The launch of the McLaren MP4-12C wasn't just about the on-stage presentation – there was also unprecedented access to the production floor where the prototype cars are being assembled, and where the first customer cars are due to roll off at the beginning of 2011. As a factory, it's perhaps a little disappointing. Grease? Pools of oil

Sometimes you have good days. And then there are great days. Having taken in the impressive JR Motosport/Sumo Power factory in Rye, Rod and I had one more treat in store courtesy of Sumo Power boss Andy Barnes. We drove out to JRM's separate storage facility in my car; starting up my Alfa GTV, Andy asked if it was a diesel... rather embarrassed

It's funny how things come around. Last November I spent a rainy couple of days down in Rye on the South coast of England. Rye is a lovely town: quintessentially English with cobbled streets and fortified walls (and an unexpected American car show scheduled that weekend), but with movies on the laptop all watched, Medieval tower climbed and coffee

Developing new cars and supporting current racers might be their speciality, but Barwell also have a lot of experience running historic cars. Parked up in front of the prep bays are two stunning examples they take care of: a pristine 1969 Porsche 917 and an original 1697 Ford GT40. The Porsche 917 is chassis number 013/34. It was built for the 1970

During 2009 Barwell ran a capacity programme with six cars in action across national and European GT series, Belgian touring cars and various historic events. In Britain, two cars ran in British GT: a full season entry in partnership with the Beachdeen team running their Aston Martin DBRS9 along with run-outs for the new Ginetta G50z. The Ginetta was

When you arrive at a track and see all the cars lined up on the grid, it's easy to forget just how much effort goes into to getting them there in the first place. Preparation and set-up, aero and data logging, tyre supply and driver management, engine maintenance and body repairs... It takes weeks of work and considerable sums of money just to get