Thoroughbred Sportscars

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Race report – 7 August 2010 – BDC Silverstone National – Round 6

The very popular Bentley Drivers Club meeting on the Silverstone National Circuit was fully supported with a wonderful display of Bentleys from the 1920s onwards and by many Morgans and MGs and Vintage of varied and wonderful shapes. The National circuit is 1.639 miles long and we were to have a 15 minute practice and a fifteen minute race and would be starting the afternoon’s programme as Race No. 1 to commence at 13.15.

The weather forecast was conflicting but seemed to indicate rain at some point on most forecasts. Friday, when quite a few competitors arrived, was good with cloudy and windy conditions but not wet. Saturday morning brought wet conditions and a damp track for the first practice of the morning which just happened to be ours. We had been able to sign on and scrutineer on Friday afternoon so an extra early start was avoided for some.

The Thoroughbred race had a grid of 30 in the programme with four more on the Race Bulletin making a total grid of 34. Friday however saw the AC Cobra Invited entry of Simon Crompton fail scrutineering so he had to pull out and Alan Kyson had an unexpectedly heavy work schedule and could not make it, so on the day only 32 went out to practice.

Practice was noted to be slippery giving a few stranger than usual grid positions but was completed successfully by all drivers. Jag D Type Replica driver Simon Garrad who also had scrutineering problems, only just making the practice grid after a few quick alterations and in a cloud of red mist.

The 32 drivers were spread into four classes with Four in Class A, Nine in Class B, Eight in Class C and Eleven in Class D

THE GRID

Overall and D Class Pole went to Simon Garrad after his efforts with 1.13.800 in his D Type Replica alongside Morgan + 8 driver and 2009 Champion Chris Acklam with 1.14.020. Row two Tony Lees now with four wheels back on his yellow Morgan + 8 after his mishap from Mallory with 1.16.430 alongside the yellow MGBGTV8 of Roy McCarthy on a 1.16.900.

On row three Russell McCarthy on B Class Pole in his MGB Roadster with his fourth new head gasket with a 1.17.350 alongside the TVR of Roger Connel with his rebuilt gearbox on a 1.18.790. On row four C Class Pole over from Vienna Peter Dubsky in his D Type Replica just finished being rebuilt after his Oulton Park crash with a 1.18.860 alongside current Championship Leader Josh Files in his TR6 with a 1.19.170.

Row five Joe Parrington on a 1.19.360 alongside Andy Green with a 1.19.420 and on row six Jerry Knight on a 1.19.750 alongside Kevin Swann on 1.20.840. Row seven Roger Whiteside with 1.20.920 alongside 2008 Champion Peter Samuels out for the first time this year on a 1.21.190 and on Row eight Tim Falce on a 1.21.510 next to Jon Emberson with a 1.21.690.

Half way down the field on row nine Ulrich Vierhaus with a 1.21.820 alongside A class Pole Michal Pavlik on a 1.22.020 and on row ten Peter Barnard with a 1.22.180 alongside Max Cawthorn on a 1.22.360.

Behind on row eleven John Wilkes on 1.22.410 next to Colin Jones on a 1.22.970 and on row twelve Rob Spencer on a 1.23.360 next to Jeff Hooper on a 1.24.160.

Row thirteen Dave McDonald on 1.25.500 alongside Rob Innes Ker on a 1.25.740 and on row fourteen Rob Roodhouse on a 1.26.880 next to Barry Proud on a 1.26.950. On the penultimate row Bob Lines on a 1.27.480 with Peter Hiscocks on a 1.28.080 and finishing the field on row sixteen Ben White on a 1.31.340 alongside Brian Playford on a 1.32.550.

During lunch it was decided by Race Control to bring the first race forward so we had a 13.15 start time instead of the 13.35 as originally published. Not really sure whether that would have made any difference to the weather conditions but at 12.57 the skies opened and very large heavy plops of rain landed soaking the circuit.

It then stopped raining and most drivers set off to the collection area, except Roy McCarthy who had a set of wet tyres provided by Son Spencer from his Ginetta days, only used a couple of times. At 13.04 two pairs of McCarthy eyes peered at the skies and saw some ominous black clouds, they looked at each other and said ‘lets do it’. Frantic wheel changes and Roy set off to the collection area at 13.12 just in time to make the grid.

THE RACE

The cars pulled out onto the circuit and slowly round to take up positions for the green flag lap, the circuit was wet but the rain had stopped and they assembled to take the start.

Red lights turned off and the field put down the power on the wet track, Poleman Simon Garrad couldn’t find enough grip, Chris Acklam couldn’t find much either and saw Roy McCarthy up from row two passing him on the outside up towards Copse so tucked in behind him with Tony Lees in third and now Simon Garrad in fourth with Russell McCarthy fifth.

Behind Andy Green getting a good start now in front of Joe Parrington and Josh Files and as they passed my position on the straight going down into Maggots the remainder of the field all merged into a mist. Back round to the start finish with Roy just holding off Chris but now Simon Garrad up into third in front of Tony Lees and Russell McCarthy, next Andy Green, Josh Files, and Joe Parrington. Then the skies opened and it started to rain, Jerry Knight lost grip and spun out rejoining much further down the field as did Rob Spencer.

Lap four across the line Roy was still in charge but had Simon Garrad behind now up into second with Chris still challenging him both coming round Copse side by side but Simon spinning out and digging into the gravel on the outside just after Copse unable to rejoin. Tony now up in third place and fourth Russell still just in touch. A few seconds behind a fine race with Andy, Josh and Peter Dubsky all having a close battle with Peter passing Josh on lap seven to take C class lead. Class A Michal Pavlik having a great race and taking the class win.

A few changes down the field as the conditions worsened but no serious accidents and by the end of the fifteen minutes all had been lapped by race Leader Roy, some twice, except Chris, Tony and Russell. An exciting race in unexpected conditions.

Class D

Roy McCarthy put the pedal to the metal and found grip and stormed away from the lights from row two up past Chris Acklam to take the lead, Simon Garrad bogged and couldn’t get the power down so it was Roy, Chris, Tony Lees and then Simon as they went up into Copse.

Andy Green next getting a good start up from tenth on the grid followed by Jerry Knight, John Emberson and John Wilkes all managing to find grip by the time they crossed the line for lap two. Roger Connel from sixth on the grid had problems selecting a gear and went backwards as did Dave McDonald at the start.

Up front Roy managed to keep Chris at bay despite a few close moments on lap one. Simon pulled past Tony to hassle and pass Chris on lap two but Chris jumped back and they came round Copse side by side on lap four as the rain was starting to fall heavily and Simon spun and found the kitty litter unable to drive out. Tony now up into third but a few lengths further back.

Jerry Knight found the same bit of scenery as Simon but managed to rejoin on lap one but now at the back of the pack with a lot of making up to do and was one lap down by the flag but managing to catch and pass both Dave McDonald and Rob Roodhouse on his way up.

Roy pulled away as the field spread out, Chris followed him home in second place and Tony in third overall. Andy Green next in class in seventh, one lap down and Roger Connell had pulled himself up through the field to ninth overall by the flag.

John Emberson in thirteenth and John Wilkes in fourteenth both crossing the line together then Jerry up to seventeenth making up thirteen places from his first lap spin. Rob Roodhouse and Dave McDonald both class finishers but down two laps in the slippery conditions.

Class C

Peter Dubsky C Class Poleman had a slow start and Josh Files came through up in seventh place from the lights to take the class lead, Peter worked his way up past Tim Falce to hassle Josh by lap three and stick to his tail for six laps before diving through to take back the class lead where he remained to the flag finishing in fifth place overall.

Good drive from Roger Whiteside doing well in the conditions, coming home third in class, Tim Falce having a few slippery moments coming home fourth in class.

Rob Spencer and Ulrich Vierhaus spinning out early on and coming home two laps down by the flag. Ben White in his second race having his baptism but managing to finish without too many problems.

Class B

Class B Poleman Russell McCarthy after three bad meetings with head gasket problems got a great start to follow D class Tony Lees up round Copse and stay in position to the flag coming home fourth overall and first in Class B the weather to his liking.

Behind, Joe Parrington in the standard V8, having a great race among the C class and coming home second in class B and eighth overall with Peter Samuels third in class and tenth overall.

Max Cawthorn and Peter Barnard doing well in the conditions but lonely in class while Colin Jones and Rob Innes Ker had a near race long dice with Kevin Swann spinning but catching up by the flag.

Class A

Class Poleman Michal Pavlik again took lights to flag victory in class coming home twenty third overall after a well driven race.

He was followed home by Barry Proud second in class and Peter Hiscocks third, Brian Playford the last class and race finisher.

Congratulations go to Roy McCarthy

Overall and
Class D            Roy McCarthy
Class C            Peter Dubsky
Class B            Russell McCarthy
Class A            Michal Pavlik

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Race report – 25^th July 2010 – MSCC Mallory Park – Round 5

The Morgan Sports Car Club meeting at Mallory Park was only partly supported by Morgans as the Silverstone Classic was over the same weekend. In addition on the programme were Jaguars, Formula Ford, Monososto as well as the MGCC Peter Best. The Mallory paddock had been slightly enlarged since my last visit and the area around the lakes had been cleared of growth to the edge of the water and I found another interest in feeding the baby ducks who could now wander into the paddock unheeded.

Mallory Park has a 1.350 mile circuit and we had a 15 minute practice and 15 minute race starting late on Sunday morning with an 11.17 practice and a 15.55 race start. The weather forecast had been for possible wet conditions but again luck seems to have held and we had a warm but cloudy and dry day.

The Thoroughbred race had a grid of 23 in the programme but Roger Connel still has problems with his gearbox so had to pull out a couple of days before but late entries from Rob Spencer and Barry Holmes put the final total to 24 on the day. We had two new drivers to the Championship and racing in the form of Martyn Clews in a Midget who had entered in Class B but has been designated as a Class A entrant and Ben White in an MGB V8 who is in Class C.

Practice was completed reasonably successfully by 22 of the 24 drivers with Edwin Driver having major terminal problems with his engine and retiring on lap three and Russell McCarthy losing water and retiring on lap four just about managing pole in class. Edwin unable to sort out his problems but Russell changed his head gasket and hoped for a better result in the race.

The drivers were spread into four classes now having Four in Class A with the inclusion of Martyn Clews Three in Class B, Eleven in Class C and Six in Class D

THE GRID

Overall Pole went to Tony Lees with 53.715 in his Morgan + 8 but Tony spectacularly won the Morgan Challenge race by coming over the line on three wheels when his hub let go so was unable to take up his position, therefore Andy Green in his similar Morgan took control of the front row on a 53.796. Row two Simon Garrad in his D Type Replica on a 53.896 alongside C class Pole Josh Files in his TR6 on a 53.977.

Row three Roy McCarthy in his MGBGTV8 hoping to manage a 15 minute race on a 54.222 alongside Jon Ellison in his TR6 on a 54.235. On row four the D type of John Wilkes on a 54.548 alongside the Morgan + 8 of Sharlie Goddard with a 55.236 and just behind on Row five Jerry Knight and Tim Falce in their D Type Replicas with 55.303 and 55.421 respectively.

Row six Kathleen Sherry’s spot who was also unable to take it up after an incident in a previous race and Rob Spencer on a 56.414. On row seven Russell McCarthy on a 56.732 alongside Joe Parrington on a 56.764 and on row eight Roger Whiteside on a 56.918 alongside the vacant spot of Barry Holmes who had bees buzzing about in his engine after a gear selection mister Mena in the Peter Best practice.

On row nine A class Pole Michal Pavlik in the Morgan 4/4 with a 58.642 alongside Bob Lines in his MGA on a 58.668 and on row ten the TR6’s of Jeff Hooper and Rob Roodhouse on a 59.201 and 1.00.380 respectively.

Row eleven Barry Proud on a 1.02.736 alongside the vacant spot of Edwin Driver and completing the grid new drivers to the Championship Ben White on a 1.03.238 and Martyn Clews on a 1.04.766.

The grid now slightly diminished to 20 after the withdrawal of four drivers.

THE RACE

The grid pulled out onto the circuit and slowly round to take up positions for the green flag lap which completed successfully and they assembled to take the start. Red lights turned off and the field stormed away Andy Green leading with Simon Garrad slipping in behind as they went round Gerards and into Charlies. Behind Josh Files, Roy McCarthy and Jon Ellison with Sharlie Goddard on the outside and Rob Spencer and Russ McCarthy putting down the power making up places. A slight touch put Sharlie momentarily onto the inside then she gripped on the grass and dived across the track through the cars in front of Rob but safely onto the outside of the track to retire.

By the time they returned to the start finish Andy was still in charge with Josh Files now second and Simon Garrad third with Jon Ellison closing having passed Roy McCarthy, next John Wilkes, Tim Falce, Rob Spencer, Jerry Knight and Joe Parrington leading class B with Russ McCarthy slowing to retire with another failed head gasket. Jeff Hooper getting faster by the race up into twelfth with Roger Whiteside and Rob Roodhouse next then Michal Pavlik leading Class A, Bob Lines, Ben White, Barry Proud and finishing the field Martyn Clews.

Andy led for the first seven laps with numerous challenges by Simon who finally got through to lead from laps eight to fourteen of the seventeen lap race but a failing alternator put him back to sixth by the flag, Andy still there to take the well deserved win. Jon Ellison dived through at the hairpin on lap two to take third place only to loose out on lap three with a drive shaft failure putting him off track at Devils Elbow.

At the flag Andy Green took the Overall and D Class win just holding off the TR6 of Josh Files who took the C Class Win both putting in their fastest laps on 16 and 17 when Andy could see Josh wide in his mirror. Roy McCarthy picked up third with John Wilkes, Simon Garrad and Jerry Knight fourth, fifth and sixth.

Joe Parrington took the B class win and Michal Pavlik the A Class win both with lonely races.

Class D

Andy Green took an early lead without competition from his fellow Morgan driver Tony Lees but Simon Garrad hassled him and passed to make a three and a half second gap until his alternator caused his electrics to fail and he fell back to fifth by the flag. Roy McCarthy came home third in the race and second in class after being unable to catch the leading battle. John Wilkes and Jerry Knight brought home the class after good but lonely class races.

Class C

Josh Files took control from the lights but a dive through at Shaw’s Hairpin on lap one put Jon Ellison in charge of the class until his demise on lap three with drive shaft failure. Sharlie Goddard after a blinding start was unable to continue after coming off at Gerard’s on the first lap. Behind Tim Falce stayed mid field having a few laps mixing it with D class Jerry Knight until Tim lost out and slipped back and Rob Spencer got on his tail to hassle and pass him on lap 12 where Rob remained to the flag. Roger Whiteside had a good race coming home just a few seconds behind Tim at the flag and Jeff Hooper was just fifteen seconds behind. Newcomer Ben White in the MGBV8 finished the class happy with his achievement for his first race. Rob Roodhouse pulled off on lap three after gearbox problems found him revving too high causing engine problems.

Class B

Class B Poleman Russell McCarthy has been having head gasket problems and despite changing the gasket between practice and race, it went again on the first lap so he pulled off. Joe Parrington took control of the class to take the win and Bob Lines in his MGA had problems and pulled off after seven laps. Martyn Clews who was noted as a Class B driver will be included in the A class.

Class A

A class pole Michal Pavlik in his Morgan 4/4 remained at the head of the class to the flag with Barry Proud coming home second and newcomer to racing Martyn Clews finishing the field after, he says, an enjoyable race.

Congratulations go to

Overall and
Class D            Andy Green

Class C            Josh Files

Class B            Joe Parrington

Class A            Michal Pavlik

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Race Report – 26 June 2010 – AMOC Brands Hatch – Round 4

The AMOC mid summer meeting at Brands Hatch was on the Indy circuit and Thoroughbreds had taken one of their grids as had the Morgan Challenge and together we filled the bottom part of the outer paddock and were the two largest grids of the day.  The Indy circuit is 1.1986 miles and we had booked a twenty minute race.  It was an early start as a 7.50 signing on and scrutineering was on the timetable with a 10.05 practice and from early morning the sun was hot with an afternoon temperature of 84 degrees and a few red faces.

Scrutineering was a little difficult as AMOC scrutineers always seem to find something that no other scrutineer has ever found during all the previous race meetings but all the cars eventually got through after a considerable amount of discussion and debate.

The Thoroughbred race had a very healthy 24 in the programme but a late entry on Thursday by Roy McCarthy and an even later one on Saturday morning by Jonathan Edwards put the final number up to 26.  We had another invited driver in the race, Simon Crompton in an AC Cobra, who was racing with AMOC in the Intermarque and wanted to see if he fitted into the Thoroughbred race.  He certainly did and managed to get pole.

Most drivers completed full practice with no problems, Simon Crompton in the AC Cobra deciding he had done enough after nine laps and came in. Tim Falce ran out of fuel, Russell McCarthy had a hole in his oil cooler and Colin Jones had a hole in his catch tank.  Russell made a trip home to get another cooler but Colin couldn’t fix his catch tank and pulled out from the race.  The grid now down to 25.

These drivers were spread into four classes with just one Class A, four Class B, eight Class C and twelve Class D.

THE GRID

Overall Pole went to the red AC Cobra of Simon Crompton with a 54.714 who sat alongside D class Pole Philip Goddard in his Morgan Plus 8.  Row two Roy McCarthy feeling so good on his steroids (unfair advantage !!!) that he had entered the race and made a 55.096 which put him next to newcomer Simon Garrad in his Jaguar D type Replica with a 55.460.  Row three another newcomer Daniel Lee, (still with his cross on) in the ex Peter Henry Morgan + 8 with 55.488 alongside old timer Chris Acklam in his similar car with a 55.532.

Row four C Class Pole Josh Files in his TR6 with 55.680 alongside Andy Green in his Morgan + 8 with a 55.844.  Row five Jeremy Knight in his D Type Replica with a 56.147 sitting alongside B Class Pole Russell McCarthy in his MGB Roadster with a 56.670.  Row six Tony Lees in his Morgan Plus 8 with a 56.702 alongside Simon Cripps in his MGB Roadster on a 57.135.

Row seven John Wilkes in his D Type Rep. with 57.186 next to late entry Jonathan Edwards in his Morgan Plus 8 on a 57.209.  Row eight Sharlie Goddard in her Morgan Plus 8 on a 57.226 alongside Timothy Falce in his D Type Replica with a 57.349.  Behind on row nine Colin Jones vacant spot  but Barry Holmes taking his place in his MGBGTV8 on a 57.678 and behind on row ten ‘arch rival’ Rob Spencer in his MGBGTV8 on a 57.725 next to Rob Roodhouse in his TR6 on a 57.729.

On row eleven Roger Whiteside in his Morgan Lightweight on a 57.737 alongside Jeff Hooper in his TR6 on a 58.740.  On the penultimate row Championship Sponsor John Yea in his MGB on a 59.246 alongside Phil Lambe in his TR6 on a 59.320 and  finishing the field Joe Parrington in his MGBGTV8 with a 59.397 alongside A Class Pole and only contender Michal Pavlik over from Europe for the meeting to race the Morgan 4/4 on a 1.02.389.

It was set to be an exciting race with the first twenty one on the grid being within three seconds of each other.

THE RACE

From the collection area the grid pulled out onto the circuit and straight round taking the Green flag lap and all reassembled, the red lights came on and off and away they stormed with Phil Goddard initially taking the lead up to druids from Poleman Simon Crompton but Simon snatching it back before the start of the first lap.

Next  Roy McCarthy, Simon Garrad, Chris Acklam and Daniel Lee.  Simon Crompton was hounded by Phil Goddard for five laps until Roy passed Phil to take second position slowly pulling in Crompton and powering past him on the start finish line on lap fourteen to take the lead which he held until lap seventeen when he had a wobbly at Druids and then the heat and his body said ‘enough’ and he pulled into the pits.

Further down the field C class Poleman Josh Files held on for three laps until his fan belt came off and Rob Spencer took control of the class until he lost out and Tim Falce took the class lead.  Russell McCarthy B class pole had a fast but lonely race managing to pass all the C class cars and come home tenth behind all but one of the D class with Simon Cripps second among the great mid field battle.  Michal Pavlik had a good but lonely A class drive.

Class D

Simon Crompton in the 1964 AC Cobra headed the D class with hard chasing Phil Goddard for four laps hanging on behind, Roy McCarthy a few lengths back waiting for his chance.  By lap four Roy had pulled Phil in and made his move and passed on lap five to chase the Cobra.

Behind great race long battles were developing between Chris Acklam and Daniel Lee with a few lengths further back Jerry Knight, Andy Green and Tony Lees.   Chris Acklam managed to hold off Daniel for 20 laps until Tony Lees, who had worked his way up through the battling Jerry Knight and Andy Green to hang on the tail of Daniel Lee passed Daniel on lap 21 to come home fifth in class behind Chris.  Simon Garrad came home third after a consistent but reasonably lonely class race.

Jerry Knight and Andy Green battled to the flag to come home seventh and eighth.  John Wilkes a little further back in front of B class Russell McCarthy and Rob Roodhouse finishing the field one lap down.  Phil Lambe a D class non finisher after he lost oil and had to retire on lap five.

At the front of the field the AC Cobra of Simon Crompton came home for the Overall win and Phil Goddard had a well deserved second place followed in by Simon Garrad.  Roy McCarthy breaking the Thoroughbred lap record on lap nine in his efforts before his retirement.

Class C

After C Class Poleman Josh Files pulled off on lap three second place Rob Spencer took the helm with Tim Falce, Jonathan Edwards, Barry Holmes, Sharlie Goddard and Roger Whiteside set for a fantastic race.   However, there were a couple of B class cars who wanted to join in the fun.

Firstly Russell McCarthy pushed himself through passing Tim on lap six and frightening Rob Spencer into a mishap on lap seven putting Rob back down to fifth in class.  Russell then shot off leaving them to it.   By lap ten Tim Falce was in control of the class and the mid field battle with next B class Simon Cripps, Barry Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Sharlie Goddard and Rob Spencer.

These six cars running nose to tail for the whole race with Sharlie pulling herself through to second in class and Rob Spencer coming back up to third by the flag.  Roger Whiteside and Jeff Hooper a little further back.  A fine C class battle with Tim Falce taking the class win and Sharlie getting ‘Drivers’ driver of the race’ for her efforts taking second in Class.  Josh Files getting fastest lap just before he lost his fan belt on lap three.

Class B

B Class Poleman Russell McCarthy look class lead from lights to flag despite a hard few laps from a charging Simon Cripps until Simon got engrossed in the C class battle and Russell pulled away.  Colin Jones missed out on his race after a water problem in practice.  Joe Parrington had a lonely race not getting to grips with the race in his usual style and John Yea brought home the field in fourth position.  Russell got fastest lap on lap eight.

Class A

Only one in Class A, Newcomer Michal Pavlik in a 1600cc Morgan 4/4 who had a fine race and managed twenty laps.

Congratulations go to

Race Winner      Simon Crompton
Class D             Philip Goddard
Class C              Timothy Falce
Class B              Russell McCarthy
Class A              Michal Pavlik

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Race Report – 6^th June 2010 – MGCC Silverstone Historic GP

This year’s MG Car Club’s premier meeting was for the first time held on the Historic Grand Prix Circuit with a length of 3.1940 miles, which for many club drivers would probably be the first and only time they would compete here. The track was mostly finished but the majority of the circuit had building works in progress in preparation for the British Grand Prix on the 11^th July and access to the stands and viewing points was limited.

The race was to be of 20 minutes duration on Sunday afternoon’s programme with the practice starting at 11.37 and a massive grid of 37 drivers entered. Among these were a couple of invited drivers who wished to race on the grand prix circuit but were not included in our points or awards. One guest in particular causing a bit of a stir in a Knobbley Lister Jaguar Replica.

35 drivers managed to complete the majority of practice with only two drivers appearing to have problems. However there was a lot of activity in the paddock after practice with drivers trying to find extra performance.

The drivers were spread into four classes with 3 Class A, 8 Class B, 13 Class C and 11 Class D. The practice had been on a dry track and the race was also on a dry track but with very black clouds forming.

THE GRID

Pole position went to the Yellow D class V8 of Roy McCarthy who had postponed his medical treatment in order to get some naturally produced Adrenaline, his thoughts convincing him it would do more good, he managed a 2.10.638 and sat alongside 2009 Champion Chris Acklam in his Morgan +8 on 2.11.085.

On row two the Knobbley Lister with Eike Wellhausen with a 2.11.440 alongside Andy Green in his Morgan +8 with 2.11.482 and behind on row three Phillip Goddard (Happy 18^th Anniversary Sharlie!) with 2.11.706 sitting alongside C Class Pole Josh Files in his TR6 with a 2.12.217.

Row four newcomer to TSCC Simon Garrad in his D Type Replica with a 2.12.924 alongside a slower than normal Tony Lees in his Morgan +8 on a 2.14.624. Behind on row five B Class Pole Russell McCarthy in his MGB on a 2.14.994 alongside Jon Ellison in his TR6 with 2.15.202.

On row six Jerry Knight and John Wilkes in their D Type Replicas with 2.16.227 and 2.17.404 respectively and on row seven Peter Barnard and Dave McDonald with 2.17.571 and 2.17.954. Row eight Max Cawthorn in his MGB with 2.18.433 alongside Colin Jones in his MGA Twin Cam on 2.18.688.

Row nine, halfway through the field, Barry Holmes and Tim Falce and on row ten Rob Roodhouse and behind Richard Abels and Joe Parrington on row eleven. Row twelve John Yea and Chris Forrest with Ulrich Vierhaus and Graham Paddick on row thirteen. Row fourteen Roger Whiteside and Bob Lines and on row fifteen Kathy Sherry. Row sixteen another newcomer to TSCC and A Class Pole Michal Pavlik in a Morgan 4/4 on 2.25.129 next to Robert Innes Ker. Row seventeen Jeff Hooper and Anders Lotsengard and on row eighteen Peter Hiscocks and Peter Dumelow and finishing the field Brian Playford.

THE RACE

Green flag lap following the Safety Car then a quick five second assembly and the red and they were off the roar of thirty five engines storming up to Copse heard over the speakers and the excited voices of commentators Andrew Wilkins and Paul Goodman telling us of the order.

Past Copse Roy took the lead followed by Chris Acklam with the massive field following round to Becketts and, as they returned to Bridge and Priory, Roy was still just in front but now had newcomer Simon Garrad close in second place, then Chris Acklam. Next a flying Jon Ellison and Josh Files then Phil Goddard, Tony Lees and Jerry Knight. Just behind Andy Green, John Wilkes and a hesitant Eike Wellhausen waiting to put his foot down hard with Russell McCarthy just on his tail.

The race continued for a further eight laps with the same pace and excitement with the lead changing on lap five, when Roy slid wide at Brooklands and repositioned to fourth place as they crossed the line. Eike now in front with Simon Garrad and Chris in second and third.

The final order still Eike but Roy managing to pull himself back to second just in front of Simon Garrad, then Josh Files, Phil Goddard and Chris Acklam all within seconds as they crossed the finishing line.

Class D

A great D class grid full of surprises with the entry of Simon Garrad in his D Type Replica and Invitation Eike in his Lister Knobbley Replica making the front of the field so challenging.

From the lights Poleman Roy McCarthy took the lead with Chris Acklam close behind. By lap two Chris had dropped back behind Simon Garrad who was now hard on the tail of Roy returning to Priory on lap three, Roy out of shape but managing to just stay in front. Chris Acklam waiting for his chance to pass.

Lap four another out of shaper at Brooklands nearly put Roy on the grass but he recovered into fourth place behind Chris, Simon and Eike.

Eike putting on the power to take the Race Lead after diving past both Chris and Simon. Eike stayed in front to take the flag despite a pass by Simon on lap seven. Eike and Simon battling for a couple of laps giving Roy the chance to power past Simon to take second and hold it to the flag.

Chris Acklam losing his fourth place on lap six to the battling TR6’s and Phil Goddard. Phil having a great dice with the two C class TR6’s until one spun off at Brooklands. Tony Lees a lonely mid class and behind a near race long battle with Andy Green, Jerry Knight and John Wilkes, Andy just pulling away by the flag.

The D class TR6’s of Dave McDonald and Rob Roodhouse finishing the class with Peter Dumelow’s race finishing on lap 2.

Class C

The C class battle started straight from the lights with Poleman Josh Files and ‘loose cannon’ Jon Ellison staying in close contention, lapping at D class times and staying within the D class front battle, having a great close race for five laps until Jon spun out leaving Josh driving his socks off to lead the class to the flag.

Further down the field Tim Falce was heading the front of the B class battle for the whole race and Barry Holmes was never far behind it, the two C and two B cars having a great race long dice.

Richard Abels, Graham Paddick, Roger Whiteside, Ulrich Vierhaus, Bob Lines, Kathy Sherry and Jeff Hooper all finished nine laps but spread out having lonely class positions.

Class B

B class Pole Russell McCarthy stormed away to lead the class until lap two when his prop shaft expired and he pulled off. Colin Jones then took the helm with Peter Barnard who had a fantastic race long battle from lights to flag with Colin managing to hold off Peter but Peter taking the fastest lap in his efforts.

A little further back Max Cawthorn had a lonely class first half until he was caught by the Gulf coloured MGBV8 of Joe Parrington who he managed to keep off until the last lap when Joe passed to take third in class.

Chris Forrest, John Yea and Rob Innes Ker had good but lonely class races but all managed to complete nine laps to finish their races.

Class A

Only three in Class A and Newcomer Michal Pavlik in a 1600cc Morgan 4/4 took Pole to lead the class from lights to flag. Regular competitor Peter Hiscocks in his MGA came home second and Brian Playford in his MGB came in third all enjoying their experience on the Silverstone Historic GP Circuit.

Congratulations go to

Race Winner      Eike Wellhausen
Class D    Roy McCarthy
Class C    Josh Files
Class B    Colin Jones
Class A   Michal Pavlik

Pam McCarthy

The MGCC flagship meeting held this year on the Silverstone Historic GP Circuit will be over the weekend of the 4th 5th and 6th of June and the Motoring Classics Thoroughbred race will be on Sunday 6th.  There is a packed programme of events with practices on the Friday and Championship Races on both Saturday and Sunday.   There are 40+ drivers on the grid for the TSCC race and we look forward to a fantastic weekend.

Come along and see for yourselves.  Weekend tickets on the gate or on line at www.mgcc.co.uk are £35 and individual day tickets are £20.

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Race Report – Saturday 8^th May 2010 – MGCC Oulton Park

Second meeting of the Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Championship arrived at Oulton Park for the late spring MGCC meeting on the International Circuit. The weather forecast was accurate and was for damp and dull conditions and a chilly breeze.

Twenty five drivers had entered for this round, but on the day for practice only twenty one had made the grid and Rob Roodhouse had to practice out of session. Steve Watton had called saying he had problems with his engine and Alan Charlton and Kathy Sherry had withdrawn.

The race was to be of 20 minutes duration with the practice starting at 09.01 which for the majority of drivers finished successfully apart from Tony Lees who had brake problems and came in after one lap and Peter Dubsky who had travelled over from Switzerland to race his D type replica only to slide off and damage the front end badly on the first lap of practice.

The Motoring Classics Thoroughbred race was number two on the days programme and was scheduled to be before lunch but again things didn’t go to plan. The Trophy race was the first race and damage had been caused to some barriers which had to be put right before we could go out and race. After assembling in the collection area we were all told to come back after lunch, during which time they would fix the circuit. Quite a clever move by the MGCC as this allowed the full programme to proceed, without any reduction in the race lengths. However a few drivers complained about the excessive adrenaline that was needed for this process and wondered if they could muster up another lot after lunch!

The 21 drivers were spread into four classes with the only class A driver Peter Hiscocks entering late and asking where all the other A class cars were. There were four B class cars, six C class cars and ten D class cars. The practice had been on a damp track but the race was dry for the race.

THE GRID

Pole position went to D class Chris Acklam on a 2.11.169 some five seconds faster than his front row companion Philip Goddard on a 2.16.579 both in their Morgan + 8s

On row two Roy McCarthy with a 2.16.658 alongside C Class Pole Rob Spencer on a 2.19.470 both in their MGBGTV8s. Row three Josh Files in his TR6 with a 2.20.051 alongside D Type Jerry Knight on a 2.21.165. On row four John Wilkes in his D Type on a 2.21.795 next to Tony Lees Morgan having sorted out his brake problem, on a 2.21.929.

Class B Pole Russell McCarthy in his MGB on row five with a 2.22.340 alongside Joe Parrington MGV8 with a 2.24.066 and on row six Roger Connel in the TVR who had been working on ignition problems right up until Friday evening with 2.24.625 alongside Philip Tisdall’s Morgan on 2.24.857.

On row seven John Yea in the MGB with a 2.27.904 next to Peter Dumelow in the TR6 with a 2.28.190 and on row eight the Morgans of Ulrich Vierhaus and John Emberson on a 2.28.371 and 2.28.821 respectively. Row nine Sharlie Goddard in the Morgan with 2.29.421 and Bob Lines MGA with 2.33.085.

At the rear of the field the Morgan of Roger Whiteside on 2.38.932 alongside A class Pole Peter Hiscocks on 2.40.603 in the MGA and at the back joining the grid after testing out of session Rob Roodhouse in his D Class TR6 still suffering from engine problems.

THE RACE

Green flag lap following the Safety Car then a quick five second assembly and the red lights extinguished and off they went, round Old Hall Corner and into sight with Chris leading the pack closely challenged by Phil Goddard and Roy McCarthy with Jerry Knight and a charging Tony Lees just behind and C class Josh Files a few lengths back.

Class D

Lap two the field had started to string out but it was still the two Morgans of Chris and Phil leading with the MGBV8 of Roy just behind and now Tony on a mission up from eighth on the grid with Jerry in his D Type in fifth and then John Wilkes and John Emberson with the TR6 of Peter Dumelow still getting to grips with his car further down the field. The last two D class entries Rob Roodhouse with his persistent engine problems and Roger Connel having gearbox problems both pulling off by the end of lap two.

Lap three the order at the front the same as they crossed the line and now Tony Lees crawling over the back of Roy as they went into Cascades Roy sliding into the gravel and unable to restart for a few seconds but rejoining now down to seventh.

Coming into lap four it was Chris Acklam and Phil Goddard with Tony Lees playing catch up, Jerry Knight, John Wilkes, Roy McCarthy, John Emberson and a little further down having a good race with other classes Peter Dumelow.

The order, lights to flag win by Chris Acklam with Phil Goddard and Tony Lees third just 100^th of a second behind by the flag, getting fastest lap on lap nine in his attempt. John Wilkes a lonely mid field after the retirement of Jerry Knight on lap seven with brake failure. Roy McCarthy next then John Emberson and last in class Peter Dumelow, who had a good dice for most of the race with C Class Whiteside and B Class Yea.

Class C

Josh Files in his TR6 got a great start and led his class holding off the Class D, D Types of Jerry Knight and John Wilkes for the majority of the race gaining class fastest lap and lap record on lap seven until his diff exploded on lap 8.

Rob Spencer then took up the honours, having run second in class from lap one maintaining a lonely race but continued to the flag to take the class win. Further down the field other class battles were between Phil Tisdall, Ulrich Vierhaus and Sharlie Goddard with both Ulrich and Sharlie passing Phil by the flag. The last of the C class drivers Roger Whiteside having a close battle for most of the race with D class Dumelow and B class Yea.

Class B

Joe Parrington took class lead after class Pole Russ McCarthy had a moment at Old Hall Corner actioned by a Morgan having a significant off and rejoining in front of him both very lucky not to find the barriers. Further down the field the two remaining B class drivers John Yea and Bob Lines maintained a healthy distance until Bob started to fall back with engine problems retiring on lap seven. John continuing and having a good close battle with Dumelow and Whiteside for most of the race.

Russell pulled himself up from sixteenth position to pass Joe by lap four to lead the class getting fastest lap on lap six. On lap nine he lost power with a distributor problem and pulled into the pits. Joe Parrington just behind, continuing to the flag to take the class win. The only other class finisher John Yea.

Class A

Peter Hiscocks a welcome return to the 2010 Thoroughbred series being the only entrant, led the class from start to finish and needs the rest of the A class to come out and join him.

Congratulations to :

Chris Acklam for Class D
Rob Spencer for Class C
Joe Parrington for Class B
Peter Hiscocks for Class A

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Race Report – Sunday 11 April 2010 – MGCC Brands Hatch

First meeting of the Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Season at Brands Hatch saw lots of familiar faces and a few new ones. The weather was very kind to us and the circuit was bathed in warm sunshine for the whole weekend.

Twenty drivers had gathered for this first round, numbers a little lower than usual but our normal gathering of Morgans were depleted to three dedicated ‘they go anywhere dot com’ Morgans who had travelled down from Snetterton where they had competed in the Morgan Challenge first round the previous day.

John Wilkes had finally made it in his Jaguar D Type replica after registering but not racing in 2009 and new member to the Championship in 2010 Richard Abels joined us with his Jaguar E type replica. Steve Watton was back with us again out now in his Lotus Elan S3, and in his MGB also registered to race the 2010 Thoroughbred Sponsor John Yea.

The majority of the days races consisted of MGCC Championships holding double headers but the Thoroughbreds had gone for a longer race of 30 minutes. The practice started at 11.30 and all drivers completed their practice with apparently no problems.

The Motoring Classics Thoroughbred race was number twenty on the weekend programme but 10^th on the Sunday and was due to commence at 15.25. However, things didn’t go quite as expected.

A series of red flags and accidents put the timetable very out of shape, nobody sure what this was put down to whether driver error or new track surface. Another incident which involved an air ambulance also caused a delay. The racing continued with all the fifteen minute races reduced to ten minutes and our 30 minute race reduced to 15 minutes.

The 20 drivers were spread into three classes as there were no entries in class A. There were six B class cars, seven C class cars and seven D class cars all up and raring to go for the race.

THE GRID

Pole position went to Roy McCarthy returning in his MGBGT V8 to his home circuit after an 18 month break with a 55.098 sitting next to 2009 Champion Chris Acklam in his Morgan + 8 with 55.346. Row two C class Pole Josh Files in his TR6 with a 55.528 alongside Andy Green with his Morgan + 8 on a 55.668 and on row three Jerry Knight in his Jag R D Type upgrading himself to class D with a 55.745 alongside John Wilkes in his similar D class car on a 55.797.

Row four saw B class Pole Russell McCarthy in his MGB Roadster returning from his two year stint with his Ginetta G20 to a more familiar ‘family’ group alongside Jon Ellison in his TR6 with a 56.062 and a 56.560 respectively and behind on row five Tony Lees who admitted to a bad practice on a 57.011 alongside Colin Jones in his MGA Twin Cam on a 57.153. Row six another familiar face but with a new car Steve Watton in his Lotus Elan S3 out for the first time with a 57.530 alongside Tim Falce in his Jag Ram D type on a 57.533 and on row seven Rob Spencer with a 57.609 next to newcomer Richard Abels with a 57.834.

Row eight Joe Parrington and Rob Roodhouse with a 58.080 and 58.365 respectively and on row nine Graham Paddick with a 58.424 alongside John Yea with 59.288 and finishing the field of beautifully prepared cars Bob Lines with a 59.940 and Jeff Hooper with a 1.01.051.

THE RACE

The red lights dimmed and Chris Acklam had a blinding start with Andy Green following him through Paddock with Roy McCarthy slotting into third place, up round druids Roy had a wobble and Jerry Knight, John Wilkes and Tony Lees went through. Next, heading Class C Jon Ellison with Class B leader Russell McCarthy hard on his tail.

Class D

Crossing the line for lap two it was still the Morgans of Chris and Andy with Jerry in his D Type in third but being hard pressed by the Morgan of Tony Lees and just a little behind John Wilkes in his D type and a recovering Roy in his MGBGT V8. The last D class entrant Rob Roodhouse down the field with problems pulling off on lap three. By lap five Tony Lees had come through to second chasing hard after Chris with Andy slipping back a couple of seconds but he now had Roy on his tail, Roy having pulled past both Jerry and John.

Lap six Chris and Tony still in front but Roy on a charge setting fastest lap to pull past both Jerry and John and Andy now at the back of the pack.

The class order stayed the same to lap ten when Andy pulled back past John Wilkes who had an excursion into the kitty litter and was now slipping down the field being passed by Jon Ellison, Josh Files and Tim Falce in Class C.

Chris Acklam took the win by .166 of a second from Tony Lees and Roy McCarthy came home in third despite a momentary pass on Tony and another tank slapper, much to the delight of the commentators and the gasps of the crowd. Jerry Knight came home fourth despite some fantastic hard driving followed by Andy Green and John Wilkes a little further down the field.

Class C

Jon Ellison in his TR6 got a good start and came round Paddock to lead the class and crossing the line for lap two it was still Jon with Tim Falce in the yellow Jag D Type being challenged and passed by Josh Files in his TR6 and Rob Spencer in his MGBGTV8 just behind. A little further back the E Type of newcomer Richard Abels and Graham Paddick in his Kougar and finishing the class field Jeff Hooper in his TR6.

Jon Ellison and Josh Files had a fantastic battle for the first five laps with Class B Russell McCarthy, Josh managing to pass Russell on lap five to hassle Jon, Tim Falce also getting past Russell to tag onto the back of the battle. Now the three C class cars fighting hard, Jon holding off Josh until lap fourteen when Josh dived past to take class lead and Tim dropping down the field after an out of shaper at Druids.

Further back Rob Spencer was having a good race dicing with B class drivers Jones and Watton and still further back Richard Abels and Graham Paddick were racing hard for the first nine laps until Richard started to ease out a gap. Jeff Hooper finished off the class field

Josh Files took a well deserved win gaining some three seconds on Jon by the flag. Rob Spencer third in class and Tim Falce coming home fourth and getting fastest lap and a new lap record for his efforts. Richard Abels, Graham Paddick and Jeff Hooper completed the class order.

Class B

Russell McCarthy for the majority of the race was up with the class C battle of Ellison, Files and Falce, and led the B class from lights to flag.

Further down the field Steve Watton out for the first time in his Lotus Elan was next up and kept Colin Jones at bay until second to last lap when he pulled off with oil problems, not as serious as first thought though. Colin continued for a further lap taking second in class at the flag. Joe Parrington came home third in class after a lonely class race and Bob Lines in his MGA came home fourth after a race long close battle with fifth in class John Yea in his MGB.

An exciting race right through the field, well driven by all with no red flags. Shame about the 15 minute drop in time but it was unavoidable under the circumstances.

Congratulations to Overall and Class D Winner Chris Acklam, Class C Winner Josh Files and Class B Winner Russell McCarthy.

Results:

Pam McCarthy