2002 Season Race Diary

Meeting no 1, Cuckoo Fayre, Laughton 1-4 June 2002

Well, the new Westwood Gazelle Tractor was just about ready to race in time. It passed scrutineering well. All of the tractor racers at Laughton were really helpfull with positive suggestions, although there weren't many there.

I came third in the first race.. there were only 3 tractors took part!

The steering was really poor, it wouldn't steer in a straight line. I adjusted the castor angle, and the toe in, and changed tyre pressures to reduce the bouncing on a bumpy track. These all improved handling enormously... but it was then very heavy to steer. I had a few problems with pulleys working loose, but that was easy to fix, and the bonnet catches were rubbish....the bungy strap saved the day!

All in all it was a really encouraging start with a new machine, there's a few refinements to the steering set up, and a few other minor issues, but it seems stronger that the lawn bug.

I'm looking forward to Dorchester in a week or so's time.