classic and competition car 66 march 2016

March 2016 Issue 66

Race RetroVSCC Pomeroy Trophy Red Kite Stages

British Motor Museum

North West Stages

March 2016

To Subscribe for free and be notified when the next issue is published please click here. To check out our web site with additional photos please click here

Front Cover. Ferrari Michelotto in action on the Race Retro Live Rally Stage demonstration. © RallyGallery 2016Check out our new updated WEB site at www.classicandcompetitioncar.com regularly for additional photo galleries, wall papers and other additional content and join our Twitter feed @classcompcar or Face book Group Classic and Competition Car

All content is copyright classicandcompetitioncar.com unless otherwise stated. All photographs are copyright and cannot be used for commercial purposes unless by prior approval of the original copyright holder. We try to ensure accurate and truthful reporting but if you spot an error, please contact us and will we verify and correct accordingly. We do not organise any events which are mentioned and we are not responsible if the event does not take place or is cancelled. Please contact the event organiser before making a long trip.

Classic and Competition Car is published by simonwrightphotos.com High View Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 8HT E-mail [email protected] Tel 07905 435973

Contents

Page 3 News.

Page 15 Bathurst 12 Hours.

Page 19 Archive Photo of the month.

Page 20 Blackhurst Garage Evening of Motorsport.

Page 24 British Motor Museum re-launch.

Page 32 North West Stages.

Page 37 MSVR Media day.

Page 44 London Classic Car Show.

Page 50 VSCC Pomeroy Trophy, Silverstone.

Page 56 Red Kite Stages.

Page 61 Race Retro Show.

Page 68 Race Retro Live Rally Stage.

Page 73 Silverstone Auctions at Race Retro

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

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

Lucy Owen-Moczadlo.Lucy runs Jucy Rally Photography and joins us to expand our rally coverage. She loves anything to do with Subarus and even tries her hand at a bit of autotesting.

Syd Wall.Syd shoots for rallying website, RallyGallery and covers Rallying, Drag Racing and all things American & Historic

David GooseDavid runs Motorsport-Imagery web site with Stuart and covers GT, Touring Cars and the odd Rally and Classic car event

Stuart YatesStuart runs motorsport-imagery web site with David. Covers GT, Touring Cars and Classic car events

As well as this magazine, you can follow us on Twitter @classcompcar and join our Facebook Group Classic and Competition Car.

Our Team.

Our regular contributors below,are all independant freelance photographers/journalists

March 2016

Editorial.We seem to have a bit of a rally theme to this issue, with two events , a charity function and the Group B Live Rally action from Race Retro. Winter weather does not deter the rally enthusiast and the drivers skills are paramount in the tricky conditions, which is why British rally drivers are some of the best in the World.At least our track action season has started with the annual Pomeroy Trophy at Silverstone, and now we are in to March, the new racing season begins. We look forward to 2016 and hope that everyone has a safe and successful season.

© Simon Wright © Pete Austin© Janet Wright © Lucy Owen-Moczadlo © Mick Herring © Syd Wall© Motorsport-imagery

News

© www.rallygallery.com

Coventry MotoFest and Donington Park Partnership for 2016.The Coventry Motofest has had a boost for 2016 by announcing it is to form an official partnership with Donington Park circuit. The two organisations will work together to develop exciting new content for the festival this year, as well as to promote motorsport more widely across the Midlands. Donington Park is hoping to bring a range of content from the various championships which run at the East Midlands circuit, to the Ring Road festival in Coventry over the weekend of the 3rd and 5th of June 2016.Donington Park host most of the major 4 wheel championships which run in the UK, including the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), British GT, BRDC F4, the F3 Cup and the Classic Sports Car series. Donington also hosts major motorcycle events like World and British Superbike championships, plus many national motorcycle racing events and this should help bring motorcycles to Motofest for the first time this year.The Management teams from Donington Park and Coventry Motofest are also working on various promotions and competitions, which will give lucky fans the chance to attend events at Donington Park as well as special prizes during the Coventry Motofest weekend.James Noble, Motofest’s Festival Director said “We are delighted to be working with Donington Park in developing an exciting programme of content to be drawn from the various race series and events they will hold in 2016. Coventry Motofest has come a long way in a short space of time and our partnership with Donington Park circuit, one of the UK’s leading and most iconic of circuits, is a measure of that progress. The new partnership will enable us to bring even more excitement to the streets of Coventry and deliver on one of our major aims to open up motorsport to a new and more varied audience. It is exciting times for Coventry Motofest and we look forward in the next few months to confirming the various race series set to appear at our event.”

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

March 2016

Donington Historic Festival timetable is

announced.The Donington Historic Festival will feature 17 races over the three day Bank Holiday weekend 30th April to the 2nd May 2016. The races will cover cars from the 1920s to the 1990s.

The provisional timetable is as follows: Saturday, 30th April 09:10-12:50 - Qualifying12:50-13:50 - Lunch Break / Parades and Demonstrations13:50-14:15 - HSCC Historic Formula 2 International Series, Race 114:30-15:20 - Historic Touring Car Challenge for pre-91 Touring Cars15:35-15:55 - HGPCA Nuvolari Trophy for pre-50 Grand Prix cars, Race 116:10-19:10 - ‘1000km’ for 1964-71 World Sportscar Championship Sports, Touring and GT CarsSunday, 1st May 09:10-10:50 - Qualifying11:05-12:35 - GT & Sports Car Cup for Pre-66 GT and Pre-63 Sportscars12:35-13:35 - Lunch Break / Parades and Demonstrations13:35-13:55 - HGPCA Nuvolari Trophy for pre-50 Grand Prix cars, Race 214:10-15:10 - U2TC for pre-66 under two-litre Touring Cars15:25-15:50 - HSCC Historic Formula 2 International Series, Race 216:05-17:05 - RAC Woodcote Trophy for pre-56 sportscars17:20-17:40 - HSCC Super Touring Car Trophy for Touring Cars from the Group A and SuperTouring era, Race 117:55-18:55 - Pre-80 Endurance for sports racing, GT and Touring CarsMonday, 2nd May09:10-12:00 - Qualifying12:00-13:00 - Lunch Break / Parades and Demonstrations13:00-13:45 - HRDC ‘Touring Greats’ for pre-60 Touring Cars14:00-14:40 - Jaguar Classic Challenge for pre-66 Jaguar cars14:55-15:55 - Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-61 sportscars16:10-16:30 - HSCC Super Touring Car Trophy for Touring Cars from the Group A and Super Touring era, Race 216:45-17:25 - ‘Mad Jack’ for pre-War sports cars17:40-18:25 - HRDC ‘BTCC Celebration 1958-1966’

New Format for Historic Touring Car Challenge (HTCC)New for 2016, the entry regulations have been extended beyond 1985 to include Group A cars up to December 1990 for all normally aspirated cars and turbocharged cars up to 1600cc. This is likely to add cars like the BMW M3, Toyota Corolla and Astra GTE to join the Ford Capri, Jaguar XJS and Rover Vitesse. A new series for Group 1 Historic Touring cars named the Tony Dron Trophy will run within the HTCC grid, with its own podium and results for each race. These cars must run to FIA Group 1 regulations or to British Saloon Car Championship Group 1 ‘Plus’ regulations between 1970 and 1982.The HTCC opens at the Donington Historic Festival before making its debut stand-alone appearance at the Silverstone Classic, followed by a visit to the Spa Six Hour Endurance weekend before finishing at Portimao for the Algarve Classic Festival in October.

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

March 2016

NISSAN ANNOUNCES GLOBAL MOTORSPORT PROGRAMME FOR 2016

▪ Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500 will fight for a third consecutive series title of SUPER GT▪ Katsumasa Chiyo steps up to Super GT GT500 after Blancpain title and Bathurst 12H victory in 2015▪ GT3 spec GT-R will compete around the world in Europe, United States and Japan▪ Nissan to defend Blancpain Endurance title and launch Sprint Cup assault▪ GT Academy star Jann Mardenborough makes dream move to Japan

March 2016

Andy Neate joins Honda for BTCC.

Team Dynamics have signed Andy Neate as their third driver for the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season in the UK. He will be joining the reigning double Champion Gordon Shedden and former triple champion Matt Neal to drive a third factory Honda Civic Type R. The team will be looking to defend their double drivers and manufacturers titles last year,

when Shedden pipped rival Jason Plato to the title by just 4 points in an exciting final round to the series at Brands Hatch.Andy is no newcomer to the series as he last raced in the BTCC in 2013 driving the Chevrolet Cruze for IP Tech. Prior to that he was a works driver for MG KX Momentum Racing, driving an MG6 GT alongside Jason Plato.

Electric cars aren’t new.You might think that the Electric car is a new idea, but the newly re-opened British Motor Museum can prove otherwise. They have on display a 1972 Leyland-Crompton prototype electric car that was based on standard Mini components and battery and electric traction components by Crompton. The styling was done by Michelotti of Italy. It was powered by 24 Lead-Acid battery cells powering two 3.9 hp motors. Unfortunately it gave the car more of the performance of a milk float rather than a Formula E racing car with a maximum speed of around 33 mph and a maximum range of up to 40 miles depending on hills and operating conditions. It could be charged

at home and running costs were estimated to be around less than half a penny a mile.Due to the battery technology of the time, the car weighed 1/3 as much again as a standard Mini.© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

March 2016

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso debut at Geneva Show.The new four seater from Maranello will make it’s debut at the Geneva Motorshow in March and will bring a major evolution to the sporting Grand Tourer. For the first time, Ferrari have integrated rear wheel steering with four wheel drive to bring class leading performance in all driving conditions. This newly patented 4RM-S (Four wheel drive and sterring system) now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers, all seamlessly integrated by Ferrari’s proprietary

software which enable the driver to effortlessly handle the car’s extraordinary torque even on snow covered, wet or low grip surfaces.The car is powered by a 6.2 litre V12 engine which develops 680 BHP (690 cv or 507 kW) at 8000 rpm. Maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5750 rpm with 80% available at just 1,750rpm, giving a very responsive performance. These are aided by advanced aerodynamic solutions with a new front grill with integrated air intakes to improve cooling, while air vents on the wing are similar to those on the 330 GTC. There is also a roof mounted rear spoiler and a triple fence diffuser which result in a drag co-efficient (CD) that is substantially lower than the

Ferrari FF.The interior is also a masterpiece of design, with generous wraparound seats giving all four occupants exceptional comfort and space, giving the ambience of luxurious living space. The car also features the latest infotainment 10.25” HD Touch screen and a new compact steering wheel with integrated controls to give a more sporty driving experience. With a dry weight of 1,790 kg and a weight distribution of 47%-53%, the car does 0-62 mph in just 3.4 second with a maximum speed of 208 mph (335km/h).

March 2016

RX Lites Cup Calendar revealed.The one make feeder series to the FIA World Rallycross Championship will take place over seven rounds plus a standalone event in Canada. The seven rounds are Hockenheim in Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, Norway,Sweden, Barcelona and Latvia. Hockenheim and Latvia are new additions for 2016, to the RX Lites schedule. RX Lites are identical 310 bhp mid-engined, four wheel drive cars designed by Olsbergs MSE and produced in Turkey in co-operation with Avitas Motorsport. They use Cooper Tires as the series official tyre supplier, and P1 Racing Fuel to power the engines.The winner of the series will be awarded with a Supercar drive in the penultimate round of this years World Championship, at Estering, in Germany from the 14-16th October, plus the Goran Henriksson Memorial Trophy. The next two in the series will have a day testing an RX Supercar.Entries for this year’s RX Lites Cup will close on Thursday 7th April.

Shelsley Breakfast club meetings no longer free.The very popular Breakfast club meetings at Shelsley Walsh are now pre-booked ticket only events and there is an administration fee for the ticket. This applies for both people displaying cars and spectators, who must book in advance. The first meeting of the year which was due to be held on 14th February 2016 had to be cancelled in advance due to waterlogged fields. The next meeting is due to be held on Sunday 13th March 2016. See their web site for further details www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk

Bentley’s pinnacle model range now comprises Mulsanne, Mulsanne Speed and Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase. The new range will make its debut at the 86th Geneva Motor show in March.

March 2016

Jennings flies to victory.Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy took a memorable overall victory on the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally (February 5-7) in his Kumho shod Subaru Impreza. He beat three times British Rally Champion Keith Cronin’s Citroen DS3 in to 2nd place by almost three and a half minutes. Jennings, the 2013 Irish Rally Champion, had never won this event before, and led from start to finish. Many of his competitors crashed out in the tricky conditions, and even Jenning’s team had a few concerns, with worries over the windscreen wipers and the central differential.Commenting on the result, Kumho Motorsport’s Steve Thompson remarked: “This was a typically dominant drive by long-standing Kumho ambassador Garry and we are delighted to have contributed to his maiden win in this ever-popular event. The conditions were typically tricky and it was rewarding to see our tyres stealing a march on the products of rival manufacturers.”The next round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is the West Cork Rally on March 12/13.

New Mini Convertible.There are four new Mini convertible models in the Mini line up after the launch of the new Mini Cooper Convertible, Mini Cooper D Convertible, the Mini Cooper S Convertible and the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible. They are more dynamic, stylish, practical and refined, with prices starting at £18,475 OTR. The new fully electric roof is quieter and retracts fully in just

18 seconds. The hood can also be opened or closed whist the car is moving at speeds of up to 18 mph. The boot volume has been increased by 25% against the older model, whilst more space has also been made available for rear seat passengers. This is because the

cars have been built bigger than previous models, increasing the length by 98mm, the width by 44mm and 1mm extra height. The levels of standard equipment has also risen in the new models which all include MINI visual boost radio, MINI Connected, Bluetooth,Rear parking distance control and rear reversing camera.Previous Mini Convertible models have sold 29,415 between 2011 and 2015, which makes it the best selling convertible in the UK and also makes the UK the best market in the World for the Mini Convertible.

March 2016

Cholmondeley Power and Speed.The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power has for the last eight years been one of the high-lights of the motorsport season in the north of England. Now, for 2016, the event is moving up a gear with a new name - ‘Cholmondeley

Power and Speed’, a host of new features and a revised

format. It was launched at the Hurlingham Club in London with a theme of Supercars past, present and future, with a line up of a McLaren 650S, Lamborghini Miura, Aston Martin Vanquish and a Porsche 911 2.7 RS. The Friday of the event will feature the inaugural Motorshow live, with manufacturers set to demonstrate their latest models on track. Combined with the on and off track action, air displays and water activity for which the event has become famous, the 2016 event is set to be the best and most exciting event yet in the beautiful parklands of Cholmoneley Castle in Cheshire. This years event will take place between the 10th and 12th June 2016. Advanced tickets and further information can be obtained from the web site www.cpop.co.uk

Maserati add SUV to range.The luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market continues to grow as Maserati announce the Levante, the first SUV built by the company during its one hundred year history. It completes the existing model range of saloon and sports cars including the Quattroporte, Ghibli, Gran Turismo and GranCabrio models. The Levante’s chassis is designed to combine the on-road performance of every Maserati with unrivalled handling, even on low grip surfaces, off road performance and ride. To achieve this it features sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, Q4 intelligent all wheel drive and 8 speed automatic transmission. It can come with petrol or diesel engines that are all Euro6-compliant. It is being built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy and will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show.

March 2016

Meeke flies to show pace.After retiring on the first day of the Swedish rally due to suffering a broken suspension arm after hitting a hidden rock on a corner, Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle showed their true pace in the Citroen DS 3 WRC in the snowy conditions. They rejoined under Rally2 rules and proved to be the quickest crew on the second days’ combined stages. After heavy overnight snowfall, the teams were able to enjoy much better conditions than were expected. Meeke set second fastest time on stages 12 and 14 and produced an impressive performance over Colin’s Crest with a massive 43 metre jump. He had a loose rear tyre on the days final long stage but still proved to be quickest overall on day 2.Kris said “We were able to pick up experience today and we had a lot of fun in the car. It’s also pleasing to note that we were the fastest overall on today’s combined stages. We clearly had a good starting position, but Jari-Matti Latvala was just behind us in the running order, so he was a good benchmark. It makes our retirement yesterday all the more frustrating!”

Last true Lamborghini for sale at auction A special 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV, believed to be the last Lamborghini to leave the Sant’Agata factory before Volkswagen took full ownership, is up for sale in the Silverstone Auction at the Practical Classic Restoration and Classic Car Show. It is also thought to be the last Diablo imported in to the UK and the last SV off the production line. It is estimated to be worth between £150,000 and £170,000. This right hand drive car is finished in a Pearl red/orange paint scheme with a grey/black leather /alcantara interior and has covered just over 32,000 miles. It has many of the original extras such as the Lamborghini tool roll and original tyre inflator and a very luxurious custom made fleece lined indoor car cover in red with an embroidered Lamborghini logo.

March 2016

Sydney Allard Media Awards to be presented again at 2016 BDRHoF GalaThe Sydney Allard Media Awards for Written and Photographic Journalism will be presented for the third consecutive year at the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday 19th November at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Heathrow Airport. The Hall of Fame is delighted to announce that this year’s Allard Awards will be sponsored by Mintex, manufacturers of brake pads since 1908 and one of the sponsors of the 1964 Dragfests. Lawrence Bleasdale from Mintex said "Having been 'in at the start' supporting Sydney Allard from his very beginnings as a manufacturer, Mintex are delighted to support these awards given by BDRHoF in his name".Established in 2014 in memory of the founding father of British drag racing, the Allard Awards celebrate the best of the past year’s written and photographic drag racing journalism and salute the vital contribution of the media to the sport’s wellbeing and success. Entries are now invited from writers and photographers, amateur or professional, to reflect coverage of British drag racing and associated activities during the year ending July 2016.

Entries will close at the end of July. The winning entrant in each category will be invited, together with a companion, to attend the Hall of Fame Gala in November and receive a crystal trophy in recognition of his or her achievement.The Written Journalism Award will be presented to the author of the year’s best article, feature, book or blog, published or unpublished, in print or online, in the judges’ opinion. The Photographic Journalism Award will be presented for the best picture taken during the same period and under the same criteria. The judging panel will include Guy Loveridge, Chairman of the Guild of Motoring Writers, motoring connoisseur and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, and the Editor of Octane Magazine, David Lillywhite.Writers and photographers may make multiple entries but each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form to enable the judges to collate them accurately. Full entry details are available on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame

website at http://www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk/allard-award-entries/.News about the Gala and other events will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame website, www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, and at www.eurodragster.com, the sport’s premier website in Europe. The names of 2016’s inductees into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame will be announced on these sites during Santa Pod Raceway’s Dragstalgia meeting, 15th-17th July. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the Hall of Fame’s founding and the admission of its first members. The Gala Awards Dinner was first presented in 2014.

Bond Aston Martin sold for £2.4 millionA unique car went up for auction at Christies on 17th February to raise money for Medecins Sans Frontieres. The only Aston Martin DB10 to be made available for sale to the public was subject to some tense and exciting bidding before finally being sold for £2,434,500. The car was made to star in the latest James Bond film Spectre, and was used for a spectacular car chase with a Jaguar C-X75 through the streets of Rome.The buyer has a unique piece of motoring history as only 10 were developed and hand built by the engineers at Gaydon and this is the only one offered for public sale. Eight of the cars were modified for filming and two were kept as show cars. The one sold was one of the show cars. The organisers of the Goodwood festival of Speed have also advertised that if the new owner would like to contact them, they would love to see the car at the Festival of Speed.The DB10 celebrated Aston Martins 50 year association with 007, which started with the iconic DB5, which also made a cameo appearance in the film ‘Spectre’.

© Mick Herring

March 2016

Force India F1 Collection grows at Donington ParkThis month sees new exhibits to the Grand Prix Collection museum at Donington Park. Additional cars from Force India, Jordan, Midland F1 and Williams have been added to the collection. Two new additions from Force India include the 2009 car powered by Mercedes and driven to the teams first ever podium in 2nd by Giancarlo Fisichella at Spa, after also claiming Pole position. The 2011 car driven by Paul Di Resta is also powered by Mercedes and competed in all 19 races that season. Its best result was 6th in Singapore. Including the new arrivals there are now six Force India cars on display in the collection, making it the largest display of Force India cars on display to the public anywhere in the World. The other cars are from 2008 and 2009, the car finished 4th in

Monza driven by Adrian Sutil, 2010 which did all 19 races with a best finish of 5th with Sutil, and a 2011 car which took Sutil to a 6th place in Interlagos and at the Nurburgring.

The other new arrivals include a 2004 specification Jordan Ford, and a 2006 Midland F1 machine in late season Spyker livery. These fit in well with the Force India display as they are all the same team, in a manner of speaking. Jordan first competed in F1 in 1991. In 2004 the team was sold to Russian investors and became Midland F1 in 2006, before it was purchased by investors behind the Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker towards the end of the year. The team then raced as Spyker in 2007, before finally becoming

Force India in 2008. The final new exhibit a 2009 Williams Toyota FW31 which had been driven by both Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima and is on display in the entrance foyer.The Donington Grand Prix collection, incorporating the Wheatcroft Military collection, is open from 10am to 5pm with last admission at 4pm. Currently admission for adults costs £12 and £5 for children up to 16 years old. For more information see www.donington-park.co.uk

March 2016

David Stokes.1947- 10th February 2016

Rally Legend and Six times National Rally Champion David Stokes has passed away at the age of 68, after a battle with cancer. In a career that has spanned nearly 5 decades, he has also won four British Historic Championship titles, Welsh Historic championship and countless event wins, many with his long time co-driver Guy Weaver.He started in motorsport in the 1960s, competing in the Motoring News Road Rally series driving a Ford Anglia. His career took off when he won the BTRDA national title in 1975, the Castrol Autosport national crown in 1976 with Bill

Andrews. He retired in 1980 after a horrific accident on the Gwynedd Rally which left him in Llandudno hospital for over six months. He became a successful business man in the eighties and nineties, first with the family Stokes Bakery in Wotton-under-edge in the South Cotswolds and then with Draycott Bakery in nearby Cam, which he started from scratch after he split from the family firm.After a twenty two year break, David returned to Rallying in 2002 to win four British Historic Rally Championships with Guy Weaver in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2014.David was passionate about rallying and was widely known and respected across the sport.We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Sue, his younger brother Andrew and the rest of his family and friend from everyone at Classic and Competition Car.

© Lucy Owen-Moczadlo


March 2016

McLAREN 650S GT3 SECURES HISTORIC CLEAN SWEEP ON LIQUI MOLY BATHURST 12 HOUR DEBUT

Winners Shane van Gisbergen, jnathon Webb and Alvero Parente in the McLaren 650S

© McLaren GT

March 2016

British manufacturers had a very successful trip down under for the first 12 hour GT endurance race of the year, the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hours at the scenic Mount Panorama circuit in Australia. The Bathurst 12 Hours was also the opening round of the new SRO Intercontinental GT Challenge series which also includes the Spa 24 Hours race and the Sepang 12 hours races. Pole position

in both the Pro and Pro-Am classes were taken by the McLaren 650S GT3. Pole position, fastest lap and outright victory went to the customer Team Tekno Autosports McLaren 650S GT3 driven by Alvaro Parente, Shane Van Gisbergen and Jonathon Webb. The race showed how competitive this form of GT racing has become, with five different manufacturers leading the race during the 12 hours and five different models taking the top five places, with the first four all on the same lap at the end. As well as overall Pole

position, the Pro-Am class was led in qualifying by team Objective racing in another McLaren 650S GT3.The race started in the dark with the McLaren opening up a strong lead and setting a new lap record time of 2m 01.567 seconds. After pitstops the Team Tekno Autosports McLaren maintained a top six position over the first few hours, then it suffered an electrical system reset which brought the car to a halt on the start straight, but it got going again and started to chase down the leaders. Van Gisbergen managed to pass the top three to take victory for McLaren. In the last 5 minutes, the 2nd placed NISMO Athlete Global Team Nissan GT-R driven by Katsumasa Chiyo, Rick Kelly and Florian

© McLaren GT

Breathtaking views from the top of the mountain

3rd place podium finish for the Bentley Continental GT3 of Smith/Kane/Bell

© Bentley

March 2016

Strauss chopped the lead from 8 seconds to just 1.27 seconds by the chequered flag. In 3rd place was the Mobil 1/Naim Audio/Breitling Bentley Team M Sport Bentley Continental GT3 driven by Steven Kane, Guy Smith and Matt Bell. The Phoenix Racing Audi R8-LMS of Marcus Winklehock, Laurens Vanthoor and Alexander Davison was 4th and showing how even the competition is between the major manufacturers the Erebus Motorsport Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3 was 5th driven by David Reynolds, Thomas Jaeger and Nico Bastian, one lap

behind the winner. All four of the McLaren 650S GT3s had been in contention

during the 12 hour race. The 60 car of Robert Bell, Will Davison and Andrew Watson had got up to 3rd place before being damaged by one of the chasing pack. This cost the car four laps, but it still finished 9th overall. The two 650s cars in the Pro-Am class both performed well with the 11 car of Tony Wallis, Timothy Slade and Matthew Campbell pushing for the overall lead at one point before contact with the barrier caused its retirement on lap 49. The 37 car of father and son Tony and Klark Quinn with Craig Baird had got as high as 2nd before dropping back after an unforced error took the car off track and it was unable to resume.The M-Sport Bentley team had managed to get both of their cars in to the lead during the race, and the team were delighted with the podium placing and the second car finished in 7th driven by Andy Soucek, Maxine Soulet and local driver Andy Russell, making Bentley the only GT manufacturer to have all its cars finish the race.

© McLaren GT

© McLaren GT

The start took place in the dark, with a McLaren in the lead

Campbell/Wallis/Slade McLaren 650S with brakes aglowBentley Boys in formation

© Bentley

March 2016

© McLaren GT

© McLaren GT © McLaren GT

Podium celebrations for the victors

Klark and Anthony Quinn plus Craig Baird McLaren 650S

Bell/Davison/Watson McLaren 650S climb the mountain to finish 9th

Smith/Kane and Bell finished 3rd in the Bentley Continental GT3

© Bentley

March 2016

Archive Photo of the month.

By Pete Austin.

Damon Hill was one of the guests at last months Race Retro which took place at Stoneleigh. Following his late fathers two titles in 1962 and 1968 he eventually won the World Championship driving for Williams in 1996. He is seen here leaving the pits during a test session at Silverstone.

© Pete Austin

March 2016

Blackhurst Garage Evening of Motorsport.By Lucy Owen-Moczadlo (Jucy Rally Photography)

On Thursday 28th January 2016 Blackhurst Garage in Newport, Shropshire hosted their annual evening of Motorsport at their facilities, welcoming everyone to come along and view an array of display cars, enjoy food and drink, chat and take part

in a raffle and auction to raise money for David Stokes’ charity of choice and Shropshire Air Ambulance.

Howard Davies was on form with his usual witty banter and entertained the crowd whilst interviewing stars of the show.

Hugh Hunter, John Goff, Guy Weaver, Geoff Doe and Phil and Wayne from Special Stage were some of the people


March 2016

interviewed and grilled by Howard. Also Paul Evans and his son George added to the line up with George finding out he will be sponsored by the garage with tyres and a race suit whilst competing in this years Shropshire Autograss

Championship.

After the interviews Howard encouraged the crowd to bid on various items including prints, motorsport and co-driver days out and whoever scratched their nose won the bid. A total of £1056 was raised through the raffle, auction and donations and a big well done was given to everyone.





March 2016


March 2016

A celebration was had with everyone singing happy birthday to David Blackhurst (owner) who celebrated his 60th Birthday much to his delight.

A great selection of cars was on display for everyone to get up

close and personal including Mantas, Escorts, Mini, Focus, 6R4 and RS200.

© Lucy Owen-Moczadlo © Lucy Owen-Moczadlo



March 2016

The British Motor MuseumBy Simon & Janet Wright with additional photos by Pete Austin.After a £1.1 million pound refurbishment, the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon re-opened to the public on Saturday 13th February 2016 as the British Motor Museum. The Rt. Hon.

Gavin Williamson MP unveiled the new look museum at a private preview event on Friday 12th. The museum was officially opened to the public at 10am on Saturday 13th February by Managing Director Julie Tew and 8 year old Josh Harden. In addition to the restyled museum which houses around 400 cars,

The British Motor Museum © Janet Wright

March 2016

© Simon Wright

Sports Cars zone inside the British Motor Museum

March 2016

they have added the Collections Centre which houses an additional 250 cars from the reserve collections of Jaguar Heritage Trust and the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (which we previewed in last months edition). This purpose built two storey facility houses a large part of the Jaguar Heritage Trust collection on the ground floor, plus six service bays and workshop facilities where the museums vehicles can be maintained and restored. The first floor houses the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust

collection and features a vast collection of historically important vehicles from the history of the British Motor industry as well as quite a few interesting prototype and concept vehicles. Tours of the Collections Centre are included in the price of admission to the museum and can be booked at no extra cost on arrival, subject to availability, and greatly increases

the number of vehicles on display to the public.The revamp on the main museum building is stunning. The main entrance has moved to line up with the Collections centre, and allows space for an Introduction gallery as well as displaying several iconic cars including an early Land Rover

and the iconic E Type Jaguar, plus two unique cars at the front - the 1896 Wolseley Autocar Number One, and the 1925 MG ‘Old Number one’. The museum now has themed zones for Design & Concepts, Jaguar, Land Rover, Royal Cars, Motor Sport and Film & TV cars. All of the vehicles are now spaced to allow people to look all around the vehicles and

Collections Centre work shop bays

The new Collections Centre

© Pete Austin

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

1925 MG “Old Number One’ welcomes visitors

March 2016

© Pete Austin © Pete Austin

© Janet Wright © Simon Wright© Janet Wright

The Motorsport zone covers Rallying racing and Record breakers Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP

Jaguar Heritage collection 2003 Jaguar R-D6 Concept car

The start of the time line.

March 2016

the time line of transport that runs round the inside of the perimeter wall allows people to walk between the two rows of cars to examine them in detail. There are several new displays which allow a different view on the cars. One was a stack of three classic British Sportscars, one on top of the other on a special stand, so people could actually see underneath the cars. There was another display of concept cars that were placed on top of what appeared to be life size matchbox toy car boxes, while the Land Rover display was done to show the incredible mountain climbing performance of these vehicles.

As befitting a launch of this magnitude, the local Mayor from Stratford upon Avon was present along with various other celebrities like Quentin Wilson from TV at the Friday unveiling.The museum offers a wonderful view of the history of the British motor industry and will bring back memories of old family cars or key points in history to the majority of people who attend. Also, at the moment, if you Gift Aid your admission price you get 12 months free return visits. For more information see their web site at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

© Pete Austin © Pete Austin

Rt Hon Gavin Williamson and Bob Dover cut the ribbom on Friday

Jaguar zone in the museum celebrates Jaguar racing history

March 2016

© Pete Austin

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

British Leyland Prototypes, including ‘matchbox’ models!

Sports car stack

Austin Healey 3000 in the Motorsport zone

Rover SD1 Estate prototype General Bus on the time line

March 2016

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Range Rover inclined in the Land Rover zone

The Mayor of Stratford upon Avon exploring the Jaguar Heritage Collection

Don’t think this Mini was quite finished on time!1981 Rover ECV 3/1 concept in the BMIHT collection The time line in the 1960s MG Magnette and Vauxhall Viva

© Simon Wright© Simon Wright

March 2016

Rover Gas Turbine programme.After working on the Whittle jet engines during the second World War, Rover embarked on a Rover gas turbine development programme after the war. The first turbine car in 1950, JET 1, archived more than 150 mph in speed tests.The British Motor Museum has three Rover Gas turbine cars on display. The T3 was the third gas turbine car from Rover, designed by Spencer King and Gordon Bashford. The two seater coupe car is four wheel drive with the turbine rear mounted and De Dion rear suspension. The car was a practical road car, producing 60 bhp and a top speed of 100 mph but the paraffin consumption of 13-14 mpg was never practical as a production car.The Fourth and final prototype for a road car was the 1961 Rover T4 which was based on the Rover 2000 prototype. The T4 was unveiled two years before the Rover 2000 production model reached the market. The 2S/140 turbine engine drives the front wheels and produces 140 bhp, while the rear suspension is independent swing axles. With a top speed of 115 mph, kerosene consumption was between 16-20 mpg.

Rover estimated that the T4 could be in production in three years but at a price of around £3,000 to £4,000. The most expensive Rover at the time cost £1,948. At that point Rover abandoned any hope of putting a turbine car into production.The experience was also used in 1963 to co-operate with BRM to construct a racing car for the Le Mans 24 Hour race. The Rover-BRM gas turbine Le Mans car. The Owen organisation supplied a widened BRM Gand Prix chassis and the two drivers, Graham Hill and Richie Ginther. In the 1963 race the car was entered as 00 as special permission was required to enter the car. It finished 8th overall and received a special prize for the first gas turbine to finish the race. In 1964 the car sported a new coupe body designed by William Towns and the engine was modified to incorporate a heat exchanger. In the 1965 race the car was entered in the 2 litre class,

driven by BRM Grand Prix drivers Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart. The car suffered overheating and some damage to the turbine blades from debris, but still managed to finish 10th, the highest placed British car at an average of 98.8 mph. The engine produced 145 bhp and the car had a top speed of 145 mph.The end of the gas turbine programme was in the production of a small series of gas turbine lorries built between 1968 and 1969 in conjunction with Leyland Vehicles

© Pete Austin

Rover T3

Rover T4

1965 Rover BRM Le Mans car

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

March 2016

2016 North West Stages.sponsored by Legend Fires.By David and Stuart, Motorsport-Imagery.

Mark Roberts and Stephen Landen were forced to retire the Escort Bosworth when they lost a wheel on SS11

© Motorsport-imagery

March 2016

Anyone visiting the Fylde Coast on the first weekend of February would probably have expected a true winter, North Western welcome. They were not to be disappointed, strong winds, high tides and heavy rain for large parts of the rally made driving conditions for the entrants treacherous. 2016 saw 19th running of the now “Legendary” North West Stages Rally, run along the Fylde Coast, from Fleetwood in the North to Lytham in the South. Five venues were used for stages, with Blackpool North Shore Promenade and Fleetwood Waterfront being used

for full spectator stages, Fleetwood docks being used for a closed stage with perimeter viewing through the fence and stages closed to the public taking place at Lytham Hall and Weston Army Barracks. Main sponsor of the event, for the 13th year were Legend Fires and owner, John Stone was as usual a front runner in his newly built Ford Fiesta S2500. Unfortunately the 2.5 litre Fiesta suffered a failed alternator after the first stage and was forced

to retire. At least John and co-driver Carl Williamson could enjoy the entertainment on Saturday. This years event featured a very varied entry list, with a selection of ultra quick Ford Focus WRC, Subaru Impreza WRC, Escort Cosworths and Mitsubishi EVO’s, through to Ford Escort RS2000’s and a Sunbeam Imp. There were even a number of Land Rover Wolf XD’s entered by the Armed Forces Rally


© Motorsport-imagery © Motorsport-imagery

Simon Bowen/Richard Robinson in their Subaru Impreza WRC, Winners of this years event

Alastair Hutchinson and Stjohn Dykes in the LPG powered Renault Clio

Walter Bridson and Stephen Christian in the Honda Civic

March 2016

Teams. The 2016 prize for the most courageous drive must surely have been given to Richmond based brothers, Mark and Andrew Constantine who during the 2015 event crashed at high speed into the sea wall on the Blackpool promenade stage. Despite both of them being hospitalised after the accident, they competed again in 2016 finishing an incredible 7th place overall

in their diminutive Vauxhall Corsa, beating many crews in much quicker Impreza’s and EVO’s on the way. On the first stage at Lytham Hall, the Constantine Brothers posted the joint fastest time of all 91 competitors,.The main rally was dominated by the usual front runners, with eventual overall winners Simon Bowen and Richard Robinson in

the ex Petter Solberg 2003 Rally GB winning Subaru Impreza WRC finishing 32 seconds ahead of Arron Newby’s Impreza and a further 55 seconds behind was twice previous event winner Tony Bardy in his Martini liveried Ford Focus WRC. Not a bad result for the Focus crew overall, the engine on the car was only refitted in the final few hours before the event. Throughout the stages on Saturday, the top five places changed hands regularly with the top three podium places only being decided on the final stage at Weston camp. To put in context how impressive the Constantine brothers drive was, they finished the event only




Sunbeam Imp Sport, Finished 24th overall, Alan Kitson and Ronald Aspinwall

Toyota Celica GT Four historic demo car

Computavision Metro 6R4, powered by a Honda engine

March 2016


© Motorsport-imagery © Motorsport-imagery © Motorsport-imagery

© Motorsport-imagery © Motorsport-imagery © Motorsport-imagery


Peugeot 205 T16 giving historic demos throughout the day Andrew Fenwick and Andrew Roughead in the Proton S2000 Phil Jobson and Arwel Jenkins in the Ford Escort

Lee Hasting and Julie Maguire in the Subaru Impreza

Mark and Andy Constantine in their Vauxhall Corsa John Saunders and Tony Hart were forced to retire the 6R4 when they stopped on SS

Fiesta R5 Safety Car, Huw Hunter and Andy Marchbank, shake down their new R5

Mark Holmes/Craig Simkiss retired the BMW Mini after SS9

March 2016

seven minutes and six seconds behind the winner, sometimes tarmac rallies and local knowledge can be a real leveller. As a measure of the weather conditions, of the 91 cars that started the event, only 50 finished. The Rally is based at the Norbreck Castle Hotel and for the duration of the rally, there is an exhibition of many sorts of motorsport , as well as interviews, rally start and finish, and the rally scrutineering all on site.




Ben de Ronde/Mark Robertson in the Land Rover Wolf XD retired on the last stage of the rally

Ford Escort RS, Steve Southall/Richard Bestwick struck a tree on S to retire

Ford Escort RS, Steve Southall/Richard Bestwick struck a tree on SS19 to retire Ford Focus WRC, Tony Bardy and Neil Colman, 3rd overal

March 2016

MSVR Media Day Brands Hatch 16th February 2016.By Mick Herring.

© Mick Herring

American Speedfest IV

March 2016

The picturesque Brands Hatch circuit hosted MSV's annual media day, welcoming guests with beautiful sunshine.MSV boss Jonathan Palmer, with his organising team, co-ordinate and publicise the meetings and special festivals at all locations throughout UK, including the Formula E London EPrix.British Superbikes is still 30%

bigger in audience than BTCC.Celebrating 10 years of MSVRacing, commentator, Alan Hyde interviewed representatives, team owners and drivers from all twenty three championships/series alongside co-organisers for the special events and festivals such as the new Festival Italia and American Speedfest IV at Brands in August and June respectively plus the Blancpain GT Sprint Series and Masters Historic Festival at the opposite ends of May. Several historic American Specials are to make the trip from California to the Speedfest to race in the 1947-1955 Transatlantic sports racing car challenge. Chris Evans' Carfest North (Oulton Park, July) and South,(August), in aid of Children in Need, will supplement the

© Mick Herring MSVR Championship grid

March 2016

established Lotus Festival(August) and the Mini Festivals North(August) and South(July). Interest centred around BRDC Formula 4, its new carbon fibre Tatuus chassis, improved aerodynamics and upgraded 230 bhp Cosworth engine.Team boss Chris Dittman, having driven it himself, enthused about the new car as his team learnt more about it, fully expecting a seven second decrease in lap times and a pace level with F3. Whilst the F3 Cup, the JMT Monoposto championship, Champion of Brands(where Formula Ford 1600 started in

1967) together with the FF Super Series caters for most single seater classes. Another new initiative began in the middle of 2015 with the introduction of the Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship, combining circuits, access roads and off-road challenges and welcomed cars from WRC-spec specials through to classic rally cars.Many championships report increased 2016 numbers with the Mini Challenge having over fifty cars spread across the classes, a high proportion being Gen3/F56 cars.In 2015 GT Cup boasted 25 different models, 27 winners

through the four groups, 100 drivers including 23 professionals. Only minor tweaks for this year will see the 50 minute pit stop race become a Sunday feature race with the two sprint races moved to Saturday for Gentleman drivers only.Their diverse grids will see the entry of three Lamborghinis including the Huracan.Radical Sportscars, MSVR's

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring © Mick Herring

Formula Ford to F4

Festival Italia in August

GT Cup lineup

March 2016

© Mick Herring

Diverse saloon car grids

March 2016

first championship boasts strong grids worldwide with nearly 2,000 cars built since 1997 and now includes the advanced new RXC Spyder.Lotus continue to provide the largest proliferation of classes through their four championships.Saloon racers are well catered for with diverse Volkswagen group and BMW championship classes, together with the two MSVT Trackday series which have WTCC

driver Tom Chilton as ambassador.The emphasis for this very hectic looking calendar year seems to be rejuvenating those championships which have slipped recently and maintaining the healthy position of those established high profile groups with an across the board attempt to cap costs at every level.

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring BRDC F4 faster new

Sports car grid

Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship

Jonathan Palmer and the MSVR Team

March 2016

MSVR media day again yielded passenger rides in two very diverse racing cars around Brands Hatch's Indy circuit.Developed from the RXC Coupe, James Abbott demonstrated the latest Radical RX Spyder's advancement as we took to the track for only one shortened lap from a pit lane start owing to a Ginetta/

tyre barrier induced red flag. I've been in an SR8 before, so with same driver, same track the difference was immediately apparent heading towards Paddock Hill. The SR8 V8 roar is replaced by a muted whoosh from the 3.5 litre, twin-turbo/intercooled V6, its 550bhp and, more importantly 500 ft/lbs of torque, all best described as "straight shortening".

Rushing up to Druids Hill we appeared to brake earlier than I remember, turned in and sped out, down the hill.On the bottom straight the power and torque just added speed as the seven-speed paddle change seamlessly took us up the gears, on the brakes again for Surtees and the huge aero just stuck the car to the track as we turned in faster than I remember from the SR8.Spotting the red light James returned to the pits and I reminded myself that my helmet hadn't lifted as it's done in every previous Radical I've been in, probably due to improved aero.Radical boss Phil Abbott revealed their need to upgrade or manufacture virtually every engine component in-house, in order to maintain consistently reliable engines that will produce the required power between rebuilds, reading the engine histograms shows just how much time they spend near maximum revs. As they approach their two-thousandth car, Radical now CNC machine their own Hyabusa blocks from the solid and produce the plenums for the EcoBoost V6 amongst numerous components.Marcus Bicknell's 5700cc 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, in © Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

March 2016

contrast, was quite laid back but no less a fantastic enjoyable racing car. Every corner was always a question of lots of steering movement until the big, heavy car approached an apex and the controllable oversteery bit was cancelled out by a good prod of the throttle. This unleashed the considerable, lazy power of the big V8 accompanied by that glorious noise we all love to hear as the Mustang gathered substantial speed, accompanied by the same lazy gearchange movement that is still employed by the European NASCAR racers. We were passed by a much younger BMW M3 but the venerable Ford didn't lose as much ground as you'd expect it to through the first part of Surtees. I'm sure that once the year-long brake judder that Marcus explained to me, is finally traced, the younger German might be more surprised.

On another lap, the compromised brakes put us well off line but it always let you know its intentions and, once enough speed was scrubbed off the Mach 1 just gathered itself up and proceeded. The big Mustang with its high up weight, cart-sprung rear suspension and tall treaded tyres also exhibits that characteristic rear axle hop as the body rolls on its springs through slower corners. With the ever-increasing interest in historic racing of all types Marcus Bicknell is assured of so much fun and enjoyment at the wheel of his venerable Ford, which is scheduled to compete in the American Speedfest IV at Brands Hatch.With nothing French about either car I still say Vive La Difference and thank Phil and James Abbott and Marcus Bicknell for such an enjoyable experience in both cars.

© Mick Herring

March 2016

London Classic Car Show

Former World Champion Jenson Button and TV presenter Jodi Kidd with the star of the London Classic Motor Show, the McLaren F1

© London Classic Car Show

March 2016

The 2nd London Classic Car show held at the ExCel Centre was another huge hit with car fans in the south of England. This years show was twice as large of last years inaugural show and welcomed over 33,000 people who enjoyed Londons greatest Classic car Show over the weekend of the 18th-21st February, which was opened by Grand prix star and 2009 World champion

Jenson Button. He made an impressive arrival in a McLaren F1 supercar, which is being celebrated at the show with a special display curated by its designer Gordon Murray. The preview had been opened on Thursday by Gordon Murray and 1981 World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen, who was also at the show to launch the Pinnacle of

McLaren F1 on the Grand Avenue

Gordon Murray and the McLaren F1 supercar

McLaren F1 - the Inside Story




March 2016

rallying display with his old co-driver from 1981, Dave Richards. This featured six of the fearsone, flame-spitting, four wheel drive

Group B super cars of the eighties.Another unique feature of this show is the Grand Avenue, which is inside one of the halls and allows the classic cars to be driven up and down this ‘catwalk for cars’ in front of the public, allowing fans to not only see the cars, but to hear them and experience them in motion. Television Grand Prix presenter Suzi Perry hosted the Classic Six

Nations Cup on the Grand Avenue, where ten cars representing six nations, America, France,Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, competed for public votes to decide on which nation produces the Worlds finest cars. To help fans decide, the public debate included former Grand Prix driver Bruno Senna and TV presenter Jodi Kidd. With over 9,000 people voting, the partisan crowd decided that Great Britain has produced more of the Worlds greatest cars beating Italy in to second place. The

British line up included classics such as the original Mini, the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, Le Mans Bentley, McLaren F1 supercar, Aston Martin DB5, Land Rover and Graham Hill’s 1968 World Championship winning Lotus 49 Grand Prix car narrowly beat an Italian line up of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis. America came third with its muscle cars, ahead of Germany, France and Japan. Jodi Kidd presented prizes on the Sunday to the top three countries.Sir Stirling Moss was another very popular figure who attended the show and signed many autographs for fans of all ages.

Ari Vatanen and David Richards at the Group B Rally display.

Suzi Perry, Jenson Button and Jodie Kidd with the McLaren F1

Alfa Romeo cruising Grand Avenue © London Classic Car Show



March 2016

Aston Martin from the Persuaders TV Series

1931 Le Mans winning Alfa Romeo 8C Spyder

Corvette representing Team USA

Evolution of the Supercar display - Miura

© London Classic Car Show© London Classic Car Show

© London Classic Car Show © London Classic Car Show

March 2016

The special display to celebrate the McLaren F1 supercar featured seven cars, worth more than £50 million and was hosted by the cars designer and former Grand Prix designer, Gordon Murray. Another display traced the evolution of the

supercar, which gathered together some of the Worlds fastest cars.Another feature of the show is that many Classic Car

dealers exhibited rare and valuable cars which were actually for sale and at the end of the show dealers were reporting sales, some of up to six figures, that added up to millions of pounds of blue chip classic cars sold over the four day period. There were also many more affordable classic cars for sale as well. The second hall had displays from many one make owners clubs and also had a ‘Speakers’ Corner, where

Stirling Moss signing books

Probe 16 on the Marcos Owners Club stand





March 2016

experts could talk about all aspects of Classic cars, including How to choose the ideal classic, buying at Auction and classic car values.The organisers were highly delighted with the public response

to the show and have already started to plan next years event, which will take place between the 23rd and 26th of February 2017. Further information can be found on the official web site at www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk

Jodie Kidd Six Nations


March 2016

The VSCC Pomeroy Trophy, Silverstone. 20th February 2016. By Simon & Janet Wright,

with additional photos by Pete Austin and Mick Herring.

Dan Ghose Ferrari 212 leads Mark Walker GN Thunderbug

© Simon Wright

March 2016

The Vintage Sports Car Club’s (VSCC) started their track action year early with the annual Pomeroy Trophy meeting at Silverstone. It took place on a grey and damp day round the short National circuit, with the morning tests being conducted in the dry, but the weather turned damp in the afternoon for the high speed trial. This classic event is a series of tests designed to find the ultimate Grand Touring car, and is the only VSCC event during the year that is open to any road legal vehicle, regardless of age. Sports car or saloon, all are

welcome and some entrants arrived with their treasured Vintage car, while others might turn up in in their wives modern shopping saloon. The event is based on a handicap system using a complex formula and penalty points are awarded if tests are failed, like the luggage test. The oldest car entered was also fitted with the largest capacity engine, a 1906 7.4 litre Bianchi 28/40 driven by Luke Roberts. The car finished 55th overall, but was ahead of vehicles such

as the Ford GT40, a Chevrolet Corvette and a Ginetta G60. Another interesting Edwardian car was the 1909 Hupmobile 20 driven by Richard Ellingworth, which was the last official finisher in the event in 67th place. At the other end of the time scale was a 2014 Volkswagen Golf driven by Christopher Petch, which was classified 58th overall.One of the interesting tests for the vehicles is they must be able to

© Pete Austin

Pomeroy Trophy winner Dudley Sterry HRS leads Martin Hunt Frazer Nash Targa Florio

© Mick Herring

Jason Wright Ford GT40 carrying skis as luggage.

Bianchi 28/40

© Simon Wright

March 2016

carry luggage, and there is a set of ‘standard’ size suitcases which are suppose to fit in to the boot or luggage area, and penalty points are given for items that don’t fit. Two of the more modern cars which probably had problems in this area were a 1965 Ford GT40 driven by Jason Wright, who must have been expecting bad weather as the car was fitted with a pair of Ski’s on a ski rack, and a Crossle SS racing sports car driven by Simon Diffey, that had a luggage rack mounted on the boot. The Crossle also had the ‘best’ canopy. All the cars have to have a hood fitted during some of the early acceleration and braking tests, and in previous years some of these hoods have been plastic bags held up by sticks. The Crossle is normally an open seater sports car, but had been fitted with a grumman aircraft cockpit cover for Simon Diffey to complete the morning tests. It was removed

before the afternoon high speed trials. The large entry was split in to two for the afternoon high speed trials. Each batch takes to the track at the same time to circulate for 40 minutes. Each competitior has their own target for the number of laps they need to complete during

this time. The first test ran without any problems, but the second trial, with the more modern cars suffered two seperate Red Flags. The first was caused when Anthony Hughes went off in the 2012 Ginetta G60 and got stuck in the gravel trap. The speed test was red flagged to enable

© Pete Austin

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Simon Diffey Crossle 5S with Grumman Cockpit

David Wylie Frazer Nash AC - Densham Trophy winner

Charles Clegg - Chevrolet Corvette C1 leads Josh Sadler - Ford Falcon

March 2016

© Mick Herring

© Pete Austin

David Biggins - Vauxhall Prince Henry Replica

Julian Balme Lincoln Cosmopolitan Coupe hides Porsche 356

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Ladies First - Mags Diffey Frazer Nash TT Replica leads Miss Alex Pilkington Alfa Romeo 6C 1750

Anthony Hughes Ginetta G60 caused the first red flag when he spun off

Sideways moment for Edward Williams BMWM535i

March 2016

the car to be moved from the dangerous position it was in, stuck in the gravel at the edge of the circuit. The field continued to circulate for about 3 laps under the red flag. The marshals were waving yellow flags by the 3rd time round as well as the red flag and they managed to get all the cars in to the pit lane where they were all warned for failing to observe the red flag! After a short delay to retrieve the Ginetta, the session was started agin. Next it was Simon Diffey who went off in the Crossle, hitting the barrier. He was not injured, but again the red flag was displayed so the car could be removed. This session was now running on a wet track as drizzle was falling round most of the circuit.The overall winner of the Pomeroy Trophy was Dudley Sterry in his 1937/39 HRS Sports for the best performance overall,

© Mick Herring

Alex Ames BMW 2002 heads Jonathan Fenning 325i Touring

while the Denham Trophy for the best pre-war car not winning overall went to David Wylie in his 1928 Frazer Nash AC. The final trophy was the Pomeroy Edwardian Trophy for the

best performance in an Edwardian car which was won by David Biggins in his 1911/12 Vauxhall Prince Henry Replica. The other class winners were Steven Stanton in a 1934/36 Frazer Nash TT replica, Martin Hunt in a 1952 Frazer Nash Targa Florio, Alastair Pugh in a 1939 Frazer Nash BMW 328, Geraint Lewis in a 1936/40 Frazer Nash TT Replica and finally Kenneth Prichard Jones in a 1966 Turner Mk3.Also showing the family nature of VSCC events, the Diffey

© Mick Herring

© Pete Austin

Alastair Pugh - Frazer Nash-BMW 328

Start flag Peter Batty Ford Phaeton 35 A Tourer

March 2016

family were out in force with Simon Diffey in the Crossle, Margaret (Mags) Diffey was in the 1936 Frazer Nash TT replica and George Diffey was in the family 2013 Renault Clio RenaultSport. After Simon went off during the second high speed trial and hit the barrier, it was Mags who was the highest finisher of the family with 2nd in class, while George took 3rd in his class.

© Pete Austin Driver briefing

Dougal Cawley Lexus LS400 Piers Reid BMW M3 sideways round woodcote© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright © Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Richard Ellingworth in the 1909 Hupmobile 20 Hughie Walker Ford Model A Roadster

March 2016

The Red Kite Stages 21st February 2016By Lucy Owen-Moczadlo (Jucy Rally Photography)

with additional photos by Syd Wall (Rallygallery)


Historic winner Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke Ford Escort RS 1800

March 2016

The Red Kite Stages, near Llandovery, took place on Sunday 21st February 2016. One of the first major gravel rallies of the 2016 season, being the first round of the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship.Stages included Crychan SS1 & SS4, Caeo SS3 and Route 60 SS2 and 5. Caeo special Stage has not been used for many years and was first used by the Red Kite. The Red Kite has proved to be an extremely popular rally over the last three seasons with outstanding special stages and a compact format.A full entry of 125 cars including Julian Reynolds and Patrick Walsh in the Ford Focus WRC, David Bogie and

Kevin Rae in the Skoda Fabia R5, Tom Cave and James Morgan in a Ford Fiesta R5 Evo and Stephen Simpson and Mark Glennerster in their Ford Fiesta in the modern section. In the historic section Jason Pritchard in his Escort RS1800, Nick Elliott in his escort and a debut for the BHRC for Stanley Orr with Guy Weaver co-driving.In the modern field David Bogie & Kevin Rae in their Fabia R5 made a fabulous debut but it was a tight battle with Julian Reynolds & Patrick Walsh in their Focus WRC. In the end the podium was completed by Rhys Yates & Tom Woodburn in their Fiesta R5.Sadly Tom Cave and James Morgan retired on the first stage with the M-

Sport run Ford Fiesta R5 Evo disappearing from the stage early on. Both crew were safe and unhurt.In the historic field crews battled the difficult conditions and each other throughout. The podium being won and maximum points taken by Jason Pritchard & Phil Clarke in their Escort MkII to open their title defense. Jason and Phil ran a faultless drive in persistent rain, fog and wind. 2nd was taken by Nick Elliott & Dave Price in an Escort MkII, this was no easy day for them as their car stalled on the

Winners David Bogie and Kevin Rae Skoda Fabia R5

2nd in Historics Nick Elliott and Dave Price Ford Escort

Class winner Layton Waters and Tudor Jenkins Toyota Starlet




March 2016

opening stage and again on the second run through Crychan. On the final stage Elliotts attack grabbed second place back leaving Joe Price & Chris Brooks in another Escort MkII to take third. In their first debut on UK soil

Stanley Orr and Guy Weavers new team pairing successfully won their Category and came 9th overall and sprayed the champagne at the end with memories of David

Stokes passing close to their heart.Speaking to Guy Weaver following the event the stages were damp, slippy and boggy. They made a steady start getting used to each other over first three stages, but in the afternoon taking the mile quicker than the morning and pushing on Route 60 in the fog to achieve category win. They took 12 secs off John Perrot who was leading the category initially but in the fog and Stanley Orr pushing on may have put pressure in John caused him to go off the stage with gearbox issues. On returning to Llandovery both Guy and Stanley were surprised to hear of their category win as they were 11 seconds behind previously and this was

Julian Reynolds and Patrick Walsh Ford Focus WRC finished 2nd overall Joe Price and Chris Brooks Ford Escort RS 3rd in Historics

Bob & Dale Gibbons Ford Cortina GT won their class

Stephen Simpson & Mark Glemmerster Ford Fiesta finished 2nd in class



© www.rallygallery.com© www.rallygallery.com

March 2016

a nice surprise at the finish. Both Guy and Stanley were elated but thoughts were never far for the pair of them of David Stokes recent passing.Next event for the pair is Mid Wales where they hope to again achieve a category win but this is the best start of the year in their fight for the Category 2 MSA British Historic Championship. Overall the Red Kite was a great start to the MSA British Historic Rally Championship and crews now looking forward to Saturday 2 April: North Wales Stages as the next round.

Rhys Yates and Tom Woodburn finished 3rd in the Ford Fiesta

Stanley Orr & Guy Weaver celebrate their class win



Jamie Jukes & Dave Williams Mitsubishi Mirage R won their class

Class winner Adam Milner & Roy Jarvis Ford Escort Mexico Mk1



March 2016



Roland Llewellin & Jack Morton Mitsubishi EVO X class winners

Mattew Robinson & Sam Collis Fiat 131S finished 2nd in classSimon Tysoe & Paul Morris Ford Escort Mk1 class winners

Stanley Orr & Guy Weaver Ford Escort RS2000 Class winners

Historic winners celebrate




March 2016

Race Retro 26th-28th February 2016By Simon & Janet Wright

with additional photos by Pete Austin, Mick Herring and Syd Wall (Rallygallery)

© Pete Austin

© Simon Wright

HSCC Stand on Speed Street

March 2016

Race Retro, Europe’s Premier Winter Classic Motorsport Show returned to Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry for the annual International Historic Motorsport Show. This years guest of honour was Damon Hill, and to celebrate there was a display of 4 Grand Prix Williams cars just inside Hall 2. Damon was present on Sunday and toured the show, stopping to look at several of his fathers race cars, including the Embassy Shadow on the Motor Sport magazine stand, and the Rover BRM gas turbine Le Mans car on the British Motor Museum stand.

He was also seen looking at a 2002 Jordan Grand Prix car on the Vintage Racecar magazine stand. Damon scored the Jordan teams first Grand Prix win at Spa in 1998. Damon took centre stage later in the day on the Williams display stand and was interviewed in front of a large audience before answering questions from the general public. He then signed lots of autographs for his many fans.

© Syd Wall

© Pete Austin

Race Retro is split through four halls, with Hall Two the first hall entered from the main entrance and specialising in Historic motor racing. Just inside the hall, there was the celebrity marque stand which featured the four Williams Grand Prix cars. Running through the middle of Hall 2 was Speed Street. This contained the large stands including the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) with ERA GP1 on display. Also on Speed Street was the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC) stand. As one of the main clubs involved in historic motor sport, their stand had an impressive

© Simon Wright

ERA GP1 on VSCC Stand

Williams Display

Damon Hill with the Shadow DN1

March 2016

eight cars which demonstrated the variety of race series that the club organise during this 50th anniversary season for the club. High-light of the display was the 1975 Lola T390 from the HSCC Pre 80 Endurance Challenge, plus a 1975 March 752 from the HSCC Historic Formula 2 International Series.The Chateau Impney Hill Climb stand featured the first public display of the Leyland-Thomas recreation which was featured in

last months News section. The car is due to be driven in anger at the Chateau Impney Hill climb on the 9th and 10th July 2016.Hall One was predominately Rallying with part of the hall devoted to arts and crafts relating to motorsport. Books, paintings, photographic prints and sculptures were all available to purchase. There were many different styles of painting, some showing great detail on key historic moments of motor sport history, while others showed a more artistic flavour to their work.The Rallying displays included a tribute to ‘Remembering Henri

Toivonen’ who was tragically killed 30 years ago along with his co-driver Sergio Cresto. Their Lancia Delta S4 crashed whilst leading the Tour de Corse Rally in Corsica. On the

© Pete Austin

© Janet Wright © Simon Wright

© Simon Wright© Janet Wright

Model Lotus 25 by Bruce Dove

Lola T390 on HSCC stand

Leyland Thomas recreation on the Chateau Impney Stand Talbot Sunbeam Rally car

March 2016

stand was a PCA Ford Escort RS 1800, which Henri drove in 1979, and a Talbot Sunbeam, in which he won the 1980 Lombard Rally with Paul White. Opposite was a display of Group B and historic Rally cars, which included a Ford RS200,

Vauxhall Chevette, a Subaru Legacy RS as driven by Colin McRae and Derek

Ringer in the 1992 Swedish Rally, and a Ford Escort MkIII. There was also a rally driving simulator that people could drive

against the clock, to try rallying without risking life and limb.The newly re-launched British Motor Museum had a couple of racing cars on display, the vintage Austin Single seater racing car had drawn a lot of interest from Damon Hill when he toured the show on Sunday morning and had stopped to see the Rover BRM gas turbine Le Mans car his father Graham Hill had driven in the 1960s.

The Abarth display had a couple of New Fiat Abarth 500 saloons to show the present, but much more interesting were the four Abarth coupes, which included an Abarth 1300, a 1957 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Zagato Series III, an Abarth Simca 1300 and a 1958 Fiat Abarth 750 Record Monza/Zagato.Hall 3 covered motorbikes, grass roots racing and trade stands selling models, tools, clothing, books plus other things. The

racing side included trials, hot rods, drag racing and short oval racing, including stock cars. In their motorbike section was an interesting line up of Norton racing motorcycles. The last hall was an autojumble and parc ferme for the Rally cars using the live stage.

Rally car display

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Damon Hill & Rover BRM Gas TurbineNorton Motorbike

March 2016

© Syd Wall

© Pete Austin

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright © Janet Wright© Janet Wright

Model team

Rover SD1

Drag Racer

1975 March 752 BMW Formula 2

Surtees TS16 Grand Prix car

Jordan EJ12 Grand Prix car

Norman Dewis Jaguar Chief Test driver

March 2016

© Mick Herring © Syd Wall New for this year was the UK Street Burnouts, which took place between Halls 1 and 3. To show the power of these awesome machines, several cars were rolled out from the static display in Hall 3 and took part in some tyre smoking burnouts

A 1953 Austin Healey that raced in the inaugural New Zealand Grand Prix on the 9th January 1954, made its World wide show debut at Race Retro. After being stored for 34 years, followed by a nine year

restoration. Sam Thomas Racing has prepared the car to compete in various Historic events. The Healey 100/4 BN1, chassis number 145426 was one of three works cars that was sent to take part in the inaugural New Zealand Grand Prix. At that time, sports cars would compete against single seaters. On the starting grid was Jack Brabham’s Cooper-Bristol Mk II, a works entered supercharged BRM V16, a pre-war Alfa Romeo Monza and various locally built specials. Only 14 cars completed the 200 mile event, but all three factory Austin Healeys completed the 100 lap race. Keith Roper drove this car to 13th place, beating Peter Whitehead’s Ferrari 125 in the process.Roper drove again at the C W F Hamilton Trophy Race at Mairehau on the 20th February 1954 where he finished 3rd. The final New Zealand event was at Havelock, where the Healey recorded a record speed of 100 mph in the flying quarter mile event. The only other car to do that was a Jaguar XK120. The car was sold in October 1954 and after passing through various owners, it was placed in to storage in 1971. Restoration was commenced in 2005 and the car returned to the UK in 2014. The car is on loan from owner Paul Roberts, whose collection includes significant rally cars, including the Pat Moss Healey, an ex-works Tiger and Rauno Aaltonen Mini.

© Simon Wright

March 2016

The Midland Automobile Club will be paying tribute to the mighty Group B Rally cars of the 80s as they return to Shelsley Walsh for the Classic Nostalgia Hill Climb meeting on the 16th and 17th July 2016. In July 1986 World Rally Champion Hannu Mikkola came to Shelsley Walsh in a works Audi Quattro and set Best Time of Day with a 29.51 seconds. That Audi will return in July along with a Ford RS200 for demonstration or competitive runs and it is hoped that a Metro 6R4 will also be at the event.

© Simon Wright © Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

MG Metro 6R4 Group B car

Brisca Stock cars

Classic Touring Car Racing Club Stand

Model Lotus cars

March 2016

Race Retro Rally StageOne of the unique features of the Race Retro Show is the outside Live Rally Stage demonstrations that take place on Saturday and Sunday. Organised by Rallying with Group B, the stage reflects rallying through the decades with historic Mini Coopers and Ford Escorts, through the powerful Group B supercar period in the eighties, while MG ZR and Subaru Impreza, plus junior class cars like the Suzuki Alto and Peugeot 107 bring the entry up to date.

© Janet Wright

Ian Gwynne/Steve Rimmer Renault 5 Turbo

March 2016

© Mick Herring

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright


Leyland’s finest

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Trevor Hancock Triumph TR7 V8 Stuart Anderson Triumph Dolomite Sprint

Mini Cooper S

Bob Seager MG Midget

Paul Hughes Works MG ZR

David Higgs MG Metro 6R4

March 2016

© Pete Austin

© Mick Herring

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright © Simon Wright

Andy Krinks Audi Quattro Vauxhall Chevette HSR 2300

Mazda RX7

Terry Maynard Lotus Esprit

Russell Brookes Opel Manta 400

March 2016

© www.rallygallery.com © Mick Herring

© Pete Austin

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Mick Herring

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

David Llewellin Subaru impreza WRC Tom Delanet Suzuki Alto

Martin Fox Lancia Delta S4

Mick Strafford Chevrolet Firenza Can-Am

Shaune Clorley Lotus Sunbeam

Audi 80

Geoff Maybank Toyota Levin Ian Gwynne Ford RS200

March 2016

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright© www.rallygallery.com

Tim Clark Group 4 Audi Quattro

Nick Wilkins Cox GTM Anthony Harrison Ford Escort Mexico Mk1

March 2016

Silverstone Auctions, Race Retro.By Simon & Janet Wright.

During the Race Retro Show at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, Silverstone Auctions held a couple of sales, the one for classic cars and the other for competition Cars. There was a huge entry of vehicles for the sales, filling a couple of large halls and an additional marque. There were several unusual

classic cars up for sale. A 1974 Datsun 260Z ‘Super Samuri’ which looked immaculate in its red and bronze colour scheme, was one of only two genuine 260Z Samuri’s and had been fully

restored by the Z-Farm. It sold for £55,125. Another classic sports car, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible in bronze, with an estimated price of between £45,000 and £50,000 failed to sell. A bright yellow 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP

400 S, with its 3.9 litre V12 engine sold for £213,750. The word Countach is Piedmontese slang for something that ‘visually shocks’ and has no direct translation, but WOW is probably the most polite. It is said that the large wing on the rear, which was a $5,000 optional extra, added weight and drag, but did nothing for downforce.Another stunning supercar that sold was a jet black 2008 5.4 litre V8 McLaren Mercedes SLR Roadster which sold for

£226,125. The hand built V8 engine is supercharged and produces 617 BHP which takes it from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.At the lower end of the market, a nice

1974 Datsun 260Z ‘Super Samuri” Sold £55,125

Countach interior

1981 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S Sold £213,750

McLaren Mercedes SLR Roadster Sold £226,125

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

March 2016

1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, number 134 of 320 right hand drive Lotus Carlton sold for just £20,250. When first produced, the straight 6 3.6 litre saloon was the fastest 4 door saloon in the World, with a top speed of 177 mph from the twin turbocharged engine which produced 377 bhp. All Vauxhall Lotus Carltons are a shade of British Racing Green, called Pearlescent Imperial Green, a very dark green that in anything

other than direct sunlight appears to be black.The highest price on the Saturday sale was a 2004 Porsche Carrera GT which sold for £427,500.An interesting car was a 2013 Evanta recreation of the 1950s Aston Martin DBR1 which was originally

built for the Le Mans 24 hours race. It is rumoured that an original DBR1/2 sold in 2012 for £20 million. The Evanta Aston Martin DBR1 sold for £86,625.The Competition cars were sold on a different day, and the more modern GT cars seemed the most popular, with several cars selling, like the 2009 Audi R8 V8 CR8, which is a unique car built by Creventic BV before even Audi had unveiled the GT3 version of the R8. It is powered by a 4163cc V8

1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton Sold £20, 250

2004 Porsche Carrera GT Sold £427,500

2013 Evanta Aston Martin DBR1 Sold £86,625

2009 Audi R8 V8 CR8 sold £33,750

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

March 2016

engine which develops 440 hp at 8000 rpm. Eligible for various series, including GT Cup, Britcar and GT Open series, the car sold for £33,750.The only single seater racing car in the auction was a famous 2000 Tatuus Formula Renault single seter which sold for £13,500. It was run by Manor Motorsport and won seven of the ten races in 2000 to give Kimi Raikkonen the Championship. It also took him straight in to Formula 1 with the Sauber team, even though various people including FIA President Max Mosley, thought that Raikkonen was too inexperienced to go straight from Formula Renault to Grand Prix. They were proved wrong and Raikkonon eventually won the 2007 World Championship driving for

Ferrari.One car came with a race entry for the Historic Touring Car Challenge first round at Donington Historic Festival (30th April to 2nd May 2016) included in the

price. The 1979 Ford Capri Group 1 in red and white Belga colour scheme sold for £65,250.An unusual sale was of a 2004 BTCC Vauxhall Astra show car, which was a rolling chassis and contained no drive gear or engine. It sold for £3,600, which was the lowest price of any ‘vehicle’ sold at the sale. The lowest price for a complete vehicle was a 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution which sold for just £11,250.

2000 Tatuus Sold £13,500

Group 1 Ford Capri sold £65,250

BTCC Vauxhall Astra Show car Sold £32,600

2008 Dodge Viper GT3 Sold £57,380

© Janet Wright © Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

March 2016

1965 Lancia Flavia Sports Zagato Unsold

1954 Austin A30 Speedwell Unsold

1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Group A Unsold

1957 Porsche 356A Coupe Sold £67,490

1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GT Sold £34,875

1985 Jaguar XJ-S 5.3 HE V12 TWR Unsold

2001 Honda NSX Sold £69,750

1990 Mercedes Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II Sold £292,500

Extra space in the marquee.

© Janet Wright © Simon Wright © Janet Wright

© Janet Wright © Simon Wright © Janet Wright

© Simon Wright © Simon Wright © Janet Wright

classic and competition car 66 march 2016

Documents