Classic and Competition Car 27 December 2012

Classic &Competition Car Issue 27!! December 2012

Classic Motor show - NEC

News Page 4

Birkett 6 Hour Relay RaceSilverstone

Page 11

Walter Hayes Trophy Silverstone

Page 14

Britcar in to the night raceDonington Park

Page 18

Archive Photo of the MonthPage 21

Classic Motor ShowNational Exhibition Centre, Nr Birmingham

Page 22

Tasman Revival MeetingSydney Motorsport Park

Page 38

Masters Festival DoningtonPage 27

Moat House Inn Classic car MeetPage 43

CONTENTS

Classic and Competition Car December 2012 2LanD Rover journey of Discovery at Autumn Classic Heritage Motor Centre GaydonThe Walter Hayes Trophy Classic Motor Show NEC

Brirkett 6 Hour relay© Simon Wright

© Pete Austin

© Mick Herring

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. Also keen on BRM

MICK HERRING

Mick’s first love is GT racing, including Historics, especially the Lola T70

JANET WRIGHT

Janet has been taking photos for many years and is also skilled in video

work. She likes Aston Martins.

EDITORIALThis month we have a report from the Classic Motor Show at the NEC. This show gets bigger and better every year, now taking 11 halls of the exhibition centre. However, with a show this large it makes it more difficult for the visitors to get round the entire show in one day, and not every one can afford to visit for more than a day. The organisers had arranged the displays

well, grouping similar clubs in close proximity. The layout of the Halls also let people start at one end and work round the show coming out the other end and still be near the main entrance. With the racing season now finished for this year, it has been fascinating to see the effort and commitment that classic and vintage car owners have put in to their motorsport. Many of the cars are unique and valuable and yet they are driven flat out, no quarter asked or given and yet the racing is clean, close and generally no contact. Racing as racing should be. Driving for pure enjoyment is well demonstrated by Tim Bishop who three wheeled his DKW F12 lap after lap, race after race even though not dicing with anyone - fantastic!

All content is copyright classicandcompetitioncar.com unless otherwise stated. All photographs are copyright the original photographer 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.

Front Cover. The Jaguar XJ 220C raced by David Brabham, John Nielsen and David Coulthard who won the GT Class at Le Mans in 1993 as displayed at the Classic Motor Show © Pete Austin

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Simon WrightEditor

Classic and Competition Car December 2012 3

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

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Austin 7 at Classic Motor Show NEC

© Simon Wright

Tim Bishop DKW F12 ahead of Tony Crates Ford Lotus Cortina Mk2

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News


Check out our new updated WEB site at www.classicandcompetitioncar.com regularly for additional photo galleries, wall papers and other additional content and join our Facebook Group Classic and Competition Car.

Mallory Park under threatAccording to its facebook page, Mallory Park racing circuit is facing a possible threat after local residents have complained to the local Council about the level of noise that comes from the circuit. Mallory Park was first opened in 1955 and in the past has hosted many major racing events, including the John Player Formula 2 Championship round of the European Formula 2 championship in 1972 which Dave Morgan driving an older Brabham BT35 took victory ahead of a young Nikki Lauda in a works March 722. The circuit has also hosted modern Grand Prix cars in the past, staging a round of the Aurora AFX British Formula One championship in 1978 when Bruce Allison in a March 781 won from Tony Trimmer in a McLaren M23 and Guy Edwards in another March 781.The 1.35 mile circuit is located in the village of Kirkby Mallory, just off the A47 between Leicester an Hinckley and is one of the shortest permanent circuits in the UK. The circuit has asked for people to support them by logging in to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Mallory-Park and leaving some positive comments to back the circuit in any applications which might try to restrict the number of days that the circuit can operate.

© Simon Wright



http://www.facebook.com/groups/143227192479860/

http://www.facebook.com/groups/143227192479860/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mallory-Park

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mallory-Park


Classic Motor Show

This was probably the most unusual car at the Classic Motor Show. The Cosmotron was hand built by Paul Bacon. The bubble canopy lifts by remote controlled hydraulic rams, allowing access to the 2 seater pearl white interior. The custom car is powered by a straight 6 engine and is based originally on a BMW Z3. The car drew large crowds to the National Street Rod Association’s stand at the NEC.Our report and photos from the show starts on Page 22

BTCC gets tough on unruly behaviour.

In an effort to improve driving standards, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is introducing an additional penalty to further punish unruly ‘on track’ behaviour next season.When a driver receives three penalties for on-track driving discipline offences (from a verbal warning upwards) they will automatically be relegated six grid places in the next race. This will be in addition to any additional penalties that might be applied. The grid drop will take place at the next available race. It will be continued to be applied on every additional third penalty that a driver may receive.

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright © Janet Wright

GT Racing proposed changes not popular with everyone.Stephane Ratel, SRO Motorsport's founder and CEO, has been the driving force behind the revival in GT racing Worldwide since the mid-nineties. He is strongly opposed to the proposition of a single GT class as proposed recently by the ACO and FIA for 2014.1) Need for stability - FIA GT3 is one of the most successful categories in motorsport, with 14 different manufacturers having developed and sold cars for this

class whereas the ACO GTE category has not enjoyed the same level of support2) GT Racing which brings together the World’s most prestigious manufacturers and Brands, should not only be considered as a sub category of prototype

racing but should be allowed to develop different classes to reflect different levels of development in the same way that Prototype racing has developed LMP1 and LMP2.

3) ACO GTE and FIA GT3 are meeting two different needs and any attempt to merge them will have detrimental effects on both categories. It would impose technical restrictions on GTE cars to balance performance, where the manufacturers want to have more liberal interpretations of the regulations. It would raise costs for GT3 teams and would would make some models uncompetitive by reducing the extent that they can be modified from the original road version.

This will mean that the new category will not answer the objectives as manufacturers who produce competitive road cars will want to compete under strict regulations which will reduce the chance of the less race adapted GT production car to run competitively.Instead SRO Motorsport proposes:1) To preserve the FIA GT3 concept of ‘balance of performance’ and extended wavers to allow a large variety of GT cars to be competitive regardless of their

original weight or shape.

To keep GT3 costs at an affordable level by controlling the increase of performance through a strict limitation to year-on-year developments.

2) To launch a new FIA GT2 category based on strict technical rules, with limited wavers and ‘balance of performance’ limited to success ballast. A category where GT manufacturers will prove through competition they can produce the best road going GT car.Strict production requirements would be maintained to avoid a potential drift towards GT1/GTP.

Should such a new FIA GT2 category be introduced, SRO Motorsports will consider running it in the Pro Category of its International Series in 2014.

Classic and Competition Car December 2012 6GT3 McLaren MP4 12C GTE Ferrari 458 Italia



Classic and Competition Car Facebook GroupWe now have a Facebook Group -

Classic and Competition Car - where you can join and keep up to date with additional Photographs, postings, and extra event photo galleries. We also plan to add video clips where

possible. Please feel free to add postings and photos and we look forward to hearing from you.We have also updated our web site and are adding extra photo galleries, so please pop by and

have a look on a regular basis to see what’s newwww.classicandcompetitioncar.com

Goodwood dates for 2013The dates for the two major motorsport events at Goodwood have been announced for 2013 and tickets are now available to purchase.

The festival of Speed is from Friday 5th July to Sunday 7th of July 2013. This is the 20th anniversary of the modern event. The Moving Motor show will take place the day before the Festival of Speed on Thursday 4th July 2013.

The Goodwood Revival is set for Friday 13th September to Sunday 15th September 2013

HRCD join forces with AMOC for 2013.The HRDC Touring Greats series have teamed up with the Aston Martin Owners Club Racing to stage a five event schedule starting at Silverstone in April and finishes in September at Snetterton.Dates are as follows6th April 2013 Silverstone National circuit 11th May Oulton Park international1st June Donington Park 14th July Brands Hatch Grand Prix28th September SnettertonJoining forces with AMOC will allow the ‘Touring greats’ series to move up a gear for 2013. The races for 1950’s and 60’s saloons will complement the grids that the AMOC currently enjoy.

The HRDC ‘AllStars’ calendar have only two confirmed dates for next year at the moment21st April Silverstone National circuit (part of the VSCC Spring Start meeting, due to be televised live by Motors TV) The other date is 13th July 2013 at Brands Hatch, on the short Indy circuit.For more information see their web site at www.hrdc.eu/index.html

© Pete Austin

Desire Wilson - Spice Cosworth SE90C Festival of Speed 2012

© Pete Austin

© Simon Wright



http://www.hrdc.eu/index.html

http://www.hrdc.eu/index.html

CWR Titan unveiled by Pete Austin Mike Luck from Redditch based Classic World Racing (CWR) unveiled the new CWR Titan Sportscar at the Classic Motor Show on 16th November. Following the merger in 2010 with TVR parts and service specialist David Gerald Sportscars, CWR set out to build a modern version of a 60's style TVR. TVR ceased production of their distinctive 2 seater sports cars in 2006. Although there had been speculation that the marque would return, confirmation came in August of this year that no more cars would ever be produced. With their engineering skills, parts and service knowledge CWR decided to offer an alternative. The Titan blends 60's style with modern V8 power to provide the ultimate driving experience. The car now unveiled will be available for demonstration early next year with production of an initial 6 cars commencing later in 2013. Mike added that there was still a lot of work to do but they were determined to present the car at the show to demonstrate what will be available. The Titan is priced at £69,995 and will come with full leather trim, air conditioning, electric windows and power steering. 420bhp is on tap from the all alloy GM LS3 3e engine.

(http://www.classicworldracing.co.uk/)


© Janet Wright © Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

http://www.classicworldracing.co.uk/

http://www.classicworldracing.co.uk/


LIVE PROMOTIONS LAUNCHES NEW MOTORING FESTIVAL

SYWELL CLASSIC - PISTONS AND PROPSMake a note in your diary for a new event in 2013. Pistons and Props is a brand new festival celebrating both classic cars and classic airplanes and will be held at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of September 2013. The aim is to incorporate all aspects of the vintage lifestyle in to the two day event, including fashion and entertainment.Sywell is the perfect location, in the heart of the country, with an aviation museum and art deco buildings, it is ideally suited to this type of event.

Classic car clubs are being offered the chance to display members vehicles over the weekend, while historic race cars and motorcycles will have the opportunity of live action on the airstrip.It is planned that vintage aircraft like the Spitfire and Tiger Months will give ariel displays, while static car displays, live music and a vintage Funfair will keep the crowds entertained on the ground.For more information, check out their web site at www.sywellclassic.com.

BTCC S2000 Award for 2013 season planned.There are plans to introduce a new award to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for next season, to reward the top performers in the older S2000 specification cars.S2000 cars have been the backbone of the grid since 2004 but they will play second fiddle to the latest NGTC spec cars which are growing in numbers BTCC Series Director Alan Gow commented: “There has been sufficient interest from competitors who wish to compete with current S2000 cars to warrant an award for their efforts – we made a commitment over two years ago for those cars to continue in the championship, albeit not with performance parity against NGTC cars. “Therefore we will award silverware to the top S2000 finisher in each race which will accumulate to an overall trophy at the end of the season. It means those teams, drivers and sponsors who are looking to eventually move up to NGTC machinery can still actively participate in the BTCC and benefit from its profile.

“It is important to stress this will not take the form of a separate points-based championship. However, we will announce the exact details and the name of the award in the near future.”

Jaguar XKSS ouside the Aviator at Sywell

© Pete Austin

Dave Newsham S2000 Vauxhall Vectra

© Simon Wright

http://www.sywellclassic.com/

http://www.sywellclassic.com/

© Mick Herring


Prescott Dates for 2013 announced.Home of the Bugatti Owners’ Club, the dates for 2013 have been announced for Prescott Speed Hill Climb. The season starts with the British and Midland Championship over the weekend of the 27th and 28th April 2013. The big event of the year for the club is La Vie en Bleu on Saturday and Sunday the 1st and 2nd of June 2013. The venue is turned into a part of France for the weekend, with CanCan girls, onion sellers and Gendarmes adding to the atmosphere and Sunday is predominantly French cars on the course, plus lots of French car clubs displaying in the orchard.

Next up is the Midland Championship on the 29th and 30th June 2013.The next event is one of the oldest running at the venue and has a different flavour to the hill climb. The Vintage Sports Car Club Hill Climb uses the original shorter course, by-passing the new loop added at Ettore’ bend. They will be in action on the 3rd and 4th of August 2013.The British Hill climb championship returns again over the weekend of August 31st and September 1st bringing all the drivers back to the course for their second visit of the year.Final meeting of the year is the American Autumn Classic over the weekend of 5th-6th of October 2013. For this weekend, the emphasis is on American motoring with Hot Rods and Custom cars on display in the Orchard.

Croft ready for Christmas StagesFinal event of the year for Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire will be the traditional ‘single venue’ Christmas Stages Rally held on Saturday 29th December 2012. Organised by Northallerton Automobile Club, the event has proved popular with both teams and fans in what is generally a quiet period in the motorsport calendar. In recent years thousands of fans have flocked to the circuit to escape the cold turkey of Christmas and enjoy some high speed action.The event has a reputation for attracting a large entry of competing vehicles, often more than 80 cars taking part, even including some ex-works World Rally Cars. Last years winner was Northallerton’s Kevin Procter in a Subaru Impreza (Pictured above). With just under a month to go to this years events, there are already 30 registrations received.Another benefit of this type of event is that it all takes part within the perimeter of Croft Circuit. This means that spectators can see the vast majority of all eight timed stages as well as visit the service area to see the cars being worked on between stages.Croft Circuit is located just outside Darlington All-day tickets for the event can be booked in advance for just £7 on the www.croftcircuit.co.uk website (this is compared to £10 on the gate). Admission for accompanied children aged 15 and under is FREE. Gates open at 8.00am with the rally action getting under way at 9.00am. More information about the Christmas Stages Rally can be found on the croftcircuit.uk website as well as Northallerton Automobile Club’s own www.northallerton-ac.co.uk pages.Please check with the circuit before traveling far to ensure the event is taking place, especially in bad weather. We do not organise any events and are not responsible for any changes to the event details shown above,

© Tony Todd

Northallerton's Kevin Procter, co-driven by Dave Bellerby, won Croft Circuit's traditional Christmas Stages Rally last time out

© Simon Wright

http://e2.ma/click/e0wte/apxbrd/qx6ceb

http://e2.ma/click/e0wte/apxbrd/qx6ceb

http://croftcircuit.uk/

http://croftcircuit.uk/

http://e2.ma/click/e0wte/apxbrd/6p7ceb

http://e2.ma/click/e0wte/apxbrd/6p7ceb

Birkett 6-Hour Relay Race Silverstone 27th October 2012 By Mick Herring.

Almost the end of the season and what better way to capture the essence of English grass roots racing than by witnessing the atmosphere of the 750MC's 62nd Anniversary Birkett 6-Hour relay race.With so many imaginatively named teams (of up to six relay cars each) from so many different championships and series, the ability to fill Silverstone's full

Historic Grand Prix circuit, which deletes the hard-braking chicane at Club Corner, is assured.The race doesn't feature the number of Austin 7 or Vintage car teams it once did but the profusion of "Lo-CostCaterField" ensures intense rivalry.From the Union Jack flag start and in spite of the contact of the first few laps, which saw some Caterham-style cars heading in early with nose-cones askew or the need to remove a flapping wing panel, the only safety car came at the end of the first half hour to retrieve veteran racer Dave Brodie's VW Vento, which had lost a wheel and came close to rolling.As ever, the organisers would have to adjust the handicaps to compensate for the 13 minute safety car period. First time entrants, Team OBR, took a well deserved scratch race win by keeping out of trouble from the start and maintaining a healthy early lead for most of their 145 lap total.


Winning Saker GT

Gail (Hill) Force Jaguar XJ40 Early Handicap Leader

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring


The team comprising the race starting Saker GT Coupe (Mark Burton, Graham Pattle and Eugene O'Brien all driving the car), Paul Rose's Saker Spyder and the Caterham of Graham Booth. The fight for second place was the annual battle between the Gold Arts Caterham team and the Hart Attack Clubmans-mounted team.Second would go the way of the Hart Attacks after The 2nd Radical, who had led the race initially but dropped back after an early incident, caught and managed to split the annual battle to take third place.The weather would play its part in the shape of a sudden, fairly short hail storm with 90 minutes remaining. Rendering the track very slippery it made it a gamble to stay out on slicks or relay a wet-tyred car and affected several close running teams in both categories.Giles Dawson, in his late brother's Trofeo Abarth 500, made good use of the transition back to a dry track for his late session by running a slick front and wet rear tyre combination. The Handicap race was won by the Dirty Half Dozen team of Danny Cassar, Steve Cassar, Gary Barlow (Protons) and Ashley Collin's Renault Clio who were 21st overall at 132 laps(153 gross laps), having taken control at the end of the first hour when Gail Hill finished her session for

the Six Potters Jaguar team.Two LoCost teams would occupy the next pair of handicap places, the Four Corners finishing 1 gross lap behind the winners and 42 seconds ahead of Three Northern Monkeys & a Southern Softy.

Graham Walden TVR Tuscan

The Start

Steve Cassar Proton Satria Handicap Winners Dirty Half Dozen

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

As darkness fell over Silverstone another entertaining Birkett Relay had fulfilled its yearly promise.

Classic and Competition Car December 2012 13 © Simon Wright

Cheng Lim Thunder Cobra

Dave Clark Renault 5 Giles Dawson Trofeo Abarth 500

Chris Smith BMW Mini Grass Cutting

© Mick Herring© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring © Mick Herring

The Walter Hayes Trophy Silverstone.By Simon & Janet Wright and Pete Austin.

The final race of the season at Silverstone was the annual Walter Hayes Trophy meeting for Formula Ford racing cars run over the short national circuit. This celebration of close racing is a fitting end to the season and drew a huge entry of over 120 cars. To add a little variety to the meeting, the HSCC also organised a closed wheel and open wheel race on both Saturday and Sunday.Saturday started overcast and damp, with light rain affecting early practice. The field was split in to heats on Saturday with the top drivers in each heat progressing to the semi finals on Sunday and there was a Progression race and a last chance race which allowed people who many have encountered problems in their heat another chance to qualify for the semi finals.The first heat was held on a damp track and Robert Hall driving a Mygale JS2000 was the winner. By the time of the second heat the track was dry and the sky was brighter. Ivor McCullough in a Van Diemen RF00 was the flag to flag winner. Heat 3 provided a close victory for Neville Smyth in a Ray GRS09 by just 0.109 of a second from Graham Carroll driving a Van Diemen RF91. Heat 4 saw the Spectrum 011B of Ben Norton win by 0.185 of a second after passing early leader Peter Dempsey in a Ray GR11 at half distance. Heat 5 saw Luke Rosewall disqualified for overtaking under a yellow flag and Josh Fisher won in a Reynard FF89. The final race of the day was won by Noel Dunne in a Van Diemen RF00.

© Pete AustinWalter Hayes Trophy winner - Tristan Nunez - Ray GR08


Mixed between the Formula Ford heats were the Open and Closed Wheel races. The Open Wheel race drew a good mix of Historic Formula 2 cars to head the field with the blue Chevron B34 of Andrew Huxtable showing plenty of speed to win easily from Jamie Brashaw in a Classic F3 March 793. The Closed Wheel race saw a nice mix of saloons and sports cars take to the track with the pretty Chevron B16 of Roderick Smith winning by over 42 seconds from George Daws in a Merlyn 6A while Mike Gardiner was the first Touring car to finish, in third place. At the other end of the field, the little DKW F12 of Tim Bishop was possibly the most entertaining car on track as most laps he took Brooklands and Luffield on three wheels, lifting nearside rear, then offside rear, then offside front as he pushed the early ‘Audi’ to keep up with the rest of the field.

Unfortunately he was not classified as a finisher at the end of the race.

SUNDAY REPORT by Pete Austin

In complete contrast to Saturday, heavy rain greeted everyone on Sunday morning. Although qualifying sessions were held for competitors in the Open and Closed Allcomer races track conditions soon deteriorated. With standing water on several parts of the circuit, track activity came to a standstill. After gallant efforts to sweep and pump the excess water and following a three hour delay it was decided to resume action at 1.00 pm.

In between the red flagged Progression race (won by David McArthur in his Van Diemen LA10) and the Last Chance Race (won by Ryan Hayes in a Van Diemen RF92) Andrew Shanley (Radical Pro Sport) lapped the entire field on his way to victory in the Closed Wheel encounter following the early smoky demise of Dave Coyne’s Ferrari 328.

It was then time for the first of the two semi finals. Peter Dempsey (Ray GR11) ran out the winner followed by Robert Hall (Mygale JS2000) and Joey Foster (Ray GRZ010 ) third. The second semi final was won by another Irish ace, Ivor McCullough in his Van Diemen RF00 followed by Oliver White (Van Diemen RF01) and an impressive Michael Moyers (Spectrum 011C).

Before the final the Allcomers Open Wheel race was won by Neil Harrison (Dallara F302) from Simon Hadfield in his Radio Luxembourg liveried Lola T330. The Historic Formula Ford Final which followed was won by Mike Gardner in his Van Diemen RF80 from David Wild’s Lola T200.

© Janet Wright

Open Wheel winner Andrew Huxtable Chevron B34 (No 18) laps Ian Pearson Lotus 61

© Simon Wright

Nigel Winchester Ginetta G4 leads Les Ely BMW 1800 and Steve Dunne Austin A35 in the Closed wheel race

Now it was time for the final and the much anticipated duel between three times Walter Hayes Trophy winners Peter Dempsey and Joey Foster, both of whom had gone well throughout the weekend. We weren’t to be disappointed with Foster soon latching onto the tail of leader Dempsey. Both exchanged the lead until the dramatic conclusion two laps from the end when they clashed whilst going through Becketts side by side with their races ending there and then. This allowed Teams USA’s Tristan Nunez (Ray GR08) to take a famous victory closely followed by World Endurance Championship driver John Martin (Spectrum 12) who passed Ivor McCullogh after the latter missed a gear on the final lap.

It was one of the most dramatic and exciting finals in the history of the Walter Hayes Trophy and organiser James Becket must have been very pleased in the way that everyone pulled together at the end of a difficult day. HSCC meeting secretary Alan Jones also thanked marshals, officials, drivers and spectators for their patience which was well rewarded.

Classic and Competition Car December 2012 16Allcomers Closed Wheel winner Andrew Shanley in his Radical Pro Sport

Semi Final 1 winner Peter Dempsey leads second place man Robert Hall

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

© Pete Austin

Ben Mitchell determined to finish his heat despite collision damage to his Van Diemen


© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

Mike Smith Porsche 911 RSR dicing with Stuart Scott Chevrolet Camaro Z28 in the Closed Wheel Scratch race on SaturdaySam Mcleod Van Diemen JL012K leads a group into Luffield during the heats

Nigel Dolan Van Diemen JL012K dicing with Kevin O’Hara Van Diemen RF01 during the heats Stephen Collyer Crossle 32F leads Simon Toyne Lola T200 in to Brooklands during the heats

Paul Barnes Ray GR06 and Neil Winn Van Diemen LA10 both spin at LuffieldStephen Bracegirdle Van Diemen RF89 and Andrew Smith Van Diemen FA73 battle

through Brooklands during the heats

Britcar Into The Night Race Donington November 3rdBy Mick Herring.The clocks at Donington were turned back for the second time in a week at the penultimate 2012 MSA Britcar Endurance Championship race.Two returning teams proved that neither men nor machines had lost their effectiveness during their time away, popularly taking the top two places.Following fours hours of intense racing, 2010 Britcar 24hr winners(with Gaw and Dryburgh) and former double champions Witt Gamski and Keith Robinson plus John Gaw in the MJC Ferrari 430GTC, after a thirteen month absence, took the flag nearly one minute ahead of outgoing champions and 2012 Blancpain Endurance Audi drivers Craig Wilkins and Aaron Scott in the GT3 Racing Dodge Viper.

Following two safety car laps racing began in earnest with Witt Gamski's Ferrari slipping back on cold tyres and full fuel with Craig Wilkins charging up from a ninth place grid slot.2012 Britcar 24hr winners, Richard Abra, (with Mark Poole and now sharing their new Aston Martin Vantage GT3) led by 11secs after 15 minutes of racing ahead of the Strata 21 Mosler, the Bailey/Schultz Ferrari and the Optimum Racing Ginetta G55 GT3.

As the race progressed the Ferrari and Viper pulled themselves towards the front until the thirsty Viper pitted for fuel and the first hand over to Aaron Scott.The race saw several safety car periods to retrieve broken down or gravel trap beached cars, bunching the field and teams taking advantage of these periods to top up another 25 litres of fuel some, including the Viper, on consecutive laps and thus ease their strategies.With daylight long since faded and approaching half distance this would be another race where weather played a significant part, a sharp shower of freezing rain witnessed several cars spinning off, including the Aston Martin and the Mosler, separately into Redgate's gravel. Both would resume but their race challenge effectively over.Many pitted in a flurry of tyre changing but they would be soon be in again to revert to their slicks as the track rapidly dried. The Ferrari/Viper battle raged for many laps but an off-track incident gave the race a new perspective when John Gaw brought the MJC Ferrari in for fuel.Stuck behind a breakdown truck in a full pit lane, the truck stopping to crane off a three-wheeled


Night-time 9th place Nissan

Unlucky Ultima Jonny MacGregor leads Jensen Lunn Chevron GR8

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring


Porsche and blocking his progress.The frantic shouts from the MJC team saw the truck move out of harms way but not without the loss of at least 30 seconds and the lead to the Viper.Their fate looked settled but the thirst of the Viper would ensure another fuel stop, their eighth, consequent lead reversal as Craig Wilkins prepared to get in.A giant-killing third place went to the Chevron GR8 of Chris Hart/Tommy Field.The Poole/Abra Aston Martin clawed its way back to fourth ahead of Flick Haigh's Ginetta G55 Cup, which she shared with Ryan Ratcliffe.

The Bullrun Lotus Evora of champions-elect Richard Adams, David Green and Martin Byford suffered a rare mechanical failure but lengthy repairs would see them uphold

Morcillo-Cintrano-White Mosler 13th in race, 2nd in championshipFirst of many passes between Viper and Ferrari . Hollywood-bound Craig Wilkins

Dodge Viper battles with Witt Gamski Ferrari

Scorching to early lead Abra-Poole Aston Martin Vantage

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring


Richard Withers MG B GT managed a time of 38.42 seconds

their honour and finish the race in twelfth, one place ahead of the much delayed Morcillo, White and Cintrano Mosler who secured second place in the championship.

.

Gamski passes into Redgate Hart-Field Chevron 3rd

Championship winning Bullrun Lotus EvoraThirsty Viper 8 fuel stops

© Mick Herring

© Mick Herring © Mick Herring

© Mick Herring


Archive Photo of the Month By Pete Austin.By winning the World Championship in Brazil this month Sebastian Vettel became only the third driver in history to win the title in three 'consecutive' years (2010-2012). He joins Juan Manuel Fangio (1951 and 1954-1957) and fellow German Michael Schumacher (1994, 1995 and 2000-2004) in achieving this feat. Michael Schumacher himself retired from Formula 1 for the second time after Brazil but this image shows him in his more successful Ferrari days at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone in 2004.

© Pete Austin

© Mick Herring


The Footman James Classic Motor Show.By Simon & Janet Wright with additional photos by Pete Austin

The Classic Motor Show was held at the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham over 3 days from the 16th to the 18th November 2012. This year the show was bigger than ever, covering 11 halls and included the Classic Motorcycle show in Hall 6. A record breaking crowd of more than 58,000 visitors, at least 8,000 more than last year, poured in to the show, with over 1,500 cars on display for them to enjoy. The majority of stands were organised by around 250 car clubs, whose members had arrived with the most fantastic selection of automotive history, from the mundane to the exotic.The halls were organised so that manufacturers models were kept together, so the one hall contained mainly Austin car clubs, another hall contained mainly Ford cars etc. The Classic Motor cycle show was placed right in the middle of the exhibition, with its own hall, containing around 300 bikes on display, as well as an indoor trials bike demonstration area and a “Wall of Death” show. Back in the car halls, there were plenty of stands selling everything that the car enthusiast could ever want, from

model cars and books, through to clothing and car accessories.Some of the high-lights of the show started with the display by the Veteran Car Club. There was a 1901 Toledo Steam Carriage, a 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile, a 1907 Lion Peugeot , a 1913 Mors 12/15 HP RX Tourer, a 1913 Vauxhall 16/20 h.p. Ascot Torpedo, and probably the oldest car at the show, a 1899 Daimler 6hp. One of the more unusual cars on this stand was the 1904 Humber Forecar which was built by Thomas Humber, a bicycle manufacturer who began building cars in the early 1900’s. It was a three wheel design with a bicycle handle bars and saddle

for the ‘driver’ and a large, comfortable arm chair fitted to the front for the passenger. The Coventry model was powered by a water cooled engine with a 2 speed gearbox and cost £85 when new. Another very old car was the 1899 Decauville Voiturelle which didn’t have a steering wheel but instead had a vertical steering armComing forward in time, on the next stand was a fine example of

a 1936 Brough Superior. And a couple of Railton cars.

Charity RidesThe Sporting Bears Motor Club were running their charity rides out of the back of Hall 12, where visitors could pay money to have a ride in a classic car or super car. Over the three days of the show they raised around £35,000 giving 1,000 rides in a range of

different cars. During the show, the Sporting Bears reached the million pound milestone and Colin Padley from Bristol paid £20 for a ride in a Bristol and also won a ride around Silverstone in a Ferrari. Colin is a regular contributor to the charity and reckons to have donated around £1,000 over the years.

A Lola T70 replica awaits passengers in the Sporting Bears rides for Charity

1904 Humber Forecar

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright


The Austin 7 was such a versatile car and was used as a basis for many different coach builders, some of which were one off designs. Many different examples were on display on the Pre-War Austin Seven club stand, from the two seater open sports cars to the more basic production Austin 7 saloon.

It seemed that the full history of Longbridge built cars were on display at the show. Various models from the Austin ‘Counties’ range were on show, Devon, Dorset, Gloucester, then coming more up to date there were Mini, Maxi, 1800, Princess 1800 and 2200 wedges, Allegros, 1100 and 1300 models in various guises, Vanden Plas, Riley etc and there was even a good display of Mini Moke models. The Mini Moke was originally going to be a military off road vehicle similar to the Jeep, but being based on the Austin Mini running gear and wheels it ended up with insufficient ground clearance for military deployment. Sold to the public, it gained popularity as a Beach Buggy utility vehicle in places like Australia, the Seychelles, America and parts of the Caribbean. Its other claim to fame was that the Moke appeared as a Taxi in the Village in the cult TV show “The Prisoner”There were many unusual very old and rare cars at the show.

1930 Supercharged A7 Ulster

Amongst the Austin 7 display there was tucked away a 1930 Rosengart L2 R5. Built in France by Lucien Rosengart, the car was a licensed copy of the Austin 7 but was all metric in design. Based on the A frame with tapered side rails and stronger cross members. It kept the 3 speed gearbox, but the magneto ignition system was replaced by a coil system.

Rosengart ran a works racing team between 1929 and 1931 which included some female drivers. The faster cars were fitted with a Cozette Supercharger. The LR2 achieved a class win in 80 of the 81 sporting trials it competed in and proved itself as a reliable car.

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon WrightCalifornian Moke


Silverstone Auctions NEC Classic Motor Show SaleThe auction held at the Classic Motor Show achieved over a 60% sale rate and brought in more than £1.1 million. The top seller was a beautiful Aston Martin DB4 which went for £224,000. Although there were plenty of exotic cars in the sale, some more normal classic cars also achieved much higher than expected prices. There were a pair of original Fiat 500 cars, both listed with a guide price of around £8,000. One was previously owned by Prime minister David Cameron MP and sold for £18,480 whilst the other reached £16,800.

A 1968 Morris Mini Cooper 998cc which had been restored to concours condition sold for £22,960. In 2011, the car won National Mini Show Class winner, Car of the Year award, National Mini Cooper Day 2011 - Beaulieu master class winner and Mini Fest 2011 - first class winner.

An original 1986 Ford RS200 sold for £103,040. Only 200 of this model were built to meet FIA homologation requirements. Six were classified as prototypes and 46 were dismantled as spares. Only 90 were converted and sold as road cars. This one is a rare Rally Specification model which had been in the hands of a collector and has only covered 1066 miles.A 1969 Porsche 911 wide body Speedster with only 12,000 miles on the clock sold for £66,080. Inspired by the 1950’s Porsche 356 Speedster, just over 2,000 of this model were built in 1989. Fitted with the 3.2 litre Carrera engine, producing 231 BHP it has a

0 to 60mph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of over 150 mph.

© Janet Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright


Classic Motorsport was well represented at the show, with the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC) and the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) both having large stands, displaying cars to represent the different categories of historic motorsport that they each promote. The HSCC stand was diverse in its selection. There was a 1975 Formula 5000 March Ford 75A-1 as driven by Alan Jones who later went on to win the World Championship.Next to this powerful single seater was a 1975 Martini Chevron B31 2 litre sports car which had won the HSCC Martini Trophy at the 2012 Oulton Park Gold Cup meeting driven by James Dodd. Other cars on the stand were the Auto Union DKW F12 Touring Car, A Porsche 924 from the 70s Roadsports series, an Austin Healey Sprite of Tony Davis from the Historic Roadsports Championship, a Ford Capri from the Historic Touring Cars and a Formula Junior of Justin Fleming. This represented the majority of the HSCC Championships and showed that the HSCC race meetings have something for every one, from racing cars to saloons and sports cars.

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

Alan Jones March Ford 75A-1 F5000


The Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) also had a nice range of vehicles on display to show that they cater for any vintage car built before 1940, not just Sports Cars. An interesting car was the American built 1915 Lenox Speedster 4-40, originally built in Massachusetts, USA. This open 2 seater sports car

has an unusual circular monocle windscreen, mounted to the steering column which will only protect the driver. The car is powered by a 4 litre 4 cylinder side valve engine and only has brakes fitted to the rear wheels, which are wooden with detachable rims.

Another unusual car on display was the 1912 Peugeot Bebe which was the first car designed by Ettore Bugatti. It was also the first miniature four cylinder car built on large production lines, and it had many advanced features in its design. The 6HP engine is an unusual design with the cylinder head, block and crank case all as a single casting, with the sump bolted on to complete the unit. The engine is mounted on an under shield to form a sub frame. It has a bore of 55mm and stroke of 90mm with two camshafts operating the valves on opposite sides of the cylinder head. The engine is splash lubricated and water cooled and the transmission uses an inverted cone clutch drive system with 2nd and 3rd gears operating via 2 enclosed concentric prop shafts which engage with appropriate bevel gears in the rear axle. 1st gear uses a step down arrangement. The rear suspension uses a reversed quarter elliptic rear spring and as normal for the period, the brakes only applied to the rear wheels. This car is the 88th built from a production run of 3150 all built between 1912 and 1914.

Bugatti on the VSCC stand

Lenox Speedster 4-40

Monocle windscreen on the Lenox Speedster 4-40

1912 Peugeot Bebe

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The Midland Automobile Club (MAC) which runs Shelsley Walsh hill climb course, had the stand next to the VSCC to promote the clubs activities for 2013. They had four different cars on the display to represent the different aspects of the club, ranging from a modern single seater, through a Mini Cooper and a GN-Spider II representing the sporting side, whilst the fourth car was the1966 Alvis TF21 Super Coupe which won the Concours D’Elegance at the MAC Classic Nostalgia meeting in July. This particular car has coachwork by Graber of Switzerland and is of aluminium construction.


The Toyota MR2 Owners Club displayed this superb Toyota 90C-V World Sports Prototype car which ran in the World Championship and at Le Mans in 1990. The main drivers were Geoff Lees and Johnny Dumfries but John Watson, Roberto Ravaglia, Hitoshi Ogawa and Auguri Suzuki also drove. The car is powered by a 3.576 litre V8 Turbocharged Toyota R36V engine which develops 800PS at 7000rpm giving a top speed of 220 miles per hour. With an overall weight of just 900kg and double wishbone suspension fitted with inboard coil springs, the car has stunning performance.

© Pete Austin

GN-Spider II

Alvis TF21

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© Janet Wright

The Rootes Group consisted of many famous British manufacturers such as Sunbeam and Hillman and most of these manufacturers had success in motorsport at some time in the past.The Sunbeam Alpine MKV 21 (Left) was one of six Sunbeam Alpines built for the 1953 Alpine Rally. This car was driven by Sir Stirling Moss and John Cutts with great success. In both the 1953 and 1954 events, Moss completed the route without a single penalty and was awarded the prestigious Coupe des Alpes. The 1954 event was the third straight success for Moss (Having competed in 1952 driving a Sunbeam Talbot 90) and Moss was awarded the Coupe des Alpes en Or (Alpine Gold Cup), only the second ever driver to receive this award.


© Pete Austin

Sunbeam Alpine - Stirling Moss ‘Coupe de Alpes 1954-54

Sunbeam ‘Monster’ Tiger (above)Team Fraser Race Tiger was run by the late Alan Fraser who ran a successful racing team with factory support with both Hillman Imp and Sunbeam Tiger models. Fraser was impressed with the Tiger after watching Bernard Unett winning in the 1965 Autosport GT Championship in an ex Le Mans Tiger. Fraser invited Unett to join his team and used the best bits from the Le Mans car in to a production bodyshell. This became known as the ‘Monster’ Tiger which Unett used to great effect to finish 2nd in the 1966 Autosport Championship and won the Freddie Dixon Trophy.The car has recently been restored and was entered in the Fordwater Trophy at this years Goodwood Revival meeting where Tom Dyer finished 6th. A podium place was on the cards until a bonnet latch came loose.

© Pete Austin


The Hillman Aero Minx.Another part of the Rootes Group produced the Hillman Aero Minx between 1933 and 1935 in 5 different body styles. The Streamlined Saloon (Left) originally sold for £245, while the streamlined two seater open tourer (right) went for the same price when new. The Aero Tourer (below left) was slightly cheaper at £225 when new. The Aero Minx was based on the standard 10 HP Minx chassis, with a streamlined aluminium body and steel wings and bonnet. This

made the cars a bit lighter than the standard Minx, which increased performance slightly.The Aero Minx also had quite a competition history winning lots of class awards at Brooklands during 1933-34 and in 1935-36 C. M. Davies took a couple of Premier awards in 1 hour Trials at Brooklands. But the models’ real strength lay in Rallies and Trials. In 1933 they took Silver and Bronze awards in the MCC London-Exeter Trial with W.P Uglow and J.E. Mellor both taking Silver and M.P. Tenbosch taking Bronze. In 1934 MCC London - Lands End Trial Mellor and Tenbosh did the same again. In 1934 the Aero Minx took the team award on the Welsh Rally with M. Biscombe and W.P Uglow won the Gold medal. They won many more awards during 1935 and 1936 with the last noted award going to G.R. Young who took Bronze on the 1938 MCC London - Lands End Trial. The long list of sporting achievements was displayed on the club stand at the NEC (Right).

Hillman Aero Minx Streamlined Saloon - winner Classic and Sports Car Special Award in the club awards 2012 © Simon Wright © Simon Wright

© Janet Wright


Audi ‘Ugly Duckling’ prototype replica.Star of the recent Audi television commercial, the 1933 Paul Jaray designed prototype was well ahead of its time. Unfortunately, its idiosyncratic styling was too futuristic for the public. It was met with disapproving look from the towns folk, supposedly scaring the horses and not liked by other drivers of the period. Audi did understand the potential for the concepts aerodynamic technology and engineering though, and Jaray’s influence can be seen in all Audi models since then. This replica was made for the TV advert and is powered by a 1400cc engine, probably from a Skoda Favorit© Janet Wright

© Simon Wright

In contrast to the ‘Ugly Duckling’, the 1938 Auto Union D-Type Grand Prix car was not met with ridicule. It too was an unusual design for the time, with its mid engine layout when the opposition were still front engined designs. Designer Robert Eberan von Eberhorst had retained the mid engine layout from the earlier Auto Union C Type designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche. Powered by an all alloy 2949cc supercharged engine producing 485 bhp and a total car weight of only 850 kg, the car had a top speed of 206mph. 1938 saw the

introduction of the new 3 litre formula, which the D-Type was built to comply with the new regulations. It was a tough year for Auto Union as driver Bernd Rosemeyer was killed early in the year during an attempt on the World Land Speed record. Tazio Nuvolari was brought in to replace him along side Hans Stuck and Nuvolari went on to win both the Italian and Donington grand Prix, while Hans Stuck won another European Mountain (Hill climb) Championship. In 1939 before the outbreak of the second World War, Nuvolari won the Yugoslavia Grand Prix and Hermann P Muller won the French Grand Prix.

© Pete Austin

© Simon Wright


The Bugatti Owners Club, who run the Prescott Hill climb course, put on a fantastic display of Bugatti on their stand. The 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Corsica Style Special Roadster which had been re-bodied in the mid 1960’s in the style of the famous Colonel Giles Corsica Roadster ‘La Petite Sezanne’ looked fabulous but the star was the 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Grand Sport in a red and black paint scheme.YP 8506 is a famous Bugatti Brescia as campaigned for many years by Hamish Moffat. Modern EB110 from 1991 was one of only 139 built. A couple of beautiful cancan girls were promoting La Vie En Blue weekend at Prescott.

1991 Bugatti EB110

1938 Bugatti Type 57C Corsica style Special Roadster Bugatti Brescia

1932 Bugatti Type 55 Grand SportLa Vie en Blue Can Can girls

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The Meguiars Club Showcase is their annual show within a show, where the best 16 cars from different shows held all over the country during the year are pitted against each other. An independent panel of experts pick the best of the show cars. Meguiars support various classic car shows during the year, and the best car at each show is brought to the NEC

and displayed on their stand. This year the selection was quite diverse with cars ranging from a 1959 Isetta 300 ‘bubble car’, a 1971 Renault 12 TL through a 1973 Citroen D Super

5 to an 1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 2 and a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. After voting the winner was a 1962 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe owned by Wayne McCarthy from Ireland. The car was first sold in Sweden and was not imported in to the UK until 2008. The engine was completely rebuilt and bored out to 1384cc and fitted with twin 34 carbs. A complete body off restoration was completed, air suspension and Porsche Fuch wheels fitted. This car came through from the VolksWorld Show 2012. Another of Wayne’s former cars was also in the top 16. An unusual 1967 Type 34 Karmann Ghia Razor Edge which he recently sold to Richard Percival. Only five points separated the top four cars.

© Pete Austin

1959 Isetta 300

Winning 1962 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe


1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

1967 Type 34 Karmann Ghia Razor Edge

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© Simon Wright

1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth engine (Right)


Photo Gallery from the show

Liberace’s 1931 Cadillac V8 Golf Tourer

There was a large Jaguar presence at the Show. This is a 1990 Jaguar XJ-S V12 H.E. Convertible Automatic Coupe1961 Mercedes Benz W198 300 SL. Developed from the Gullwing Coupe, only 1,858 built.

TVR Car Club laid out a grid of racing TVR sports cars. At the front a 1962 TVR Grantura Mk3 and a 1965 TVR Griffith 400

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right

© Pete Austin

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© Simon Wright


Clark Gable’s 1949 Jaguar XK120

Ferrari 166 Inter Coupe Touring Superleggera. 37 were built between 1948 and 1950 powered by a 1995cc V12 engine producing 110 BHP.

1940 Aston Martin Atom prototype

© Pete Austin

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

1952 Renault 4CV R1062 converted to R1063 Le Mans 845cc 55bhp.

© Janet Wright

© Mick Herring


Rare Ginetta G11 fitted with Ford V8 engine instead of normal MGB. One of only six built by Ginetta to full G10 specification

De Tomaso Guara Barchetta

Bitter CD 1973-9 Based on the Opel Diplomat chassis and fitted with 5.3 litre Chevrolet V8 engine. 390 coupes have been produced with only 2 CD’s in the UK. Top speed 131 MPH 0-60 in 10 seconds.

1963 BMW 700 Sport Coupe. Powered by a 693cc 2 cylinder horizontally opposed 4 stroke engine producing 32 BHP with the Sport boosted to 42 BHP.

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright © Simon Wright

© Janet Wright

Classic Motorcycle Show


Norton Commando JPN Replica 828cc 1974

Moto Guzzi

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© Simon Wright© Janet Wright


Hooper CapriAnother rare car at the Classic Motor Show was the Hooper Capri. Only 40 versions of this car were built, this being number 25. Hooper was a coach builder, and in the late 1950’s the market for coach built bodies was in decline, so Hooper decided to offer luxury upgrades to existing cars, and with the backing of Ford, they offered upgrades to the Consul Capri and Zodiac Mk3. The Capri upgrade included a re-designed Connolly leather interior, re-designed tail lights and front grill, a fully carpeted boot interior and the car painted in whatever colour the customer required. The basic upgrade started at £500 and with up to 40 modifications possible, the price could rise to over £1,000 on top of the

original car purchase price of £801 This made the cars very expensive and in two years only 40 were produced. There are only thought to be seven cars surviving. This car was supplied to Mrs Minnie Clarke of Woodford Green, London, in March 1964 at a cost of £683 12 shillings and 9 pence on top of the price of the basic car. At the same time, a new Ford Cortina Super Mk1 would have cost just £688.

Lancia Augusta Tipo 234 March SpecialThe Augusta first appeared in 1932 and is celebrating it’s 80th anniversary in 2012. This car belonged to the Earl of March (Freddie March) and was used by him in competition. It was one of the team cars that won the 1935 JCC meeting at Brooklands. Freddie and his friend Brian Lewis (Lord Essendon) drove the car to the 1935 Monaco Grand Prix, where Tazio Nuvolari gave it a quick trip round the circuit. He was impressed with the 1170cc supercharged performance. They then met Taruffi, a racing mechanic and driver who also had a tuned Augusta. A sprint race was organised between the two cars on the Moyen Corniche road above Monte Carlo. The March car was easily the fastest. In 1936 a hill climb was organised at the Earls home, Goodwood (The first Festival of Speed) where Freddie set the fastest time of the day.

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright

© Janet Wright


Saturday report NEW CAR JUST THE TICKET FOR THORNTON A new car has proved just the ticket for visiting British driver Greg Thornton at the big Tasman Revival classic motor racing meeting in Sydney this weekend. Thornton won both today's F5000 category races at Sydney Motorsport Park in his ex Stuart Lush McRae GM1 and says he couldn't be happier with his latest purchase. "I'm over the moon, " he said after leading home fastest qualifier and Friday race winner Andrew Robson in the second of today's six-lap races at the Sydney Motorsport Park. "I should have bought a Kiwi car years ago!" Thornton owns several classic racing cars but was forced to look for a new MSC NZ F5000 series mount when the ex Peter Gethin Chevron B24 and ex Sam Posey Surtees TS8 he has previously raced here were badly damaged by fire earlier this year. Both cars are being rebuilt but Thornton didn't want to rush the job so he bought the McRae, a car he is familiar with but only got to sit in for the first time on Thursday. The GM1, designed and built by acclaimed New Zealand driver and car designer/

Tasman Revival meeting Sydney Motorsport ParkNovember 23-25 2012

Visiting British driver Greg Thornton (McRae GM1 #22) leading Alan Dunkley (Lola T140 #42), Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) and Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) in the first F5000 race at the Tasman Revival meeting at the Sydney Motorsport Park © Fast Company/Grant Paterson


Triumph sports car line up TR4, TR3 and a

constructor Graham McRae, has always been a popular choice amongst MSC NZ F5000 series drivers. And now that he has driven one Thornton says he understands why. "It is very nimble, very responsive and talks to you as a driver in a way that other cars don't." Though the weekend's races do not carry points for the 2012/13 MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series, the meeting attracted a 17-strong category entry with a fairly even split of drivers from Australia and New Zealand and the balance made up Thornton from Great Britain and Eric Haga and US-based Australian Bruce Lesson from the United States. Top local driver Andrew Smith, driving the original ex Ken Smith Lola T332, was comfortably the quickest qualifier and went on to win the meeting's first F5000 category race on Friday from Thornton and giant-killing young Kiwi Alan Dunkley in one of the early high-wing Lola T140s, but Robson was forced to retire from the lead in the first of two races today (Saturday) with a flat rear tyre, meaning he had to start the second from P13 on the grid. That he was able to work his way back up to second place behind Thornton in just six laps proved he had the pace, but to his credit Thornton set the

fastest race lap, setting up a fascinating scenario for tomorrow's 12-lap F5000 category feature.Behind Thornton and Robson the field was fairly evenly matched with young gun Dunkley duking it out for the final poridum place with Australian Paul Zazryn (Lola T332), expat Kiwi Chris Lambden (McRae GM1), and fellow Kiwis Ian Clements, Russell Greer (both Lola T332) and Stan Redmond (Lola T333CS). Local category stalwart Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) was second quickest in qualifying but had throttle problems in the first two races. Eric Haga and Bruce Lesson also struggled with issues in the first two races but had them sorted for the third. The crowd favourite though? That had to be Alan Dunkley, the young Aucklander running where no Class A (for early model cars) have run before, despite damage caused by a spinning car on Thursday forcing he, his father Paul and a small group of helpers to miss the rest of the practice sessions as they repaired the nose cone and radiator. Brushing aside the early setback Dunkley set the fourth quickest lap time in the

Andrew Robson (Lola T332 # 63) qualified quickest and won Friday's race but was forced out of the first Saturday race by a puncture.

Chris Lambden (McRae GM1 # 27) leads Paul Zazryn (Lola 332 # 24) and Russell Greer (Lola T332 # 14) into the hairpin at Sydney Motorpsort Park)

© Fast Company/Grant Paterson



qualifying session on Saturday morning before finishing third in the first race, runner-up to Thornton in the second and fifth in the third. ROBSON TOPS ALL-AUSTRALIAN PODIUM IN SYDNEY F5000 FINAL

The hosts got their revenge in the 10-lap feature Formula 5000 final at the Tasman Revival historic motor racing meeting in Sydney on Sunday with Andrew Robson (Lola T332) topping an all-Australian podium. Melbourne man Robson set the fastest lap time in qualifying and won the first of the big biennial event's four F5000 category races on Friday but was forced out of the second on Saturday morning by a puncture, leaving visiting British driver Greg Thornton to win that race and the next in his newly acquired McRae GM1. Thornton also led Sunday's 10-lap final for the first three laps before his McRae's engine overheated, gifting the lead and eventual victory to Robson from fellow Victorians Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) and Chris Lambden (McRae GM1).

Lambden got an early jump on Robson off the line but Robson was back into second before the end of the first lap and Lambden was relegated to third by Paul Zazryn a lap later. Category young gun Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) was again in the hunt early on, only to have a ball-joint in his car's gear change mechanism break. Fellow Kiwi Russell Greer was also out early, in his case becasue of a broken brake caliper. That left two-time former MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series champion Ian Clements in fourth place ahead of an entertaining battle for fifth eventually settled in favour of David Abbott (Lola T430). With fellow series

Young Kiwi Alan Dunkley qualified fourth quickest in the repaired Lola T140 before going on to finish second in the first race on Saturday

Andrew Robson (#63) on his way to winning the race



stalwart Stan Redmond (Lola T333 CS) Abbott slowly but surely worked his way forward, starting 13th and pipping Redmond - who had been eighth at the end of the first lap and got to fifth by lap six - for fifth on the final lap. The other big mover in Sunday's race was US-based Australian Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) who was ninth at the end of the first lap but who got as high as fifth mid-race before being reeled in and shuffled back to seventh by Redmond and Abbott.The focus of the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series now returns to New Zealand with the next two rounds at the NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meetings at Hampton Downs in January. The series then heads south for the annual Skope Classic meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park in February.

Prepared by FAST COMPANY of behalf of the New Zealand Formula 5000 Association www.F5000.co.nz For more information about the 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series contact Ross MacKay on via e-mail on [email protected]


Russell Greer (Lola T332 #14) from Blenheim is one of the seven MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series drivers who competed at the 2012 Tasman Revival historic motor racing meeting in Sydney.

Alan Dunkley (Lola T140 #42) from Auckland.

Chris Lambden (#27) leading Paul Zazryn (#24), Alan Dunkley and Ian Clements.


© Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

© Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

http://www.f5000.co.nz/

http://www.f5000.co.nz/




Race 1 (Fri 6 laps)1. Andrew Robson 9:08.9903 2. Greg Thornton 9:15.7314 3. Alan Dunkley 9:26.9447 4. Chris Lambden 9:30.4474 5. Paul Zazryn 9:30.6675 6. Russell Greer 9:31.9548 7. Ian Clements 9:33.5357 8. Bill Hemming 9:47.4462 9. Lindsay O'Donnell 9:48.6710 10. David Abbott 9:57.4721 11. Phil Mauger 9:59.5539 12. Rod Carroll 10:00.3112 13. Jay Bondini 10:25.1200 DNF. Eric Haga, Stan Redmond Aaron Lewis Bruce LeesonFastest lap: Andrew Robson 1:30.1357*Race 2 (Sat 6 laps)1. Greg Thornton 9:16.5704 2. Alan Dunkley 9:20.5197 3. Chris Lambden 9:23.4111 4. Paul Zazryn 9:23.9656 5. Ian Clements 9:24.9776 6. Russell Greer 9:38.6667 7. Stan Redmond 9:38.8706 8. David Abbott 9:40.1687 9. Bill Hemming 9:47.4725 10. Rod Carroll 9:50.5962 11. Phil Mauger 9:58.6348 DNF. Aaron Lewis, Andrew Robson, Jay Bondini, Bruce Leeson, Eric Haga Fastest lap Andrew Robson 1:30.8665Race 3 (Sat 6 laps)1. Greg Thornton 9:14.1892 2. Andrew Robson 9:23.2945 3. Paul Zazryn 9:26.3968 4. Chris Lambden 9:30.6910 5. Alan Dunkley 9:31.2898 6. Ian Clements 9:31.6323 7. Russell Greer 9:37.5090 8. Stan Redmond 9:37.8186 9. Aaron Lewis 9:39.9789 10. Bruce Leeson 9:43.8000 11. David Abbott 9:44.9173 12. Phil Mauger 9:48.5595 13. Bill Hemming 9:50.0953

14. Lindsay O'Donnell 9:50.3617 15. Eric Haga 10:34.1020 DNF Jay Bondini Fastest lap: Greg Thornton 1:30.8805Race 4 (Sunday) 10 Laps 1. Andrew Robson (Lola T332) 15:39.6796 2. Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) 15:49.99303. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 15:57.94404. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 15:58.3667 5. David Abbott (Lola T430) 15:59.8065 6. Stan Redmond (Lola T333 CS) 16:00.3078 7. Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) 16:00.64818. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8)16:00.90479. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 16:16.3586 10. Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) 16:20.2618 11. Jay Bondini (Lola T332) 15:44.681412. Eric Haga (Lola T10) 17:03.8045 DNF Greg Thornton, Alan Dunkley, Russell Greer

All-Australian podium in the final Formula 5000 race at the Tasman Revival meeting in Sydney with (from left) second-placed Paul Zazryn, winner Andrew Robson and third-placed Chris Lambden.



Moat House Inn Classic Car meet, Alcester

Sunday 25th November 2012By Simon Wright.

A bright sunny Sunday morning in the middle of all the heavy rain showers brought a small but dedicated group of car enthusiasts out for the monthly car meeting at the Moat House inn, Alcester. The turn out was smaller than usual due to flooding in the area. The main A435 on which the pub is located was badly flooded only 500 yards up the road towards Birmingham. The flood was passable with care, but many classic owners would not bring their cars out in such conditions. Here is a gallery of some of the cars that did turn up.

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright © Simon WrightTriumph Herald Cadillac Triumph TR4

A pair of Mk2 Ford Escorts Rochdale Olympic


© Janet WrightClassic and Competition Car is published by simonwrightphotos.com E-mail [email protected]

© Simon Wright

© Simon Wright © Simon Wright© Simon WrightAustin 7 Triumph TR3

Lancia Delta Integrale Austin saloon





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Classic and Competition Car 27 December 2012