Michael Comber Racing

STOCK HATCH KART TEAM BEAT RED BULL!

2009-07-19T21:31:00.005+01:00

Yes a team consisting of current Stock Hatch Champion - Ryan Bensley, group B front runners Pip Hammond and Garry Feakin and Mike Comber, beat 15 teams! This included current GP2 drivers, Porsche Carrera Cup and Renault Clio Cup front runners as well as current Formula Ford, Formula 3, plus Formula Renault and BMW drivers. Red Bull had entered three teams!

In the end, they were narrowly beaten by current University Champions and semi-professionals - Kingston Kart Club, but all 16 teams were very close with only a couple of laps splitting them over the three hour race including 4 driver changes and a fuel stop. (We believe Kingston won as they had one pit stop less by having just three drivers, but the weather was so poor that anything could have been going on.)

To start proceedings, Mike (105) and Ryan (115) were selected out of the 64 competitors to join the 'professionals race'. Mike qualified 4th and Ryan 6th and Mike held 3rd for most of the first half ahead of Oly Milroy until Mikes Rotax Kart had its battery connector drop off! Mike was stopped for half a lap while a mechanic fixed the problem and rejoined in last place, but he still managed to fight his way back to 4th setting the fastest lap in the process.

In the later Pro-Kart 3 hour endurance race, Pip and Garry made the most of the teams half an hour practice time, with Ryan getting in two laps and Mike sneaked in almost a lap after the flag had dropped. Pip did really well and managed to set the 6th fastest qualifying lap, but because most of the quick drivers were going out first Pip as team captain elected Mike to go out first in order to keep the team near the front. (Kart #5)

On the first lap Mike was past two drivers and up into 4th, and on the next lap into third. On the third lap, with the front two 'professional drivers' battling, Mike took them both on the hairpin just before the start finish straight. He had soon opened up a 50 metre lead on a drying track and set the fastest lap, but suddently the clouds burst and Mike was caught out on entering the wet half of the track. Stuck on the kurb, the following five Karts all passed in a train before Mike could recover and then another couple passed as he gained momentum. It took Mike a further 40 minutes of his stint to get the places back as the track started to dry again. Mike pitted first of the front runners and hand over in a marginal 4th place to Pip, hoping to slot back in near the front.

For some unknown reason, Pip was help on the red pit lights for almost half a lap as other Karts trundled past, but he kept his nerve and coped very well, having dropped towards the back. As other drivers swapped, Pip regained track position and eventually regained the 4th slot and after a further 45 minutes when he came in to refuel and to allow Garry out. Poor Garry got stuck in the pits on the red light again. Once more the team was dropped into the middle of the 16 driver pack. To add to his problems, the weather suddenly changed for the worse, and so most drivers found themselves spinning on a regular basis, as slicks on an oily track don't mix.

Garry managed to end his stint in 3rd place and fortunately Ryan made a smooth return to the track in 5th, which he gradually converted to and excellent 2nd. A few more laps and he could have won, but due to the slight delays with the rain, the race was cut short. A fine result for the team and a chance for Mike to mix with a couple of the Stock Hatch front runners. Hopefully some images to follow, but for now try this link. http://www.pixelpowersolutions.co.uk and go onto the Daytona albums.

MIKE GETS BACK INTO AN OUTDOOR KART AFTER TWO YEARS ABSENCE

2009-07-17T23:31:00.003+01:00

RDI Summer BBQ and Race Day This a very special event, with some surprises...
Host:
Race Drivers Inc.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Time:
10:00am - 6:00pm
Location:
Daytona MK
Dansteed Way Rooksley
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

The Summer BBQ will be an unmissable event, with big names from British motorsport taking part in the day; Daytona Milton Keynes will be hosting this RDI exclusive event, a day of good racing, good food and good company.
The day will start with a 'special guest driver' 10 lap showcase race in the DMax karts, followed by a 3hr Pro-Kart Endurance race and BBQ, then A&D style sessions on the DMax karts in the afternoon.
The event will be covered by the motorsport media, and drivers will have the opportunity to be part of a commemorative group photo. Red Bull Racing are putting 4 teams into the endurance race, and will hopefully be bringing some F1 goodies

Timings:10am - Meet 'n' greet
11am - Safety Briefing11:30am - DMax Showcase Race (10 lap race + 5mins practice)
12pm - 30 minute practice session for 3 hour enduro12:45pm - 3 hour enduro
BBQ Served3:45pm -
Chequered flag4pm - Awards & DMax Practice sessions open (£25 for 15mins)
5:30pm/ 6pm Event finish.________________
THE SHOWCASE:Driver line-up for the showcase race:Paul O’Neill (BTCC)
Alice Powell (Formula Renault)
Adam Butler (Formula BMW)
Sarah Playfair (Formula Ford)
Chris Dymond (BMW Alpina FIA GT3)
Tom Ingram (Ginetta Junior)
Ollie Millroy (Formula BMW)
There may be two more pro drivers taking part in this race - yet to confirm, but
Ryan Bensley (Stock Hatch) & our own Mike Comber (England Kart Captain)

A BRANDS REPORT FROM A CLOSE COMPETITOR - DAN SUMMERS

2009-07-17T14:18:00.005+01:00

Just to add balance to the blog, here is fellow competitor Dan Summers view of the weekend;

Dan would again line up 2nd on the grid for the days heat alongside Comber. Another fantastic start would see Dan leading into Paddock, where he would stay for the next six laps until at the end of lap 7 turning into Clearways he would be tagged into a slide by Mike’s Saxo VTR, foot down on the throttle, Dan would bring the car back, unfortunately Comber would make significant contact a second time, pushing the 106 wide and down to third place, also allowing Adam Cast in another Saxo VTR through. A hard charging Dan would make his way back past Comber and would shadow Cast to the line where they would be split by just 0.27 seconds! It would be a great race that enthralled the crowd and would go down as one of Dan’s hardest fought heats in five seasons of Stock Hatch.

SUCCESS AT PFI WITH RICHARD LOCK RACING

2009-07-08T08:40:00.003+01:00

Mike made his first appearance as a race engineer for RL Race Team at the weekend. His driver Milan Mach decided to leave the 3D Racing awning two months ago and decided that Mike and he should join one of the most prestigious teams in the paddock. He felt at home immediately as several British Champions and former race idols work there. Fellow teasmmate Jamie Croxford was the first to welcome Mike, and the ream were impressed with Mike getting Milan to be the quickest on both Friday and Saturday in testing.

The heat races went well on Sunday, but unfortunately in the final and starting on the second row, Milan had contact with a competitor and came off worse, which dropped him to the back of the field and slightly damaging his brand new kart. Both were still upbeat at the end and looking forward to Super 1 at Larkhall this coming weekend.

The only downside is the six hour drive to Scotland after a full days work, three full days at the meeting and then the long drive home again, but after last weekend Mike said " I am delighted to be working in such a professional awning. It's professional but at times light hearted and I hope things develop well here for Milan and myself, as this team have the experience to work with us should Milan wish to compete abroad. Personally I feel at home here and it reminds me of the good times I had with Ian at Botek on a Maranello, back in 2004".

JUST IN - ANGLESEY IMPACT SHOTS

2009-07-07T21:31:00.003+01:00

IMAGES FROM BRANDS SUCCESS

2009-07-07T20:51:00.007+01:00

TECHNORATI FAVOUR THIS BLOG - TEST

2009-07-05T01:25:00.000+01:00

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BRANDS HATCH PUBLIC VIDEOS

2009-07-01T12:48:00.004+01:00

BRANDS HEAT 1 EXTERNAL VIDEO FOOTAGE SHOWING MIKE IN SECOND. AN EXAMPLE OF THE NUMBER OF CARS ENTERED, 32 MORE BEHIND HIM!

MIKE NOT IN THIS HEAT, BUT ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE VOLUME OF CARS TRYING TO WIN

WHILTON MILL VICTORY FOR MILAN

2009-06-29T09:03:00.005+01:00

Mike was delighted with the return to form of his driver Milan Mach. Unfortunately Mikes last race meeting clashed with Milans Super 1 round, so with a different mechanic, Milan struggled to get to grips with the kart at Buckmore Park. In the end his throttle cable snapped to cap a frustrating weekend for him.

Back with Mike,his luck was in, Despite having a DNF in his third heat, he ploughed his way through from mid-field to a moral boosting win. Mike said 'It's the best I have seen Milan drive and it's nice to be back working together. I look forward to helping him again next week at PFI where we hope to build on Milans renewed confidence.'

With Mikes next race being August 2nd at Mallory Park, he has the next few weeks to focus on getting Milans karts prepared for the next Super 1 round, which is the 11/12 July Larkhall in Scotland.

Milan currently sits 11th in the MSA championship, which is an improvement on last year.

MIKE IN THE MELTON TIMES

2009-06-25T14:57:00.003+01:00

Mike Comber steps up with first pole position at Brands Hatch

Mike Comber back in his successful karting days

Published Date: 24 June 2009
WEDNESDAY, 4.30pm: Former national kart champion Mike Comber claimed his first pole of the season at Brands Hatch on Saturday.

Comber (18), of Thrussington, has switched to car racing this year and in only his fourth race claimed pole in both Saturday and Sunday heats.His goal now is to be on the top step of the podium before the end of the season - once he has perfected the track set-up.

Comber, a qualified Bond Street Saab technician, prepared his Saxo car himself, with help from sponsors, the chartered surveyors Andrew Granger & Co.In 2004 and 2005 Mike won national championships in the junior class, and in 2006 was the first to win every intermediate kart title in a single season. In 2007 he had further success in the senior standings, just missing out on the prestigious Motors TV Championship.

A lack of sufficient funding prevented him from taking a single-seater Formula-Ford drive last year, so in 2009 Mike has raised a budget and joined the national 750MC Stock Hatch Championship.The signs are good. On his first visit to Brands Hatch and with no Friday practice, Mike broke the existing lap record in qualifying and in race one finished fifth after a mechanical problem lost him the lead. The following day he came third following some damage to his car, but still set the fastest lap.

Mike said: "I'm pleased with the way I am getting to grips with the car. Having raced for the past six years with rear-wheel drive karts, the front wheel drive Saxo is so different. It's like learning to drive all over again."Comber now has six weeks of testing before the next round at Mallory Park on August 2.He added: "I hope the fuel starvation problems we had this weekend will be sorted with a new tank, so next time I can take the fight right to the end of the race and aim for that win."

For more on Comber, visit www.michaelcomberracing.com
The full article contains 349 words and appears in Melton Times newspaper.
Page 1 of 1
Last Updated: 24 June 2009 9:36 AM
Source: Melton Times
Location: Melton

MIKE AT WHILTON THIS WEEKEND WITH MILAN

2009-06-23T12:25:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately Mike was racing himself when Milan had his last Super 1 round. Unfortunately he missed that final with a broked throttle cable, so hopefully Mikes return at his race engineer will give him better luck. Milan had hoped to win at Buckmore, so a quick return to the podium at Whilton should lift his moral.

Mike appreciates a break from the stress of Brands Hatch last weekend, despite his success.

BRANDS HATCH JUNE 2009 - 2 POLE POSITIONS

2009-06-22T11:51:00.008+01:00

Mike can take great pride from his two performances this weekend despite not coming away with two wins. Firstly he managed to break the old lap record within his 10 laps of qualifying, having never practice there before. Then as a result of those times he was in pole for both the heats on Saturday and Sunday.

In the Saturday heat, Mike was third off the line and into Paddock bend, before making second at the hairpin and then after a further lap, took first. Unfortunately the race was red flagged, so Mike sat tensely in pole for 10 minutes while car 55 was cleared away. On the re-start, Mike grabbed second from a quick 106 driven by Dan Summers. The lead was taken by Mike more than once, but on the last two laps he suffered from fuel starvation. The extra delay with the red flag had caused the level to drop too low for the pick up. Mike was frustrated with the 5th place, but realised that such mechanical problems can be overcome with a swirl pot. For a few laps Mike held the new lap record, but was unable to participate in the later race. Parts 1 & 2.
On Sunday with the car brimmed, Mike was confident of a win. In the end, Mike and Dan tangled on the entry to the Paddock straight, which allowed the eventual winner to catch them both. Mike regained the lead, but was tapped from behind on entering paddock bend, causing him to travel 200 yds at 100mph sideways, but catching it to the applause of the crowd and retaining 3rd place by the end. Unfortunately the impact broke a fuel return line, so once again, Mike couldn't take part in the final race.

On this form, with a new fuel line and tank, Mike should do well at Mallory Park in six weeks time. Between now and then he needs to get the bodywork sorted and some testing in.

GOOD FUN AT THE CARNIVAL

2009-06-16T13:33:00.005+01:00

A tough day helping our sponsors!

Thanks to our sponsor Andrew Granger (left) for a fun day.

Car on the back of the Grangers float as we collected money for charity.

Tough job for the driver surrounded by pretty girls all day!

The car being looked after for once. WHAT a day it was!
Harborough Carnival on Saturday (June 13) has been hailed as one of the best ever by organisers.An overcast day turned to glorious sunshine just in time for the colourful float parade through town.Hundreds lined the streets to watch the procession and thousands were estimated to have passed through the gates of the Carnival showground at Symington's Recreation Ground off St Mary's Road.

MARKET HARBOROUGH CARNIVAL 13TH JUNE

2009-06-10T14:17:00.004+01:00

PREPARATIONS are hotting up for this year's Harborough Carnival on Saturday, June 13. Mike will be on the Andrew Granger & Co float todether with his SAXO VTR STOCK HATCH.
The event is one of the biggest in the town's calendar and brings together the whole community for a day of fun.About 10,000 people are thought to have watched the parade of floats in the town centre last year, and an estimated 6,000 people then flocked to the showground at Symington's Rec, off St Mary's Road, where they enjoyed stalls, rides, games and entertainment.Organisers hope this year's event, which raises thousands of pounds for good causes and charities in Harborough and the surrounding area, will be just as successful.Groups who would like to perform in the arena on carnival afternoon are urged to get in touch now so the schedule of entertainment can be drawn up.Charities and other good causes are also encouraged to get in touch now if they would like to have a stall on the showground.Fill in the coupon in this week's Mail and return it to the Carnival Committee chairman, John Bush, at The Crest, East Farndon, Market Harborough LE16 9SJ or email your application to mhcarnival@aol.com.

BRANDS APPLICATION GONE IN.

2009-06-08T11:06:00.006+01:00

Mike is at the Market Harborough Carnival next weekend with the car as it is, we hope that a simple door swap will get Mike back racing in two weeks as he has no time for more serious repairs. Brands is a track that Mike has tested at before, three years ago, back in the SAXMAX days. Mike managed a lap of a minute back then, so that will be the bench mark for the next weekend of racing.

History of Brands Hatch

There has been a race track at Brands since 1926, when the land was first used for grass track bike racing. In those days, competitors ran anti-clockwise, but the direction of the circuit was switched in 1954.

The heritage of Brands is vast – name any famous driver from the last 50 years or so and they are bound to have cut their teeth racing there. Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Barry Sheene, Jack Brabham, Derek Minter, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ayrton Senna and current F1 star Jenson Button are among the countless drivers to have raced and won at Brands over the years.
In 1983, MotorSport Vision Chief-Executive Jonathan Palmer made his Formula One debut at the Kent circuit with a Williams FW08C. Two years later, Nigel Mansell scored his first Grand Prix victory there, also winning the final F1 race at Brands in 1986.

Since then, the cream of world motor racing has appeared at Brands Hatch, and the World Superbike Championship has become an annual pilgrimage for bike fans all over the globe. The circuit’s unique combination of dips, cambers, fearsome corners and hills means it is still one of the world's favourite racing circuits, and with great racing and constant development from MSV continues to go from strength to strength.

ANGLESEY SUCCESS AS MIKE MAKES BOTH FINALS

2009-06-08T10:55:00.006+01:00

Despite the terrible weather conditions on Saturday and the fact that Mike had never visited the circuit before or driven the car in the wet, with no practice Mike managed a decent couple of grid positions in the heats.

On Saturday, Mike moved up through the pack to take 12th place from 20th. On the final Mike drove well from the back and ended up mid-pack. On Sunday, Mike was towards the rear of the heat, but 'fought' through to another 12th place. Unfortunately the conditions were still slippery, and a car Mike had just overtaken decided to find a non-existent line inside Mike, and t-boned his passenger door. Mike continued for a lap, but then the impact must have dislodged a brake pad so Mike lost those and following some 'autograssing' rejoined down the pact and without any rear brakes he recovered his 12th slot.

With the pad lost and no spares or shop at the circuit, Mike decided to sit out the final for safety reasons. We thought about putting all the braking load to the front, but didn't want to risk it in such slippery conditions. Had we a spare pad, we still couldn't have fitted it as we later discovered that the retaining clips had gone. We need to find a fix for this as this happened in testing at Mallory and we put it down to a problem with the axle. That has since been changed, so we perhaps need to wire them in place.

Some valuable points lost, but lots of experience gained for 2010.

MOTORS TV ROUND 1 FOOTAGE

2009-05-31T22:23:00.004+01:00

In preparation for the new website, we have started to load a few videos onto YouTube. This will be the first of the Motors TV collection. Click on the link to see Mikes first senior event as he leads the championship.

2006 AND VIDEO ONLY FOOTAGE OF ANOTHER SUPER 1 TKM VICTORY

2009-05-28T17:04:00.005+01:00

As a favour Alan Taddei drove up to Rowrah to watch and test out his new Motors TV equipment for the 2007 season. Sorry but there is no sound track as it was just a video test.
PART 1

PART 2

SOME EARLY FOOTAGE OF MIKE DRIVING FOR MARANELLO IN 2004

2009-05-28T12:02:00.009+01:00

Having won the TKM Festival in 2003 and three Super 1 rounds (but one being excluded for entering a transposed chassis number by mistake) and two runner up slots, Mike tested with Ben Hanley (2008 Renault F1 test driver?) and was almost as quick, so he secured a seat for 2004 in this ultra competative class, which at the time contained drivers who are now very well respected in the sport. F2 drivers such as Palmer, Surtees and Brundell and Formula Renault front runners such as Adam Christo and Stephan Wilson. Others are now in Formula Ford or Ginettas, which is probably where Mike should be with the right funding. We believe that these are in chronological order, but its 5 years ago. Buckmore shows just what was possible with the right set up.

Unfortunately YouTube only allows a maximum of 10 minutes, and some of these unedited races just went over that time, so we have roughtly split the footage in half. Mike finishes all the rounds and while there is always plenty of action in part 1, Mike often picks up places in the second half of the races.

Clay Pigeon

Fulbeck Part 1

Part 2

Rowrah

Shenington Part 1

Part 2

Three Sisters Part 1

Part 2

Buckmore Park

2003 AND EARLY FOOTAGE OF MIKE LEARNING KARTING SKILLS AT ROWRAH IN JUNIOR TKM 4 STROKE

2009-05-28T09:17:00.009+01:00

This was the pilot footage by PSC production in early 2003 prior to covering the MSA Rotax Super 1 series in 2004. It's interesting to recall where it all began and see the improvements over the years. Footage of that series will be uploaded later as we have come across a pack of old video films supplied by Alan Taddei - many thanks for the memories.

Introduction and Heat 1

Heat 2

Heat 3

Final

VIDEO FOOTAGE OF 2007 MOTORS TV ROUND 9

2009-05-27T19:44:00.003+01:00

Another fine race in difficult circumstances please click on the link provided.

VIDEO FOOTAGE OF 2006 FESTIVAL WIN

2009-05-27T19:42:00.002+01:00

Just click on the link to re-live some of Mikes famous races

ANOTHER PODIUM AT WHILTON

2009-05-27T10:59:00.002+01:00

Mike and his driver Milan didn't bother to practice on Saturday as both had other commitments. Working as an independent outfit for the first time, they were quick immediately and following heat successes, Milan completed a fine day on the podium. Not a bad start. Unfortunately Mike is double booked on 13th June. He gas a long term arrangement to assist his sponsors that day, so Milan will be at Buckmore Super 1 without Mike.

MIKE SAYS THANKS TO VENDUCT FOR THE WELDING ASSISTANCE THIS WEEK

2009-05-22T11:24:00.014+01:00

With our garages being re-developed this month, Mike had a problem in repairing the frontal damage to his car, following Cadwell Park. One of Mike supporters, Graham who is a director of the company, kindly offered his help and some work space this week to complete the rebuild and Mike would like to extend his thanks for the assistance. A full range of their services can be seen on their website http://www.venduct.co.uk/

Information from their home page:-
Formed in 1986, Venduct Engineering Ltd is a dynamic company specialising in the delivery of high quality fabrication and precision sheet metalwork solutions to British industry. Based in Leicestershire in the heart of the Midlands with over 40,000 sq. feet of manufacturing space. Investment in the latest technologies and our accreditation to ISO 9001:2000 ensures our commitment to quality control and constant improvement. This also guarantees that the most cost effective solution meets our client aspirations.

All projects are inspected and tracked throughout the manufacturing process so an "assurance of quality is achieved and delivered right up to completion. Backed by a wealth of experience and knowledge, the Sales and Design team have the acumen to guide and support the client from initial enquiry and concept to a manufacturing solution which will always be delivered on time and budget. We also offer a range of traditional hand skills, and are able to manufacture components in a host of different materials. This is complemented by our powder coating paint shop, which also has a phosphate pre-treatment plant.

With such fabrication skills close at hand, next week Graham has kindly offered to producing a new alloy and foam filled 20 litre fuel cell for us to replace the standard 45 litre one. This will have the bonus of weight reduction, better safety and also have an anti-surge integral swirl pot to improve pick-up. Graham is a keen off-road competitor, so appreciated that safety and durability are they key ingredients to having a reliable and hopefully successful race season. Please give him a call regarding your airconditioning & fabrication projects.

MIKE AT WHILTON MILL THIS WEEKEND

2009-05-20T11:56:00.003+01:00

Mike will be assisting his Rotax 177 driver, Milan Mach, at Whilton Mill this weekend as part of their build up for the next Super 1 round. This will be their first meeting as an independent entry.