Summer Edition: ISSUE 19
Magazine cover design by Oliver Whittaker Š 2011
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thesmartclub - the world’s largest club for all things smart
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2000 to 2010
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‘4site’ : Issue 19
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Club News
QR Codes
How to join thesmartclub Joining thesmartclub could not be easier and we have a number of options available to you.
Online If you have access to the internet, simply log on to our web site at www.thesmartclub.com and click the ‘Join the Club’ menu option. Here you will find two options, one giving web only access, the other giving you web access plus four copies of ‘4site’ and a Privilege Card!!
Offline (postal)
Issue 18 of ‘4site’ Magazine introduced the concept of QR codes being included in a number of features and articles throughout all subsequent issues of the magazine. Space in Issue 19 has meant that we have not been able to bring you the range of codes planned however Issue 20 will have QR codes assigned to each and every advertiser and information source to provide you with an additional, fast channel to get to the smart information you seek. As an introduction, use the QR codes below to Register your attendance at the following:
We are very aware that many people do not have regular access to internet services and, as such, we offer an ‘offline’ membership service. You receive a copy of ‘4site’ delivered to your door each quarter, Event information and application forms by post and automatic entitlement to our ‘Privilege Card’. Of course you also benefit from full telephone and fax support. Simply write to us at:
smart times 2011 The smart Festival
thesmartclub ltd, PO Box 28549 Edinburgh, EH4 5WB, UK
Our Membership Card – smart saving!
Now in its 7th year, our ‘Privilege Card’ continues to go from strength to strength bringing you discounts on servicing and parts from multiple smart centres in addition to significant discounts from third party organisations. Plus you receive discounted pricing in thesmartclub’s Online Store and, better still, benefit from significant discounts on our Major Events prices. Full Membership of thesmartclub includes a Privilege Card as part of the ‘Pack’ and we also have a number of UK smart Dealerships providing Membership Packs with every new and used car purchased – contact thesmartclub for more details!
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the most beautiful dawn chorus from the in the morning. The meals were pleasurable and the rooms were of a standard and the beds were to die for; a sleep was had by this pair anyway.
Events – Review & Preview Hambach smartville 2011
Smart Alex meets his roots Last year I bought my Smart Passion just before the 2010 visit to the Smart Factory, Smartville, in Hambach. I wanted to take my new car, whose name is Smart Alex by the way, back to his roots. But at the time it was too short notice to enter and besides I didn’t have the money. However I promised myself that the next year I would go if selected. After all I had lived in the Northern Part of Germany for 9 years and always promised to take my wife to visit Germany as she had heard such a lot about it for the last 24 years. So killing 2 birds with one stone I saved hard and applied for a place for Smart Alex to go on this year’s visit. To our surprise we got selected and this is where the excitement started. Right from receiving the very informative Information Pack to the leave date I was getting very giggly and was really looking forward to everything associated with the trip. I even spoilt Alex and bought him a cruise control unit courtesy of Mr Dot Com which performed all it was asked without fault. How did I find the trip on reflection? … “Well it was the most unfriendly and the most disorganised trip I have ever been on! The Hotel could be compared to a poor grade Youth Hostel with a straw mattress, no electricity and we had to queue for our gruel! “ ….. If you are thinking of going next year - don’t! Why? Because I am lying and I want to make a bad report so that all of you thinking about visiting next year are put off so that we will be guaranteed a place in next years visit! Seriously though, the whole trip was organised with military precision and without a major hiccup. As we were classed as “Newbies” we were looked after to make sure we didn’t do anything out of the ordinary like get lost. Everyone made us feel so welcome, very unusual in today’s climate of a selfish society. The little car certainly brings the best out of people bringing together amongst the friendliest group of people that you could ever imagine from all walks of life. As for the Hotel it was situated in a very quiet part of the city overlooking the hills and a chorus of
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birds very good good
It says a lot about how much we enjoyed it because 3 weeks after the trip we kept saying to ourselves this time last week/2 weeks ago we were doing this while we were away referring to our trip. The Tour of Smartville was very enjoyable and entertaining I had been on a few Car Factory tours before and this was by far the best I have been on. We were very entertained by Magna’s Manager, Herbert Schnepper, being football mad, passionate and proud of his product. At the same time he was very comical in his presentation and manner making the Tour knowledgeable and very interesting. The tour of the production line I found fascinating all the process of the birth of chassis and body very enlightening and informative and can now tell all the cynics out there that the Smart fortwo is a very safe and well constructed car after seeing what we saw. One word of warning to any "newbie" coming in future years please do a bit of walking practice beforehand if you don’t normally do it. The tour is quite long and there is a lot of walking and standing involved. Everyone started off like spring chickens but towards the end of the tour some of us were looking for anything to lean against just to have a slight rest! Highlights of the Trip for us have to be: y y
y
y
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Al Young’s evening briefings (rambles) on the following day's activities. Being guided to the Hotel on the Sunday by someone who new a shortcut to the Hotel to only be disorientated as we kept passing the same building 3 times. So near and yet so very far. But we got there in the end. Well before night anyway! bought some 2 way radios religiously tuning them to the required frequency and the radios being very quiet all the way there but we were receiving a carrier signal. Only to find I had tuned my radio to DTSCC or some fink. Later rectified and found out there was a bit more chatter. To hear on the way to the Smartville tour following that “the Moulds, in their blue
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y
y
had taken a wrong turn”, news to us as it would have been along with 4 other Smarts. To then find out it was another car and driver who new a quicker way (sounds familiar). It blatantly said no shorts for the Smartville Tour and to wear walking shoes? I wore the walking shoes but failed to adhere to the instructions of no shorts sorry about that but I can say I was not the only one who didn’t comply. Highlighted by the Magna Tour guide asking me to confirm that “we wore no shorts” health and safety procedure and part of the indemnity clause on his behalf on reflection. So I /we will know for next year when it “STATES NO SHORTS it means NO SHORTS or ¾ LENGTH TROUSERS. Fill up on the return journey at the half way mark don’t leave it like I did and make it the docks with 1.5 litres left of fuel. To think it’s OK as we have a vehicle at the back sweeping the route to find out I was the last vehicle and I wasn’t carrying any spare fuel.
y
Do not get in the lift on the ferry with Barrie Cox as the lift’s alarm goes because the lift has reached its gross weight. Poor old Barrie got out so we could continue our journey (since the incident Barrie has taken it personally and gone on a crash diet) being surrounded by us thinnies.
On reflection then I could go on for ages about this chance of a life time trip but I have to finish by saying “if you do nothing else in your life try and get on this visit, you won’t regret it!” Submitted by: Richard and Linda Moulds
and
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Smart Alex
smart times 2011 - Preview
It’s amazing how quickly time passes. In Issue 18 of ‘4site’, we announced further details about the world’s largest gathering of smart car owners and enthusiasts that is taking place in Riccione, Italy 4th to 7th August 2011. With participants arriving at this event from multiple countries across Europe, I am pleased to say that we also have a group joining us from China, this being their inaugural visit to a smart times event. As with all our major event planning, thesmartclub put together a total ‘package’ taking the successful applicants on a complete return trip from the UK to Riccione. Places were limited simply because of hotel logistics but that said, the offer was fully booked within days of launch. It’s an impressive response rate given that it’s a long, long drive from the UK to Riccione and back and the fact it is taking so much time out people’s annual leave from their day to day business. It is this very aspect of our events and the whole smart ethos that makes such events so special and so popular. It’s about far more than just a few days spent in one foreign location – it’s about the meeting up, the journeys, the chats with friends old and new in the evenings and then off again the next day en route to a focussed, dedicated and spectacular event. Once there, the mix of cultures, sights and sounds plus the infinite number of changes that have been made to owners cars (and indeed in some cases, the owners’ dress code!) that makes it very special. Personalisation of cars, modifications made for performance, modifications made for visual appearance or modifications made to ‘In Car Entertainment’ systems maintains and supports the fact thesmartclub has always said: “You will be very hard pressed to find any two identical smart cars parked next to each other”. Indeed, it goes even further and one could say that one would be hard pressed to find any two smart owners who fit the same ‘mould’. It is that very variety and mix of car and individual that ensures the smart
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community will always have a key differentiator from possibly all other gatherings of single brand cars! With smart, there is genuine variety but one common theme across all.
perfectly between the Piazzale Roma on the beach (where the bulk of daily activities will take place) and the Palacongressi (Conference Centre) that will host a range of additional activities and many of the parties.
So what about the UK visit to smart times 2011? The contingent of cars and enthusiastic owners head to Calais for the start of a three day journey to Riccione. Day 1 sees us travel from Calais through to Saarbrucken for the first overnight halt used for virtually all our European events. Day 2 takes the group from Saarbrucken across Germany and down to the beautiful town of Ettal in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area, situated not far from the border of Austria and Innsbruck. Day 3 then moves across into Austria for a short hop on the Austrian motorway and towards the Brenner Pass into Italy. Once across the border, it’s south on the Italian motorway straight down to Riccione for an amazing four nights of smart times festivities, tours and activities.
Our group will also consist of drivers and cars from the smarts4you Racing team, not only attending but driving to and from the event in their race cars. There is already considerable media interest in these cars and what better place to showcase the developments and initiatives than smart times. We’ll be updating live from the venue and, of course, carrying a full review in Issue 20 of ‘4site’ magazine. Meantime, you can find more information:
Our Hotel was chosen during our reconnaissance visit back in January this year and is located
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• at our web site: www.thesmartclub.com • in the ‘event’ section at www.smart.com • at the smart international facebook page • about all the Hotel information and booking facilities at a dedicated promhotels web site http://mysmart.promhotelsriccione.it/
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Features – Edinburgh Event
SPECIAL OFFERS!
On Saturday 6th August, you should head to smart of Edinburgh for an amazing day of smart activities and opportunities.
PLUS, thesmartclub is delighted to announce a range of very special offers available from smart of Coldstream and smart of Edinburgh celebrating the opening of the Coldstream Approved Repairer site. Both Coldstream and Edinburgh are offering the following superb deals:
smart of Edinburgh was key in playing its part in the ‘National Test Drive with a Difference Tour’ during the Edinburgh International Film Festival and they are continuing that theme into 6th August. The day will feature a range of smart related challenges including slalom, parking and storage events in addition to offering a superb range of smart related parts from their extensive parts store. A number of additional competitions are planned and there really is no better way to spend your Saturday than to get along and join in the fun. Irrespective of whether you are already a smart car owner, you really need to pop along and join in the activities and challenges. For further information email events@thesmartclub.com or contact smart of Edinburgh directly on +44(0)131-466-8000
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"A" service from £145 "B" service from £195 Air Con Service £49 Wheel Alignment £39.99 Front Brake Pads £99 Front Brake Pads & Discs £199 MOT £40 All these offers include vat & fitting. PLUS, as a Member of thesmartclub, you can benefit from an ADDITIONAL 10% discount to the prices shown above. Contact details for smart of Edinburgh are shown opposite and you can contact smart of Coldstream on +44(01890-883272.
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Push the front of the socket to lock the frame into place.
Mods & Maintenance! Reference guides and Information for your smart fortwo (451 model) Year 2007 on MP3 Connection smart have recognised the need for a standard auxiliary connection on the head unit and have provided an mp3 connection with the following part number: A 454 820 05 51
Simply plug the lead into the back of the radio.
First off, you need to remove the radio. As standard, the socket fits inside the glove box on this side wall. You will need to carefully drill a 17mm diameter hole.
Feed the mp3 socket through the framework and push it out through the panel.
Refit the radio and test by pressing the SRC button so that is displays "AUX". Rear Panel Removal In Issue 18 of 4site, we included a section describing the process for removing the front panels from your 451 fortwo. This process also involved firstly removing the side skirts and the method for achieving this was also included in Issue 18 of 4site. Now, by popular demand, we follow on that theme and show how to remove the rear panels. Note that again, the side skirts have to be removed before proceeding.
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Mods & Maintenance! Reference guides and Information for your smart fortwo (451 model) Year 2007 on
With the panel now free, reach behind the panel and unclip the tailgate door handle using the 2 small securing tabs.
Rear Panel Removal In Issue 18 of 4site, we included a section describing the process for removing the front panels from your 451 fortwo. This process also involved firstly removing the side skirts and the method for achieving this was also included in Issue 18 of 4site. Now, by popular demand, we follow on that theme and show how to remove the rear panels. Note that again, the side skirts have to be removed before proceeding and instructions for this were also in Issue 18 of 4site.
Now slide the panel down from the bottom of the tailgate.
In addition however, it is also necessary to remove the boot panel and the tailgate. So, let’s start by showing you how to carry out these two procedures before tackling the rear panels themselves. To remove the rear boot panel, it is easier to first disconnect the number plate lights. Push the lens across and pull down. The insulated connection will just pull straight off; the bar connection will need you to press down the little catch in the middle of the connector. It should now be free.
Open the rear storage compartment and remove the six T25 torx screws shown.
To remove the tailgate With the boot panel removed you must now disconnect the wiring loom. Remove the connections for the boot catch, the central locking actuator and the door open sensor wire. The boot catch connector needs the connector clip to be levered up, the door sensor connector requires the clip to be pushed in, and the central locking actuator requires the clip to be pulled up.
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Using a T40 torx bit, remove the bolts for the support cables from the tailgate. You will need to ensure that the boot is supported once these have been removed.
Now unhook the wires from the metal retaining and routing clips and pull the grommet connection out of the guide in the boot panel.
From the boot area, use a 15mm socket to undo the 2 mounting nuts from the tridion.
The wiring should now be free.
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The tailgate should now be free.
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Rear Panel Removal (remaining procedure) Now that you have removed the boot panel and tail gate, you can proceed to remove the remaining rear panels. Unclip the 2 plastic tabs from the under rear valence.
Remove the 2 securing T25 Torx screws on each side in the trid where the skirt covers.
From the bottom edge of the side of the rear panel, carefully pull the panel out. It is simply held in place by small plastic clips which clip into a mount on the tridion.
There are small metal clips which hold the light surrounds, but again, gently pull this away from the car and they should free without a problem.
Remove the 2 T25 screw located in the lower rear valance. Then, remove the 2 T25 screws securing the panel next to the rear lights.
Remember on the offside you need to disconnect the fuel door actuator and pull the rubber seal off the filler neck. Next, Remove the single T25 torx screw from the middle of the centre panel.
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Feature Don Iannone on the West coast of the USA has come up with an innovative product that’s beginning to sell really well around the world. It’s a simple concept and these are always the best ideas.
As you pull the rear away from the car you can now disconnect the rear lights, your other option is to disconnect them through the service hatches inside the boot.
In addition, each set comes with a 100% ‘Satisfaction Guarantee’ at purchase and a free 1 year Loss Replacement (see return policy).
Over the years, thesmartclub has been approached by many third party companies with a range of existing and potential aftermarket products and we will always ensure we test and review each such product prior to providing the manufacturer or distributer with any publicity. We’ve tested Don’s covers and ‘they do exactly what it says on the tin’ – easy to apply, tough and durable and for those of you who wish to add that final enhancing colour to your smart, they are certainly worth considering.
The panel is now free to be removed.
Thesmartclub continues to be grateful to the team at FQ101 for the above information. You can find out more at www.fq101.co.uk or call thesmartclub directly on +44-845-299-0332.
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A set of precision made vinyl coloured caps to cover the wheel bolts. The good news is that Don can supply these in a wide range of colours and even mix’n’match to get you the perfect set for your car. Each set comes with a free remover tool (for BRABUS wheels or any other after-market wheel where the bolts are deeper).
Don ships worldwide and better still, as a Member of thesmartclub with a Privilege Card, you can obtain a 10% discount on the advertised price. The full (non discounted) price is $17.95 (17.95 USD) and all major credit cards are accepted. You can find out more via thesmartclub web site and clicking on the smart bolt cover banner.
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Regular Local Meetings If you regularly meet with a group of local smart owners and enthusiasts and you would like your meeting included in our future listings, please email: events.team@thesmartclub.com or telephone us on +44 (0) 845 299 0332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine. For LATEST information and location details always check the Events Diary via the ‘News & Events’ panel on our homepage (www.thesmartclub.com). East smart Cambridge meet 2nd Monday of every month, Grantchester St. Albans Meet 28 April and monthly thereafter, 19:30 - 22:30 at The Airfield, Lemsford Road, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Milton Keynes & Northampton smart meet Every 2nd Monday, 7:30 pm onwards Check Meetings Section of thesmartclub MessageBoard, Navigation Pub, Stoke Bruerne
DAFT Mansfield meet 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm The Snipe Pub, Alfreton Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 1JE Shepperton meet 1st Wednesday of every month 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm: The Thames Court, Towpath, Shepperton, TW17 9LJ. East Kent smarties 2nd Wednesday of every month, from 8:00 pm Dukes Head Pub, Sellindge, nr Ashford, Kent Greater Manchester & North Lands Meet 4th Thursday of every month from 7:30pm, Wilton Hotel, just off M60 at Heaton Park Sussex Smarts Sunday breakfast Our Breakfast meet is every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month.10.00 am, Chalet Cafe, Cowfold, West Sussex. (approx half mile south of Cowfold on A281).
Please note that as many of the above meetings are outside of the direct control of thesmartclub, details and dates may change.
Contact thesmartclub We have a wide range of contact options available to you enabling you to have questions answered:
Email Enquiries General: admin@thesmartclub.com Membership: membership@thesmartclub.com Privilege Card: privilege@thesmartclub.com Events: events@thesmartclub.com Technical (car related): technical@thesmartclub.com Technical (web related): webmaster@thesmartclub.com Advertising: advertising@thesmartclub.com Club Merchandise: distribution@thesmartclub.com
Phone +44 (0) 845 299 0332
Fax +44 (0) 131 312 6167
Post thesmartclub ltd PO Box 28549 Edinburgh EH4 5WB UK
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Smart of Wolverhampton The latest limited edition smart is certain to brighten the lives of drivers with vibrant styling, zesty performance and an impressive specification that will leave all with a satisfying glow. Offering a huge splash of colour and sporty style, the striking smart fortwo nightorange edition defies mundane motoring and will be the most refreshing sight on Britain’s roads this spring. With its vivid orange paintwork, contrasting black three-double-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, tridion safety cell, door mirror caps and radiator grille, the new model will definitely stand out from the city car crowd. Its eye-catching exterior is further enhanced by headlamps with titanium-coloured inserts and nightorange badging on the door mirror triangles. The stunning styling continues inside, where occupants can sit back and enjoy the ride in sumptuous soft black nappa leather and fabric seats. There is a black nappa leather finish to the threespoke steering wheel and the gear knob for the softouch five-speed automatic transmission, whilst the dashboard, door trims, cockpit clock and rev counter are all in elegant matt black. Luxurious velour floor mats featuring the nightorange logo add the perfect finishing touch. The smart fortwo nightorange edition also delivers a soundtrack to complement its dynamic styling courtesy of the audio system lowline featuring USB/AUX interface. Owners can
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choose to upgrade to the highline version, which offers navigation via a 6.5” touchscreen display, RDS radio, iPod® interface and a Bluetooth® hands-free system and is just one of a host of optional equipment items that they can specify. Only a limited number of smart fortwo nightorange edition models will be available for purchase in coupe or cabrio in the UK. There is a terrific opportunity to get a smart fortwo nightorange edition at Smart of Wolverhampton, who have a significant number of this new limited edition model, for a special reason. General Manager Matthew Harris explained: “The smart fortwo nightorange edition is a real head-turner and a car that will truly light up the lives of owners with its stunning on-road presence and low running costs. We have secured a number of these distinctive cars, because the design is very similar to the colours of our local football team, Wolverhampton Wanderers, who play in their famous Old Gold and Black. Like the rest of the smart range, this latest special edition’s green credentials stand out too - the new model emitting less than 120g/km of CO2 so is exempt from the cost of the annual road fund licence for at least the first year from registration.” On-the-road prices for the smart fortwo nightorange edition start from £9,995. To find out more or arrange a test drive, please call us on 0844 573 6310, or visit www.smartofwestmidlands.co.uk
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smart of Northampton art competition proves to be a big draw for youngsters
News from smart smart car provides the drive for design students at York College The iconic designers successful has been talents.
smart car is helping to put budding at York College on the road to careers via a practical project that developed to nurture their creative
BA (Honours) Graphic Design students have been tasked with devising ways of encouraging local motorists to visit the Centurion Park retailer for a test drive. As part of the project, the youngsters visited smart of York’s showroom where they were briefed by Marketing Manager Richard Sutton. “The project has been running successfully since 2005 and the standard of work and ideas seem to improve year-on-year and now cover a wide range of media including posters, press ads and web-based communications,” said Richard. “Indeed the standard of this year’s project was so high that I could not separate the best entries and ending up choosing three winners.” Alan Preston, York College Programme Leader, explained that the project was continuing to be an invaluable and enjoyable addition to the BA (Honours) Graphic Design programme. “The link with smart of York is very useful as it allows the students to work in a realistic commercial relationship with professionals from the industry,” said Alan. “The project is challenging but is always one of the most popular of the year,” he added.
Pupils from Wellingborough Prep School have been putting the art into smart in an exciting design competition devised in partnership with smart of Northampton. Youngsters from years 4, 5 and 6 have shown their true colours by creating an eye-catching livery for a smart car inspired by their favourite artists. The 30 best entries are now on display in Mercedes-Benz and smart of Northampton’s Riverside Business Park showroom, where visitors are being invited to choose their favourite. The design receiving the most votes by the end of June will be turned into a vinyl and put on one of the retailer’s demonstrator vehicles, which will travel all around the county.
smart scholars… Pictured with Headmaster Richard Mitchell (in car) and Mike Sands, Mercedes-Benz and smart of Northampton’s General Manager, are Wellingborough Prep School pupils (left to right): Hannah Thomson, Laura Bullen, Holly Heath, Ned Hennessy and Zach Cunningham
Around 150 children from the ages of 8 to 11 have taken part in the competition, which had generated a tremendous response according to Paula Warford, Wellingborough Prep School’s Director of Art. The idea of working with such an eco-friendly car had also fitted in very well with the Eco-School Project being undertaken by all age ranges at the school (3 to 18 years) for which Gold Accreditation is presently being sought.
Proving to be amongst the ‘smartest’ students at York College are project winners (left to right): Daniel Holmes, Joshua Brown and Ruth Hirst, who are pictured with Alan Preston and smart of York’s Richard Sutton
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“The project has been fantastic as it has allowed the children to look at art from a historical context, to research an artist and their work and then apply their style to the shape of a car,” said Paula.
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“All of the children have been really excited about taking part and a number have even asked if their parents can buy the car if they win.” The smart car art initiative is one of a number of projects established between Mercedes-Benz and smart of Northampton and Wellingborough School. A presentation has been given to sixth form pupils on product development and business management, whilst the retailer has also agreed to help the school’s budding engineers with both design support and mechanical assistance for their present and future studies.
“It is a beneficial association for both parties and particularly for the pupils in terms of providing them with some ‘real life experience’,” explained Richard Mitchell, Headmaster of the Prep School.
‘Fare’ play to smart move made by Nottingham taxi firm Nottingham residents could be about to hail an ingenious new taxi service being launched in the city in more ways than one. Just 4 One will offer a single passenger service using two-seater smart cars that will not only be friendlier to the environment but will charge fares that are up to 25% cheaper than conventional cabs. The venture is being launched by Gordon Donaldson, his brother John and Gordon’s son Paul, who already operate the Chauffeur Drive and Corporate travel business, Where 2 UK Ltd, but who identified an opportunity for a service specifically aimed at solo travellers. It will initially be run during the day only, for short trips such as transporting people to and from the supermarket, business or hospital appointments, or between hotels and East Midlands Airport. “Our research showed that the corporate business involved nearly 82% of fares where people were travelling alone,” explained Gordon, who established the Carlton-based business after retiring from the Police Service back in the 1990s.
“The opportunity for the children to see their design on a car out on the road has been a huge incentive and this has been reflected in their work and I’m sure Mercedes-Benz of Northampton’s customers and parents will be pleasantly surprised by what they have achieved.” Mike Sands, Mercedes-Benz and smart of Northampton’s General Manager, added: “Supporting our local community wherever possible is important to us as a business and we’re delighted to link up with Wellingborough School in several areas that will benefit pupils with their learning. “The standard of entries for the smart art competition is exceptional as we invite people to discover by calling in at our showroom to view and place their vote.” For further information, contact Joanna Rogers, Regional Marketing Manager, Sytner Mercedes-Benz Tel: +44(0)1604 774200 or Claire Mitchell, Marketing & PR Officer, Wellingborough School Tel: +44(0)7875 008510
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”With customers becoming increasingly cost and environmentally conscious, fuel prices constantly on the rise, the use of a hackney cab or big saloon is, on certain occasions, unnecessary,” he added. “The benefits for the customer using us are reduced fares as the result of being transported in more efficient and economical vehicles.” Paul continued: “Some travellers may be somewhat sceptical because of the vehicle’s size, but once tried I believe they will be won over.”
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“Having owned a smart myself for two years, the cars are perfect for the trips that we will be undertaking around the City and I’m sure customers will enjoy the experience. I’m 6ft 4ins tall and have never been able to get over just how spacious they are – they are ‘tardis-like inside’, easy to get into and out of because of the large doors and higher seats, something people with mobility issues will appreciate.” They refused to accept the original decision by the Council’s Environmental and Planning Committee and went back again with a revised plan. This time they had the opportunity to discuss their proposal in detail and gave the Councillors the chance to inspect the smart car, which was kindly presented by smart of Nottingham’s Sales Executive, Matt Barker, who was on hand to answer any technical questions they had about the vehicle.
225 car2go vehicles roll into Vancouver Vancouver: 16th June 2011 On April 27th, car2go Canada Ltd CEO Nicholas Cole and Mayor Gregor Robertson announced Vancouver, British Columbia as the first Canadian city selected to launch the innovative carsharing service, where cars have no reservations time limits, and members are allowed to make one-way trips instead of returning cars to their pickup location. Since the announcement, approximately 2,000 Vancouverites have registered and received their membership cards. Members will be able to drive the vehicles starting Saturday June 18th.
“Having the car on site and available for inspection undoubtedly helped us get the Council backing,” added Paul. ”We now have a Private Hire Licence for 12 months and an opportunity to prove the merits of the one passenger service.” Just 4 One has purchased a pair of smart fortwo coupés from smart of Nottingham initially and may look to increase that number once the venture has become established. smart of Nottingham’s Matt Barker, said: “We are delighted to be providing cars for this exciting local venture and we are looking at working with Just 4 One within our own business. From an environmental and operating cost perspective, the smart is absolutely perfect for an urban taxi service. It is safe, comfortable and reliable and has been used in several other locations around the country for the same purpose.” Gordon concluded: “The current economic climate is perfect for the launch as individuals and businesses look to make savings on travel. This service is a new dimension to taxi travel but it certainly does not herald the end of conventional taxis which will always be required. However, it does give the single traveller a choice.”
Following the overwhelmingly positive response, car2go has extended the free registration period (which represents a $35 value) until July 3rd. Vancouver residents can register at www.car2govancouver.com, or in person at the car2go office at 45 Water Street in Gastown. To further celebrate the launch, car2go is also extending an open invitation to special events held at four neighbourhood coffee houses in Vancouver on Saturday June 18th. Between 10am and 5pm, residents can register in person, receive their membership card on-site, take a car2go for a short drive and enjoy a free coffee at the following four local iconic coffee houses: • • •
To experience the Just 4 One service, please call +44(0)115 940 4111.
• York, Northampton and Nottingham articles submitted by: Scott Fenn
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Waves Coffee, 2588 Main Street, Kits Coffee Co, 2198 West 4th Avenue Delany's Coffee House, 1105 Denman St Bean Around the World in Yaletown, 1002 Mainland St.
As a sustainable transportation option, car2go
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is pleased to be playing a role in the City of Vancouver’s goal to become the “greenest city” in the world by 2020. Members can rent a car2go “on-demand” or reserve a vehicle up to 24 hours in advance. The car2go vehicles that are readily available to be driven can be viewed on the internet or with a smartphone app, and can be driven for as long as needed without committing to a return time. Just simply end the rental by leaving the vehicle at any “permit only” on-street parking spot in downtown or residential neighbourhoods within the defined business area, or in one of the specially marked car2go parking spaces. Members pay for what they use by the minute with discounted rates for hourly and daily use and are only charged for the time they use the car2go. Rates include fuel, parking, mileage, insurance, maintenance and GPS navigation. car2go now has a global network of more than 40,000 members and 1,000 smart vehicles. Based on its impressive success, car2go will further expand in other North American and European cities in 2011.
Daimler AG Reports a 4.7 Percent Increase for MercedesBenz and smart Vehicles in the U.S. for May 2011 New York: 1st June 2011 Daimler AG today reported U.S. sales of 20,798 Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles, an improvement of 4.7 Percent compared to May 2010. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported May sales of 20,306 vehicles, a 5.9 Percent improvement over May 2010, and the best May on record since May 2008. On a year-to-date basis, the 95,458 vehicles sold represent an 8.5 Percent increase. smart USA recorded 492 sales in May 2011. Total sales increased more than five percent month-over-month from April 2011. This is the third consecutive month of month-to-month sales increases and the highest monthly sales total in 2011. The instability in fuel prices is driving consumers to consider the smart fortwo’s EPA estimated 41 miles per gallon on the highway which is the highest for a non-hybrid vehicle.
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New smart Collection: The very latest in sporty, urbane chic Stuttgart: 29th March 2011 Just as spring is in the air, cult car brand smart presents trendy fashion for the warmer time of the year. The new smart Collection 2011/2012 is intended for people who love unconventional style and are fully in tune with the zeitgeist. An attractive look and high-quality materials are the defining features of the innovative and functional new smart Collection. Modern cuts and elaborate details along with special prints lend the textiles a special flair. The logo of the smart lifestyle brand has been artistically incorporated into many of the accessories as an expression of a pulsating city lifestyle. The new smart Collection features various themes covering the most diverse urban lifestyle scenarios. Themes such as electric drive, smart BRABUS and beach volleyball are also covered by a small selection of products. This reflects the philosophy of the successful smart fortwo – the trendsetter for urban mobility: joie de vivre in tune with well considered ecology. Highlights of the new smart Collection are hoodies for men and women, new polos, windbreakers, a bowling bag and a special beach volleyball rucksack which has been designed together with the Deuter company. The smart Collection also offers textiles and accessories in a young design to provide a definitive individual touch. These include caps and shirts, off-beat sleeves for notebook and iPhone, writing implements, ice cube makers in smart design and keyrings with a smart badge. The Collection even takes care of toddlers' needs, offering baby bodysuits and bibs in smart style. Moderate pricing also forms part of the smart philosophy. Textiles from the new Collection are available at between € 29.90 and € 79.90, while accessories range in price between € 4.90 and € 99.90. The entire smart Collection is presented in the corresponding catalogue which is available from all smart dealers. Further information on the smart Collection can be found at: www.smart.com/collection
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Daimler fields seven electric cars for the 2011 Silvretta electric car race Stuttgart: 6th July 2011
the emergence of a proper electric mobility network. Electric cars from Mercedes-Benz and smart
Following last year's successful debut, from 7 to 9 July 2011 the second Silvretta electric car rally takes place in the Montafon region of Austria. This time Daimler AG is competing with a total of seven electric cars of the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands. At the start for the second time: the smart fortwo electric drive and the B-Class FCELL. A first-time participant this year is the battery-electric A-Class E-CELL. The highlight of the rally is again the highly efficient super sports car SLS AMG E-CELL, whose market launch is scheduled for 2013.
By taking part in the electric rally, Daimler demonstrates once again how practical and reliable its electric cars already are today. The higher demands of this year's rally pose no obstacle to the competing vehicles. The vehicles made available for the tour show just how varied the Daimler range of electric cars with battery or fuel cell already is today. With the smart fortwo electric drive, the ideal battery-electric urban car takes the start in the rally. With a range of 135 kilometers the electric smart delivers loads of driving pleasure in urban settings. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL runs on hydrogen and has a locally emission-free range of about 400 kilometers. Just recently Mercedes-Benz demonstrated its workaday practicality and technical maturity in the FCELL World Drive: from late January through early June, three Mercedes B-Class F-CELL cars drove round the world, covering more than 30,000 kilometers through 14 countries on four continents.
Speed is not of the essence in the three-day rally that leads through the Vorarlberg mountain landscape, but regularity and skill. Covering a total distance of almost 300 kilometers and a total difference in altitude of 5500 meters, the electric car rally is almost twice as long as the premiere in 2010 and, as a comparison of the courses shows, far more demanding. Gradients of up to 14 percent must be negotiated with precision. The driver teams are put through various trials in which hundredths of seconds count in the scoring. But they will be rewarded with views of the picturesque Montafon mountains. The rally takes the locally emission-free, noiseless electric cars through the Austrian provinces Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Vorarlberg province is one of the biggest model regions in Europe for the introduction and development of electric mobility. The Austrian energy supply company illwerke vkw, a partner of the Silvretta electric car rally, supports the model region under the name VLOTTE – an artificial coinage from Vorarlberg and Flotte, the German for fleet. Illwerke vkw is steadily expanding the necessary infrastructure for electrically powered vehicles in the region and in this way promotes
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The vehicle thus suggests itself especially for use over longer distances and can be completely refueled in less than three minutes. Also, for the first time the A-Class E-CELL is competing in the electric car rally. It offers lots of space, variability and utmost comfort – combined with zero emissions. With an operating range of over 200 kilometers it is well-suited for locally emission-free urban and interurban travel. All models are fully up to production standard and already are available to selected customers. A highlight of the electric rally is the MercedesBenz SLS AMG E-CELL. The development mule for the car that will come out on the market in 2013 proves on the winding Alpine course that dynamic driving pleasure in combination with an electric drive is not a contradiction at all. The fascinating gullwing car with the emissionfree high-tech drive featuring a peak output of 392 kW and peak torque of 880 Newton meters clearly is the trendsetter in the super sports car market segment.
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Submit an Article to ‘4site’ - We want to hear from you! With a truly international audience, ‘4site’ provides you with an ideal additional channel to tell smart owners and enthusiasts about your ‘smart’ filled holiday, vacation, modifications, tours, competitions and ‘smart’ lifestyle. We make it easy for you to submit articles to us, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
You can submit articles directly to us via a dedicated page on our web site.
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We’ll acknowledge all submissions received and advise you when/if your article is being included. * Note that any pictures posted to us cannot be returned. ‘4site’ is an international magazine for smart car owners and enthusiasts – your magazine and your opportunity to share your smart life with others! ‘4site’ magazine ‘4site’ is an independent quarterly magazine produced, published and distributed by thesmartclub ltd. The magazine is not for resale or commercial redistribution. All content © thesmartclub 2010 and global Daimler media © 2010 Daimler AG. All rights reserved. The submit button © Kiankhoon, email image © Tomislav Stajduhar, party people image Poznyakov, girl writing © Showface | Dreamstime.com. Front and rear magazine cover design and composition by Oliver Whittaker. thesmartclub is a brand of thesmartclub ltd, Company number SC259434, registered in Scotland, UK. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information given herein is accurate, no legal responsibility is accepted by thesmartclub ltd nor its associated third party companies for any errors, omissions or misleading statements. Views expressed in ‘4site’ are not necessarily those of thesmartclub ltd. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the firms whose advertisements appear within this publication however thesmartclub ltd cannot accept responsibility for the offers made by the advertisers even when making specific offers to Members of thesmartclub ltd.
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Race 1 – Donington Park
The 4two Cup – Round 1, Donington, UK, 8th May 2011 What started as a concept early in 2010 and something that was first released to the public at smart times 2010 in Austria, the team at smarts4you Racing Ltd have achieved what many thought was impossible in such a short space of time . Round 1 of the 4two cup ran on 8th May 2011 and Olivia Gauch has kindly prepared the following report: In wet conditions the 4two cup finally took to the track at Donington Park for Round 1. For a lot of the drivers it was the first time they’d driven the S4R race car, and at 10.25 they took to the track in the first ever qualifying session of the new series. Within a minute the red flag was waved as the number 9 car of Paul Abraham was on its side at the Old Hairpin. Once upright and after a quick visit to the scrutineer, Paul was able to resume with just minor damage to the bodywork. Youngster David Moore was first to set a flying lap of 1.49.341. A lap later and he’d knocked off a further 2 seconds. The red flag stopped the session a second time, again caused by a car on its side. Further proof of the robustness of the cars, James Palmer was able to return to the qualifying session. David Moore made history as the first driver to claim pole position for the UK’s first ever smart car race. His time of 1.45.166 was over 3 seconds quicker than Funcup racer, Charlie Burt. Andrew Donaldson and Britcar racer David Green completed the front two rows. Qualifying Results: 1 David Moore
1.45.166
2 Charlie Burt
1.48.289
3 Andrew Donaldson
1.49.506
4 David Green
1.49.801
5 Paul Bates
1.50.209
6 Sarah Franklin
1.50.856
7 Paul Abraham
1.51.304
8 James Palmer
1.51.815
9 David Nash
1.53.176
10 Warren Breener
1.55.614
11 Howard Kayman
2.05.054
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In drier conditions the smarts headed off for their first ever UK race and polesitter David Moore was immediately under pressure from Charlie Burt going into the first corner.
But surprisingly, at the end of the first lap of the 20 minute race, it was Sarah Franklin leading, Moore falling down to 3rd with an engine mapping problem. This was also going to affect the cars of Burt, Paul Bates, Andrew Donaldson, James Palmer and Paul Abraham. With those drivers having to battle it out further down the field, as the race progressed it was Franklin and Hayman who provided the entertainment for the crowds. Lap 4 saw them going down the Craner Curves and also upto McLeans side by side, in what proved to be an exciting battle between the female racer and the novice. Experienced driver, Paul Bates stuck his car in the gravel at the Old Hairpin but it was the novices that were showing the way; Warren Breener and David Nash battling for 3rd and 4th, after making their way up from 9th and 10th respectively. Setting a fastest time of 1.36.724 on the last lap, Franklin claimed the first win of the series beating Kayman by 1.093 seconds to the line. David Nash completed the podium, making a mistake at the final chicane to narrowly beat Breener, who was just 0.143 seconds behind. Sarah was ecstatic after her win: ‘I got an absolute blinding start from 6th on the grid. There was a group of three of us battling away then one of them dropped off. Move of the day
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Race 2 – Donington Park
was definitely the one where Howard got me at Redgate, then I just chucked it up the inside. But Howard kept me honest all the way through.’ Despite qualifying at the back of the grid, Howard showed how racy the smarts are: ‘Qualifying was bad because we didn’t have the turbo boost, so I was ten seconds off the pace. I got a great launch as soon as the lights went off and there were a few close calls during the race with Sarah, but I just wanted to finish it.’
Race two saw the drivers take to the track in the early evening and it was Paul Abraham and James Palmer that made the best starts, with race one winner Sarah Franklin failing to capitalise on her pole position. By the end of lap one, youngster David Moore had battled his way up to 2nd and was aiming for the lead duelling with Charlie Burt down at the Old Hairpin. But a lap later proved a decisive moment for the race at Redgate. Brief leader Charlie explained: ‘I went into the corner and somebody rammed into my back. I was going backwards and somebody hit me again and I just barrel-rolled.’ Able to get out and walk away, he also drive the car back to the paddock once it was back on four wheels at the end of the race.
Another novice, David Nash was surprised to have made it onto the podium: ‘I can’t believe it, from 9th on the grid to finish 3rd can’t be a bad start for my first ever race. Warren was just behind me on the grid and if nothing else, I had to finish ahead of him!’ Race 1 result: 1 Sarah Franklin 2 Howard Kayman 3 David Nash 4 Warren Breener 5 Paul Abraham
It continued under yellow flags and Moore shot off into the distance building up a sizeable lead over 2nd placed Franklin. Narrowly missing out on a podium in the first race, Warren Breener was up to 3rd, with James Palmer and David Nash following closely behind.
6 Charlie Burt 7 James Palmer 8 Andrew Donaldson 9 David Moore DNF Paul Bates, David Green
As with the first race, the novices were stealing the show and Nash executed a perfect passing move on Palmer to grab 4th spot. Having opened up a lead of nearly 8.9 seconds at one point, Moore had started to get the same car issues from race one. But despite this the Tockwith Motorsport driver took his maiden win, with Franklin only 1.667 seconds behind David was pleased to have taken the top spot: ‘The car was hesitating round the right-handers in the first race which was problematic. This seemed to resolve itself for the second race, and despite starting in 9th I caught a lot of drivers under late breaking into the corners. It was fun, I’ve enjoyed it and it has been a great day.’ Sarah was disappointed to have not done the
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double: ‘It was my first ever pole position so it was rather strange going around the green flag lap with no one in front of me! I think it all went to my head a little as I got a poor start and lost out some places going down the Craner Curves.
DRIVER PROFILE Sarah Franklin Celebrating her win in the 4two cup’s inaugural race, The smart Racing Club caught up with Sarah to find out a little bit more about the driver and her world of motorsport.
Then on lap 3, I was on the inside of Charlie Burt going through Redgate, and despite being side by side, he turned in on me and his car went around the front of my car. My side skirt fell off and caught in his wheel arch, sending him rolling on the grass. I had some brake issues after the collision but was on a mission!’
So what is that really makes you tick?
3rd placed Warren joked that he’d put the car in reverse after making a terrible start: ‘It was shocking, the car was jumping on the start line and everybody went past me. I thought the race was over, so I just carried on and during the race the car got better. I’m a complete novice and had a brilliant day, can’t wait for the next one!’ Submitted by: Olivia Gauch You can keep up to date on the entire 4two cup results and developments via our web site at thesmartracingclub.com. Round 2 is at Castle Combe, UK 23rd and 24th July and the team will then be at Riccione, Italy for smart times 2011.
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I’m an adrenalin junkie and I like the excitement and danger elements but the main thing that makes me tick is that I know life’s too short. If you’re going to do something in this life then you have to go out and do it now and don’t put it off until tomorrow because tomorrow may never come. That’s one of the reasons I got into racing. Although my husband Adrian and I were both into motorsport and we did the odd track day, Adrian was diagnosed with a suspected lymphoma in 2004. He has had a couple of chemotherapy session since and being with him and going through that experience made me reassess everything. Until that point, although there were the track days, I was quite a workaholic and work came first. I did my law degree part time whilst working full time and my world has revolved around that. It then made me realise that you have got to enjoy things while you can and, as motorsport was something we both really liked, I went and signed up to the Racing School at Silverstone in 2004. Although I was the only girl there during the week’s course, the instructors said that they thought “there was
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something there” and I ought to go off and do something more in terms of competitive motorsport. I subsequently did a couple of Formula Ford events after finishing the Race School and then my first National race was in a Ginetta G20 in October 2004. So has motorsport always been in your blood? I have loved cars since I was little but I don’t know where that’s come from as my parents are not really into cars at all. However, even as a youngster I remember loving the smell of petrol and winding down the window when my Dad pulled into petrol stations! I have subsequently had a lot of cars over the years and Adrian and I recently sat down to work out how many cars we’d had between us. It was over forty! Tell me about the motorsport career
highlights
in
What was it that made you sit up and pay attention to the 4two cup? Well last year I did the Trofeo Abarth 500 series and earlier this year I was at the Autosport Show on the stand with the British Women Racing Drivers Club (BWRDC). Paul [Bates] and James [Palmer] from Smarts4you Racing Ltd were just down the way from us so I decided to pop along and have a chat with them. During that conversation, as I am on the Committee of the BWRDC, we discussed the possibility of getting a few girls together and having a test day at Donington. I then got half a dozen of the girls along to Donington and once I’d tried the BRABUS fortwo I just loved it and thought it was fantastic.
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It was a completely different car. Although I started racing in 2004 I have not got a history of karting at all and it’s only this year that I have started doing a karting series. The fortwo however really felt like a big kart and completely unlike anything I have ever driven before. I like it being rear wheel drive and the brakes were amazing. I’ve never driven a car with a paddle gearshift, so that was really different. The inaugural race at Donington of course presented us with some issues like everyone else on the grid, but that was part of the challenge successfully working around those issues.
your
One of the major highlights for me was getting a drive in the Porsche Carrera Cup at Snetterton in 2008. That took everything to another level really – it was amazing and I’d love to do that again but the budget required is just vast. And, of course, being in and winning the inaugural race in the Smart at Donington was a massive highlight. The British Women Racing Drivers Club have a Gold Star each year that is awarded to someone who has promoted women in British Motorsport and who has done really well in motorsport – I am really pleased to say that I have been nominated for two years running and that’s a real highlight.
It was so much like a ‘big kart’, it was great.
What was it about the BRABUS smart fortwo on track that made it so different from, or so similar to, other race cars that you have driven in the past?
Did you have any perception of what it would be like before you first sat in the BRABUS fortwo and drove it for the first time? I thought it would have a lot of roll in the body, similar to the Abarth but I was really pleasantly surprised to find the roll was absolutely no where near as much and it was a very stable car. Now, following testing with Paul and James at Silverstone last month and a few adjustments, the rear of the car is even more stable. It’s fantastic and a real surprise to me.
And how do you think the 4two cup series differentiates from the Trofeo Abarth series? The biggest strength and the biggest positive is James and Paul. Because it’s the two of them driving it they are listening to the driver feedback and then doing something about it and that was one of the key differentiators from the Abarth series last year. James and Paul are so passionate about the series and they are so keen on making it work that they really do listen
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to feedback. For sure it will take time and development and that will make the car continually better to drive. It’s their passion, decision making and ownership of issues that makes a difference compared to some other large organisations. So, what are your plans for the future 12 to 18 months? I’d love to do the 4two cup for the full year and that, of course, is dependant upon sponsorship. I would hope that if I have a good result at Round 2 of the 4two cup then that will make it attractive to sponsors and get me support for the rest of the year. So I’d love to do that. I like the idea of the trip over to Italy and integrating The Smart Racing Club across Europe as well as in the UK – that’s a good thing. Obviously, I still own my Abarth at the moment and I’d like to get out in that again and also carry with the karting that I’m doing. Finally, you have your own busy legal career and personal life but how do you manage to juggle personal time, motorsport time and your legal profession? I think that if you are passionate enough about something you find the time. Adrian is passionate about motorsport himself and having a partner who supports you all the way is great so you make time for it. As I said right at the beginning, life’s too short. There’s a great statement from clip from a movie called ‘Hitch’ that I often use: “Life’s not the amount of breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away” and I want lots of those!
As many of our Members and Readership may be aware, The smart Racing Club Ltd and smarts4you Racing Ltd are entering thesmartclub’s BRABUS smart forfour in the Britcar 24 Hour Race at Silverstone, 30th September to 2nd October 2011.
It’s an enormous challenge, not just the event but the preparation of the car prior to the race. It’s the first time any ‘smart’ will have competed in such an event and we have a large number of third party companies supporting the smarts4you Racing team with exhaust, suspension, safety, wheel, tyre and development packages. Importantly, The smart Racing Club will be publishing a document later in the year documenting the entire development process and the opportunities forfour owners have to purchase a range of genuine race and performance parts for their own forfour. The BRABUS forfour being used started life as a 2006 model fully spec’d BRABUS forfour Xclusive. Lovingly cared for and cherished, the car is currently undergoing something of a ‘clear out’ internally to remove weight and install the roll cage and associated safety systems.
Find out more about Sarah via her web site at: http://www.sarahfranklinracing.co.uk/ and you can also follow Sarah in the 4two cup series via The smart Racing Club web site.
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There is, of course, a huge difference in preparation (let alone driving style) when preparing car for 24 hour competitive event when compared with, for example, a short 20 minute sprint race. Whilst performance is key, reliability is paramount. There is little point performing well and being hugely competitive for 10 hours only to retire due to mechanical failure that could have been prevented. As such, the focus is on reliable, sustainable performance from engine, gearbox and all transmission and we’ll be documenting this process fully over the coming months. The great news is that the car will be driven to, and from, the smart times 2011 event in Riccione, Italy where it is sure to generate considerable interest and attention. Then, following further development prior to the 24hour race, the car will also be on display at The smart Festival, Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, UK th on September 4 2011.
New from the team at smarts4you Racing Ltd, the 2011 Race Car Parts Catalogue. Featuring an extensive and exclusive range of products for you and your fortwo, these parts are currently used on the BRABUS fortwo race cars in the 4two cup. Full brake kits, exhausts and hoses, suspension systems, roll cages, wheels, tyres and internals such as seats, harnesses, and safety systems. Better still, Members of The smart Racing Club benefit from a 10% discount on all prices. Contact smarts4you Racing at www.smarts4youracing.com or call them on +44-(0)208-1661989
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Summer Edition: ISSUE 19
Magazine cover design by Oliver Whittaker Š 2011
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