MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP

MGCC – DONINGTON PARK

ROUND 7

The Donington meeting was a ‘late entry’ on the race programme and there had been rumours that it would be cancelled. The grid was lower than usual with a turn out of only 20 possibly due because the Morgans were missing, having one of their Championship rounds at Castle Coombe.

The grid had three D class, ten C class, four B class and three A class and included in the total were five Invitation drivers who wanted to race at Donington and joined the Thoroughbred grid.

The weather forecast indicated rain at some time on most forecasts but no rain appeared and for the most part it was a dry and clear day. Practice for most was completed successfully although Jerry Knight problem and came in after only five laps but he managed to sort it out in time for the race.

THE GRID

Overall and C (I) Class Pole went to invited driver Mark Campbell in his TR5 with a time of 1.21.179 who sat alongside D class Pole John Wilkes in his Jag D Type Replica on 1.23.419. Row two, Russell McCarthy in the MGA on 1.23.753 alongside Jerry Knight in the Revival D type on 1.24.742.

On row three invited driver Chris Edwards in his TR6 on 1.24.887 alongside B class Pole Peter Barnard in the Elva Courier on 1.25.907 and on row four Ian Prior in the MGB on 1.25.991 next to Terry Holmes in the BGTV8 on a 1.26.320. Row five Joe Parrington on a 1.27.500 alongside Roger Connel on a 1.27.636. On row six Rob Spencer on 1.27.787 alongside Barry Holmes on a 1.28.254 and on row seven Bob Lines on a 1.29.180 alongside Invited driver Mark Rayment on 1.31.542.

Row eight invited driver Russell Martin on a 1.32.413 alongside Ben White on 1.36.491. On Row nine A class Pole Brian Playford on 1.36.873 next to Alistair Bell on 1.36.923 and finishing the field Martyn Clews on 1.38.483 next to invited Porsche driver Martin Rigney on 1.44.343.

THE RACE

From the lights Mark Campbell took off, quickly into the distance in a Class of his own. Behind class C Jerry Knight passed D class John Wilkes to have John on his tail and Russell McCarthy hanging on, the Jags pulling away on the straights and the nimble MGA catching on the corners. This battle went on for the whole race until in sight of the flag John left his braking a bit too late and slid off at the chicane but getting fastest D class lap in his efforts, leaving Jerry to take the battle and class C points win and Russell to take the D Class win.

Behind battles were in place with Terry Holmes and Rob Spencer, Terry holding off Rob to lap twelve when Rob took the second class place from Terry holding him off to the flag.

Peter Barnard held his B class pole to the flag in the Elva Courier with Joe Parrington in second Class position further down the field getting fastest lap but unable to make progress through the field once the gap had been made.

Class A invited driver Mark Rayment took the class honours, but class points went to Brian Playford who was followed home by Martyn Clews.

Congratulations to Mark Campbell who joined us for the Donington round for taking the Race Win.
To Jerry Knight for taking the C class win and commiserations to John Wilkes for his last bend of the race mishap passing the D class win to Russell McCarthy.
Congratulations to Peter Barnard and to Brian Playford for their B and A class wins
Commiserations go to Barry Holmes and Ian Prior for not making the chequered flag.

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP

BDC  – SILVERSTONE NATIONAL

ROUND 6

The usually popular BDC meeting on the Silverstone National Circuit was to be a two day event celebrating the Bentley Drivers Clubs 75^th Anniversary and was supported with a wonderful display of Bentleys and by many Morgans and MG’s and Vintage cars 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 racing as race No. 8 on the afternoons programme.

The weather forecast seemed to indicate rain at some point on most forecasts but apart from a shower early in the morning the day was bathed in sunshine with just a hint of a dark cloud now and again.

The Thoroughbred race had a grid of only 21 this year quite a reduction from our previous races but we had a healthy grid compared to some of the Sunday races. Two of the Thoroughbred drivers were on Invitation so would not get points for this round.

The 21 drivers were spread into four classes with Two in Class A, Seven in Class B, Seven in Class C and Five in Class D

PRACTICE

Practice for most was completed successfully although Keith Files would have a diff problem which he would manage to change before the race with the aid of Josh making the trip home and back for parts and Jerry Knight had a front brake problem which he also managed to sort out in time for the race. Peter Dubsky on his usual trip over from Switzerland had a few mechanical problems which were sorted with the help of his mechanic in time for the race. Ian Prior who currently leads the B Class had a mechanical problem that could not be resolved so was unable to compete.

THE GRID

Overall and D Class Pole went to Simon Garrad with 1.06.55 in his D Type Replica alongside Morgan + 8 driver on Invitation Tony Lees with a time of 1.08.10. Row two John Emberson in his Morgan Roadster on a 1.08.27 alongside the yellow Jaguar D Type Replica of Tim Falce on C Class Pole on a 1.09.33

On row three Graham Paddick in his Kougar Jaguar on a 1.09.780 alongside Russell McCarthy in the yellow 1950cc MGA with a 1.09.950. On row Four the 2010 Championship winning car (in his Sons hands) of Keith Files on a 1.10.110 alongside the E Type Jaguar of Richard Abels with a Q time of 1.10.390. On Row Five Invitation driver Robert Gate in his E Type on a 1.11.660 alongside B Class Pole Joe Parrington in the Gulf coloured MGBGTV8 on a 1.11.950.

Row Six Jerry Knight further down the grid after his brake problem with his D Type Replica on a 1.11.960 alongside Colin Jones in his Twin Cam MGA on a 1.12.080. Row seven the vacant spot for Ian Prior and Kathy Sherry in her Morgan on a 1.12.680. On Row Eight John Yea and Kevin Swann in their MGB’s on a 1.12.840 and 1.13.510 respectively and on row Nine Bob Lines in his MGA on 1.13.660 and Peter Dub sky on a 1.14.280.

On the penultimate row Terry Burrows in his MGB on 1.14.770 alongside A Class Pole Peter Hiscocks in his MGA on a 1.18.200 and finishing the field on row Eleven Martin Clews in his Midget on a 1.20.350.

THE RACE

From the lights Simon Garrad got the best line and took control up round Copse followed by Tony Lees and John Emberson. A few seconds back Richard Abels, Graham Paddick, Keith Files Tim Falce with Russell McCarthy hanging on just behind not able to repeat his Thruxton display. Next up, Robert Gate and Jerry Knight.

Simon Garrad gently pulled away from Tony Lees and John Emberson who had the closest of races from lights to flag, swapping places lap after lap with Tony leading for a few laps then John taking over finally Tony getting the win by a nats at the flag.

A couple of seconds further back a five or six car dice with Jerry Knight initially at the back pulling up through to lead the pack home after a great drive through and a great battle with Richard Abels and Tim Falce. Keith Files after rebuilding his diff managed to hang on to the battle for most of the race but spun at Luffield just in front of Russell McCarthy who managed to lock up and slide past without sideswiping him on lap thirteen, Graham Paddick also in the battle lap after lap until he slowed on lap eleven to retire.

In Class B Joe Parrington led the field initially challenged by Colin Jones but Joe pulled away to lead the class home and finishing as the last of the un-lapped. Behind a race long battle with places swapping between John Yea, Bob Lines, Kevin Swann and C class Kathy Sherry. Class A Peter Hiscocks having a bit of a lonely race as did Martin Clews in the Midget.

A fine race with Simon Garrad leading from lights to flag followed home by Tony Lees and John Emberson.

Congratulations go to Simon Garrad for his Overall and Class D Win,
To Jerry Knight for his Class C Win up from the back of the pack
To Joe Parrington for his Class B Win and
To Peter Hiscocks for his Class A Win.

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP 

MGCC  – THRUXTON – ROY McCARTHY MEMORIAL MEETING

ROUND 5

After many years the M. G. Car Club returned to Thruxton where it was to hold a special Memorial Meeting for Roy who had always loved the circuit and had one of his first races there using his road Mk 11 MGA 1622cc before he dedicated the rest of his racing career to preparing yellow MG’s and a couple of other sports cars. He had a few memorable races at Thruxton over the years and he always told me he thought it was the best and fastest circuit in England.

The Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Championship race had a very good entry of thirty three at the first Thruxton MGCC meeting for quite a few years.

The weather was beautiful, the spectators and the competitors were all in very good spirits. Some drivers had not competed at this circuit before so it would be an interesting experience for many of them.  Russell and Spencer would be out racing their Dads first and last MG’s, his MGA and his MGBGTV8 both previous race winning cars at this circuit.

The entries consisted of Three A Class, Eight B Class, Twelve C Class and Ten D class cars assembled for practice on the 2.3560 mile track and thirty one drivers would line up for the race.  Jon Ellison who had arrived with his TR4 and Invited driver Richard Evans in his FIA TVR both had mechanical problems and pulled out.

Practice Positions

Overall and D class Pole went to Russell McCarthy in the Yellow 1950cc MGA with a 1.29.852 and he sat alongside his brother Spencer in the Yellow MGB GT V8 with a time of 1.30.123, the qualification times showing Spencer only doing two laps but he assures me he completed at least five and ‘went for it’ quickly but the V8’s Transponder had been put in the MGA earlier in the year and he had forgotten to put one in the V8 so the timekeepers had started to time him a bit late and in the old fashioned way.

Row two saw Simon Garrad in his Jag D type replica on a 1.31.126 alongside C Class Pole Simon Cripps in his MGB GTV8 with a 1.31.366.  On row three Andy Green in the Morgan +8 with 1.32.050 with Tim Harrison in his Morgan 4/4 on a 1.32.399.  On Row four Tony Lees and Jonathan Edwards in their Plus 8’s on 1.32.527 and 132.894 respectively.

On row five, B Class Pole Ian Prior on a 1.33.591 next to Roger Connel in his TVR with 1.34.374 and on row six Jerry Knight on a 1.34.779 all alone.  Row seven saw Peter Barnard with a 1.35.164 and Simon Baines on a 1.35.437 and on row eight John Emberson with a 1.35.454 and John Wilkes with a 1.35.782.

On Row nine Rob Spencer with a 1.35.992 and Barry Holmes with a 1.36.073 and on row ten Tim Falce on 1.36.359 and Jeff Hooper on 1.37.137.  Row eleven John Yea on 1.37.212 and Colin Jones with a 1.37.909 while on row twelve Richard Abels on a 1.38.158 and Neil Cawthorn on 1.39.627.  Row Thirteen Graham Paddick with a 1.39.631 alongside Bob Lines with a 1.41.140 and on row fourteen A Class Pole Peter Hiscocks with a 1.42.011 all alone.

On row fifteen Bob Innes Ker with a 1.44.441 alongside Neil Fowler with 1.49.210 and on row sixteen Brian Playford on 1.49.716 and Ben White on 1.50.568 and finishing the field Invited FIA driver Ronald Hazell on a 2.11.545

THE RACE

I stood on the banking at the chicane with family, many friends and a great atmosphere and a lightness seemed to be over everybody.  I was apprehensive as the lights changed and Simon Garrad got the best start from the second row with Simon Cripps up into second position taking a dive down the outside and clipping back in front of Spencer who swerved, then Tony Lees with Russell behind.  Spencer now on a hard charge round Allard, Campbell, Cob and Seagrave to take back his lost position, next Jonathan Edwards, Andy Green and Jerry Knight.   By the return to the chicane it was still Simon Garrad heading the field with Spencer, Tony Lees and Russell, then Simon Cripps, Andy Green, Jonathan Edwards and Jerry Knight

Back around to the chicane with Simon Garrad heading the field and Spencer now chasing hard on Simons rear.  Tony Lees was third but Russell had decided he needed to be with the leaders so passed Tony on the outside at Noble to storm after his Brother who was still at the front and swapping places with Simon Garrad.   A hard battle for a few laps with Tony Lees and Andy Green but Andy had an overenthusiastic moment and displaced Tony and Jonathan Edwards crept past into fourth, Tony soon regaining the position but Andy’s race finished.   Tony and Jonathan had a fantastic battle from lap six with Jonathan hounding Tony lap after lap to the flag.

At the front Spencer and Simon were having a great battle with Russell a second behind watching and waiting when on lap six at Church Simon lost control and spun out, Russell then slowly reeled Spencer in passing him on lap eleven, Spencer taking back the lead by lap thirteen but one more pass at the chicane and Russell managed to take the Win by just .102 at the flag.  A McCarthy spectacle in honour of their Father.

Simon Cripps headed Class C from his blistering start but Jerry Knight kept him in his sights, Simon slowing slightly from mid race with a misfire, managing to hold Jerry off till lap twelve when Jerry passed to take the Class honours, Simon, just keeping second from Rob Spencer, with Tim Falce and Richard Abels fourth and fifth.  Jeff Hooper having a fine race and just making the last of the un-lapped in sixth as he crossed the line thinking he had taken the flag just as the flag was waved for the leaders.

Ian Prior put his stamp on class B from the lights pulling ahead immediately and keeping his distance from second place Peter Barnard.  Further back John Yea had a few close laps with Colin Jones before Colin retired on lap five leaving John a lonely class drive.  Further back the rest of the B class of Neil Cawthorn, Bob Lines, Rob Innes Ker were strung out until about lap ten when there seemed to be a gaggle of MGA’s and B’s coming round lap after lap in convoy with Neil Fowler in his MGC and A class Peter Hiscocks catching up on their rear and joining in.

An enjoyable race, appreciated by the crowds on the banking at the Chicane by shouts and loud applause as they all filtered into the pits.

• Congratulations to Russell and Spencer on their outstanding tribute to their Father – he would have been as proud of them as I am.
• To Jerry Knight for his Class C win
• To Ian Prior for his Class B win and to Peter Hiscocks for his Class A win

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP

MGCC – SILVERSTONE ARENA

ROUND 4

The fourth round of the Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Championship for 2011 was on the Silverstone Arena circuit, just two weeks before the British Grand Prix. Numbers had steadily grown in the three weeks before the closing date but by the race there were 40 entered on the grid.

This total included four Invited drivers for the day plus two MGA’s who were part of the MGA race. The weather forecast was for mixed weather even though there had been monsoon conditions overnight but by day we were not too badly treated with cloud and sun for the Saturday race.

Qualification

40 lovely cars turned out for qualification on a cloudy, breezy morning but with a dry track after the deluge overnight.

Josh Files was first out onto track followed by what I can only describe as the most wonderful collection of cars that I have seen on track for a long time. Jon Ellison was an early casualty as his diff went on the 1st lap which was unfortunate, Jon was offered the team Files spare but the Clerk of Course determined that as he had not done sufficient laps – for that read zero laps on the new track – and as there was no opportunity for him to qualify in another session then he would not be allowed to take a place on the grid.

There was a number of extremely quick cars out on the circuit not least of which was the Andy Green Morgan, Simon Garrad in his D-type (slight misfire hence his slower than usual pace), Simon Cripps in his beautiful MGB V8, Russell McCarthy in the team McCarthy yellow MGA roadster.

However, the 11.34 practice was red flagged after only ten minutes by a bad accident on the new GP pits straight when the MGA driven by Peter Garton crashed.

The rear n/s wheel dug into the Astro turf that had been put on the concrete between the track and the run off area and spun him round crashing into the pit wall, causing extensive damage to the car. Peter was taken to hospital but released late in the afternoon with severe muscle trauma. He is now doing OK and generally feeling better.

Three other mechanical failures were Russell McCarthy who had a couple of melted pistons in the MGA, Jon Ellison who as mentioned had a sheared Crown wheel and pinion and Ian Prior whose engine just said enough is enough and completely expired. Both Russell and Jon have now repaired their cars and hope to be at Thruxton and from past experience Ian will probably make it as well.

THE GRID

Pole went to C class Josh Files in his TR6 with an amazing 2.28.168 two seconds faster than D class Pole Andy Green in his Morgan +8 on a 2.30.190. On Row Two Simon Garrad in his D Type Replica and Simon Cripps with 2.32.505 and 2.33.599 respectively.

Row Three a lonesome Barry Holmes and behind Rob Spencer and Jerry Knight. On row Five John Wilkes alone who would have been next to B Class Pole Ian Prior and behind on row Six Max Cawthorn and Joe Parrington.

Row Seven Richard Abels and visitor to TSCC Joris de Poortere while on row Eight Series Sponsor John Yea and a one off race by Roy Chamberlain. On row Nine Graham Paddick and Rob Roodhouse with Colin Jones and Ken Patton on row Ten.

Sharlie Goddard and Tim Falce were on row eleven with ‘The Butcher’ Kevin Swann and Ulrich Vierhaus on row Twelve.

Guest Niall Campbell sat alongside A class Pole Peter Hiscocks on row Thirteen while Neil Cawthorn and Rob Innes Ker were together on row Fourteen. Row Fifteen the empty spot for Peter Garton so Bob Lines spread out.

On Row Sixteen newcomer and Registered driver Chris Astley alongside Ben White and on row Seventeen Jeff Hooper and Guest Richard Line.

On Row Eighteen one of the MGA Race drivers Graham Coles alongside Barry Proud and on the penultimate row Brian Playford and Roger Connel. The second MGA Race driver finished the grid Brian Ireland.

THE RACE

An excellent start by Simon Garrad saw him lead into Copse from the off followed by Andy Green, Simon Cripps and Josh Files with the rest of the field battling for places all the way down the order with the best gaggle involving Colin Jones, John Yea, Roy Chamberlain, Joris de Poortere, Ulrich Vierhaus and Rob Roodhouse that had multiple overtaking manoeuvres, some dodgy moments for a few of them under brakes into Brooklands and they were all separated by a mere 20 seconds at the end of a very entertaining 30 minutes of racing.

There were a number of notable movers up the field during the race and these were:

• John Wilkes from 10th – 5th
• Tim Falce from 22nd – 10th
• Rob Roodhouse from 18th – 13th
• Roger Connell from 38th – 20th finally sorting his gearbox problems out.

However, it was events up at the front that captured my attention for the whole race as by the end of the first lap it was Simon Garrad from Josh from Andy from Simon Cripps after Josh had managed to claim back two of his lost places from the start.

Both Simon and Josh were going at it hammer and tongs with the more powerful Jaguar enjoying success on the straights and the well handling Triumph enjoying success in the twisty bits and there are a lot of them on this new circuit. The lead pair continued to swap places throughout the race and how they managed not to swap paint is beyond belief as both managed to get out of shape a number of times gifting the lead to the other but they always managed to be respectful to each other and give the errant driver space which is how it should be.

I was watching the race and monitoring the lap times from the BRDC centre (a friend is a patron and hosted us for the weekend) and there was rarely no more than 0.6 of a second between the two of them throughout the race. Lap after lap the pair entertained and on the last lap a decisive move was made by Josh in that silly new hairpin complex that saw him take the lead and hold onto it all the way to the finish line albeit by only 0.1, yes 0.1, of a second… this was a fantastic race and both drivers deserve high praise for such an entertaining race.

Further down the field there was a healthy battle for 5th place between John Wilkes and Jerry Knight in their D-Types with John winning out in the end; a good drive from John but Jerry is thinking about putting his old engine back in the car as it is faster although not as powerful apparently.

Tim Falce had a great charge from 22nd to take 10th overall having had to battle his way through the Colin Jones to Rob Roodhouse group; it was nice to see such a composed drive from Tim.

Towards the back of the field was another interesting battle between Neil Cawthorn, Tyrone (Ben) White, Robert Innes-Kerr and Richard Line which entertained as well with Neil heading the group home in the end.

Congratulations go to

• Josh Files for a fantastic effort and Overall win for Class C.
• Simon Garrad for a great close race with Josh to the flag, taking Class D, followed by Andy Green third, and Simon Cripps fourth.
• To Joe Parrington for Class B and for Peter Hiscocks for Class A.

Combined effort by Keith Files and Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP – DONINGTON PARK

MSCC Monday 30^th May 2011

ROUND 3

The third round of the Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Championship for 2011 was at Donington for the Morgan Sports Car Club meeting. Numbers were again a little low but the Morgans had turned out in their dozens so we had a couple of classes from the overflowing Aero Trophy race. The weather forecast was again for wet weather and again they were right.

Twenty Two Thoroughbred drivers had appeared for this round, and together with the D & E classes of the Aero Racing Morgan Trophy we had thirty one on the grid.

A cracked cylinder head on his TR6 on the previous day’s race saw Dave McDonald withdraw and Jeff Hooper also with a TR6 had a coil problem and withdrew.

PRACTICE

The Thoroughbred practice started at 10.48 in very wet conditions. Most of the drivers completed practice without apparent problems except the inability to get any power down. Roger Connel had a triple spin at the end of the straight and presumes that is where he lost his rear screen but completed two further laps and returned to the paddock before noticing.

All classes were represented, with one A class, four B class, eight C class and seven D class cars.

THE GRID

Pole again went to D class Simon Garrad in his D Type Replica. Simon’s time was 1.31.980 and he should have sat next to Russell McCarthy in the yellow MGA with a 1.32.527 but on the last lap of practice Russell lost oil pressure and change cars to his MGB so had to start from the back of the grid.

On row two Simon Cripps with a 1.35.888 alongside Andy Green with a 142.467. Row three a vacant spot for John Emberson but a Pole in Class B for Joe Parrington with a 1.47.366. On row four Ian Prior with a 1.47.821 alongside C class Pole Rob Spencer with a 1.47.894.

On row five Brian Gateson with a 1.49.235 next to Graham Paddick in his Cougar Jag with a 1.49.725. Row six saw Roger Connel with a 1.50.091 alongside Jerry Knight with a 1.50.180 and on Row 7 Richard Abels with a 1.50.955 alongside Kevin Swann with 1.51.163.

On row eight Sharlie Goddard with a 1.51.479 alongside Colin Jones with a 1.52.444. A couple of rows of Aero Morgans then on row eleven John Wilkes, with a 1.57.778 and on row twelve Peter Hiscocks with a 1.59.235. On row thirteen Bob Lines with a 1.59.491 next to Rob Roodhouse with a 2.00.522. On row fourteen Ben White with a 2.00.888 and finishing off the Thoroughbred field Terry Holmes with a 2.01.979.

THE RACE

In wet practice and a wet race, Poleman and Class D Simon Garrad stormed away hotly pursued by Simon Cripps, Garrad in front first round Redgate staying in front to the flag, Cripps pursued in second position driving hard also to the flag, these two finding the best grip in the wet conditions.

Russell McCarthy from the back of the grid now in the MGB flew through the field to be in fourth place just behind Andy Green on the start of lap two and he chased hard to be within four seconds of Cripps when his oil filter disintegrated and his race finished on lap four.

Andy Green held on to third despite being lapped by the two front runners on the last lap and Rob Roodhouse although being lapped twice came home fourth in class. John Wilkes was having a good dice with C class Graham Paddick until John retired on lap nine and the gearbox trouble recurred for Roger Connel on the start line and he was pushed onto the grass.

In Class C all started well for Rob Spencer until he had a moment on lap four and Jerry Knight took the class lead for a couple of laps when he also had a moment and Richard Abels took over. Richard kept Jerry at bay until the twelfth lap when Jerry passed to lead the class home to the flag. Down the wet field Rob Spencer and Graham Paddick had a few close racing laps with Graham just taking the flag in front of Rob.

Sharlie Goddard and Brian Gateson both had faultless but lonely class races.

Another near complete race of close racing between Ben White and Bob Lines saw Ben take the win once a few back markers disrupted the flow but generally a fine class race under difficult conditions

In Class B Ian Prior lead the B class from lights to flag keeping ten seconds in front of Joe Parrington with Kevin Swann having a few laps hard chase with Joe to come home third in class. Colin Jones coming in fourth having a good race with C class Sharlie.

A late entry by Peter Hiscocks in Class A made him the only class competitor and finisher. (Thank you Peter, there are more out at Silverstone in Class A!)

Another good race by all under difficult conditions.

Congratulations go to

Simon Garrad for a great drive from lights to flag taking Overall and Class D, followed closely by Simon Cripps second and Andy Green third.

To Jerry Knight for a well deserved Class C Win and to Ian Prior for a fourth overall and Class B Win and not forgetting Peter Hiscocks for bringing home the lonely A class.

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP – OULTON PARK

MGCC Saturday 7 May 2011

ROUND 2

The second round of the Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Championship for 2011 was at Oulton Park for the MGCC meeting on the International Circuit.  The weather forecast was for wet weather and Russell and I travelled up on the Friday evening leaving Banstead at 19.15 and can confirm it was correct.

I was towing for the first time in around 20 years,  simples,  when on the M42 approaching the M5 we hit a massive electrical storm.  I followed with trepidation the lights of an artic in front making sure that I kept directly behind him with wipers going at full pace not able to see anything other than his lights.  Duck to water came to mind at this point, after about half an hour it eased slightly and we continued arriving for a welcome drink at around 23.30 in the Ian Prior ‘Clubhouse’.

Only seventeen drivers had appeared for this round, including one who actually entered on the day.

There should have been 18 but a test session on Friday had caused an engine blow up for our very newest driver Neil Fowler in an MGC who has just started racing.  The race was to be of a 20 minutes duration with the practice starting at 09.36 in cloudy but dry conditions. Fifteen drivers completed practice without problem with Simon Cripps having an oil leak and pulling off and Jeff Hooper also having a problem and only completing two laps.

The Motoring Classics Thoroughbred twenty minute race was number four on the list, second race of the afternoon.   The 17 drivers were spread into three classes, B, C and D.   There were three B class cars, eight C class cars and six D class cars. The practice had been on a dryish track but the race was definitely wet.

THE GRID

Pole position went to D class Simon Garrad returning after his engine failure at Brands caused by a broken camshaft.  Simon in his Jag D Type Replica gave an impressive time of 1.58.943 and he sat next to Andy Green in his Morgan + 8 with a 2.02.236.  Row two Russell McCarthy in the yellow MGA with a 2.02.698 alongside C class Pole Rob Spencer with a 2.03.149.

On row three B class Pole new to the Thoroughbred Championship this Season Ian Prior in his MGB Roadster on a 2.06.351 alongside Roger Whiteside in his Morgan Plus 8 with a 2.06.661.  On Row four Sharlie Goddard on a 2.06.854 alongside Ulrich Vierhaus with a 2.06.984 both in their Morgans and on Row five Joe Parrington on a 2.08.139 next to Simon Cripps both in their MGBGTV8s.

Row six Roger Connel in his TVR with a 2.08.292 alongside Dave McDonald in his TR6 with a 2.08.434 and on row seven Rob Roodhouse in his TR6 with a 2.08.699 alongside Jerry Knight in his out of tune D Type Jag on a 2.11.302.  On the penultimate row Bob Lines in his MGA Twin Cam with a 2.12.216 next to the Roadster MGV8 of Ben White with a 2.20.182 and finishing off the field Jeff Hooper in the repaired TR6 with a 2.41.960.

THE RACE

Two Green flag laps following the Safety Car to get used to the wet track then a slow five second assembly and the red lights extinguished and off they went Simon Garrad getting a good start with Andy Green and Russell McCarthy from row two also diving through round Old Hall Corner and into sight hard on Simon’s tailpipe.   A wet race saw Simon Garrad being unable to get his 4 litres of power down and Russell McCarthy whose more nimble but less powerful car managing the conditions better with Simon not being able to get his power down until the last few laps.

Russell passed to take the lead on the first lap, Andy Green disappeared when his fuel pump gave up and he ran out of fuel leaving both Russell and Simon to storm ahead of the rest of the field.  Behind a lone third place was kept from start to finish by Rob Spencer despite a valiant attempt by Simon Cripps to catch him clawing in some nine seconds from start to the finish line.

The majority of the field were well spaced out but a fantastic dice from lights to flag by Joe Parrington and Ian Prior saw positions swapping and a hard fought battle with Ian taking the class win.  By lap six of the nine lap race the rain lightened and Simon clawed back nearly two seconds to arrive on Russell’s tail at Cascades and tried to power past but lost control on the still damp track leaving Russell to take the flag, Simon re-joining to take second.

Non finishers being Andy Green with fuel problems and Roger Connell with gearbox problems unable to get out of first gear on the line.

Congratulations to Russell McCarthy for a fine drive in only his second race in the car taking Overall Race and Class D Win, to Rob Spencer for his Class C Win and to Ian Prior for his hard fought Class B win.

Pam McCarthy

MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP – BRANDS HATCH

MGCC Saturday 9^th & Sunday 10^thApril 2011.

Round 1

Brands Hatch saw lots of familiar faces for the first meeting of the Season for the Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship. The weather was very kind to us and the circuit was bathed in hot sunshine for our 30 minute second race of the day scheduled for just before Lunch.

Numbers were small compared to some of our meetings in 2010 with only sixteen entered as our normal gathering of Morgans were depleted to only two who were pleased with the early race time allowing them to travel up to Snetterton where they were to compete in the Morgan Challenge first round the next day.

The majority of the Saturday’s races were non MGCC events consisting of Porsche GT3, HRDC Grand Touring Greats, Equipe GTS and a double header for the MG Trophy. The Thoroughbred practice started at 9.20 and all drivers completed their practice but there were quite a few problems. The main MGCC Championship races were to be on Sunday.

PRACTICE

Practice was reasonably successful for most of the competitors However, would-be Poleman Simon Garrad in his D Type replica had major engine problems and returned to the paddock after eleven laps to return home early. Sharlie Goddard completed practice but found she had a split in her fuel tank so also retired taking an early trip to Snetterton to find Phillip who was now upgraded to the top Morgan class. Ben White in his MGB V8 had clutch problems and retired on lap three also unable to compete.

Russell McCarthy out for the first time in the yellow MGA only managed five laps when the half shaft gave out but a borrowed shaft put him back on the grid. Simon Cripps in the MGBGTV8 had fuel problems which were sorted just in time for the start, so all together a difficult set of circumstances for the first race of the Season.

The grid now reduced to thirteen with C class Jon Ellison in his TR6 taking the outside of the front row with a 55.397 with Jerry Knight in his D Type Jag on the inside of row two with a 55.630 next to Simon Cripps MGBGTV8 on a 56.457.

Row three saw D class Roger Whiteside in his Morgan Roadster with a 57.101 alongside the MGBGTV8 of Rob Spencer with a 57.120. On row four B class Peter Barnard in his Elva Courier with a 57.258 alongside B/D class Russell McCarthy in the ‘hairy canary’ MGA on a 57.360.

Row five saw the vacant spot for Sharlie but the D Type Rep of Tim Falce with a 57.782. Row six Colin Jones in the Twin Cam MGA on a 58.218 alongside Championship sponsor John Yea in his FIA spec MGB on a 58.446. On row seven, new to Thoroughbreds Ian Prior in his MGB with a 58.930 alongside Bob Lines in his MGA on a 59.170 and finishing off the grid a late welcome entry by Peter Hiscocks with a 1.01.293 in his MGA.

THE RACE

The red lights dimmed and Jerry Knight from the second row stormed off to lead the field with Jon Ellison following him through Paddock and up to Druids followed by Simon Cripps, Rob Spencer, Tim Falce and Roger Whiteside.  Next the class B field of Russell McCarthy, Peter Barnard, Colin Jones, Ian Prior, John Yea and Bob Lines with Peter Hiscocks completing the field.

Jerry Knight pulled away for the first few laps from Jon Ellison but Jon kept pace and was never more than a second or two behind waiting to take advantage of a slip. His wait was not in vain for as Jerry exited Clearways on lap 19 he disappeared into a cloud of dust and Jon continued for the remaining seven laps to take the win after a well driven but lonely race four seconds in front by the flag.

Behind for most of the race great battles were taking place firstly with Simon Cripps, Rob Spencer and Russell McCarthy. Russell working his way up through the field to third by lap eleven to just hold off Simon who was never more than a second in his wake, Rob also fighting hard and keeping close in touch. There was some hard racing from Tim Falce and Roger Whiteside, Tim keeping Roger at bay for most of the race. Colin Jones and Ian Prior having a race long close dice Ian passing Colin on lap sixteen but hounded Ian to the flag.

It all went wrong for some, for which Jerry sincerely apologises, as once he was off circuit and before he was ‘cleared up’ out came the Pace Car on lap 20 and everybody closed up and gave the chasers a chance, Simon Cripps couldn’t get it together so slipped down to fifth with Rob taking third overall by the flag, Roger Whiteside passed Tim to come home fourth.

Congratulations go

To Jon Ellison for his Overall and Class C win and Lap Record,
To Roger Whiteside for his Class D win
To Russell McCarthy for his Class B win, (he is being upgraded to Class D for Oulton Park)
To Peter Hiscocks for his Class A win

Results:

Class A
Peter Hiscocks 1.00.397

Class B
Russell McCarthy 56.710
Peter Barnard FL 56.937
Ian Prior 57.929
Colin Jones 58.084
John Yea 58.877
Bob Lines 1.00.419

Class C
Jon Ellison 55.144 FL/LR
Rob Spencer 56.901
Simon Cripps 56.829
Tim Falce 57.301
Jerry Knight 55.446 DNF

Class D
Roger Whiteside 56.863

Pam McCarthy