Just got back from Goodwood, very very wet on Sunday evening after a fascinating few days. Wealden Engineering were asked by Chuck Haines to act as crew for his Howmett TX car, the 1968 jet turbine engined car built for long distance racing, competing against the GT40s et al. Geoff Taylor who works with me took over as crew chief for the event. and we had to learn a whole new technology and starting procedures for this car. Throughout the event we were garaged between the Chapparal of Jim Hall, who with driver Vic Elford became great friends with long stories to tell to our little team, and Derek Bells Porsche 917. The Howmett caused quite a sensation each time we started it up, this being accomplished by lifting the rear wheels off the ground ( no clutch, direct drive to the axle ) and winding up the turbine to 58000rpm to get it alight ) Chuck then locking the brakes solid on the pedal, allowng the car to be dropped on the ground, release the brakes and its gone ! The drive rotor in the engine is basically driven by a hot gas torque converter, so no direct mechanical connection inside the engine, but if held on the brakes and with the drive rotor not spinning we have no more than a minute or so before the whole engine goes into melt down if the driver cannot move off under power, so team work essential. Today we ran it twice in pouring rain ! Much more fun being involved with real cars and real people, especially heros of mine like Jim and Vic. Visitors to garage to see this fascinating car included Lord March ( owner of Goodwood and a driver himself ) , Gill de Ferran ( now Honda Team manager ) and so many other famous faces that you know but cant put a name to. Frank