Finally got The Beast out of the clutches of Saluki Motorsport last Thursday, and took it out for a modest shakedown on Saturday. Nothing adventurous or high-revving, just making sure everything works and nothing falls off. So far so good. There are few bits and pieces still to do, including retaining straps for the mudflaps which I actually sorted out in the afternoon. But now it’s back at Saluki for the remaining odds and ends to be tidied up.
But on the way, I decided to visit Al Quoz Weighbridge and see just how much flab has been excised from The Beast. This sounds such a simple task, what could possibly go wrong? In from the front, with the Beast on the trailer, over the weighbridge, pay the money and carry on out the back. Except that having gone over the weighbridge, the exit was blocked by several large trucks. Reverse back over the weighbridge? Well, it’s narrow, very long, and has a 2’ sheer drop either side - and I got halfway back along it before I bottled out. The only alternative was the world’s most difficult 3-point-turn, avoiding aforementioned trucks and various piles of structural steel in the yard. And then I had to do it all over again after dropping off the race car…..aaaargh.
Well, the weigh-in is complete. The Beast has clearly been on a low-calorie, starch-reduced, fat-free diet with a touch of Atkins on the side and a gastric band. The angle-grinder has been wielded with the skill of a surgeon’s scalpel, and ladies and gentlemen, the operation has been a success!
Those paying attention will recall that the Beast previously tipped the scales at a portly 2580kg. I was thinking that maybe we’d lose 250kg…which is exactly what we have done! The weight is now 2330kg, with a similar fuel load. So I’m afraid all your guesses were hopelessly optimistic, and the only way we’ll get near the minimum allowable 2050kg would be to get rid of the chassis, which isn’t really an option. The nearest guess came from my favourite spanner-basher, Richard Bailey.
I’m about to leave the country for ten days, to go and watch Europe whup the USA’s collective butt in the Ryder Cup - assuming I can get into Scotland by then without a visa. Yes, ‘I’m gonna be the man who walked a thousand miles’ to fall down at the 18th hole at Gleneagles. It’s a shame that world-famous marksman and part-time Newtrix technical director, Mr Rick Carless, can’t come, as I believe the haggis-hunting season is just about to open.
And on my return, there is the first race of EMSF Desert Championship on 3rd October! I have chosen to be car number 333 for no particular reason, and at some point you will be able to find out the location on www.emsf.ae. Please, please come along and support the event, it’s a great morning out amongst some of the friendliest (and sweatiest) Petrolheads in the country. And if you want to volunteer to marshal, get in touch with Stuart at EMSF on their Facebook page.
Did I hear you say ‘pictures’? OK, you’ve waited long enough.
WARNING: CAR PORN AHEAD.
