Hi all
I have just joined the forum through the new BARC 7esque racing series. I live in Somersham, Cambs, so hope to get along to the Rushden meetings later in the year.
Built my first kit-car in 1978, and then got into 7esque cars with a Dutton Phaeton build in 1980. Started designing and building my own cars in 1986 (Fletcher Hornet). Started using them in motorsport in 1988 (Hornet Mk1 in sprints and hillclimbs) then circuit racing from 1991 in the Hornet Mk2, followed by the Mk3 and Mk4. Currently in my possession are the Mk2 and the Mk4.
I sold the Mk2 in 1996, but managed to buy it back last year. It originally had a 1660cc Ford Crossflow, but was converted to 2000cc Zetec by Ian Smythe, its previous owner. It is fully road legal, though it is SORN'd for winter.

The Mk4 was an unfinished Mk2 kit that was never completed, so I bought it back after 9 years and built it up with a Suzuki TLR V-twin motorcycle engine and full width bodywork in 2003. It is road legal, but has never been put on the road as the motorbike engine is tiresome in congested traffic.
http://www.ianhardy.net/gallery/main.php/d/95857-2/ddmc_croft_may_2009_03764.jpgI originally built the Hornets as I wanted a car with indepenant rear suspension, and nothing was available at the time. It has Ford Sierra diff at the back with shortened driveshafts and my own uprights and wishbones. Front suspension is Triumph Spitfire uprights, with my own wishbones and modified Triumph Spitfire steering rack.