Archive for category Motoring

Weston Beach Race 15-16-17th October 2010

Posted by on Sunday, 19 September, 2010

Weston Beach Race 2010
As we fast approach the beginning of October, all you can feel in your mind is the vibration of 2 stroke and 4 stroke machines bumbling up and down the beach at Weston super Mare for the coverted title “winner” of this prestige event, and a close to the MX and Quad Bike season for another year.

The message from owner of RHL Activities – Gareth Hockey, as he starts the countdown to what will be the 28th running of this traditional closer to the dirt bike competition season, on October 15-17 is that it will be a big one, and better than any other year and it will be “alive and kicking” more than ever.

Everyone could argue that we should be reporting, ‘Gareth Hockey’s alive and kicking’ after the troubled last 12 months he’s endured.

The 2009 main race at Weston had to abandoned after a serious accident at the start – which the start off months of controversy and speculation to the future of this monumental event. Then Hockey’s plans for his third British GP to be held this June ran off the rails as land issues – at one time seemingly rescued by the Chepstow Racecourse – became insurmountable.

The GP fixture was eventually relocated to the USA and Hockey, for the first time in years, fell off the radar.

Talking to TM+X Gareth Said; “No question this last year has been the worst of my life. The GP was always a difficult job, a massive drain on resources and a huge financial risk for me. With the events of the last Weston as well, in all it has been a tough time that’s hit me both financially and personally.

“I took the opportunity – once the decision to stop on the GP was made – to take a step back and review what I’ve been doing. There was little reason to be continuing with a high profile, answering to everyone’s theories and speculation as after you reach a certain point no good is ever going to come of that. Instead it was important to take time out and look at what was good and what wasn’t and determine a sound plan for the future.”

But, as Gareth explained to TM+X, it was an event worth holding on to and a must for the yearly calendar – but was that the thoughts of the local businesses who benefit to the tune of millions over the weekend?

Having spoken to many of the businesses, we found that pretty much 99% would want the event to carry on, as it was such a money spinner for them too.

But the feelings from the local district council could not be clearer, “Make sure this one goes off well, or it may be considered too dangerous to run again!

Gareth Said: “We’ve now got our five year plan sorted. We took last year’s event to bits, as we do every year – and made changes that we feel will again improve the event. We have spent many months reviewing the start procedure (we even went to look at Le Touquet to witness their race start) and everyone has come to same opinion – that the way we do it is still the safest option.

“But there were still operational matters that we felt needed revising and so while to the outside world the event will look and feel the same, RHL have taken a lot of the control of the event back in-house. We feel we are the only people that have the understanding of how the competitor and the local authority want this event to work.”

Gareth also confirmed that the event’s key sponsors – Red Bull, Doodson Motorsport, Polaris and Rock Oil – remain on board and are fully supportive of the plans to expand the event into what Hockey prefers to call a festival.

This year’s event has been expanded to three days with the introduction of the new side-by-side (Polaris Ranger Rzr ATV) race on Friday. Saturday will see a youth quad and a 65cc race followed by the traditional adult quad and sidecar race. Sunday’s programme will feature a youth 85cc race followed by the headline adult solo race.

“This year we’re negotiating to have many top BSB stars (we’ve already got a number entered) and are waiting on confirmation of signing one of our greatest Weston racers, Stefan Everts. We’re looking for a few other famous riders to swell the ‘celebrity’ ranks as well. Without question the fans love to see these names fighting it out with our regular riders – it’s what makes the race that little bit special.”

So, Gareth Hockey is back, and the Beach Race continues. The teasers set by RHL, though look a little far fetched to encourage people to register early, by saying so many competitors will get a full refund and again with the spectators, around 5 out of a potential 120,000 will get a refund if they book online during August.

Not sure which would work best, £50 to do two days at Weston Beach Race in hope to get my £50 back – or just write off the £50 as a good couple of days out with the smell of petrol fumes in my lungs, and keep doing the lottery?

Stuff it, Weston wins and so does the lotto – here goes another expenses claim for entertaining guests!!

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Used Car Dealers Spark Rise in Complaints

Posted by on Thursday, 16 September, 2010

Arthur DailySince the beginning of the year, Trading Standards has announced that they have witnessed a major rise in complaints from buyers of Used Cars over tactics being used by Car Dealers.

The rise in complaints from January to June 2010 has risen nearly 20% over the same period for 2009, hich has sparked the Trading Standards to review their policies for dealers who supply Used or Second Hand Cars to the general public.

Whilst the consumer watchdog received nearly 38,000 calls regarding the “Arthur Daily” dealers, it only came in a short first place over Mobile Phone Dealers and TV’s.

Each person who had complained, had spent on average £425 to put right problems which should not have been present when they collected the vehicle.

The main probelm is that when these “Arthur Daily” style dealers prepare the vehicle for the road, if they find something which would be covered by a warranty, they let the vehicle go “as is” and then place a claim against the warranty company weeks after, giving them extra profit in the “nice earner” they sold.

This isn’t the first time the second hand car market has been questioned, and probabaly will not be the last. But, the consumer watchdog and Trading Standards do need to repair this problem soon before the industry develops a more damaging lapel badge, bringing down the good dealers who may get tarnished with the same brush by default.

In a study conducted by the OFT on the £24 billion second hand car market, an average of 9 out of 10 cars developed faults after leaving the garage and within 3 months of the buyer taking delivery.

One of the OFT’s other concerns was that the second had car industry had charged over £580 million too much due to the illegal tampering and clocking of vehicle mileage. In the research, it was claimed that “mileage adjustment” is rarely legitimate, yet they found over 50 businesses offering the service to private sellers so they could increase the value of their high mileage banger.

This report has now sparked a new wave of attack from the motoring watchdogs, with the OFT launching a campaign to help consumers know their rights better.

A trick which has been used in the industry for many years is the disclaimer sticker placed on the mileometer, which takes away most of the resposibility of the dealer when showing recorded mileage. It is claimed that one in 11 car dealers rely on these illegal disclaimers and stickers regarding the car’s previous history and condition, which they can then claim the vehicle as being  ‘sold as seen’ or ‘no refund’.

The truth is that should you purchase a second hand vehicle form a legitimate business, they can never sell it as “SOLD AS SEEN” or “NO REFUND” – these words and expressions are worth nothing, and mean less. Every dealer who supllies a vehicle has to give a warranty as standard, and you, the buying public, are still covered by your consumer rights should the vehicle not live up to the expectation.

Just remember one thing – what ever the dealer decides to tell you, get it on paper. So, should they say the the vehicle is going to be inspected, serviced, MOT and Road Fund Licence, ake sure that they place this on the order form when you hand over your deposit. Should they not wish to do this spell’s danger, so up with your bag of loot and on to the next dealer.

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Ethernet Emerges as the Standard for a Unified Train Network

Posted by on Tuesday, 14 September, 2010


– The modern train is a highly networked environment. Of course there are the train control networks for real-time data management in the control of propulsion, anti-skid systems, brakes, doors, lighting, heating, ventilation, etc. But increasingly, train and network operators are looking to provide passengers with an improved journey experience, focusing on safety, security and efficiency. This has placed an emphasis on enhanced surveillance and infotainment networks.

Ethernet has long been a standard for city-wide and facility-wide security and surveillance networks, as well as for business and industrial information networks. In addition, it has proven its credentials in some of the most demanding real-time control applications at the heart of industry. So it is no surprise that rail operators should be assessing its suitability for on-board networks. And so Ethernet holds the tantalising possibility of offering a single unified network solution for both the train control systems and the security and information systems.

The attractions of Ethernet are clear. With its massive installed base, Ethernet is well understood, widely supported, and highly affordable. Industrial Ethernet has quickly become the de facto standard for demanding industry networks, with infrastructure components such as Ethernet switches and routers now able to offer the degree of ruggedness over standard office products to address the rigours of the plant floor, and deliver a high performance, standardised, open communications platform that is readily scalable and very low risk.

Mobile networking architectures, though, are a completely different ball game, where the effects of shock and vibration, and the requirement for absolute reliability in the most challenging of environments and ambient conditions take the stresses on Ethernet devices such as switches to a whole new level.

So to address the multiple networking needs on trains, Ethernet systems must be able to deliver real-time performance for control systems, bandwidth and multi-cast management capabilities for video data typical in CCTV systems, and the general VLAN requirements for information and entertainment systems, and combine all of this with the ability to withstand the high levels of shock and vibration typical in rail applications.

The rail industry standard for electronic components EN50155 introduces stringent demands for reliability, covering humidity, extended temperature range (40 to +85

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F1 Ruling For Ferrari Firmly Places Wedge In Divide

Posted by on Friday, 10 September, 2010

FIA | F1 | Motorsport Governing Body
Let’s face it, within the F1 Industry you will never become a “sit on the fence and run with the wolves” sort of person. It’s either one way or the other, your in and follow the guidelines, or you go the complete opposite.

The F1 Championship was created back in 1958, over 60 years ago – and team orders have never been something which the drivers have ignored, well up until now that is. And, as we have witnessed over the first part of the season, some are getting ever frustrated being told what to do.

You only have to look at the Webber / Vettel incident where it was evident that Vettel took a sudden desire to get all close and comfortable with his team mate Webber, and ended bringing the two of them off giving the win away to Hamilton. The pictures which were broadcast of Christian Horner told the full story.

Then, like the feeling of nothing was going to happen in the German GP, we clearly heard the “riddle” style instructions from Ferrari which indicated “team order” had to be adhered to, bringing Alonso to the front and leaving Massa in a an understandingly upsetting second place.

What we want as a member of the viewing public is a more transparent sport, one that can be understood from it’s instruction manual and seen as result driven by expertise and not manufactured to fit the situation.

One thing is for sure that if I was following the sport and going to the events, I would be pretty miffed if I found that my idle was being steered in a different direction to what he wants, making him become a “second” driver in the team and not equal.

Whilst over the last weeks we have seen the shame brought on to the Cricket scene by the Pakistan players, lets hope that this is not a clear indication of what could be manufactured for the Motorsport industry.

FIA Ruling
So, as the story stands right now, the FIA fined Ferrari $100,000 (£66,000) because they could see that the coded message which was relayed over the radio not once, but twice, actually told Massa that he had to slow down and let Alonso passed. This ruling was upheld on Thursday by The World Motorsport Council.

Amongst the best of us, this paints a completely new picture, for now. The FIA have not nailed the door shut, and have given the teams a new order in which they can understand as being; “We do not tolerate this style of racing, so if you decide to follow this methodology then be prepared to be punished financially!”

At £66,000 a pop, do YOU think that the teams are going to worry too much about it?

Based on the fact that we knew team orders existed over 8 years ago when they were “claimed” to have been banned, this only strengthens the theory that where there is a will, there’s a way.

Unfortunately for Ferrari, they got caught doing something which we are told does not happen – but let’s face it, it wasn’t the most encrypted message, was it?

Maybe I should send over my 4 year old son to operate the radio, I’m sure he could dream up something better than “He’s faster than you, so let him pass!”

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London Tube Strike 7 September 2010 – Live in Central London

Posted by on Saturday, 4 September, 2010

London Underground
The first in a series of 24-hour strikes by London Underground (LU) workers is took place on 7th September, crippling the Tube network.

This live webcam is on Oxford Street in central London, one of the worst affected areas:

http://www.myworldwebcams.com/uk/oxford_street.html

Millions of passengers faced severe disruption as services on all but the Northern Line were suspended or delayed for most of the rush hour.

Location Information:

Oxford Street is a major thoroughfare in the City of Westminster in London, England. There are 548 shops in Oxford Street; it is Europe’s busiest shopping street, as well as the most dense. The street was formerly part of the London-Oxford road which began at Newgate, City of London, when it was known as Oxford Road. Today the road forms part of the A40, although, like many roads in central London which are not now intended as through traffic routes, it is not signposted with the road number.

It runs for approximately a mile and a half (two and a half kilometres) from Marble Arch at the north east corner of Hyde Park, through Oxford Circus to St Giles’ Circus, at the intersection with Charing Cross Road and Tottenham Court Road. Eastwards, the road then becomes New Oxford Street until it runs into High Holborn. Oxford Street intersects with other London roads including Park Lane, New Bond Street and Regent Street. West of Marble Arch, Oxford Street becomes Bayswater Road, then Notting Hill Gate and Holland Park Avenue until it becomes the Uxbridge Road at Shepherd’s Bush Roundabout. At Uxbridge it becomes the Oxford Road again, all the way to Oxford, save for some short sections where it has been given a local name.

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Towing a Caravan is a Statement of Intent

Posted by on Saturday, 4 September, 2010

Caravan Holidays
Now, when it comes to getting stuck behind a caravan whilst in a rush, I’m the first one to question WHY the government don’t introduce a towing regulation which stipulates that Caravans can only be moved around the country between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

Well, quietly under my breath I will say “time to make an official appology!”

The reason why is simply enviromental, and how much you reduce your carbon footprint by not boarding a jet and flying off to warmer climates like Spain, Italy or Portugal.

Analysts have shown that the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a car towing a caravan in the UK is 4kg, yet boarding that big white bird to fly out to Spain, would produce in excess of 500kg. (Research by Lancaster University)

Those with accommodation on wheels may be interested in an event known as Caravan Extravaganza, which takes place in Yorkshire this weekend (September 4th and 5th) and gives people the chance to view new models. So if you are thinking of investing in a second home on wheels, then go take a look “up north” and make sure you don’t come back until after midnight and before 7am.

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Another Record Rise in The Cost of Motor Insurance

Posted by on Saturday, 4 September, 2010

Motor Insurance
Car, Van and Motorcycle Insurance is due to rise by a staggering 30% due to the highest recorded levels of fraud this decade, claim industry experts in a harsh warning today.

AA Motor said that the average fully comprehensive policy costs just over 30% more this year than last year, and it is not looking like it will stop there either. It is the biggest increase since the company’s records began 16 years ago, with younger drivers facing even steeper price rises.

In the last three months alone, drivers and riders under the age of 30 have seen a huge leap of 11.5%!

Industry experts also announced that it was the younger drivers and riders who were most likely to make a fraudulant insurance claim.

A spokesman for The Association of British Insurers recently said that; “insurers uncovered £410million-worth of fraudulent motor insurance claims during 2009″ – and the AA said increased fraud is a central reason for rising premiums.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: ‘The evidence from moneysupermarket.com, suggesting that thousands of people are attempting to try “cash for crash” scams themselves – perhaps to get someone else to pay for past damage or to make a claim for non-existent whiplash injury – is deeply worrying.’

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New Sensor Range Helps Reduce Wheel Alignment Time

Posted by on Sunday, 29 August, 2010


– Pro-Align, one of the UK’s leading wheel alignment equipment specialists, has added to its range of conventional sensors, helping garages to make wheel alignment measurements even quicker than before. Unlike many conventional sensors, the new DSP700 series sensors allow users to carry out ‘rolling compensation,’ making the measurement process much quicker and easier than the traditional jacking compensation method. Pro-Align estimates that measurement times can be reduced by as much as 60 percent.

“Our new series of sensors will help garages cut measurement times and improve efficiency further,” explains Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align. “Typically, conventional sensors require technicians to perform several lengthy operations in order to eradicate any wheel rim errors. The new sensors allow a much quicker operation to be carried out, speeding up work significantly.”

Rolling compensation is a vital part of the wheel alignment process. Technicians need to simply roll the car a short distance along the alignment lift and they can be sure that the system will deliver accurate, reliable and repeatable results. If technicians skip compensation, the alignment system may provide inaccurate readings.

Pro-Align’s cable-free DSP700 sensors can be used in conjunction with the Hunter WinAlign or Hunter100 wheel alignment systems. With each sensor weighing less than 3.2kg, they are 50 percent lighter than previous models. Garages using the new sensors will be able to accommodate an extensive range of vehicles as they can be fitted to wheels ranging from 10″ through to 24.5″. Pro-Align will demonstrate the sensors to the trade for the first time at the Mechanex exhibition held on 21st and 22nd September at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire.

“The latest addition to our range is another example of our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative products which enhance the performance and effectiveness of garages,” concludes Beaurain.

# # #

About Pro-Align:

Pro-Align is one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of wheel alignment and garage equipment. Its advanced systems are used by many vehicle manufacturers, franchised dealer groups, independent workshops, motorsport specialists and vehicle technology consultancies. Pro-Align is the sole UK distributor for the Hunter range of wheel aligners, balancers and tyre changers.

In 2009, Pro-Align was received the NTDA’s TAFF Innovation award for its Hunter SmartWeight balancing system and was nominated again in 2010 for its Fully Integrated Alignment system.

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Advantages of HID Xenon Lights over standard Halogen Lights

Posted by on Thursday, 12 August, 2010


What are the advantages of HID Xenon Lights over Standard Halogen Bulbs?

*Increased Visibility & Safety   *10 Times the Life of Halogen Lights

*Daylight Colour Impression   *Resistant to Shock and Vibration

*3-4 Times More Light than Halogen *Less Power Consumption

You have probably come across a car on dark stretch of road that you thought was high beaming you and thought it was just another rude motorist. In fact it probably may have just been a car with HID xenon lights installed instead of the regular halogen light bulbs. The trend towards HID (high intensity discharge) lights has grown exponentially over the past few years. It seems now that almost every other car on the road has a pair of bright blue / white tint lights. There is in fact a reason for their growing popularity. The HID xenon bulbs offer great advantages over the standard halogen lights that we are used to.

The first major advantage is that xenon light bulbs have a greater output of light. They are up to 3-4 times brighter than standard halogens.  At night this is crucial because the lack of visibility is the major cause of vehicle accidents during night driving. The second biggest advantage is that the viewing radius is increased up to 70 percent.  Xenon light bulbs will have 70 percent wider road coverage due to the fact they are brighter. This will illuminate any blind spots on the road and be especially useful in spotting any potential road-side hazards such as debris and animals on the road. With a whiter light and a blue tint on HID xenon lights we are able to have clearer visibility on the road. The whiter light penetrates the darkness better than yellow halogen light and as a result you are able to see better in all weather conditions.

Additional benefits of HID xenon lights are they offer more durability than halogen lights. They can withstand a greater amount of vibration and shock from the road due to there being no filament. There is also much greater life span, HID lights can last up to 10 times longer than halogen lights. The end result will save you money and trouble dealing with a blown out light globe at night.

Of course with a light that is 3-4 times as bright you may think that it also consumes 3-4 times as much power….Wrong !  HID lights consume 25% less power than standard halogen lights whilst producing more light.

With all these benefits to gain by using HID xenon lights, you may wonder why they are not more wide spread than they are already. HID is not just a new type of bulb, it is a whole new lighting system.  The HID lighting system consists of a bulb, electronic starter and a ballast. HID lighting will not function without all three components. The bulb is a complex tube that contains the xenon gas required to produce the arc (light). The starter allows quick ignition of the bulb. The ballast converts the incoming power into a high voltage that ignites and maintains a steady stream of energy to the bulb. Each of these components requires complex technology to manufacture, thus the higher price tag. However, the benefits of HID far outweigh its costs.

HID bulbs come in two different style:

Basic Bulb which gives a blue/white glow and can be changed by the vehicle owner like a normal bulb.. (cheaper option)

or

The full HID kit which has to be fitted by a compitent auto electrician as it require relays and charge unit to be fitted to supply the correct energy level to make the HID bulb work.

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