A huge welcome to our 'July 2011' team newsletter
Hi . We hope you are well.
Welcome to our July newsletter. If it's not appearing clearly, please try viewng it in the Web Version
As they say 'timing is everything!' Here we are just getting ready to issue our July team newsletter when the massive news story gets released that the 'News of the World' will have its last print run this Sunday. We were kind of thinking that a newsletter every month will be pushing it but now it looks like there will be a gap in the market and we are now thinking we should scrap our monthly team newsletters and compile a Sunday 'team' newspaper every week instead! We're going big time....watch this space!!!!
Before we take on the Sunday tabloids we would like to say that we have really appreciated the encouraging comments received following the issue of our newsletter from June. Your comments (or ideas of how to improve our newsletters and/or our team website) are always very much appreciated.
Whilst we are on the subject of expressing our gratitude (and slowly coming back down to the real world), we would like to note our appreciation to the following sponsors and partners, who without their support, we would not be able to go racing;
Our Sponsors and Partners
www.thechocolatepizzacompany.co.uk
-Very different but delicious. Take a look at their website. Highly recommended.
-Architectural drawings for extensions and loft conversions.
-Superb photos taken by Graham. The photos used within this newsletter have kindly been provided by Graham Holbon.
Sweetbrier Lane Garage, Exeter
-General repairs and MOT's by Lee's very own crew chief Mike Searjeant ('Sarge')
And 'last but by no means least', our superb crew and family who spend a lot of hours getting the #69 truck ready and then support us at the event. A huge thank you expecially to 'Sarge' and 'Racing Rob' for all their efforts.
We hope you enjoy our July newsletter.
Picture below (By Graham Holbon) -Lee Rogers #69 on the Rockingham oval
Team report: Donington Park -Rounds 10 and 11
For rounds 10 and 11 the grid was missing several drivers. Dave Longhurst was away with the Wood BTCC racing team, Danny Brosnan had a gearbox failure when loading up his #33 truck and we understand that Antony Hawkins #98 was meant to be in attendance but didn’t appear. Another new driver for this year, Paul Jones, who was planning to make his debut at Donington Park had to delay his plans due to a work related back injury.
Had all these drivers appeared along side Glenn Burtenshaw who was making his debut in the JFF Motorsport #77 truck sponsored by the Chocolate Pizza Company, the grid would have been very impressive but this is a positive sign for the future.
For race 1, LEE started on the front row but the race was over before it even started for the #69 truck.
When pulling off the start line for the warm up lap, Lee reported that he broke one of the half-shafts. He managed to get the truck all the way around the circuit and into pit lane where the truck was jacked up into the air and the team confirmed Lee’s diagnosis. The frustrating thing is that we are using half-shafts which are advertised as being ‘unbreakable!’.
Although our problems were annoying, Phil White #63 blew an engine!
For race two, Lee was made to start off the back of the grid as a penalty for breaking a control seal whilst repairing the broken half-shaft and the 'chewed' up back plate to the diff (another problem found during the repair process!)
Lee looked smooth and tidy and reported back via the radio that the truck felt good but we could see that the truck was missing race pace and whilst Lee tried to make up places by getting into good overtaking positions, he was just unable to out drag the other trucks to take the place away. Lee eventually came home 9th but at the very least it was a ‘finish’...........saying that, it was even a ‘start’ with Lee this race actually getting to see the green flag as well as the chequered flag!
Upon further post race analysis, the team now think that a new exhaust system layout may have been ‘strangling’ the power of the #69 truck.
Once again, whilst we can wish for a better performance, please bear a thought for Phil White #63 who after fitting the spare engine for race 2, blew that one up as well!
Team Report: Rockingham Superspeedway -Rounds 12 and 13
Lee Rogers in The Chocolate Pizza Company sponsored #69 truck was looking forward to this first visit of 2011 to the Rockingham Oval . He was hoping that the investment in the fuel injection system which has recently been added to his truck would be beneficial on the 1.5 mile banked oval.
With this being the trucks first visit to the oval this year, the championship had a 30 minute free practice, the normal 20 minute qualifying session and two 25 lap races, but unfortunately the day was once again to end far too soon for the #69 team.
In the free practice session, Lee completed several laps and then returned into pit lane just to check tyre pressures and temperatures and for the crew to carry out a visual check to make sure there were no fluid leaks. With everything appearing fine, Lee returned back out onto the oval.
Lee reported back on the team radio that the truck was feeling quite good and that it felt like he had more power coming out of the corners which was a good sign relating to the recent engine upgrade. A couple laps later, Lee was once again back on the radio saying that he just had a misfire but stayed out and the problem appeared to disappear, however, a couple laps later Lee again reported a misfire and said that he would be coming back into pit lane to investigate, with that the engine stopped and Lee pulled the #69 truck off the track into a safe position.
Initial thoughts were that it might be a fuel problem (although the team were very confident that the #69 hadn’t run out of fuel and the tank was filled quite high for this 30 minute practice session).
Once towed back into the garages, the team set about locating the problem. The fuel pump appeared to be working and there was still lots of fuel in the tank. With the bonnet up, it was found that the engine had no compression and the team later established that the bolt on the cambelt adjuster had sheared off causing the belt to come loose and causing a fair bit of damage to the head.
With no spare engine, the team loaded the #69 truck back onto the trailer.
A special mention must go to Paul ‘Winkle’ Tompkins #12 for a stunning 3rd in race 1 but then his maiden race victory in race 2. A special mention also to Neil Tressler #37 for a well deserved 3rd in race two. Neil drove two excellent races staying with the lead pack. Last but not least, well done to Charlie Weaver #20 (who himself had some problems throughout the day) on a great debut where the #20 truck looked quick and comfortable on the oval.
Inside the #69 garage
Following the engine failure at Rockingham, the #69's engine has now been removed. The team are currently replacing damaged valves and valve guides and whilst the engine is out, we will also be replacing the bottom end bearings. There appears to be only minor damage to the pistons.
Outside the #69 garage
We were really pleased to welcome Anthony Hawkins #98 back into the championship at Rockingham and we understand that Dave Briggs #2 will be returning for selected rounds during the remainder of the season. Paul Jones is recovering well from his back injury and should be making his long awaited debut in the championships very soon and Danny Brosnan #33 has repaired his gearbox and is hoping to be back racing with us at Thruxton.
James Goldstraw and Dave Weaver have both recently purchased pickup trucks and both are hoping to make their debuts before the season ends. Mell Collins #27 is planning to race the JFF Motorsports hire truck again at Snetterton and both he and Glenn Burtenshaw #77 are hoping to be present at Brands Hatch (with Glenn hoping for further events if the hire truck becomes available).
Having recently spoken to Gavin Seagar (#54), he informed us that he would love to get back in his pickup truck but time restraints and family commitments have put this ambition on hold for this year but maybe (.....just maybe) a return in 2012?
We also understand that there could be the possiblilty of further new and existing drivers adding to the grid before the season ends. Promising and encouraging signs we think.
'Rookie Review'
With the majority of championships reporting low grid numbers (attributed to the current economic situation), pickup truck racing has been no different although what has excited the team is the amount of new drivers who have joined the championship this year. Not only have these guys increased the grid size, they have genuinely came into the championship 'hitting the ground running' and provided competition to the established teams.
The stars of the show so far this year has to be Paul 'Winkle' Tompkins #12 (who blew everyone away with his 'debut' performance at Rockingham coming away with a 3rd and a win), Nick White #36, David O'Regan #8 and Danny Brosnan #33 has competed at selected rounds.
Do you want to know how to join Lee #69 on the grid?
Our website has a great deal of information regarding how you can join the grid in the pickup truck racing championship. Please click HERE to find out more or visit our website at www.teamrogersracing.co.uk or visit www.pickuptruckracing.com
The 'TASTER DAY' is back!
We are delighted to announce that following the success of last years event, the 'Taster Day' will be held again this year on the Rockingham International Long Circuit on Sunday 20th November. From last years event, the pickup truck championship now has Nick White #36 on the grid and there has also been debut performances from Mel Collins #27 and Glen Burtenshaw #77, both of which are now looking for more regular outings in the trucks in the future.
We are expecting that the majority of the teams will be there, many with an additional seat fitted into their trucks to provide passenger rides to team members, family and sponsors (existing and potential new ones) as a thank you for their support throughout the year. Race director Sonny Howard will once again be at the event to answer any queries potential new drivers/teams may have and of course you will also be able to talk to the existing teams in order to extract the information you are looking for.
This is a great event and the teams will be working together to ensure that as many potential drivers/teams have the opportunity to take a look at pickup truck racing as possible.
For more information or to register your interest, please contact DEAN on 07970 387 765 or via email dean@teamrogersracing.co.uk
Picture below (by Graham Holbon) -A new driver sampling the pickup trucks at the last 'taster day' with Lee Rogers #69 as the passenger
Pickup Trucks FOR SALE
The following pickup trucks are for sale. Please contact the sellers direct to find out more on the packages available or click HERE or visit our FOR SALE page at www.teamrogersracing.co.uk.
Pickup truck 27/77 -complete with new front end and ready to race.
Contact Stuart Annible 07734 531 441
Brand new pickup truck which can be built/part built to order
Contact Stuart Annible 07734 531 441
Pickup truck: Ex-Kelly-Jane Wells
Contact Stevie 07734 234 829
Three pickup trucks: Ex-Julian Arnold (#3).
Contact Julian 'Arnie' Arnold 07789 530 530
If you have any pickup truck racing related item for sale, please contact us and we will gladly add it to our website and newsletters and we will also ask for it to be added to the official pickup truck racing site at www.pickuptruckracing.com
HIRE or TEST a Pickup Truck
Our good friends at JFF Motorsport (owned and operated by Stuart Annible) have the facility to offer a fully competitive hire truck. The truck can either be hired for a race meeting or hired for a test or track day.
This facility allows interested drivers/teams the opportunity to try out the trucks in a possible view to joining the pickup truck racing championship.
Stuart is more than happy to discuss options and costs and is available on 07734 531 441
2011 Pickup Truck Racing Championship -Points table
Championship points table -after round 14 (Rockingham)
1st Steve Dance #16 2830 points
2nd Michael Smith #93 2596 points
3rd Nic Grindrod #22 2554 points
4th Carl Boardley #41 2482
5th Neil Tressler #37 2294
6th Simon Carr #15 2232
7th Paul Tompkins #12 (Rookie) 2061
8th Dave Longhurst #23 1796
9th David O'Regan #8 (Rookie) 1698
10th Charlie Weaver #20 1662
11 Nick White #36 (Rookie) 1645
12 Phil white #63 1563
13 Damien Carr #14 1454
14 LEE ROGERS #69 1355 points
15th Danny Brosnan #33 (Rookie) 710 points
16th Tony Mumford #7 437 points
17th Glenn Burtenshaw #77 (Rookie) 290 points
18th Mel Collins #27 (Rookie) 275 points
19th Antony Hawkins #98 198 points
The Unofficial Pickup truck Racing 'Challenge Shield' presented by ROGERS RACING
We created this award last year which was won by Neil Tressler #37. The idea was to fill the void between the rookie championship and the major championship titles. The basic format is that this award is open to any driver; although any competitor achieving a podium in the current year will be excluded from the table (race winners are excluded permanently). This award therefore provides the 'rising stars' and 'middle order' drivers who are cuurrently not competing for top 3 finishes to fight for a title.
The challenge shield is just for a bit of fun. We have provided a shield which was presented to and taken home by Neil last year although we did recieve a call to say that the name plaques started to fall off. Neil kindly agreed to refix them on (after giving us some ribbing for being 'tight' and buying a shield from 'Poundland') although we are slightly concerned that with Neil being in the construction industry that the plaques have now been re-fixed with 4" galvanised nails!
The current Challenge Shield standings are as follows;
1st David O'Regan #8 1750 points
2nd Charlie Weaver #20 1650 points
3rd Nick White #36 1635 points
4th Danny Brosnan #33 420 Points
5th Tony Mumford #7 445 points
6th Glenn Burtenshaw #77 290 points
7th Mel Collins #27 275 Points
All the championship points tables can be found HERE or on our website at www.teamrogersracing.co.uk
Coming up.....
Remaining 2011 'Race Dates'
Thruxton (circuit) -13/14 August
Rockingham (oval) -20/21 August
Mallory Park (circuit) -11 September
Snetterton (circuit) -25 September
Rockingham (oval) -1/2 October
Brands Hatch (circuit) -29/30 October
** 'Taster Day' -Rockingham International Long Circuit -20th November **
Picture below (by Graham Holbon) -Lee Rogers #69 in action at Donington Park
'Dont keep it a secret', share the TRUCKIN' LOVIN'
Please help us promote the pickup truck racing championship by forwarding this email to you friends, family, work colleagues and people in the racing world (i.e. those who may be racing in other series). You can Forward to a Friend here!
Share this newsletter on TWITTER 
or your FACEBOOK profile 
We were very encouraged whilst speaking to many people last year when organising the 'taster day' that there are lots of people who were very keen and interested in the pickup trucks and were keeping a eye on the series. Whilst we realise that these people may be quite content racing in the series that they already race in, by keeping pickup truck racing at the front of their mind, collectively, we might just 'sow the seed' for them to take a serious look at joining the championship in the future.
As a team, when we first got involved with the pickup truck racing championship we were amazed how approachable and helpful all the existing teams were (and still are!). Of course they will 'rob you blind' out on track but in the paddock, everyone is more than helpful to provide advice and help where they can. This to us is the real magic of this championship.
Links
You can also follow the team on FACEBOOK and TWITTER. Please visit www.teamrogersracing.co.uk and follow us from there.
Don't forget the official pickup truck racing website at www.pickuptruckracing.com
Pickup truck racing teams;
Websites of interest;
If you want us to share your motorsport/pickup truck related link, please contact us.
Next Newsletter
Our next newsletter will be issued at the end of August after the Rockingham event (20th and 21st August).
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter and we look forward to seeing you soon and don't forget to 'pass the word' and Forward to a Friend!
Team contact:
Dean Rogers
Mobile 07970 387 765
Office 01395 266 666
Email dean@vinnarry.co.uk
Website www.teamrogersracing.co.uk