classic and competition car 44 may 2014

Classic and Competition CarMAY 2014 Issue 44

Style on the Flying Scotsman Rally

Classic and Competition car May 2014

Our Team.Simon Wright - Editor.Simon has been photographing and reporting on motor races for many years. Served an engineering apprenticeship many years ago. Big fan of the Porsche 917

Pete Austin.Pete is the man for Historic racing, with an extensive archive of black and white images covering the last few decades of motorsport in Britain. Very keen on BRM.

Mick HerringMick's first love is GT racing, including Historic, especially the Lola T70. Has an extensive knowledge of all things GT.

Janet Wright.Janet has been taking photographs for many years, and is also very skilled in video. She likes Aston Martins

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Front Cover. The American crew of James and Dawn Gately in their 1937 Cadillac 75 Series on the Flying Scotsman Rally © Janet Wright

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Contents

Page 3 News.

Page 14 WEC 6 Hours of Silverstone.

Page 19 ELMS Silverstone 4 Hours.

Page 23 European Formula 3, Silverstone.

Page 24 The Flying Scotsman Rally.

Page 29 HSCC Season Opener, Donington Park

Page 33 British GT Opener, Oulton Park.

Page 37 Archive Photo of the month

Page 38 Pride of Longbridge.

Page 42 VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone.

Page 47 AMOC Race meeting, Silverstone.

Page 53 BTCC Round 2 Donington Park.

Page 59 1st Vintage Racecar Touring Assembly.Ford Zephyr-Zodiac Mk1 of Simon Watts and Roberto Giordanell AMOC Silverstone

© Simon Wright


Editorial.The World Endurance Championship started last month with Porsche returning to the series. With strong opposition from both Audi and Toyota, Porsche still managed a podium finish in their first race back. This should develop in to a most interesting season.On the national side, the British Touring car Championship continues to draw in the fans with close, action packed racing and with a full grid and 7 former champions, the series continues to go from strength to strength. Unfortunately, there was a serious accident at Donington, but thanks to the strength of these cars, no one was injured. The regulations certainly do their job of promoting close racing, while keeping the drivers safe. Long may that continue.

News

The Porsche factory returned to the top level of World Sports car racing last month at the Silverstone 6 hours World Endurance Championship race. The factory entered two of the new Porsche 919 Hybrid cars for Romain Dumas, Neel Jain and Marc Lieb in the number 14 and Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley in the number 20 car. The return was prompted by the introduction of new rules for the LMP1 prototypes which relate to energy efficiency. The car that wins is the car that goes the furthest with a defined amount of energy. Porsche have chosen a compact turbocharged 2 litre four cylinder petrol engine which is assisted by two energy recovery devices as well as a high powered battery. Energy is recovered from the front wheels during braking (KERS) and a turbine off the exhaust which powers an electric generator that can create between them, 2 - 8 magajoules of additional power per lap which reduces fuel used to increase efficiency.

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright


Silverstone Classic to stage World’s biggest F1 parade.To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Grand Prix held at Silverstone, the Silverstone Classic will stage the largest parade of Formula 1 cars in the World, led by Sir Stirling Moss OBE. Silverstone first hosted the British Grand Prix in 1948 and in the past has shared the event with Brands Hatch and Aintree.There will be three large grids for FIA Masters Historic Formula One plus Historic Grand Prix Cars Association Pre ’66 and Pre ’61 Grand Prix Cars which will feature more than 100 iconic Formula 1 cars from past generations. Also other Formula 1 cars not competing will be invited to join the parade, which will take place on Sunday 27th July 2014. With three races on Saturday and Sunday, there should be Grand Prix cars from seven decades on display.Sir Stirling Moss, who at 84 years old, is considered to be the greatest driver never to win the World Championship and Britain’s best loved racing driver. He is honoured to lead the parade and has many happy memories of Silverstone, including meeting the Queen at the circuit.The Silverstone classic runs from 25th to the 27th July 2014. Further information can be obtained from www.silverstoneclassic.com

Volkswagen XL1 wins award.The Worlds most fuel efficient hybrid car, the Volkswagen XL1 has been named the winner of the Transport category in the annual Designs of the Year Awards. The car is one of 76 designs that are on display at the Design Museum in London until the 25th of August 2014.

© Simon Wright


Bentley return to the British GT Championship.Generation Bentley Racing made its debut in the British GT Championship at Oulton Park with the new Bentley Continental R, while M-Sport Racing had a last minute stand in driver with Dutch driver Rembert Berg taking over from absent Humaid Al Masaood. Berg had contested four races in 2013 with M-Sport and brings experience of the car to the team. He was paired with Steve Kane and in the first race they finished 8th while in the second race the Generation Bentley racing Racing team finished 9th with Steve Tandy and James Appleby

An interesting car which appeared at the HSCC season opener at Donington Park was the ex Clay Regazzoni Formula Junior De Tomaso which was driven by Westie Mitchell.

Vintage Adventurer returns down under.After the success of his Ocean 2 Ocean America challenge, Rob Wade is about to set off on his latest adventure in his 1930 Ford Model A. He is to drive across Australia and back in less than 100 hours. Back on home turf, Rob will set off from Surfers Paradise, Queensland on the 3rd June 2014. Follow him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VintageAdventurer

Classic and Competition Car Facebook GroupWe now have a Facebook Group - Classic and Competition Car - where you can join and keep up to date with additional Photographs, postings, and extra event photo galleries. Please feel free to add personal postings and your own photos.

© Mick Herring

© Pete Austin


Sir Chris Hoy makes British GT Debut.

By Mick Herring.One year after making his racing debut in a Radical SR3 at Brands Hatch, Sir Chris Hoy joined the swelled ranks of British GT drivers for the first round at Oulton Park over Easter.In what appears to be a change of emphasis from the previous Playstation challenge and bootcamp winners being awarded sponsored drives, from which the Nissan GT Academy Team RJN has produced several successful drivers, it is has engaged the services of Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy. Jann Mardenborough being the most prolific in British GT and beyond together with Lucas Ordonez from Spain.Partnering Hoy in the Nissan GT-R GT3 is the experienced Alex Buncombe.The pair would qualify 14th and climb to 9th by the end of race one, with Hoy racing strongly against the new Generation Bentley Racing Bentley Continental of Steve Tandy in the opening stages.In race two they would again qualify in 14th to finish 13th.

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

Classic and Competition car May 2014 The drivers taking part in the 2014 World Endurance Championship line up for a group photo before the Silverstone race

British GT Driver line up for 2014

Photo courtesy of PSP imagesRain failed to dampen spirits or dilute the atmosphere on the second day of the HSCC-organised Thruxton Easter Revival, as outstanding on-track action, worthy winners and riveting racing kept the hardy spectators entertained from lights-out to chequered flag and sent them home with smiles on their faces.

© Mick Herring

© Simon Wright

7


Donington Historic Festival.This picture was taken at the Donington Historic festival media day. A report of the 3 day meeting will appear in the next issue of Classic and Competition Car.

Classic and Competition car May 2014 Page 8© Mick Herring


100 years of Maserati and 50 years of Ford Mustang.

The Silverstone Classic is celebrating two famous anniversaries this year, with special

displays and track parades during the 3 day event from the 25th-27th July 2014. Italian manufacturer Maserati is celebrating its centenary, while Ford celebrate 50 years of the Ford Mustang.

Historic racer Benn Simms continues his winning ways in every historic category he enters. At the HSCC season opener at Donington Park, Benn won the Historic Formula Ford 2000 race at the wheel of this Reynard SF77.

The Bugatti Owners Club will stage its annual French weekend at Prescott Hillclimb course over the weekend of the 24th and 25th May 2014. For more information see their web site at www.prescott-hillclimb.com

© Pete Austin

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright


Ayrton Senna Anniversary Tribute. By Mick Herring

Amongst the British GT testers at the media day at Donington, a significant tribute and re-enactment of history was being filmed. With the twentieth anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death at Imola on May 1st fast approaching, two famous turbo-era Grand Prix cars which were associated with his early career were to be driven by three prominent drivers. Toleman gave him his first GP drive and the TG184, equipped with a 1.5 litre turbo engine from Brian Hart, together with the Lotus 97T, Renault powered and producing approximately 900 bhp then, were each driven by 1996 World Champion Damon Hill, F1 commentator Martin Brundle and Ayrton's nephew Bruno Senna. Following his drives, Damon Hill flagged the cars away from the grid and then replayed Ayrton's famous wet weather victories by pouring water on Bruno from a watering can. From the accompanying photo you can clearly see that from the eyes looking out from Bruno's similarly liveried helmet, the man sitting in that car could just have been Ayrton himself. Apart from the grey eye-brows, Damon still portrayed the staring eyes from the front of his biography.

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring


BRM Association Track Day.A report from the day will appear in the next issue.

BRP BRM

BRM V16 Mk1BRM P261 © Pete Austin © Pete Austin

© Pete Austin


British GT Media Day.After launching the British GT Championship last year inside and outside its central London offices SRO returned to a circuit launch and test day at Donington Park on April 8th. Following an introduction from SRO boss Stephane Ratel, championship manager Benjamin Franassovici outlined the strength and depth of the championship once again this year with full grids and visiting all major UK circuits plus a round at Spa in Belgium.Andy Stobart then interviewed both of last year's returning champions.In GT3, Andrew Howard will again be partnered by Jonny Adam in the Beechdean Aston Martin Vantage and Rick Parfitt Jr will be partnered this year by Tom Oliphant in their Century Motorsport Ginetta G55 GT4. By wearing the Racing4mnd.org tee-shirt, Benjamin also took the opportunity to bring awareness to Motor Neurone Disease and a collection raised over £200 for the charity.It is always good to see former British GT driver and James Bond stunt driver Neil Cunningham, currently fighting the disease, as he joined many friends at Donington in the afternoon.In addition to the opportunity unveiling of the brand new Generation Bentley Racing Bentley Continental GT3 of Steve Tandy and James Appleby, invited guests took the opportunity to ride in a variety of racing cars and also Paul Bailey's McLaren P1 hybrid, which had been parked alongside his Ferrari Enzo. The McLaren is considerably faster than the Aston Martin Vantage he races and has infinitely more movable aerodynamic devices.

2013 GT4 Champion Rick Parfitt Jnr

Andy Schulz and Paul Bailey Aston Martin Vantage GT3Paul Bailey McLaren P1 Hybrid with moveable aerodynamics

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

Classic and Competition car May 2014 Classic and Competition car May 2014 Page 13

Garry Whyte.Popular VSCC racer Garry Whyte passed away on Good Friday after sustaining serious head injuries at the VSCC Spring Start meeting at Silverstone. The 26 year old driver rolled the 1921 GN Gnome he was racing in the GP Itala & Lanchester Trophies race for Vintage racing cars. He had earlier finished 3rd in the Handicap race for pre-war cars in the same car. He was airlifted to Coventry Hospital and was heavily sedated, but suffered heart attacks on Thursday and Friday morning and passed away.In 2013 Garry had raced his own Riley 12/4 and had achieved some success during the year, finishing 3rd at Snetterton in September 2013.To his family and many friends we offer our sincere condolences.

Dr Al FlemingWell known classic racer Dr Al Fleming, was killed in an accident at Hockenheim, in Germany, on April 11th during qualifying at the Jim Clark Revival meeting. The 69 year old had competed in many Historic events driving one of the many cars the family owned. He was driving a Lotus Elan at Hockenheim.Originally from Liverpool, he moved to Scotland at an early age and was co-founder of Chemical engineering firm Alval Engineering in Leven, with his wife Val.His son Nick is also a successful Historic racing driver, who has achieved many results in the family Chevron B36 2 litre sports racing car.To his family and friends we offer our sincere condolences.

Garry in his Riley 12/4 at Mallory Park in 2013© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


Toyota clean sweep at the 6 Hours of Silverstone.FIA World Endurance Championship Round 1By Simon and Janet Wright.

The winning Toyota TS 040 Hybrid of Anthony Davidson, Nicolas Lapierre and Sebastien Buemi© Simon Wright


The FIA World Endurance Championship 2014 started at Silverstone on Sunday 20th April. The big news for 2014 is the return of Porsche to the top level of the championship with their new LMP1 Porsche 919 Hybrid to compete against Audi and Toyota. They also brought ex-Grand Prix driver Mark Webber with them to drive the new 919.Practice and qualifying took place in bright sunshine and saw the new Toyota TS 040 Hybrid driven by Alex Wurz claim pole position by just 5 thousandths of a second from Lucas Di Grassi in the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, with Porsche claiming a very close third spot with Romain Dumas just three tenths of a second off the pole time in the Porsche 919 Hybrid.The rolling start for the RAC Tourist Trophy race saw pole man Alex Wurz blast in to the lead in his Toyota under a grey and cold sky chased hard by Di Grassi in the Audi who made several attempts on the first lap to take the lead. As the cars rounded club corner for the first time,

Di Grassi seemed to slow slightly and both Buemi in the second Toyota and Lotterer in the second Audi ran very wide, well off the track and swept in to 2nd and 3rd place with Di Grassi dropping to 4th. This allowed Buemi to act as defence for Wurz who began to pull away in the lead. It only took a couple of laps for the two Audis to pass the second Toyota round Chapel and through Village. Lotterer then took the lead for Audi but Wurz was able to hold on and was soon challenging for the lead again. Before the half hour

mark, it began to drizzle, and Sam Bird in the GT Am class Ferrari was first in to change tyres, followed in by most of the field coming in for their first regular stop. Toyota also dived in to the pits and Wurz changed to treaded wet tyres, while both Audis continued to circulate on track.The wet track caught out Di Grassi in the second place Audi, who lost control on the wet circuit going through Woodcote and hit the barrier head on causing significant damage to the

The Porsche 919 Hybrid of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb was 3rd quickest in qualifying

Nick Heidfeld, Nicolas Prost and Mathias beche were 4th in the Rebellion Racing Lola B12/60 Toyota and won the LMP1-L class

LM GTE Am class winners Kristian Poulsen, David Heinemeir Hansson and Nicki Thiim in the Gulf Aston Martin Vantage V8

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


front of the number 1 Audi. At the same time the number 14 Porsche 919 entered the pits on just three wheels, sparking all down the pit lane. The front left wheel was missing and as the team were unsure as to the cause of the problem, they changed the entire front left suspension, a job taking about 20 minutes. At about the 50 minute mark, Buemi took the lead in the Toyota TS 040, lapping 25 seconds a lap faster than the Audi, still on slicks. As the rain eased off, Audi brought Lotterer in for a routine stop and did not change tyres. Meanwhile, the No 1 Audi was craned out of the gravel at Woodcote and was then able to limp back to the pits without a

nose cone but the front right wheel was not running straight! After investigation, the car was retired with a damaged monocoque.After the first hour, Toyota held first and second with the Number 7 Wurz/Sarrazin/Nakajima car holding the lead from the number 8 Davidson/Lapierre/Buemi car, with the Bernhard/Webber/Hartley Porsche 919 Hybrid in third place. The Heidfeld/Prost/Beche Rebellion Racing Lola B12/60 number 12 was in fourth two laps down on the leader, while the remaining LMP1 Audi R18 of Fassler/Lotterer/Treluyer was a further lap down with Lotterer still pushing hard. The Lamy/Dalla Lana/Nygaard Aston Martin Vantage was leading GTE. The 14 Porsche 919 rejoined the race with five hours to go, having lost around 15 minutes while being repaired.

the wet track continued to catch out the leading teams with Lotterer spinning off the number 2 Audi R18 at Stowe corner and got it stuck in the

Tom Kristensen, Loic Duval and Lucas Di Grassi had a terrible weekend in the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, retiring with a damaged monocoque

LMGTE Pro winners Marco Holzer, Frederic Makowiecki and Richard Lietz in the Porsche 911 RSR finished 7th overall

The Porsche 919 Hybrid of Dumas/Jani/Lieb passes the Ferrari F458 italia LMGTE Am of Luis Perez-Companc, Marco Cioci and Mirko Venturi in to the loop

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


gravel, requiring a tow to get it clear before it was able to continue. The number 14 Porsche 919 was going vey slowly, limping back to the pits and even the number 7 Toyota managed a quick spin entering Club corner but was able to continue without hitting anything in 3rd place, a lap behind the leader. Nakajima was at the wheel of the number 7 Toyota and was pushing beyond the limits, managing another spin when the number 2 Audi R18 went straight over the grass at Becketts right in front of him while they were both lapping a slower vehicle. There was no contact between the Audi and the Toyota in the incident. It was soon a Toyota 1-2 again with a steady rain fall sweeping across the circuit.By half distance the order was the Davidson/Lapierre/Buemi Toyota number 8 leading by over 44 seconds from the sister Toyota of Wurz/Sarrazin/Nakajima, with the Porsche 919 of Hartley/Webber/Bernhard in 3rd, two laps behind the leaders and the Audi R18 of Treluyer/Fassler/Lotterer in 4th, 4 laps down on the leaders. Heidfeld/Prost/Beche were 5th in the Rebellion Racing Lola B12/60, on the same lap as the Audi. Just after half distance, the Audi R18

driven by Treluyer, went off at Copse after first hitting the barrier hard on the inside of the corner, damaging the front of the car which then came to rest on the outside of the corner. After the car had come to a stop, the marshals wanted to get Treluyer to safety, but he wanted to stay with the car and attempt to get it back to the pits, even though the left front corner was badly damaged!

Ferrari F458 Italia LMGTE Pro of Davide Rigon and James Calado finished 5th in class

Aston Martin Vantage V8 battle between MacDowall, O’Young and Rees in 99 and Poulson, Heinemeir Hansson and Thiem in the 95 car

LMP2 Oreca 03-Nissan of Krill Ladygin, Victor Shaitar and Anton Ladygin retired from the race

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright


With two and a half hours to go, Mark Webber took over the 20 Porsche 919 in 3rd place, and Anthony Davidson took over the lead Toyota. Webber in the number 20 Porsche 919 was impressive, catching Sarrazin in the second place Toyota after the Toyota had pitted for a routine stop and the Porsche continued for several more laps before it came in to the pits.With just over an hour to go, it started to rain again and most of the cars immediately dived in to the pits to change to wet weather tyres, but Mark Webber decided to continue another lap without stopping then dived in the pit lane from 2nd place. As the race was drawing to a close, the rain was heavy with spray coming off the tyres, making for poor visibility. With under 50 minutes remaining

Toyota held first and second place, a lap apart and Porsche was third another lap down. With less than forty minutes remaining in the race, the safety car was deployed and after a short time the first three cars were led in to the pit lane while the rest of the field was put in to parc ferme on the pit straight as the race was finished early due to the heavy rain.Toyota scored a perfect one - two finish with Davidson, Lapierre and Buemi winning the RAC Tourist Trophy while second place went to Wurz, Sarrazin and Nakajima while Porsche made the podium on their return with third for Webber, Bernhard and Hartley. Rebellion Racing finished 4th overall to win the LMP1-L class with Heidfeld, Prost and Beche in the Lola B12/60 Toyota while the LMP2 class was won by G-Drive racing Morgan - Nissan driven by Rushnov, Pla and Canal in 5th place overall.The GTE Pro class was won by Porsche Team Manthey with a Porsche 911 RSR driven by Holzer, Makowiecki and Lietz in 7th overall, while the GTE Am class went to Aston Martin Racing with the Aston Martin Vantage V8 driven by the Danish crew of Poulsen, Heinemeir Hansson and Thim. Birthday boy Anthony Davidson also won the Richard Lloyd trophy for the highest placed BRDC member to finish in the race.

LMP2 Class winning Morgan Nissan of Roman Rusinov, Olivier Pla and Julien Canal finished 5th overall

LMP1 cars at speed down the hanger straight© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


Silverstone 4 Hours European Le Mans Series Round 1 Saturday 19th April 2014. By Simon and Janet Wright.The opening round of the 2014 European Le Mans Series took place at Silverstone, supporting the WEC 6 hours. The teams were based in the original pits and paddock at Silverstone, half a lap from the start and finish line, situated at the Wing between Club corner and Abbey. The Jota Sport Zytek Z11SN - Nissan of Filipe Albuquerque, Simon Dolan and Harry Tincknell, started

from Pole position.They lined up next to the Race Performance Oreca 03 Judd of Michel Frey and Franck Mailleux. The fastest LMGTE car was the SMP Racing Ferrari 458 Italia of Russian drivers Sergey Zlobin and Viktor Shaitar and Italian Andrea Bertolini while the GTC class was headed by the SMP Racing Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 of the Russian crew of Krill and Anton Ladygin and Aleksey Basov. The grid lined up on the original start line between Woodcote and Copse and were led round for the rolling start outside the Wing where Portuguese driver Albuquerque took the lead of the race while Frey dropped to 3rd behind the Murphy Prototypes Oreca 03 Nissan of Rodolfo Gonzalez, A Kapadia and Karun Chandhok. The early battles were in the GTE class with local young charger Michael Lyons moving through the field in the Ferrari 458 Italia he shared with

Piergiuseppe Perazzini and Marco Cioci. He went from 5th in class on the grid to 2nd in class was soon chasing after class leader Daniel McKenzie in a similar Ferrari 458 Italia he shared with George Richardson. Michael caught him down the hanger straight and went past through Club corner to take the lead of the GTE class and 12th position overall.

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Alpine A450 Nissan of Chatin/Panciatici/Webb finished 5th

Dolan/Tincknell/Albuquerque Zytek Z11SN Nissan failed to finish

Klien/Hirsch/Braandela Morgan Judd finished 3rd dispite this off in qualifying avoiding the spinning Ferrari F458 Italia GT3 of De Leenrer/Sbirrazzuoli


After 20 minutes the leading LMP2 cars were cutting their way through traffic as they began to lap the back markers. The stewards investigated the rolling start and handed out stop and go penalties for a jumped start to the 2nd place Murphy Prototype Oreca, the Ferrari F458 Italia of JMW Motorsport driven by McKenzie, Richardson and Zampieri, the Team Sofrev-ASP Ferrari F458 Italia of Barthez, Pons and Ayari and the GTC Class leading ART Grand Prix McLaren MP4 12C GT3 of Korjus, Demoustier and Goudy. When the McLaren stopped for its penalty, the GTC class lead went to SMP Racing Ferrari F458 Italia GT3 of Beretta, Markozov and Ladygin in 16th overall. The leading Jota Sport Zytek came in for its first regular pitstop after 45 minutes, handing the lead over to the number 46

Thiriet by TDS Racing Morgan - Nissan of Thiriet, Badey and Gommendy. After the pitstops had all been taken, the leader was the Greaves Motorsport Zytek Z115N - Nissan driven by Littlejohn, Wells and Walker with the Jota down to 3rd place. At just over the one hour mark, there was the first 15 second stop and go penalty given to Kessel Racing Ferrari F458 Italia driven by Aluko, Kemenater and Cressoni for continually exceeding track limits. The Jota soon moved back in the lead and at half distance they were leading by 28.5 seconds from the Newblood by Morand Racing Morgan Judd of Klien, Hirsch and Brandela. After 3 hours their lead had shrunk to just over 5 seconds from the Frey, Mailleux Race Performance Oreca 03 Judd, with the AF Corsa Ferrari F458 Italia of Cameron, Griffin and Rugglo leading the GTE class and Team Ukraine Ferrari F458 Italia GT3 of Kruglyk, Chukanov,

and Pier Gurdi leading the GTC class. With 50 minutes remaining, the whole race changed when there was a big accident involving the leader Simon Dolan in the Jota Sport Zytek. As he

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Audi R8 LMS Ultra of Hassid/Parisy/Lombard finished 26th

Team Russia BMW Z4 GT3 of Machitski/Sardarov/Cocker finished 23rd

Narac/Armindo/Hallday (11th) ahead of team mates Maris/Merlin/Helary (31st) Porsche 911 GT3


exited Chapel on to the Hanger straight, he was forced wide on to the grass as he lapped the AF Corsa Ferrari driven by Rugolo. Dolan lost control as he rejoined the circuit and slewed left across the track, clipping the rear of the Labre Competition Morgan Judd of Yacaman and Lhara causing that car to spin wildly down the Hanger straight. Dolan continued left and hit the barrier head on, destroying the front end of the Zytek, while the Morgan came to rest across the middle of the Hanger straight. This caused the safety car to be deployed and gave the lead to the Race Performance Oreca 03 of Mailleux and Frey with less than 45 minutes of the race remaining.While under the safety car the IMSA Performance Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Maris, Merlin and Helary managed to spin on the start straight after colliding with the rear of the James Walker Zytek car in the queue behind the Safety car. With 22 minutes left, the

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

2nd place Frey/Mailleux Oreca 03 Judd at speed

The view the others had of Michael Lyons in his class leading Ferrari F458 Italia ART Grand Prix McLaren MP4 12C GT3 of Korius/Demoustier/Goudy

Classic and Competition car May 2014 Page 21


race was green flagged. The Race Performance Oreca shot away in the lead, chased by the Thiriet racing Morgan. With 5 minutes remaining they had a group of GT cars ahead and as they went through Becketts, the Morgan took the lead from the Oreca which gave Thiriet, Badey and Gommendy victory by 3.828 seconds at the flag. Third place went to the Newblood by Morand Racing Morgan Judd of Klien, Hirsch and Brandela. The GTE class was won by the Ferrari F458 Italia of Cameron, Griffin and Rugolo while Team Ukraine won the GTC class with their Ferrari F458 Italia GT3 driven by Kruglyr, Chukanov and Pier Guidi.

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

The winning Morgan Nissan of Thiret/badey/Gommendy laps the Ferrari F458 Italia of of Perazzini/Cioci/Lyons

The Porsche GT3 R of Van Splunteren/Soulet/Vannelet had a big moment in Practice


European Formula 3, Silverstone, April 19-20th 2014. By Simon & Janet Wright.The opening round of the European Formula 3 championship was held at Silverstone, supporting the WEC 6 Hours race. The formula 3 cars are all Dallara chassis with various engine manufacturers supplying the power units, including Volkswagen, Mercedes and Renault. Three races took place over the weekend and it was the Anglo Swede Tom Blomqvist who took the initial advantage by claiming pole position for the first race in his Volkswagen powered Dallara. Blomqvist built up his lead twice in the first race after a safety car early in the race, and he took the win by 2.107 seconds from Frenchman Esteban Ocon. British driver Jordan King was third. The second race saw 17 year old Ocon lead from pole position to score his first victory in the series, with Canadian Nicholas Latifi in 2nd place, and Italian Antonio Fuoco in 3rd, the three Mercedes powered cars ahead of first race winner Blomqvist. The final race saw yet another winner, this time it was Fuoco who won using new tyres for the final race. He managed to keep Dutch driver Max Verstappen behind him to win by 4.731 seconds while last race winner Ocon was in 3rd place and leading the championship as they left Silverstone by six points from Fuoco.

Ocon won the second race and leads the championship

Fuoco won the third raceBlomqvist won the first race

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


The 6th Flying Scotsman Rally 4th-6th April 2014. By Simon and Janet Wright.This years event changed the format to previous years and started in the West Midlands, allowing for a more northern event to take place. Starting from the Forest of Arden hotel, very near to Birmingham airport, the cars headed north through the Midlands before stopping overnight near Blackburn. The second day headed for the Scottish Borders and after another overnight halt, the final day saw a loop through Scotland with the finish at Gleneagles, north of Edinburgh.The large entry consisted of one of the finest collections of pre war cars and crews dressed in period costume, with an attitude to enjoy the event. The event is organised by the Endurance rally Association (ERA) www.endurorally.com and drew entrants from all around the world for this

premiere event for pioneer and vintage cars in the UK. The entry list was headed by a 1912 7.5 litre Chalmers 10 driven by Robert Abrey and Brad Webb from the UK who were joined in the Pioneer class for pre 1020 type cars by Jon Goodwin and David Ayre in a 1920 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost (if you are going to do the event, you may as well do it in style!). Some of the overseas teams were Patrick Engelberg from Luxembourg and Christine Bory-Mathiot from Canada in a 1937 MG TA, Arjen Geimaert from Belgium and Marcus Schrammen from Germany in a 1931 Lagonda 2L, and Rafael Pueche and Roberto Santacruz from Spain in a 1935 Triumph Gloria Southern Cross, plus other teams or crew members from Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Slovakia, Australia and America.Some of the more unusual cars included a 1936 Riley Bigley Special, a 1938 BMW 327/80 FH Coupe, a 1929 Pontiac RTR Big

Winners William Medcalf and David Kirkham in their 1925 Bentley Super Sports


© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright


six, a 1937 Buick Coupe and a 1939 Railton ST Fairmile 3, plus plenty of Bentley and Lagona models and a little 1930 Austin 7 Ulster.The first day saw various tests at stately homes and the Curborough sprint course and placed a premium on acceleration and braking which saw some of the smaller engined cars shine. Fred Gallagher and Neil Oatley were competing in a little 1939 Lancia Aprillia with its small 1356cc engine producing just 38 bhp but managed to get

to 9th overall by the end of the first day. The leader on day one was the Bentley of William Medcalf and Dave Kirkham, while Max Stephenson who had brought his 1925 Vauxhall all the way from Australia was 19th at the end of the first day with Andrew

Duerden.The second day saw the rally head through Yorkshire and Northumbria and in to Scotland with various tests and a hill climb along the way. Medcalf and Kirkham were still leading but former winners Paul Carter and John Bayliss in another Bentley were now within half a minute of the leaders. Third place was held by the Jaguar SS 100 of Nick Jarvis and Ryan Pickering while Fred Gallagher and Neil Oatley had moved up to fifth and the Australian Vauxhall was now 13th overall.

Class winners Fred Gallagher and Neil Oatley in the 1939 Lancia Aprilia

Matthew Abrey and Jasper Hulscher in the 1931 Ford Model A

100 1934 Lagonda M45 Tourer of Karl Peter Lauer and Herbert Geiss from Germany

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright


The final day in Scotland saw the remaining part of the 1000 kilometre trial end at the Gleneagles Hotel with a resounding victory for ‘the Bentley Boys’ with William Metcalf and David Kirkham winning in their 1925 Bentley Super Sports, less than a minute ahead of the 1936 Bentley Derby Special of Paul Carter and John Bayliss. Third place went to David Thomson and Alan Smith in a 1936 Talbot 105 Alpine, just 26 seconds ahead of the 1938 Jaguar SS 100 of Nick Jarvis and Ryan Pickering who won their class (Class 5 - Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 4000cc). Fifth place went to the 1931 Ford Model A of Matthew

Abrey and Jasper Hulscher ahead of the 1928 Bentley of Andrew Bailey and Philippa Spiller. Fred Gallagher and Neil Oatley managed to finish seventh overall in the 1939 Lancia Aprilia after a mistake on one of the days regularity tests cost them vital time. They also were class winners in the Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 1500cc class. Best improvement of the day came from the little 1948 MG TC of Vincent Fairclough who went from 16th to 8th at the end and second in class. The winner of the Pioneer class was the 1912

Paul Collins (USA) and Peter Blenk (Switzerland) in their 1939 Lagonda LG6 Rapide went the wrong way round Curborough.

Oldest car in the event, the 1912 Chalmers 10 of Robert Arbrey and David Webb who were 1st in the Pioneer class.

Jonathan Procter and Peter Bradfield in a 1932 Frazer Nash Nurburg ahead of Jonathan Turner and Adam Hartley in a 1929 Bentley 4 1/2 Tourer Page 26

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


Chalmers 10 of Robert Abrey and Brad Webb.The other class winners were Jan and Joost Dingemans in their 1937 BMW 328 (Class 3 - Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 2000cc), Phil Garratt and Kieron Brown in a 1932 Alvis Speed 20 (Class 4 - Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 3000cc), Andrew Bailey and Philippa Spiller in a 1928 Bentley 3-4 1/2 (Class 6 - Vintageant (pre ’31) over 4000cc) and finally Geert and Roel van de Velde driving a 1935 Lagonda M45R who won Class 7 -

Vintageant (pre’41) over 4000cc The Spirit of the Rally award went to the little 1930 Austin Seven Ulster of Peter and Richard Joseph who got the car to the finish and were far from last in 59th place and the Concours d’Elegance trophy was awarded to Jan Dingemans 1937 BMW 328. Finally the Best Dressed crew award went to Mathew Abrey and Jasper Hulscher who drove a 1931 Ford Model A

1933 Talbot AV 105 of Nicholas Ward and Clifford Auld

Robert and Maggy Eyben from Belgium in a 1925 Sunbeam 3L Super Sport

Richard and Elizabeth Brown at Curborough in their 1929 Ford Model A

Max Stephenson (Australia) and Andrew Duerdan at the wheel of a 1923 Vauxhall OD 23/60 from Australia

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© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

27


Phil Garratt and Kieron Brown in a 1932 Alvis Speed 20

Doing it in Style 1920 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost of Jon Goodwin and David Ayre

Peter and Richard Joseph in the smallest car, a 1930 Austin 7 UksterStephen and Collet Owens in their 1937 Jaguar SS 100

Elliot Dale and Stuart Anderson 1937 Bentley Derby Special

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


HSCC Season Opener, Donington Park. 6th April 2014. By Pete Austin.

As usual the HSCC held their opening race meeting of the new season at Donington Park on 6th April with the usual fare on the menu. Despite the forecast the weather remained dry all day with an initially damp track drying out in the afternoon.

Opening the proceedings was a Historic Formula Ford encounter which saw Benn Simms leading from start to finish in his enthusiastically driven Jomo. Maxim Bartell (Merlyn) narrowly beat the similar car of Michael O’Brien for second.

© Pete Austin


The 70s Roadsports race was next up incorporating class B of the Guards Trophy. David Tomlin in his Ferrari 308 came out on top after a race long battle with Ollie Ford in his Lotus Europa. Ford had already had a bit of a scare at the bottom of the Craner curves on the opening lap when the Lotus Elan of Julian Barter

Historic FF Winner Benn Simms Jomo JMR7 leads Julian Pierce Lola T200

spun off in front of him. The Formula Juniors were next for their Millers Oils Championship race with David Methley taking an easy victory in his Brabham BT6. Although not finishing the race an interesting entry was the restored ex Clay Regazzoni De Tomaso of Westie Mitchell.

70s Roadsports winner David Tomlin Ferrari 308 leads Oliver Ford 2nd in his Lotus Europa

Historic Formula Junior winner David Methley Brabham BT6

The next event for the Historic Road Sports Championship saw Richard Plant take the honours in his Morgan Plus 8.

Richard Plant Morgan Plus 8 leads Peter Shaw Lotus Elan S1 Historic Road Sports

© Pete Austin © Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin



A highlight of the ByBox Historic Touring Car race was the duel between Neil Brown in his Ford Mustang and Tim Davies in a Ford Lotus Cortina. This was only resolved near the end of the race when the Mustang slid off into the gravel at McLeans allowing Tim Davies to take the win. Ian Jones was a clear winner of the Classic Racing Car encounter in his Lotus 59 from the Palliser of Andy Jarvis and the other Castrol liveried Lotus 59 of Antony Ross. Peter Thompson was an unfortunate casualty when his Brabham BT21 expired in a cloud of smoke at McLeans with a holed block.

A large field of Formula Ford 2000 cars came out to play next with Benn Simms taking his second victory of the day in a Reynard following a restarted race. A rare car in the Formula Super Vee class was the immaculate Tui of John Stapleton.

Neil Brown Ford Mustang leads Tim Davies Ford Lotus Cortina in the Historic Touring Car race

Peter Thompson retires his Brabham BT21 from the Classic Racing Cars race

Ian Jones Lotus 59 1st in the Classic Racing Cars race

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin


Final race of the day was the 40 minute Guards Trophy encounter for sports and GT cars which was won by the father and son pairing of Graeme and James Dodd from a gaggle of Chevrons.

First lap of the Historic Formula Ford 2000

John Stapleton driving the Tui BH2 in the Historic Formula Ford 2000 race

Guards Trophy start

Guards Trophy race winner - James Dodd and Grame Dodd Ginetta G16 Page 32© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin


British GT Championship Round 1. Oulton Park 21st April 2014. By Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

Bentley Continental GT3 debut in British GT. Generation Bentley Racing heads M-Sport at Lodge


A cold Easter Saturday at Oulton Park hosted practice and qualifying for the opening rounds of the 2014 British GT Championship but there would be action and controversy before the day ended and racing commenced on Easter Monday.What would have been two fairly innocuous incidents, had they occurred separately, would have seen little damage to either car had the practice session been red flagged and Jody Firth's Porsche been removed.The Trackspeed Porsche had spun off backwards and mounted the tyre barrier sustaining little damage until Lee Mowle's BMW Z4 put a wheel on the grass in the same place and slid fully sideways into the front of the stranded Porsche.The net result would see both teams needing to

make trips to different parts of Germany to collect new body shells.Fortunately the BMW was left-hand drive so Lee suffered only bruised ribs and take no further part, Jody and co-driver Warren Hughes would start both races from the back of the grid in a spare car. Race one on a sunny Easter Monday was won by the Oman racing Team Motorbase Aston Martin with Ahmad Al Harthy starting the car from pole and Michael Caine taking it to the flag, effectively leading from lights to flag despite a number of safety car interventions.Second was Pasin Lathouras and Richard Lyons in their AF Corse Ferrari

Classic and Competition car

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

Lights to flag victory in Race 1 Ahmad Al Harthy and Michael Caine Aston Martin Vantage V8

Start of Race 1 in to Old Hall with Astons to the fore


458 with reigning champions Andrew Howard and Jonny Adam's Beechdean Aston Martin third.An unfortunate half-second early release at the pit stop would see the Triple 8 BMW Z4, in which Derek Johnston had second place firmly in his sights during his stint, Luke Hines racing the car back up to seventh after their stop-go penalty.GT4 was equally hotly contested with the other Beechdean Aston Martin GT4 Challenge car of Jake Giddings and Ross Wylie home

first and 17th overall. Oz Yusuf and Gavan Kershaw's Lotus Evora GT4 was second (19th).Reigning champion Rick Parfitt Jr retired with a broken fuel

pump.It was especially pleasing to see the return of stalwart GT3 team Rosso Verde, Hector Lester being partnered by Benny Simonsen, brother of the late Allan.Their return would be rewarded with a pair of 14th places.Race 2 was won by the Ecurie Ecosse BMW Z4 of Marco Attard

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

Marco Attard and Alexander Sims Race 2 winners in their BMW Z4 GT3

Success in GT3 and GT4 Beechdean Aston Martins both make the podium

United Autosports Audi Race 2 certain victory until clash with Ferrari



and BMW works driver Alexander Sims, having retired in race 1 with gearbox failure, Jon Minshaw not repeating his race 1 spin took second place with Phil Keen in their Trackspeed Porsche.Beechdean reigning champions Andrew Howard and Jonny Adam completed the podium.GT4 went to TF Sport's Andrew Jarman/Devon Modell with their Aston Martin GT4 Challenge ahead of the Yusuf/Kershaw Lotus and the Beechdean Aston Martin of Giddings/Wylie.Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy with Alex Buncombe finished 9th and 13th in races one and two respectively.After running high in race one the Bentley Continental of Steve Tandy/James Appleby finished 18th after the back of the car was damaged and 9th in race 2, the M-Sport Bentley was 8th in race 1 and 17th in race 2.

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

Welcome return for Rosso Verde Ferrari

Benny Simonsen and Hector Lester Welcome return for Rosso Verde Ferrari

Team mates Oman Tacing Racing, Rory Butcher heads Michael Caine

Classic and Competition car May 2014 Classic and Competition car

Archive Photo of the month. By Pete Austin.

April saw the return to the World Endurance Championship of Porsche (getting a third place at Silverstone into the bargain). This months image is of the winning Martini Porsche 935-77 at the 1977 Six Hours of Brands Hatch driven by Jochen Mass (shown here) and Jacky Ickx. The attractive Martini colour scheme mirrors that currently worn on the Williams Grand Prix cars.

Classic and Competition car 37Page© Pete Austin


Pride of Longbridge Saturday 12th April 2014. By Simon & Janet Wright.Now in its ninth year, this event was founded in 2005 to remember the many workers who lost their jobs when the Longbridge plant

was closed. Now the plant is building MG cars under Chinese ownership, and the event has become a celebration of all the cars built under the British Leyland empire. Located in Cofton Park, just over the road from the Longbridge factory, the event has grown over the years, and this year it was estimated that around 2,800 cars filled the show area. The majority of the marques that were party of the British Leyland empire were present - Austin, built at Longbridge, Morris, Rover, MG, Riley, Triumph and Wolseley.Many of the cars were the more modern examples with many MG Z and Rover 45 and 75 models present, but there were also many older classic cars for the enthusiast to enjoy. Being Longbridge, there were examples of the original Austin 7, the much larger Austin 6, the medium Austin 10, then coming forward through time to the various Austin Counties models, Dorset, Devon, Cambridge, the 1800 and Maxi, through to the much maligned Allegro and Metro. There was a large contingent of the most

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


famous model ever built at Longbridge, the original Austin Mini in its many forms, including Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf versions.

Lined up across the top edge of the valley of the park was an impressive line of the the modern Rover BRM cars, distinctive with their orange ‘mouth’. At the centre of the display were the older models, with many of the modern Rovers lined up behind the vintage cars. Austin A90 Atlantic Cabriolet

A pair of Austin 10 saloons

1933 Austin convertible © Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Classic and Competition car May 2014 This is a real car. Join two Rover 75s together to get a Rover 150, for the driver who doesn’t know which way to go!

Rover BRM line up

Austin 1800 ‘Landcrab’

Austin 1100s and Riley variant

MG ZT260 SE V8

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Sim

on Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Classic and Competition car May 2014 Austin Counties line up

© Janet Wright© Janet Wright© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

New MG6 GT

Hustler kit car based on Mini running gear Rover 75 P4 Cyclops MG Maestro


VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone 12th -13th April 2014. By Pete Austin.


ERA 80th Anniversary race - winner Mark Gillies ERA R3A.

© Pete Austin


In addition to this years ‘Spring Start’ forming part of the celebrations of the VSCC’s 80th Anniversary a special race was held on Sunday morning marking 80 years since the birth of the ERA marque.

On my arrival in the paddock on Sunday I was greeted by the evocative sound of several ERA’s being warmed up before they went out to practise. A total of 10 cars took part in the Anniversary race including R5B ‘Remus’ once raced by Prince Bira and today driven by Charles McCabe and the Riley ERA Special of David Hawkins. Victory in the race went to Mark Gillies in Dick Skipworth’s R3A (ex Raymond Mays) from Nicholas Topliss in R4A (ex Pat Fairfield) and Duncan Ricketts in the ‘streamlned’ E-Type GP1. Also appearing were Julian Bronson in Mac

Hulbert’s R4D (ex Mays), Ben Fidler’s AJM1 and Terry Crabb’s R12C. Like Mark Gillies, Paddins Dowling came over from America to race R10B (ex Whitehead & Walker) and completing the line up was David Morris in R11B ‘Humphrey’ (ex Reggie Tomgue).

Page 43

ERA Anniversary race - 18 Terry Crabbe ERA R12C and Charles McCabe ERA R5B Remus

ERA 80th Anniversary lineup

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin


Top Left: ERA 80th Anniversary ERA R4A warms up before practice.Above: Pre 61 Front engined racing cars - winner Tony Wood in the Maserati Tec MecBottom left: Pre 61 Front engined racing cars - Helmut Gassmann in a Lancia D50.Below: Pre 1941 Racing cars - 18 Terry Crabb in ERA R12C and Paddins Dowling in ERA R10B who finished 2nd, lead a gaggle of ERAs.

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin © Pete Austin

© Pete Austin



Top left: ERA 80th Anniversary race - Duncan Ricketts ERA E-Type GP1 3rd.Top right: ERA 80th Anniversary race - Nicholas Topliss in ERA R4A finished 2nd.Above: HGPCA Pre 66 Grand Prix Cars - winner Jon Fairley Brabham BT11 leads Miles Griffiths in a Cooper T51 2nd and Sidney Hoole Cooper T66Right: ERA 80th Charles McCabe ERA R5B Remus

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin


Above: ERA R5B Remus warming up.

Right: Pre 1941 Racing Cars - Race winner Calum Lockie driving a Maserati 6CM ahead of Duncan Ricketts ERA E-Type GP1 which finished 11th

Another car drawing the crowds in the paddock at the VSCC Spring Start meeting was the ex Graham Hill Lotus 49B displayed on the Bonhams Auction stand. This car is due to be auctioned at this years Goodwood Festival of speed.

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin


AMOC Racing, Silverstone. Saturday 5th April 2014.

By Simon Wright.

Silverstone marked the start of the second 100 years of Aston Martin history, with a six race program incorporating a couple of HRDC races. The meeting started with the Innes Ireland Cup for Pre ’66 GT and Touring Cars, a 45 minute ‘endurance’ race which featured an Aston Martin DB214 Project cars replica on the entry list. Peter Snowdon put his ex-works 1961 Jaguar E-Type lightweight on Pole with the DB214 replica in 4th place driven by Robert Rawe. The wild card was the ex-Jackie Stewart Tojeiro Ford GT of John Clark which started from the back of the grid after not qualifying in session. The 45 minute race included a compulsory pit stop with optional driver change. Snowdon led away from the start, chased by the 4.7 litre Ford Falcon Sprint of Martin Melling and Grahame Dodd, but the E-type was slowly pulling out a lead from the field. Meanwhile Clark in the Tojeiro was cutting through the small 11 car field, 8th on the first lap 4th on the second lap and in 3rd by lap 4 and after following the Ford Falcon for a couple of laps, it was through to 2nd place by lap 6. The nimble race car with its 4.7 litre engine started chopping away the lead and on the eleventh lap, Clark drove round the outside of the E-Type at Brooklands to take the lead of the race. He managed to

open up a small 2 second lead before he made his pit stop on lap 15.This gave the lead to Snowdon again in the E-Type and as he stayed out he was able to get a complete lap on the rest of the field until he pitted on lap 24. The lead he had managed to build allowed him to come out after his pitstop still in the lead of the race, but over 5 seconds from Clark in the Tojeiro. By lap 28 Clark had cut the lead to just 0.739 seconds when he suddenly lost it and spun while challenging for the lead, dropped back to over 25 seconds off the leader where he stayed to the finish. The E-Type and Tojeiro were the only cars to complete the full distance, with David Tomlin 3rd in the 1965 1.6 litre Ford

© Simon WrightRobert Rawe Aston Martin DP214 Replica in the Innes Ireland Cup race.


Lotus Cortina, a lap down on the leading pair. All three won their respective classes with the final class winner being the Triumph TR4 of Pete Foster and Tim Mogridge in 5th place overall.After the lunch break it was time for the Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC) Touring Greats to take to the track for their 45 minute race. The field consisted of Pre 1960s Touring Cars with a diverse range of vehicles ranging from a Fiat Abarth 750 Deriviata through various Austin A35 and Austin A40 models, right through to the Jaguar Mk1. Although Silverstone National circuit might be considered a power circuit with the long Wellington straight, it was the small Austin A40 of Desmond Smail and Darren Turner, yes the Darren Turner of WEC and Le Mans fame, that was on Pole position. Neil Brown was second fastest in an Austin A35 and the father and son team of Mike Jordan and current BTCC Champion Andrew Jordan was third fastest in their Austin A40. Peter Burton in the Jaguar Mk1 made good use of the power of the Jaguar engine to be alongside Mike Jordan in the Austin A40 as they entered Brooklands for the first time, but it was the A40 that braked latest to take the lead round Luffield to lead the first lap by just 0.852 of a second. The extremely aerodynamic A40 was able to open up a small lead over the next few laps, with Burton keeping them honest in second place. They were chased by the little Austin A35 of Neil Brown who was not able to keep pace with the two leaders. The front order remained the same until Mike pitted to hand over to Andrew on lap13 and Burton came in the same lap for his pitstop. This meant that Neil Brown was the leader for a lap before he came in for his pitstop. This promoted the Richard and Tom Butterfield Jaguar Mk1 to the lead of the race for a couple of laps till they also pitted. During the pit stops, the Burton Jaguar had got in front of the Jordan A40 with an advantage of around 18 seconds, which meant that as the order settled down after all the pitstops, it was Burton leading from Neil Brown in the Austin A35 , while Jordan had slipped back to 4th place as they negotiated the traffic as they lapped the slower cars. The little A35 was snapping at the heels of the larger Jaguar for lap after lap until lap 25 when they entered Luffield with Brown leading in the A35, which

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

John Clark finished 2nd in the Tojeiro Ford GT in the Innes Ireland Cup

Neil Perkins RGS Sports Racer finished 13th in the AMOC 50s Sports cars race

3rd placed David Reed Aston Martin DB2 ahead of Brian White Triumph TR4 in the Equipe GTS race


he managed to maintain until the chequered flag, winning by just 2.388 seconds after 45 minutes of racing. There were close battles all down the field, some of which got too close, with the Morris Minor of Mark and Andrew Cross entering Brooklands corner part way through the race, completely sideways in front of the BRDC centre. It was hit hard by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti of Geoff Gordan, who had no where to go. It smashed the nearside front wing and broke the wheel on the Morris Minor and smashed in the offside door on the Alfa. The Morris Minor managed to crawl back to the pits, loosing 5 laps in process and managed to get to the finish in 24th place, 7 laps behind the winner. Although all the side of the Alfa Romeo was pushed in, the car was able to continue, finishing a very creditable 8th overall. Mike and Andrew Jordan finished 3rd on their first race together in the A40, while Darren Turner and Smail in their Austin A40 finished 4th.Next out was the Equipe GTS race. This unique series caters for smaller

engined sports and GT cars with nothing larger than 3 litres in the race. Most of the entry comply to FIA period E to F specification or something very similar and all run controlled historic style tyres. There is a strong British manufacturer presence in the field, with MG B and Triumph TR4’s being the most popular cars. Adding just a touch of foreign glamour were a pair of Alfa

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

3rd placed Andrew and Mike Jordan Austin A40 ahead of 2nd placed Peter Burton Jaguar Mk 1 in the HRDC Touring Greats race

David griffiths finished 6th in the Standard Vanguard Vignale III in the HRDC Touring Greats race.

Searles/McCutcheon Porsche 944 Turbo finished 8th in the AMOC Intermarque race


Romeo GT cars. It was the local cars that made the pace in qualifying, with Triumph TR4 models taking the first three places on the grid. Brian White was on Pole position, from John Andon and Pete Foster. However, from the start it was the power of the Aston Martin DB2 of David Reed that grabbed the lead from the second row of the grid while Andon and White battled for 2nd place between themselves, but right on the rear bumper of the Aston Martin. By lap 6, the lead had changed to White in the TR4 with Aldon also through to 2nd

place and Pete Foster in yet another Triumph TR4 was up to third while the Aston Martin had slipped back to 4th place. The trio continued to lap at the front, with White extending a slight lead at the front but on lap 11 White retired from the race, leaving Andon in front in his TR4 with Foster almost attached to the rear of the

leading Triumph. On lap 15 Foster made his move and took the lead from Andon which he managed to defend to the end of the race. Reed held a lonely 3rd place in his Aston Martin DB2 to win his class, and John Yea was 4th in his MG B, winning his class as well. The final two class winners were the pair of Alfa Romeos, which were the two last classified finishers in 17th and 18th place. Andrew Mitchell was at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT in17th place, while Richard Frankel was last in an Alfa Romeo Sprint.The AMOC Intermarque Championship spans the decades, allowing 6 eras of sports car racers to compete together for the 45 minutes of the race. This series allows historic competitors to race against much more modern machinery on an

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

AMOC Intermarque race winner Wayne Marrs in his Ferrari 355 Challenge

Brian Arculus in his 1957 Hillman Minx finished 9th in the HRDC Touring Greats race

HRDC Allstars winner Mike Whitaker in his TVR Griffiths


equal footing due to the multiplier factor. There are seven different classes, starting with class A for Pre 1970 mildly modified cars through to class E for 1970-1995 modified cars with Class F for Aston Martin N24/GT4 and a special invitation class. The mixed entry saw eight Aston Martin of various vintages take on the might of Ferrari, Porsche and a couple of Sunbeam Tigers. Wayne Marrs took Pole in his Ferrari 355 Challenge from Kevin Norville in an Aston Martin GT4. Further down the field, Malcolm Jones in his Porsche 911 had his two fastest lap times disallowed due to exceeding track limits. From the start it was Paul Brooks in a Ferrari 456 GT that grabbed the lead from the Aston Martin DB4 lightweight of Martin Melling and Grahame Dodd. It only took a couple of laps for the Aston to take the lead and Brooks was under pressure from another DB4 lightweight of Robert Rawe. Brooks decided that out in front was the best place to be and he dived back in front but his lead was short lived and the two Aston Martins circulated in close quarter at the front of the field until the Melling Dodd Ferrari made its pitstop leaving Rawe in the lead until he too made his pitstop. After the stops it was Wayne Marrs in the lead in the Ferrari 355 Challenge car from Rawe who was soon passed by Kevin Norville in his more modern

Aston Martin GT4. The two cars raced all the way to the flag, but the Aston was unable to pass the Ferrari and Marrs won by just 0.348 of a second. Paul Brooks finished 3rd in his Ferrari. Marrs, Norville, Brooks and Rawe who finished 5th, all won their classes. The other class winners were Stephen Atkinson who was 6th in his Porsche 968 and Tristan Bradfield who was 14th in his Sunbeam Tiger.The second race from the Historic racing Driver’s Club was the Allstars 30 minute race for 1950s and 60s Sports, GT and Touring Cars. A mixed grid of 32 cars saw the two TVR Griffith of Mike Whitaker and John Spiers fill out the front of the grid. It was Spiers who took the lead from the start with Bill Shepherd in his mighty 7 litre Ford Galaxie keeping up with the two leading TVRs. However, it all

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

First lap of the Innes Ireland Cup and John Clark started at the back in the Tojeiro Ford GT

Colin Youle Jaguar XK120 in the AMOC 50s Sports cars inc. Vredestein JEC Jaguar XK Challenge


went wrong on lap 3 for Spiers who had a quick spin at Luffield and was passed by Whitaker. He just managed to get straight before the Galaxie went through, but that settled the race order and the first three remained the same to the end. Whitaker and Shepherd both won their classes. The other class winners were David Tomlin who was 4th in his Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1, Gordon Elwell, 6th in his Austin Healey Sebring Sprite, Alistair Dyson in a Ford Cortina GT Mk1 who was 9th and Desmond Small in an Austin A40 who was 11th. With so many classes there were a further six class winners out of the 24 finishers. Julian Crossley took his Morris Mini to 12th, David Griffiths was 14th in a Standard Vanguard Vignale III, Paul Crew was 15th in an MG B Roadster, Tim Patchett in his MG TA was 17th, Paul Clayson took 20th in a Vauxhall VX 4/90 while the class winner was David Lillywhite who was 23rd in his Austin A35 Academy.The final race of the day was the AMOC ’50s Sports cars race which incorporated the Vredestein

JEC Jaguar XK Challenge. Darren McWhirter was dominant in practice putting his Tojeiro Jaguar on Pole position by over 4 seconds from the Jaguar XK120 of Rob Newall. McWhirter led from start to finish with Newall chasing in 2nd until lap 21 when he was passed by Mike Thorne in his Austin Healey 100M and John Burton in a Jaguar XK120. The race finished in that order, with only these four on the lead lap. McWhirter, Thorne and Burton all won their class along with Jeremy Cooke in 5th in a Cooper Bobtail, Paul Chase-Gardener in a Jaguar XK140 in 9th, Anne Reed driving an Aston Martin DB2 in 10th, and final class winner was Peter Dubsky in 16th place at the wheel of an Aston Martin 15/98 2 seater.

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright © Simon Wright

Michael Peet Sunbeam Rapier HRDC Touring Greats finished 12th

Part of the Aston Martin lunch time parade

Mark and Andrew Cross Morris Minor Bluebell showing damage after colliding with Geoff Gordon in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta


British Touring Car Championship, Donington Park. 20th April 2014. By Simon & Janet Wright.Donington Park located in the East Midlands, can be claimed as the home circuit for many teams and drivers in the BTCC. Current champion Andrew Jordan has a strong claim to this being his local circuit as he lives in Lichfield, Staffordshire and was born in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. Matt Neal was born in Birmingham, and Matt Jackson was born in Henley in Arden In Warwickshire. Martin Depper was born in Kings Norton, near Birmingham right next door to Longbridge, the current home of MG Motors. For this meeting it was MG which really laid claim to this being home territory.Jason Plato started the MG party on Saturday when he put his MG6 GT on Pole position but just 0.131 of a second from Gordon Shedden in the Honda Civic Tourer, while Sam Tordoff in the second factory MG6 GT was third fastest, lining up behind Plato on the grid. Sunday had started wet and as the first BTCC race took to the grid, the track was still damp but there was no rain falling. The two MGs made the most of their speed from the grid and came round at the end of the first lap in 1st and 2nd place, nose to tail and ahead of Shedden in the Honda and Turkington in the BMW 125i M Sport. The MG pair maintained their positions for the rest of race one with Plato taking the win and Tordoff right behind him at the flag. The battle for third had become a four car battle with Turkington leading Shedden, Jordan in the Honda Civic and Collard in the second of the BMW 125i M Sport. These four changed position lap after lap but could not challenge the leading MG twins out in front. At the flag, Plato won from Tordoff with Jordan taking third position and first independant

MG Dominate Donington

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff were close in race 1 in their MG6 saloons, finishing 1-2

Gordon Shedden took first win for the Honda Estate car in race 3


with Collard and Turkington ahead of Shedden.The second race was after a heavy rain shower and as the cars came to the grid the track was definitely wet and it was still raining as the field took the start. Tordoff was carrying less ballast than Plato and was able to grab the lead into Redgate corner, with the usual fast starting Turkington right up with them in the BMW. Most of the field

made it round Redgate on track except Lea Wood who ran wide across the gravel but was able to continue. At the same time James Cole had got on the grass on the inside of the start straight and demolished one of the corner indicators as he fought to find traction on the wet grass. With the wet track causing problems, the safety car was deployed and the cars splashed around in the rain for several laps in formation. When they were let loose again, the two MGs at the front began to pull away again, but with Tordoff still in front. They were pursued by three Hondas,

with Jordan leading the two Tourers. Then on lap 5 all hell broke loose at Redgate. Rob Austin in his Audi A4 had a spin in the middle of the track, in the middle of the pack. Jack Clarke in the Ford Focus ST MkIII ran wide on the outside of Chris Stockton in his Chevrolet Cruze 5dr who managed to miss Austin who was right in front of him, but in avoiding Austin, Stockton had a spin on to the infield, and out of harms way. The other side of the track, the

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Glynn Geddie Toyota Avensis leads Jack Goff Vauxhall Insignia through the gravel

The wet start to Race 2

Colin Turkington BMW 125i M Sport lifts a wheel as he bounced over the kerbs at Roberts


drivers were not so lucky. James Cole in the United Autosports Toyota Avensis moved left to avoid Austin, which he did, but collected Rob Holland in his Audi S3 saloon. This sent both of them off at high speed in to the wall at the top of the Craner curves. Holland hit the wall hard with both front and rear of the Audi as it spun round after impact. Both front wings were ripped out and the front smashed in, and then the rear bumper was ripped off as the back settled in to the wall. But this appeared minor compared to the damage to the Toyota of Cole. The entire right side was ripped out and both right front and rear wheels and suspension were destroyed. The car came to rest with the left side of it against the wall, and the concrete block that took the main impact had been knocked over and out of the ground. The Toyota shell was a write off. Fortunately, due to the great build quality of both cars, both drivers walked away. Holland was a little upset to start with as he had not realised that Cole had hit him avoiding the spinning Austin, but once Cole had spoken to him, they were both OK.This massive accident had immediately brought out the safety car again while the fantastic marshals did their best to clear up the wreckage. They managed to drag the Holland Audi through a gap in the wall, but the Cole car was too badly damaged to be dragged far with the race cars still circulating, so they got it parallel with the wall and then let the rest of the pack go racing. Almost immediately Hunter Abbott went off in his Audi A4

in the gravel trap at Redgate, and although he did not get near the wall, the car was stuck in the gravel and had to be towed off. After all these incidents, the race then ran to the finish with Tordoff winning from team mate Plato, followed home by three Hondas, Shedden taking 3rd place from Jordan and Neal. Turkington rounded out the top

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Rob Austin Audi A4 spins…..

Followed by Chris Stockton Chevrolet Cruze

Resulting in James Cole Toyota Avensis and Robb Holland Audi S3 Saloon hitting the wall hard just after Redgate corner


and Neal. Turkington rounded out the top 6 in his BMW.The third race of the day was run at the end of the meeting, the

reverse grid draw giving Turkington Pole position. With the track now much dryer than earlier in the day, Turkington was able to make use of the fast starting BMW, to lead the race from the start. Due to the wet conditions in the other two races, the third race saw everyone having to start on the soft tyre option. Turkington led for most of the race, but was coming under increasing pressure from Shedden and on the last lap, Shedden tried to out brake Turkington in to the chicane. Both cars were going too fast to make the chicane, with Shedden on the outside line, and both cars ended up straight lining the chicane and

travelling straight across the gravel. Being on the outside line gave Shedden a slight advantage as they rejoined the circuit and he won the race by just 0.502 of a second. Shedden’s win gave the Honda Civic Tourer the first victory in the BTCC by an estate car. Matt Neal in the second Honda Civic Tourer was third to join his team mate on the podium. Mat Jackson finished 4th in the Ford Focus ST Mk III, with local driver Jordan finishing 5th and Jason Plato managed 6th place in the MG6 GT. This 6th place was enough to put Plato level on points with Andrew Jordan at the top of the Championship leader board after the second round of the series.

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Race 2 winner Sam Tordoff

Rob Holland Audi S3 Saloon bounces over the chicane in the first race

Dave Newsham Ford Focus ST cuts the chicane in the first race


BTCC Supporting races. The British Touring Car Championship has quite a supporting programme to provide close and exciting racing to entertain the crowds between the three touring car races. All the supporting series are one make championships which allow for close racing and driver talent to shine, as in theory all cars are equal.The Ginetta GT4 Supercup offers high performance racing and provided three different winners at Donington,

The first race was won by Charlie Robertson, who became the first double race winner this year, having won race 2 at Brands Hatch at the previous round. The second race saw the first race order reversed with Pepe Massot winning this time from Robertson. The third race saw only 5 cars take the start, all on wet tyres, while the rest of the field had peeled off in to the pits from the warm up lap and changed to slicks. They started from

Will Burns has a spin at Redgate in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup race 3.

Charlie Robertson is the first to win 2 races this year in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup

the pit lane after the grid five had started. On the drying track it took less than half the race for the dry tyre runners to hit the front. Robertson and Massot both started on wets and lost out as their tyres went off. Tom Oliphant took the last race win of the day from Luke Davenport with

Michael Meadows took victory in the first race at Donington for the Porsche Carrera Cup

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


Robertson 9th and Massot 12th.Rivaling the Ginetta series for speed and power, the Porsche Carrera Cup had a couple of races at Donington. Michael Meadows won the first race, but was involved in an incident at Redgate at the start of the second race which dropped him to the back of the field. This let Josh Webster win the second race, while Meadows worked his way back through the field to finish 6th.

Single seater action was provided by Formula Ford, and saw Jayde Kruger win two of the three races at Donington. The middle race was won by Harrison Scott. The latest member of the Brabham family to race in Europe is Sam Brabham. He finished just 0.421 of a second behind team mate Kruger in the first race and aimed to go one better in the third race where he pulled out an impressive lead on the first lap before throwing it in to the gravel trap at Old Hairpin on the second lap to retire.The proving ground for many Touring car drivers is the Renault Clio

Cup UK. The latest hot shot to show his talent in this series is Josh Cook who won both races over the Donington weekend leading from pole to flag in both races.The final series on the support program was the Ginetta Junior series, which saw both races won by Jack Mitchell who also won both races at Brands Hatch in the previous round. However, for these races at Donington, he was pushed hard by 14 year old karting sensation Lando Norris who finished 2nd in both races.Jayde Kruger won two of the three Formula Ford races at Donington in the Mygale

Josh Cook won both Renault Clio races at Donington

Jack Mitchell leads the field in the Ginetta Junior race.

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


Vintage Racecar/Roadcar 1st Touring Assembly –

12th April 2014. By Pete Austin.

The very first Vintage Racecar/Roadcar Touring Assembly

took place on 12th April on an overcast but dry day. Starting at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre at Quainton the route comprised over 100 miles on country roads in the Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire countryside. The event was split into three stages with stage 1 ending at the Boathouse public house in Braunston, stage two finishing at the Sywell Aviation Museum and the event ending at Turweston Aerodrome.

Following a group photo in front of a steam locomotive at Quainton Le Mans winner Andy Wallace flagged the first car away. This was the 1937 Chevy ‘Fangio’ Coupe of 2013 Peking to Paris Rally winners Phil Garratt and Kieron Brown which certainly attracted a lot of attention on route.

Andy Wallace flags away the first car© Roger Dixon

© Pete Austin © Roger DixonBuckinghamshire Railway Centre, QuaintonAmanda Jane Terry MG TF

© Pete Austin


Although not of a competitive nature some awards were made following a pig roast at Turweston. The best car award went to Walter Wright in his beautiful Jaguar E-Type. Ed McDonough and Jim Soars won the Spirit of the Event Award. Ed had originally entered his RSK Porsche but

Finish at Turweston Aerodrome © Pete Austin

Andrew Capel Triumph TR4 Peter Collins Alfa Romeo Giulietta© Pete Austin © Pete Austin


when it broke down, rather than scrub their entry they turned up in a Fiat Panda. Other awards were as follows – Oldest Car – Andrew Capel in his Triumph TR4, Best post 2000 Car – Amanda-Jane Terry in her MGF, Best dressed crew – Glyn and Joan Johns who gave me a hearty wave from their MG Midget and Best Prepared Car – Tim Sawyer in his Escort Mexico.

Before the awards ceremony the entrants were given a talk and question and answer session with Phil Garratt and Kieron Brown about their exploits on the Paris to Peking Rally and the final icing on the cake, as everyone left the building at Turweston, we were treated to an impromptu air display by a P51 Mustang. A fitting end to an enjoyable event which organiser Mike Jiggle confirmed will be repeated next year.

End of Stage 2 at Sywell

Tim Sawyer Ford Escort Mexico © Pete Austin © Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

Walter Wright Jaguar E-Type

End of Stage 1 at Braunston


© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

Glyn and Joan Jones MG Midget Kieron Brown and Phil Garratt Chevy ‘Fangio’ Coupe

Julian Fordham Porsche 911 Kieron Brown and Phil Garratt

classic and competition car 44 may 2014

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