APT Evo - Update
08-04-2008, 11:41 AM
#1
APT Evo - Update
Quoted from a local forum we use for those that were interested.......
Originally Posted by Christian and Beccy
Just wanted to update you guys with what has happened.
As most of you already now know, during the morning practice sessions on Saturday, Gary had an incident. The weather was poor, with rain on-and-off and Gary was finding that the car was a bit of a handful in those conditions, however, he had a couple of good practice laps before unfortunately losing control of the car under Starkeys Bridge and, and after a brief 'Passenger ride' Gary found himself being carried towards the wall on the left-hand-side of the track, front first. As if that wasn't bad enough, the rear came round and made contact too.
After a few moment of thought collection, Gary decided that the car, although in a very sorry state, could be limped back to the pits, so that's what he did.
It was at this point that the collective good will of everyone, particularly the Big Power crew became apparent, with everyone pulling together to do what they could to help out. Once the car was in a safe position and with no other reason for pondering the already devastating situation, everyone made the best of the rest of the weekend before dragging the poorly wounded Evo back to its home.
Upon arriving back at the APT workshop at around 7.00pm, Gary, Chris and Stuart proceeded to tear the car apart, all equally keen to assess the extent of the damage, so as to allow some kind of peaceful nights sleep! By 10.00pm, the entire front end was stripped out, including panels, bonnet, bumper, engine, front bed and suspension assembly along with the rear end too and things looked a little better with all the twisted metal out of the way.
What remained was a clear picture of what was needed, so H-Tech Styling were called and very promptly came over to our workshop this morning to cast an eye, which they did and despite the suggestion of a considerable amount of time needed to re-align the chassis, they are confident that they can see the task through. We are hoping that they can tackle the structural aspect and get the skeleton of the car back to a nice straight position, whereupon we can consider what to do with panels and exterior paintwork. It also appears that there may be some body panels locally too, which will help. So, we left it to H-Tech with them already suggesting commencing work next week!!
Then came another call from Chris about 30 minutes ago and as a result of that call, the Evo is, as we speak, being loaded onto the trailer to be taken to H-Tech!! So, it seems that the proverbial wheels are already turning towards getting Gary's beloved back up and running.
Here are some pics of the car as it stands right now, prior to being loaded onto the trailer.......
Meanwhile, we shall begin sifting through the parts to determine what is salvagable and what must be replaced.
I know that this incident has shaken Gary up, despite putting on a brave front, but there is no doubt that Roll-cage played a significant role in making the outcome of this incident a whole lot better than it could have been. It is clear from looking at the car, that everything within the 'umbrella' of the Roll-cage is fairly straight, whilst the structure beyond that is clearly not.
For now, Gary wants to pass on his sincere appreciation to all those involved in helping to pick up the pieces, in particular Stuart and Little Chris for their efforts in getting the car apart upon returning from an already hectic weekend, but also to Kevin and Ben for their help. Also, BIG thanks to H-Tech for their prompt attention this morning. :-D
We will keep you posted as and when there is any further progress.
As most of you already now know, during the morning practice sessions on Saturday, Gary had an incident. The weather was poor, with rain on-and-off and Gary was finding that the car was a bit of a handful in those conditions, however, he had a couple of good practice laps before unfortunately losing control of the car under Starkeys Bridge and, and after a brief 'Passenger ride' Gary found himself being carried towards the wall on the left-hand-side of the track, front first. As if that wasn't bad enough, the rear came round and made contact too.
After a few moment of thought collection, Gary decided that the car, although in a very sorry state, could be limped back to the pits, so that's what he did.
It was at this point that the collective good will of everyone, particularly the Big Power crew became apparent, with everyone pulling together to do what they could to help out. Once the car was in a safe position and with no other reason for pondering the already devastating situation, everyone made the best of the rest of the weekend before dragging the poorly wounded Evo back to its home.
Upon arriving back at the APT workshop at around 7.00pm, Gary, Chris and Stuart proceeded to tear the car apart, all equally keen to assess the extent of the damage, so as to allow some kind of peaceful nights sleep! By 10.00pm, the entire front end was stripped out, including panels, bonnet, bumper, engine, front bed and suspension assembly along with the rear end too and things looked a little better with all the twisted metal out of the way.
What remained was a clear picture of what was needed, so H-Tech Styling were called and very promptly came over to our workshop this morning to cast an eye, which they did and despite the suggestion of a considerable amount of time needed to re-align the chassis, they are confident that they can see the task through. We are hoping that they can tackle the structural aspect and get the skeleton of the car back to a nice straight position, whereupon we can consider what to do with panels and exterior paintwork. It also appears that there may be some body panels locally too, which will help. So, we left it to H-Tech with them already suggesting commencing work next week!!
Then came another call from Chris about 30 minutes ago and as a result of that call, the Evo is, as we speak, being loaded onto the trailer to be taken to H-Tech!! So, it seems that the proverbial wheels are already turning towards getting Gary's beloved back up and running.
Here are some pics of the car as it stands right now, prior to being loaded onto the trailer.......
Meanwhile, we shall begin sifting through the parts to determine what is salvagable and what must be replaced.
I know that this incident has shaken Gary up, despite putting on a brave front, but there is no doubt that Roll-cage played a significant role in making the outcome of this incident a whole lot better than it could have been. It is clear from looking at the car, that everything within the 'umbrella' of the Roll-cage is fairly straight, whilst the structure beyond that is clearly not.
For now, Gary wants to pass on his sincere appreciation to all those involved in helping to pick up the pieces, in particular Stuart and Little Chris for their efforts in getting the car apart upon returning from an already hectic weekend, but also to Kevin and Ben for their help. Also, BIG thanks to H-Tech for their prompt attention this morning. :-D
We will keep you posted as and when there is any further progress.
08-04-2008, 11:46 AM
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Gutted for you guys Christian as that car had come such a long way and was a stunning spec! 
Hope things are sorted and your back out ASAP! Best of luck!
08-04-2008, 11:48 AM
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Its a race car, straighten, get running and get back out! Fix it completely throughout the year as time/cash available.
The accident is a nightmare but good to see gary out driving his own work
The accident is a nightmare but good to see gary out driving his own work
08-04-2008, 11:49 AM
#5
I don't have any pics of it as it came off the track. There was one guy in our group that was taking pics, I assumed he would have taken some of the car, but he didn't as he thought it was disrespectful.
I'm amazed that no pics have cropped up on the 'net.
I'm amazed that no pics have cropped up on the 'net.
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08-04-2008, 04:47 PM
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I’ve watched the build up of this car with great interest and excitement over the last few months, so I’m really gutted to hear about the accident, however the main thing is Gary is ok.
I’m sure it won’t be long before this car is up and running again!!!
I’m sure it won’t be long before this car is up and running again!!!
09-04-2008, 08:28 PM
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Meanwhile, we shall begin sifting through the parts to determine what is salvagable and what must be replaced.
I know that this incident has shaken Gary up, despite putting on a brave front, but there is no doubt that Roll-cage played a significant role in making the outcome of this incident a whole lot better than it could have been. It is clear from looking at the car, that everything within the 'umbrella' of the Roll-cage is fairly straight, whilst the structure beyond that is clearly not.
I know that this incident has shaken Gary up, despite putting on a brave front, but there is no doubt that Roll-cage played a significant role in making the outcome of this incident a whole lot better than it could have been. It is clear from looking at the car, that everything within the 'umbrella' of the Roll-cage is fairly straight, whilst the structure beyond that is clearly not.
09-04-2008, 09:33 PM
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Who done the cage ? I'm sure I read somewhere Gary saying it was someone who made single seater chassis ?
I know someone that lives down the road from me that works for a certain Norfolk based single seater manufacturer....Was it him ?
I know someone that lives down the road from me that works for a certain Norfolk based single seater manufacturer....Was it him ?
10-04-2008, 07:06 AM
#18
saw this car that the totd rr day and it's really really nice
hopefully it will get sorted without too many problems, but if it's been bent, and hitting a wall dead on does tend to do this sort of thing, then it might still be possibly to jig it back into place, but i'd personally, much rather get another straight shell and start again
we shall see, fingers crossed
hopefully it will get sorted without too many problems, but if it's been bent, and hitting a wall dead on does tend to do this sort of thing, then it might still be possibly to jig it back into place, but i'd personally, much rather get another straight shell and start again
we shall see, fingers crossed
10-04-2008, 08:20 AM
#20
saw this car that the totd rr day and it's really really nice
hopefully it will get sorted without too many problems, but if it's been bent, and hitting a wall dead on does tend to do this sort of thing, then it might still be possibly to jig it back into place, but i'd personally, much rather get another straight shell and start again
we shall see, fingers crossed
hopefully it will get sorted without too many problems, but if it's been bent, and hitting a wall dead on does tend to do this sort of thing, then it might still be possibly to jig it back into place, but i'd personally, much rather get another straight shell and start again
we shall see, fingers crossed
Remember in many circles of motor racing, they just bash the panels out with a hammer and get on with it. We certainly aren't doing that.
10-04-2008, 08:45 AM
#22
well, from my time in a bodyshop (admitiyl we are going back more than about 15 years) you had a set of figures and you put the car on the jig and the numbers need to match up
the other stuff about panels is to make sure that the fit and finish is up to scratch so that's probably why
the other stuff about panels is to make sure that the fit and finish is up to scratch so that's probably why
10-04-2008, 09:29 AM
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10-04-2008, 11:20 AM
#27
Front and rear panel damage and crumple zones very rarely affect a caged shell bad enough for it to be written off.
Sorry to read about it though Gary/Christian.
10-04-2008, 03:54 PM
#29
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LMAO @ people claiming it may need this and that, that is NOT bent in terms of a racing accident IMO
I'm sorry but it may look a bit crunched in real life but I've seen cars that have had a proper off on a saturday and they are back out competeting the following weekend.
I have no doubt the cage has kept the main bit of the car where it should be and a few tugs in the right areas will bring everything back into place on a jig
Best of luck getting it sorted, I'm sure its not a big issue if the people you use know what they are doing
I'm sorry but it may look a bit crunched in real life but I've seen cars that have had a proper off on a saturday and they are back out competeting the following weekend.
I have no doubt the cage has kept the main bit of the car where it should be and a few tugs in the right areas will bring everything back into place on a jig
Best of luck getting it sorted, I'm sure its not a big issue if the people you use know what they are doing
10-04-2008, 04:00 PM
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You just can't write a shell off thats been hit like this without good reason. If they are concerned when they jig it, then fair enough, but at this stage it certainly just looks like the damage is restricted to the extremeties of the shell and replacing these parts is not considered to be much of a problem to a proper bodyshop.
Remember in many circles of motor racing, they just bash the panels out with a hammer and get on with it. We certainly aren't doing that.
Remember in many circles of motor racing, they just bash the panels out with a hammer and get on with it. We certainly aren't doing that.
I'm not sure he would even class your little parking prang as an Accident at all!
10-04-2008, 04:03 PM
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10-04-2008, 04:23 PM
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You just can't write a shell off thats been hit like this without good reason. If they are concerned when they jig it, then fair enough, but at this stage it certainly just looks like the damage is restricted to the extremeties of the shell and replacing these parts is not considered to be much of a problem to a proper bodyshop.
Remember in many circles of motor racing, they just bash the panels out with a hammer and get on with it. We certainly aren't doing that.
Remember in many circles of motor racing, they just bash the panels out with a hammer and get on with it. We certainly aren't doing that.
they wouldnt write a rally car off when that has a off.
10-04-2008, 06:14 PM
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As I said on the phone mate, didn't even know this had happened as have no net access at work anymore.
Really sorry to hear the news but I'm sure you will be back out in it soon
Really sorry to hear the news but I'm sure you will be back out in it soon
10-04-2008, 07:31 PM
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If it has a motorsport log book and the accident was deemed to have impacted in on the cage structure the scruitineers would have made a note in the log book on the day.
Front and rear panel damage and crumple zones very rarely affect a caged shell bad enough for it to be written off.
Sorry to read about it though Gary/Christian.
Front and rear panel damage and crumple zones very rarely affect a caged shell bad enough for it to be written off.
Sorry to read about it though Gary/Christian.
On a kind of related note. Whats the point at which teams retire a shell? (Assuming its not been comprehensively binned) How do they check for wear/failure/fatigue?
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