NOVEMBER 2006 NEWS ARCHIVE

17th November 2006

Update on Philip's 2007 Machine

Last weekend I cut a deal and acquired some parts to build a "special" bike for 2007.

The general concept of my planned machine has been done before but certainly not in Eastern North America. The bike will be perfectly legal with respect to the CMA rulebook, but nevertheless something very different. I have decided to keep all you folks guessing as to what will roll out of the Team Small Racing "minivan" next season.

All I will say at the moment is there is a considerable amount of "Engineering" required. In fact I stayed 2 hours late after work this evening so I could do some machining on a milling machine.

Years ago I built "specials" for motocross and enduro racing. Fianlly after all this time, to get back to special building and to build the speedway bike of my dreams for me to race, has been a lifelong ambition.

I truly believe the machine will be surprisingly competitive on the shorter tracks. I wouldn't hold out much hope if brute power were required on a Welland sized track for instance, but smooth power characteristics, coupled with great lightweight handling will be this machine's stronghold.

I have been taking some photo's along the way which I will post after the bikes unveiling for you "techies" out there!

Talk again soon,

Phil #21

10th November 2006

New Bike for 2007???

With the long winter ahead of us here in Canada, I have already started thinking about how Team Small will be approaching it's Speedway Racing next season.

Michael will almost certainly be moving up to Division 1 and will continue to ride the GM laydown throughout 2007. We need to freshen the motor over the winter, but it is a great bike and Michael feels very comfortable with it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 2006 season riding my vintage Weslake machine, and I felt I was reasonably competitive. It was always a goal of mine to ride a Weslake in Division 1. Do I think I could have enjoyed better results riding a more competitive laydown machine? Well, probably.

So, as much as I love the old Wessie, I really do want to be back on a more competitive machine again for next season. As the years march on I am now considered a "veteran" of our sport. I would love to enjoy another one or two seasons where I can stand a chance at nibbling at the heels of the best riders in Canada.

With this in mind, I am once again chasing the idea of riding a laydown for next season. Finances are obviously an issue, but I do hope to have a reasonably competitive laydown bike for 2007.

Don't worry though fellow Weslake lovers. I will not abandon my love for the Wessie. You will still see the Weslake flying around Paris on occasion next season!

I'll keep you updated soon,

Phil #21