Legal Disclaimer

The world we live in today has, sadly, become one of increasing mistrust, lawsuits and disputes. I therefore have been told by my Legal Advisor to make this official statement. Trust me, I would rather see that each and everyone were to use common sense and insights, but unfortunately I have to safe-guard myself from any eventualities that may arise, so here we go:

Motor Racing is a dangerous activity !

IL Racing and all of its Representatives, whoever they may be, can under no circumstances, whatsoever, be held responsible for any loss, injury, or death, to the driver, passenger or any person or third-party, of any vehicle fitted with our parts or products. Nor can we be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal, third-party or government property, by the use of any of our products, services, systems or components, in whatever application or situation it may be. We will not assume any liability of any nature, should any of our products fail (whether partially or totally) under any type of usage within, as well as outside, of manufacturers specifications. This disclaimer also includes, but is not limited to, any advise, statements and or instructions given by us, whether in conjunction with, or not, of any of our products. All products, components, services and systems are provided "as is" and the decision to purchase and to use them, and therefore all subsequent responsibilities, lie firmly and ultimately with the end-customer. By ordering our goods, you automatically agree to all in the above statement.

** End of statement **

Go fast, use your senses - and please stay alive to race with us again !

Finally for some lighter piece of advise and a short story:

My mentor, TM and partner, Kerry Anderson, 2 times winner of the Macau GP, several times Club Champion and so forth, once told me, when talking about motor racing and its dangers: "I like motor racing very much. In fact, I like it so much that I make sure I drive in such a way that I can carry on doing it!"

Southern Festival of Speed, New Zealand, 2002.
Teretonga Park, Invercargill, just a few minutes before racing his Lotus Elan 26R to a respectful 2nd in the Classic Sports Car class.

He continued: "When going to a new track for the first time, I try to identify the areas where I can go fast, of course, but also the areas where coming off the track would not be a terribly good idea...I try to give myself a larger-than-usual margin through those sections, that's all."

One day, when we were at the track of Pasir Gudang, Johor, South Malaysia, we were told that we could have an unscheduled practice and testing session with only a few minutes notice. Since the time slot allocated for us was imminent and very short, we were told by the track management that we could, for once, go out using only "basic" safety clothing, i.e. helmet and gloves. Together with the fact that it was a very hot day, it seemed like a good idea and I strapped in to the car, only wearing the aforementioned gear, t-shirt and shorts. When the TM saw me, he immediately asked what on earth I was doing in the car without my driving suit. "Well, they told us.." I started. At which point he interrupted me and said:

- "And that is how you die, Old Chap!"

I un-strapped myself and put my racing suit on.

As it happened, I experienced a partial brake failure in the absolutely fastest section of the circuit and had to pump the pedal like a man possessed to get any stopping power at all! I can't describe the feeling you get when, at 130mph, where you would usually just tap the brakes for a relatively easy left-hand kink, the pedal goes to the floor, whilst the track-wall gets closer and closer...I certainly learned how to go very fast through that kink, that day.

The moral of the story is two-fold: First, accidents can happen at any time. There is no less danger, just because you are "only" going out testing and will "be taking it easy" (Sure!). Second, always make sure you put the odds on your side - make sure the safety features and systems of your car are 100% operational and wear your safety equipment every time you go out on the track! You never know when Murphy will be sitting track-side, chuckling as you pass.

Sepang International F1 Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2002. In the lead in my class on the first lap of the Merdeka weekend race. I had to win in this one, since I was ahead in the series, overall, by 8 points, with only one more weekend to go, which meant that if winning, I would be the Club Champion 2002, as well as in class.

I won.