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De Lacy News
News Articles:
Helicopter to zap speeding drivers
Motorists are being warned that they could be caught speeding by a police helicopter armed with a radar detection device. More that 20 signs are being put up in Essex telling drivers that police are watching from the sky.
Essex County Council - which is erecting the helicopter warning signs - says the aircraft is equipped with a "skyshout" public address system which could be used to "warn of a detection".
A taxpayers' campaign group said the signs and the use of the helicopter to trap speeders were a "bizarre" way to spend public money. The TaxPayers' Alliance said the helicopter - thought to cost about £1,000 an hour to run - would be "a very expensive speed camera". And a spokesman said signs warning motorists of a helicopter was "possibly not the best way to encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road".
Essex County Council said in a statement: "Motorists in Essex are being warned their activities are likely to be picked up from the sky if they drive dangerously."
"New distinctive signs have been designed to warn motorists of the possibility of detection of offences by air. The signs warn of the possible discovery by the force helicopter equipped with a special Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) device which can read a car number plate from 700 feet and radar speed detection."
Lexus LS600H: 'L' is for luxury
Quiet yet brutishly powerful, Exec discovers a hybrid car that adds both luxury and performance to its green agenda.
Some would suggest that attempting to use hybrid technology to lesson the environmental impact from a 5.0-litre V8 limousine is merely paying lip service to the issue. They might be right. Lexus says the target of its engineers in producing the magnificently ceremonious LS600h was to derive V12 power and performance from a V8 engine. For hardened ecologists, the idea of a V8 as a compromise over a V12 is probably akin to choosing the guillotine as a compromise over the firing squad.
If it goes any way towards appeasement, the LS is the kind of car that spends more time sat waiting for dignitaries and the stupendously wealthy to exit functions, airports and meetings with Heads of State than doing anything else, at which point it makes a great deal of sense to have an engine that automatically switches itself off when not required.
Still not convinced? Perhaps there’s solace to be found in the fact that the LS600h’s high torque electric motor allows the big limo to pull away so smoothly and with such serenity that nary a red squirrel will fall dead from a mighty oak in shock.
The deafening silence in which the LS600h operates is one of the key memories left by a car that is likely to have a large impact. The efforts that manufacturers of limousines go to in creating a peaceful environment inside the spacious cabins of their cars are hugely impressive, but it’s when pulling away – working the engine to get that big lump of metal off the starting line – that the heavy sound deadening materials have to work their hardest to shut out the noise of the powerful engines.
Not so this Lexus, because unless you bury the throttle deep into the shag pile on your way to an assassination attempt avoiding reverse-180 spin, the car pulls away effortlessly using just electric power. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever get the opportunity to unchain the combined force of both the car’s power sources on the gravel drive of a stately home, the Heathrow road network or around Westminster, but should you do so it will hit the kind of speed that will make you thankful for diplomatic immunity in no time at all, and with very little commotion.
It doesn’t pay to scoff at the fuel consumption figures either. It’s often hard to achieve the on-paper figures in any vehicle, let alone one of this size, but in the real world the LS600h does what it says on the tin, producing better fuel consumption from its combination of five whisper quiet litres and an electric motor than you might have seen from a 2.0-litre family saloon 15 years ago. Whatever your opinions on cars and the environment, that is progress.
From the driver’s seat you’re very aware that you’re driving a big car in the LS600h, but it’s still an effortless experience. The sophisticated suspension can be firmed up if required, but the lengthened chassis is never going to offer the rigidity of a true sports car, despite sports performance. It’s really all about cruising, which the LS600h turns into an art form.
And, although it’s a pleasure to drive, being driven in the model takes things to the next level. The driver is given all of the equipment needed to make chauffeuring as stress free as possible and in the rear the passengers are provided with everything they could need to make working, relaxing or entertaining themselves on the move possible.
Crafted wooden trays fold up, enormous DVD screens fold down. The passenger side seat folds flat like that of a first class aeroplane and massages from shoulder to lower back. Blinds pop-out of the windows; soft-shut doors quietly pull themselves closed and four zone air-con wafts cool air through the plush leather on warm days.
Cars like the LS600h may be controversial, but for car fans it’s hard not to find it a genuinely inspiring piece of engineering.
For those still looking for a reason not to hate the opulent limousine simply for existing, I offer this crumb of consolation: If automotive engineers can produce a car as complicated but triumphant as the LS600h and yet make it look so simple, there’s a good chance that they might just be smart enough to find solutions for some more pressing issues, too, given enough encouragement.
Thor Hammer Stages
Due to the ill health of the Clerk of the Course of the Thor Hammer Stages, it is with regret that DeLacy Motor Club has to announce the cancellation of the 2008 running of this event. Plans are underway however to bring this popular event back in 2009 so watch this space for a new format for this rally.
Rallyhouse News
A message from the committee.
We would like to apologise for the lack of available activities this year 2008, but as some of you may know, the clubhouse has been out of full service for almost nine months now.
During the Roger Albert Clark Rally last year, whilst everyone was away, the club had obviously been attacked by lead thieves and the heavy rain, which we had been having, brought down the ceiling inside the clubhouse.
This unfortunately continued into 2008 with a substantial amount of flashing being stolen, causing a large amount of damage to the clubhouse internally.
This has meant that this year has seen no events being based at DLMC nor have we been able to commit to external customers wishing to hire the club for functions.
The work on the external side has been completed for some time; however the internal work is scheduled to start at anytime. We will need as much help as we can from members old and new and anyone who knows us to get the clubhouse looking “ship shape” again. This will include external cosmetic work to the gardens, so that at least the club looks cared for and loved. One of the reasons we believe that we were attacked in the first place.
So if anyone can find it within themselves to come and help either in time or contributions then we the committee would be very grateful.
The club car park is being used for the Brotherton Village Gala on September 13th, so come along and support them and us.
We sincerely hope that we can re launch the club and its facilities with a film night some time in the autumn.
If you can help then please contact us via this website.
Bizarre Insurance Claims
A kicking camel, a naked pedestrian and a nut-throwing squirrel have all been cited in insurance claims for car damage, it has been revealed.
Decomposing carrots, a weary horse and a crashed Harrier jet have also cropped up in claim forms received by insurance company elephant.co.uk.
In one case a woman motorist filled the tank with the wrong substance after mistaking shampoo for a container of petrol.
Some of the more unusual claims are - CCTV revealed that a passing camel had kicked out at, and damaged, a car parked at a garden centre; a car windscreen was shattered by a nut thrown by a squirrel from a tree overhead, while another vehicle was damaged by a horse sitting on the bonne.
A driver lost control of his vehicle and ended in a ditch after driving through liquid that had leaked onto the road from a large pile of decomposing carrots dumped nearby.
A car was damaged when a naked pedestrian jumped on the car bonnet, leapt onto the roof, jumped up and down and then ran away.
A windscreen melted when a Harrier jet flew overhead, crash landed nearby and burst into flames; a car hit in the rear when the driver of the car behind was distracted by four women in mini skirts walking along the pavement.
Elephant.co.uk managing director Brian Martin said: "From nut-wielding squirrels, naked pedestrians and aircraft, it seems it's not just other motorists that drivers should be watching out for.
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2008, All Rights Reserved.
Longbridge car production resumes
Full-scale car production has restarted at the famous Longbridge plant.
After 100 years of vehicle production in Birmingham, Longbridge closed in April 2005 with the
collapse of the MG Rover business.
MG's new Chinese owners have restarted full production of the two-seater MG TF LE500 sports car.
MG UK corporate communications manager Eleanor De La Haye said: "We have all worked extremely hard to meet our commitment to commence production of the MG TF in August. We are delighted to have reached this important point and are looking forward to seeing the cars in showrooms shortly."
She went on: "We have taken the very best options from the car that you saw before and put them into one package. If you look at the pre-orders that we have had through our dealers, about 70% are already sold and that tells its own story."
MG was taken over by Nanking Automotive Company (NAC) which in turn has been taken over by Shanghai Automotive.
Gary Hagan, director of marketing for NAC MG UK, said: "The launch of this car also marks the re-introduction of the MG brand to the UK. Existing MG owners, our huge band of enthusiasts and fans of the authentic sports car driving experience have looked forward to this day for a long time."
Around 6,000 jobs were lost in the closure of Longbridge, which opened in 1905 after being started by one of the great names of British motoring - Herbert Austin.
As well as making cars, Longbridge turned out munitions in the First World War and planes in the Second World War. In 1959, production of the Mini began at Longbridge, by which time Austin had been amalgamated with Morris and become the British Motor Corporation.
Company name changes came thick and fast after that, and included British Leyland, BL, Austin Rover, Rover, and MG Rover. Longbridge was home to the successful Metro and Rover 200 cars before Rover was bought by Germany's BMW in 1994. It then passed into the hands of the Phoenix consortium, under whom the MG Rover group went into administration three years ago.
Schumacher crash stuns car dealer
A Kent car dealer who was sent flying when a van struck a barrier was shocked to discover the driver was the German ex-Formula 1 ace, Michael Schumacher.
Martin Kingham, 39, said he was closing the security gate at his premises in Lydd on Sunday afternoon when a Fiat van struck the end of it.
The barrier hit his leg "sending him spinning" on to the bonnet of a car.
Police called to the incident said they helped both men to swap details and no further action was needed.
Mr Kingham was unhurt, while only minor damage was caused to Schumacher's van in the collision outside Millfield Motors, just before four o'clock in the afdternoon
'Penny dropped'
He recalled how the police officer called to the scene said: "That chap is claiming to be Michael Schumacher, and I said, 'You know what, he doesn't half look like him'.
"Then the penny suddenly dropped. When I phoned my business partner later and told him that you'll never guess who I've been run over by, he wouldn't believe me.
"Obviously being a car salesman we do like a wind up but the difference with this story is that it is actually true. "Michael's entourage turned up and he left."
A spokesman for the seven-time Formula 1 world champion confirmed the incident had taken place and that Schumacher had co-operated with police.
What I want to know is... How long has Michael Schumacher been
'White Van Man'? No wait!, come to think of it I've been overtaken by him many times on the motorway :-)
Aston Martin N400 Vantage Roadster: The future in orange...
Aston Martin has now introduced the competitive element by producing only 240 of its new Vantage N400. Gentlemen (and ladies), choose your weapons...
HOW DO you improve on something that’s already special? Simple really – as long as you don’t settle for second best there’s always a way to improve. That’s the kind of attitude that puts you on the front row of the grid, which is fitting, because this particular car has been bred on the race track. The Vantage N400 is a very special edition that pays homage to the N24 race car, a machine that earned its stripes in the most demanding race on the world’s most demanding track – the Nurburgring.
So the N400 is an automotive trophy, and one that has numerous details that will delight the enthusiast. The first is instantly noticeable – the N400 comes in three unique colours, the most striking of which is the vivid Karusell Orange, and is as eye-widening as the corner that gave it the name. The exterior is visually toughened too, with gorgeous diamond and graphite turned alloy wheels, redesigned sills and mesh silver grills. The effect is subtle, but notable: this is a step above the standard car.
Deep down redesign
This is no cosmetic makeover however: this is an Aston Martin, and a sharpened driving experience comes as standard. Under the muscle-bound bonnet lies an enhanced version of the 4.3-litre that does such great service under the bonnet of the standard Vantage. Revised electronics and the air intake system borrowed from the DBS liberates and extra 20bhp, taking the total to a rippling 400bhp. Torque is also up to 310lb/ft, promising rampant acceleration. That’s not all however, as the N400 benefits from revised suspension settings, with stiffer springs by 40 percent up front and 30 percent at the rear, as well as revised damper settings. A comprehensive revision by any standards, and a mouth-watering prospect when the open road lies ahead.
Especially with the roof down, as should always be the case when driving the Roadster. Not only does having the folding electric roof make the most of the glorious styling, it allows as much of the scintillating exhaust note to filter through to your ears. Slide into the sumptuous cabin and fire it up, and it’s hard not to notice the neck hairs standing to attention.
At first, the N400 unsurprisingly feels much like its standard brethren. The same sharp responses, the same accurate steering and the same hard-edged V8 engine. But it only takes a few miles to realise that, despite the suspension being stiffer, it rides with even more composure and resolve than the regular Vantage. Bumps and disruptions are noted but nothing more, and the N400 remains unshaken by road imperfections.
That translates to even better handling when pressing on. The lack of body roll and fine feedback from the steering inspires huge confidence, and it soon becomes apparent that there is stacks of grip and a remarkably solid feeling coming through the chassis. Push harder and the N400 pushes back, willing you on and coping easily with anything you can throw at it.
Which is plenty, especially when you exploit the performance on offer. The 20bhp increase may not sound huge, but the difference in the way the engine responds is far greater. Up to 4,000 rpm it remains tractable and responsive, but pass through that magic barrier and it soars upwards, roaring with glee through the exhausts and powering fiercely to the red line. Slip in the next gear and the N400 does it all again, singing ever louder the harder the accelerator is pressed. The heady combination of noise and speed is highly addictive – try it through a long tunnel for the maximum sensory overload.
This is what the N400 is all about. There’s no question that the Vantage is a magnificent car, and that it has the charisma and ability that would make any owner feel like a hero. Yet the N400 takes it up another level, adding yet more performance and also pulling off the seemingly impossible feat of being sharper and more comfortable out on the road.
There is a downside of course. Even if you have the required £102,000 for the Roadster, only 240 examples have been made, with another 240 in Coupe form. That may seem like a significant premium over the regular car, but it comes packed with optional equipment that more than makes up the difference. This is a very special special edition – you’ll need to be quick to catch it.
Written by Paul Pearce-Couch and reproduced from Exec Digital UK
Speeding Loophole Myths
Jeanette Miller, a leading expert in motoring law and author of Lawpack's 'Fight a Motoring Ticket', separates fact from fiction:
- "I can drive fast enough to beat a speed camera."
You would need to be driving at 171 mph or above for you to get through a 'Gatso' speed camera without it recording you on film. - "The ticket isn't valid because the traffic officer wasn't in plain view and he wasn't wearing a high visibility jacket."
The guidelines state that the traffic officer (police officer, traffic warden, safety camera officer or community support officer) should be in plain view, but if he isn't, this still doesn't invalidate the ticket. - "There were no camera warning signs so the ticket cannot be valid."
Speed checks can be carried out even when there are no warning signs. - "The back of the camera wasn't painted yellow."
The back of Gatso cameras don't have to be painted yellow for the ticket to be valid. This is only needed if all the proceeds from tickets from that camera are to be used just for the building of more cameras. - "The police officer wasn't wearing his hat/jacket when he booked me for a traffic offence."
A police officer only has to be recognisable as a police officer. - "I can't get points for speeding because I was in a hire car/company car."
The lease company must still identify you as the driver. - "Speed cameras can't take photos of special reflective coating/honeycomb number plates."
These plates could only possibly work on cameras with a flash (e.g. Gatso) and many have been shown not to work even with cameras that do. Honeycomb number plates are illegal and you can be fined for using them. - "Speed cameras can only catch cars in the inside lane."
Speed cameras take shots across all of the lanes. - "My speedometer/cruise control wasn't working, so it wasn't my fault."
The court will still say that it's your fault and that you're guilty. - "I was over the limit, but not to the extent that the police say."
If you admit in court to any amount of speed, even 1mph over the limit, you're guilty of the offence. - "Red cars are more likely to receive a fine or prosecution than others because officers play 'speed snooker'."
Officers target vehicles that appear to be travelling over the speed limit. Statistically, black and silver cars are most likely to be caught speeding (because they are the most common). - "I don't have to provide the driver's details because I've not been cautioned."
The police don't have to caution you in these circumstances. - "The officer refused to show me the reading on the laser/radar gun. There's no proof of me speeding so I can't be convicted."
By law, the officer doesn't have to show you the reading on the laser/radar. - "The officer didn't make me sign the ticket at the roadside. If I don't show up at court, the ticket will be dismissed."
Officers don't have to give you a ticket at the roadside at all. If you don't appear at court, you will still be found guilty in your absence and your driver's licence can be suspended until you produce it to be endorsed. If you were then caught driving, you would be 'driving otherwise than in accordance with a valid licence', which carries points or a discretionary disqualification and a fine.
2008 Lombard Rally, Weds 5th - Sun 9th November.
I know it’s a long way off but need to see what support is available.
We are already running a selectif on this event on Harrogate showground on Thursday 6th November and already have some volunteers for that date. Obviously it being a working day it is rather difficult for most people.
They have now asked us to run the same test on Sunday 9th November but will need a lot more marshals. If you think you are available please let me know ASAP.
John Newlove, john.newlove@btinternet.com
Monday 14th July 2008
2008 Lombard Rally, Weds 5th - Sun 9th November
From Harrogate it starts..!
The 2008 Lombard Rally . . .yes it’s back (in a slightly modified form).
PTO 1400 cc cars only, mainly current production models from every stable.
A class for us nostalgic lot . . . with Minis, Escorts etc. . . and seemingly more likely every day for us really oldies there is to be demonstration runs at selected locations of cars like the (1971 I think) Lancia of event winner Harry Karlstrom, and every possibility of a Renault Alpine and up to eight or nine other nostalgic rally cars.
What do we need? . . . marshals.
On Wednesday 5 November...
The event starts with scrutineering at the Harrogate exhibition centre 12 noon – 8 pm.
Running alongside this is the environmental noise check at the Harrogate Showground 10 am – 7 pm.
Rally Show at the Harrogate Exhibition Centre Wednesday evening.
On Thursday 6 November...
Pre-Start/Start in Harrogate from 8,30 am – 12.30 pm.
Actual start time Car 1 10.01 am.
First test at the Showground (10.20) . . . a 1 miler just to warm the crews up, preceeded by demonstration runs with ‘old’ timers.
Sunday 9th November...
Last test at showground – same as Thursdays, but finishing off with champagne spraying of winners (subject to protests) before finishing party at the Royal Hall in Harrogate.
Interested?
Please contact me on 01723 862473 or e-mail richardatirton@fsmail.net
ANEMMC TRAINING DAY, Fulbeck Airfield, Sunday 3rd August 2008
This training day will start at 10.30 and finish at approx. 15.00.
There will be two main sessions and if time permits one short session. These will consist of timing and radio (including rallitrak) within a stage. Basic fire training and first on scene.
The sessions are aimed at anyone from spectators to senior officials and competitors.
Please be aware that there are no refreshments at the venue and the organisers cannot guarantee any being available in the near vicinity.
After the training Eastwood MC are organising an Auto Solo event with a free entry and any one who has attended the traing is welcome to take part. It is envisaged that the event will finish at approx. 18.00 hours.
Further details can be obtained from Richard Ashton richard@calderrescue.co.uk please do not contact me as I will not be available prior to the event.
Avril Clarke
ANEMMC Training Officer.Wednesday 5th March 2008
This year there is a new team entering
rallies under the Delacy banner. Dick Lebeter and Steve Walshaw have known each other for a few years but never competed together although their association goes back to when they were both members of Leeds Motor Club. So finally they have got together this year and have decided to give the ANCC road championship a go.
Brief history of the car they will be using is; A Dom Buckley built Group N Evo 3 – One of a pair of cars built for Middle East Championship, then returned to Europe, owned for a number of years by Terry Harryman, then sold to and rebuilt by Phil Cherry Motorsport in Ireland. Used on Irish events until 2007 by some of the top Irish drivers. Then sold, car went to 
Although Dick and Steve have rallied for some years this is the first time either of them have done any forest rallies and it will be the first time using route notes. The first event was the Riponion in February but look out for them in the forests on selected events during the year.
Steve says "If you are out there thanks, I may not see you as my head will be in the route book. I will try to keep the club up to date on results and events".