld it. The RPS will be put on the dyno next to see if the bike still smokes as it was running a bit rich, and Chris brought back the exhaust to paint it and has now returned it and it has been fitted.
Gav and Chris picked up the paintwork for the North this evening from Councillor Potter – this man has a fabulous cockerel which I must take a photo of next time it’s out, and share with you all - his chickens aren’t bad either. Many thanks to Paul, who has done a wonderful job as usual.
There was only one slight hitch when Chris went over to help put the decals on the body work and, thinking they were water-slide transfers, Paul dunked the tank badge in a bucket of water as Chris started to read the instructions and he realised they were peel-off.
Chris’ Coke van is now a year and a half old and so it has gone to have most of its body work beaten out and painted and have a new front bumper fitted. So it will be all beautiful for Brands.
The small gazebo has a new roof after Chris neglected to screw the frame down at Silverstone and it took off in the night and tried to get it on with the Dolittle’s camper and the barbecue is still waiting for Chris to clean it.
And finally for the moment, (Fanfare please) some romantic news ... no it does not involve Paul's fabulous cockerel – On Saturday 9th March, Ian and Sandra became Mr
& Mrs Stewart! I shall get a photo of the bride and groom from Hilary and Tony but for now we’ll post this one of three friends looking like a prison
line-up.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
The weekend before last Chris spent a day at P&M helping with work on the RPS. Investigation into the last season’s oil leak on the RPS had revealed a large crack in the oil tank which got bigger as they tried to weld it. The RPS will be put on the dyno next to see if the bike still smokes as it was running a bit rich, and Chris brought back the exhaust to paint it and has now returned it and it has been fitted.
Gav and Chris picked up the paintwork for the North this evening from Councillor Potter – this man has a fabulous cockerel which I must take a photo of next time it’s out, and share with you all - his chickens aren’t bad either. Many thanks to Paul, who has done a wonderful job as usual.
There was only one slight hitch when Chris went over to help put the decals on the body work and, thinking they were water-slide transfers, Paul dunked the tank badge in a bucket of water as Chris started to read the instructions and he realised they were peel-off.
Chris’ Coke van is now a year and a half old and so it has gone to have most of its body work beaten out and painted and have a new front bumper fitted. So it will be all beautiful for Brands.
The small gazebo has a new roof after Chris neglected to screw the frame down at Silverstone and it took off in the night and tried to get it on with the Dolittle’s camper and the barbecue is still waiting for Chris to clean it.
And finally for the moment, (Fanfare please) some romantic news ... no it does not involve Paul's fabulous cockerel – On Saturday 9th March, Ian and Sandra became Mr
& Mrs Stewart! I shall get a photo of the bride and groom from Hilary and Tony but for now we’ll post this one of three friends looking like a prison
line-up.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
The RPS Trident
Winner 2013 Race of the Year 1300cc Multi's
Below is an extract from an article Chris wrote for the TR3OC (See Links Page) :
"Hi, I thought I would put pen to paper as I am one of the fortunate individuals that have had the pleasure to race an RPS Trident as
well as a Rob North Trident so I can compare the two. First I’ll give a little bit of background on the man and motorcycle.
RPS stands for Richard Peckett Special – for those of you in the know he is one half of Peckett and McNab, better known for their giant killing F1 winning Z1 Kawasakis that stomped all over the factory teams back in 1978.
Richard, after experiencing the howling Rob North Triples at Crystal Palace, was so inspired he had to have one. Sadly for Richard, even if a North chassis had been available (which it wasn’t) there was no way he could afford one ... "
To continue reading the article, Click Here to go the 'Bike Specification' page, where the rest of the article is situated.
Thank you for your continued support during the closed season, not long till the first race weekend at Brands Hatch on 23rd - 24th March.
Best wishes
Ashley Barnett
"Hi, I thought I would put pen to paper as I am one of the fortunate individuals that have had the pleasure to race an RPS Trident as
well as a Rob North Trident so I can compare the two. First I’ll give a little bit of background on the man and motorcycle.
RPS stands for Richard Peckett Special – for those of you in the know he is one half of Peckett and McNab, better known for their giant killing F1 winning Z1 Kawasakis that stomped all over the factory teams back in 1978.
Richard, after experiencing the howling Rob North Triples at Crystal Palace, was so inspired he had to have one. Sadly for Richard, even if a North chassis had been available (which it wasn’t) there was no way he could afford one ... "
To continue reading the article, Click Here to go the 'Bike Specification' page, where the rest of the article is situated.
Thank you for your continued support during the closed season, not long till the first race weekend at Brands Hatch on 23rd - 24th March.
Best wishes
Ashley Barnett
The Phoenix RIses From The Ashes
Sunday 3rd February 2013
After masses of preparation Chris built the North’s engine in four evenings then had a tendency to get glued to the sofa. However, he has now come out of hibernation and is spending as much time in the garage as he can manage. The North’s frame is being painted and is expected back soon, then the real assembly can be done.
Wheels and discs miraculously escaped being damaged in the crash but the silencer was destroyed and the new one cannot be made until there’s a rolling chassis, the engine’s in and the head’s on to determine the silencer’s position. There’s also lots of cleaning and fibre-glassing to be done on body work so Chris can’t afford to take his foot of the gas. Once the silencer is on, the fairing will be fitted, then taken off again to be sent to Paul Potter to be painted, along with the seat unit and the tank – which has been bashed exquisitely straight by Steve at P&Ms.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
After masses of preparation Chris built the North’s engine in four evenings then had a tendency to get glued to the sofa. However, he has now come out of hibernation and is spending as much time in the garage as he can manage. The North’s frame is being painted and is expected back soon, then the real assembly can be done.
Wheels and discs miraculously escaped being damaged in the crash but the silencer was destroyed and the new one cannot be made until there’s a rolling chassis, the engine’s in and the head’s on to determine the silencer’s position. There’s also lots of cleaning and fibre-glassing to be done on body work so Chris can’t afford to take his foot of the gas. Once the silencer is on, the fairing will be fitted, then taken off again to be sent to Paul Potter to be painted, along with the seat unit and the tank – which has been bashed exquisitely straight by Steve at P&Ms.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
CRMC Dinner Dance & AGM 2012
As usual Chris is nowhere to be seen !
Monday 10th December 2012
With the exception of most of us, again, having an extremely numb bottom by the end of prize-giving the dinner dance was once more a great success.
The guest speaker was Terry Rymer. Also known as ‘Too Tall’ - though his height didn’t stop him from winning many titles during his career including BSB, the World Endurance Championship, the prestigious Bol d’or and the 24 hr Le Mans.
Cormac was sporting a rather dodgy moustache (pictured on the left). He now resembles Ron Mael who played keyboard in the 1970s pop duo Sparks. (Movember has now finished Cormac !)
An admirable quantity of alcohol was consumed during the evening. Chris eventually decided to called it a night around 3am while he could still walk but drink got the better of Sean Emmett and he was eventually transported from the dining room in a wheelchair.
Sincere congratulations to Mike from Team W.A.N.C.A for his second place trophy in the Multis. We tried swapping it with Chris’ smaller one but we got found out.
Additional photographs will be posted to the '2012 Photo Galleries' tab.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Brands and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2013.
Thank you for your support.
Jane and Ashley
Team W.A.N.C.A.
With the exception of most of us, again, having an extremely numb bottom by the end of prize-giving the dinner dance was once more a great success.
The guest speaker was Terry Rymer. Also known as ‘Too Tall’ - though his height didn’t stop him from winning many titles during his career including BSB, the World Endurance Championship, the prestigious Bol d’or and the 24 hr Le Mans.
Cormac was sporting a rather dodgy moustache (pictured on the left). He now resembles Ron Mael who played keyboard in the 1970s pop duo Sparks. (Movember has now finished Cormac !)
An admirable quantity of alcohol was consumed during the evening. Chris eventually decided to called it a night around 3am while he could still walk but drink got the better of Sean Emmett and he was eventually transported from the dining room in a wheelchair.
Sincere congratulations to Mike from Team W.A.N.C.A for his second place trophy in the Multis. We tried swapping it with Chris’ smaller one but we got found out.
Additional photographs will be posted to the '2012 Photo Galleries' tab.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Brands and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2013.
Thank you for your support.
Jane and Ashley
Team W.A.N.C.A.
November 2012 Update
24th November 2012
We have just had word that the CRMC are aiming for 7 race meetings in 2013. They are reasonably sure that the first meeting will be at Brands Hatch on March 23rd and 24th, which means Pembrey will not be during Easter weekend like it’s been for the previous few years. Hopefully we will still get to race there, albeit later in the year.
Chris is off to P&M tomorrow with his frame and forks. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Rob North emerges from the dust. (more pictures below)
Thank you for your continued support !
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Video from Silverstone 2012 Uploaded
This video captures the moment that Chris was presented with his 2012 Race of the Year Trophy for the 1300 Multi's, thanks go Pat Robinson for this excellent clip.
If you fancy seeing more of Chris on film, please have a look at our Video Gallery page, where you can see him bellydancing or watch a montage of his 2011 season.
Finally, the 2012 Championship Standings have been published by the CRMC and it is my pleasure to confirm that the projected standings that I produce were correct (maybe the odd point out !), but the positions published below are indeed correct. Congratulations Chris !
Thanks for your continued support as ever.
Ashley Barnett
If you fancy seeing more of Chris on film, please have a look at our Video Gallery page, where you can see him bellydancing or watch a montage of his 2011 season.
Finally, the 2012 Championship Standings have been published by the CRMC and it is my pleasure to confirm that the projected standings that I produce were correct (maybe the odd point out !), but the positions published below are indeed correct. Congratulations Chris !
Thanks for your continued support as ever.
Ashley Barnett
Thanks from 'Captain Chaos'
Sunday 23rd September 2012
I want to thank all the people who gave me assistance after my little incident at Snetterton - the CRMC marshals who
scraped the bike and myself off the grass, - the Snetterton medical crew, - Gavin for taking me to Norwich hospital and patiently waiting with me in A & E, - my wife for not stabbing me, though there’s a good chance it could still happen. To Malcom Hearn and Carol Avery for providing a hot meal, bed and roof over me Monday night before my visit to the bone doctor Brian Simpson. And finally, thank you CRMC for the flowers and fruit you sent me. It was a lovely surprise.
Chris Chapman
Snetterton 2012 - Crash Slideshow (Pictures Courtesy of Paul Soulby)
There's something about that chair ...
February 2012 Update
Chris becomes P&M's bitch for the day
19th February 2012
With the first race meeting of the year at Pembrey fast approaching, Chris has decided it is time to get the bikes in order ... though a bout with 'Man Flu' has cost him precious time !
As many of you will be aware, Chris is racing two bikes this season, so this means twice the effort ! Luckily though, Chris has been able to rely on the help of P&M's in preparing the bikes.
However, he has had to earn his keep by punching holes in thousand of tab washers for Trident clutches, as pictured on the left. Below are some more pictures from a recent visit to the renowned P&M garage.
Thanks again for your continued support throughout the closed season, it won't be long until we are back in action and the famous diaries will re-emerge !
Ashley Barnett
With the first race meeting of the year at Pembrey fast approaching, Chris has decided it is time to get the bikes in order ... though a bout with 'Man Flu' has cost him precious time !
As many of you will be aware, Chris is racing two bikes this season, so this means twice the effort ! Luckily though, Chris has been able to rely on the help of P&M's in preparing the bikes.
However, he has had to earn his keep by punching holes in thousand of tab washers for Trident clutches, as pictured on the left. Below are some more pictures from a recent visit to the renowned P&M garage.
Thanks again for your continued support throughout the closed season, it won't be long until we are back in action and the famous diaries will re-emerge !
Ashley Barnett
CRMC Dinner Dance & AGM 2011
Saturday 3rd December 2011
It is 'that' time of the year again when we all suffer the dilemma of - Long or Short - Heels or Flats - Control Pants or none at all. Where no-one recognises fellow racers out of leathers. Where hands and finger nails are sort of clean and Odour Castrol is replaced by aftershave. Yes, it's the CRMC Dinner Dance...
Sunday 4th December 2011
We were taking Gavin with us and meeting Lou at the hotel in Daventry. I went to the hair dressers at 9am leaving him and Chris with the job of extracting the bench seat for the van from it's resting place in my garage. It had never been put into the van before, only removed when we first got it. I came back an hour later and they were still working away at it. 'We know what we're doing now' said Gav reassuringly, 'It just took a bit of working out'. Half an hour later it was in. I think it would've been nice if Volkswagen had put proper instructions in the manual.
We set off at a swift pace. Chris' driving is appallling at the best of times but sitting in the back seat was like being in a dingy on rough sea. It was terrifying. I'd finished most of the hip flask before we were past Heathrow. It was weird sitting in the back because you only get snippets of the conversations going on in the front. - something about Chris' bigger right foot and having to stretch his Gaernes and the problem Gavin has peeling his pants off when he has been in them too long - stockings, carb cleaner, silencers - and you think to yourself - 'What's all that about'. Then there is Tony and Hilary on the phone - leotards, babies, tweeking suspension - Fascinating!
Lou was at the carpark when we got to the hotel. The AGM was about to start so Lou and I booked in and took the bags up. I accompanied Lou to her room which was made up as a twin. A girl came to the door and asked 'Do you want it made up as a double?' and we said yes. She got to work changing the bedding and I thought I'd just mention the boys at the AGM in case she assumed the room was for us.
The evening was great, although getting a drink from the bar was seriously frustrating. The guest speaker spoke and the trophies were awarded. Cormac was sat with us and the table was groaning with the quantity of metal-work he had won. Nigel Hall-Smith's and Chris' trophies proudly holding their own on our side of the table. Well done Cormac from all the W.A.N.C.A's and we hope you got stopped at customs on the way home.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
October 2011 Update
More Pictures Below
Saturday 23rd October 2011
Although Chris still has a bad right knee and a groin strain from his game of squash on Monday, he threw caution to the wind and took to one wheel this afternoon on the unicycle I'd picked up in a house clearance. After falling into the compressor he relinquished the cycle immediately, which is the first sensible thing he's done for a while.
The 750 is stripped down now ready to go to P&M for the rebuild. Gavin and Chris spent two long evenings in the garage last week dismantling furiously. Once the 750 has gone the Rob North will have a good shakedown. Prior to this though, Chris has some homework to do. He has been asked to speak about his racing after the TR3OC dinner on 12th November. I hope he will not disappoint, as his story could appear mundane to some. It's not as if he had been born with an extra leg and had to overcome the awkward riding position or something. There is no doubting Chris' passion for racing though and I'm sure this will come across in his talk and keep everyone entertained. We hope it all goes smoothly for Chris and the heckling is minimal.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Although Chris still has a bad right knee and a groin strain from his game of squash on Monday, he threw caution to the wind and took to one wheel this afternoon on the unicycle I'd picked up in a house clearance. After falling into the compressor he relinquished the cycle immediately, which is the first sensible thing he's done for a while.
The 750 is stripped down now ready to go to P&M for the rebuild. Gavin and Chris spent two long evenings in the garage last week dismantling furiously. Once the 750 has gone the Rob North will have a good shakedown. Prior to this though, Chris has some homework to do. He has been asked to speak about his racing after the TR3OC dinner on 12th November. I hope he will not disappoint, as his story could appear mundane to some. It's not as if he had been born with an extra leg and had to overcome the awkward riding position or something. There is no doubting Chris' passion for racing though and I'm sure this will come across in his talk and keep everyone entertained. We hope it all goes smoothly for Chris and the heckling is minimal.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris 'LastMinute.Com' Chapman Strikes Again
Intimate Mechanic - Rider Relationship !
Friday 30th September 2011
Chris went down with a cold after Cadwell and, feeling weak and wobbly, didn't exert himself for a few days. Since then though he has cycled and swum and is feeling much fitter for it. One particular morning he was very late returning from the pool and I feared the worse. Car drivers keep aiming for him (and I don't know any of them so it's nothing to do with me) and I wondered if he'd had an accident. I'd already had a bad start to the day myself as I couldn't find the only bra I have, which I left on the bedroom chair when I went to bed, and had ripped the place apart searching for it. I just knew Chris had something to do with it's disappearance. Chris finally returned forty minutes late. When he'd reached the pool he found my bra dangling off his rucsac's velcro from when he sat the bag on the chair. When he left the pool he found a bloke trying to cut through the lock on his bicycle and asked him what the hell did he think he was doing, to which the bloke replied 'It's alright mate I'm homeless.' ......It's a good thing for him that it was Chris there and not me. After the morning I'd had I would've kicked him in the balls so hard they'd have come out of his mouth. Anyway. Very little has been done to the North since Cadwell but Chris' knight in a little white van arrives this evening to sort things out. Gav to the rescue again. He'll make sure they knuckle down and get the bike ready.
It's hard to believe that it will soon be a year since Mike Norris died. Mike's wife Lesley and friends will be at Snetterton and Mike's ashes will be scattered at the circuit. Lou has a wonderful photo of Mike and the boys from Cadwell last year which will be on the web site soon. We miss you Nozzer and if you're out there watching the racing, be a good chap and hold onto the back of Cormac's bike so Chris can beat him.
So, last meeting of the year. Ashley and I look forward to seeing everyone who makes it next weekend. It should be very exciting. Whatever happens, Chris will be able to look back and say that he led a championship once and be proud.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris went down with a cold after Cadwell and, feeling weak and wobbly, didn't exert himself for a few days. Since then though he has cycled and swum and is feeling much fitter for it. One particular morning he was very late returning from the pool and I feared the worse. Car drivers keep aiming for him (and I don't know any of them so it's nothing to do with me) and I wondered if he'd had an accident. I'd already had a bad start to the day myself as I couldn't find the only bra I have, which I left on the bedroom chair when I went to bed, and had ripped the place apart searching for it. I just knew Chris had something to do with it's disappearance. Chris finally returned forty minutes late. When he'd reached the pool he found my bra dangling off his rucsac's velcro from when he sat the bag on the chair. When he left the pool he found a bloke trying to cut through the lock on his bicycle and asked him what the hell did he think he was doing, to which the bloke replied 'It's alright mate I'm homeless.' ......It's a good thing for him that it was Chris there and not me. After the morning I'd had I would've kicked him in the balls so hard they'd have come out of his mouth. Anyway. Very little has been done to the North since Cadwell but Chris' knight in a little white van arrives this evening to sort things out. Gav to the rescue again. He'll make sure they knuckle down and get the bike ready.
It's hard to believe that it will soon be a year since Mike Norris died. Mike's wife Lesley and friends will be at Snetterton and Mike's ashes will be scattered at the circuit. Lou has a wonderful photo of Mike and the boys from Cadwell last year which will be on the web site soon. We miss you Nozzer and if you're out there watching the racing, be a good chap and hold onto the back of Cormac's bike so Chris can beat him.
So, last meeting of the year. Ashley and I look forward to seeing everyone who makes it next weekend. It should be very exciting. Whatever happens, Chris will be able to look back and say that he led a championship once and be proud.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife