MG Car Club
Oulton Park race report
With the summer break behind us, the MG Car Club arrived at a very wet Oulton Park for the penultimate round of 2016. We were pleased to be joined by the Sylatech Porsche Club Championship and Aero Racing Morgan Challenge once again. Despite the weather, everyone put on a great show for some spectacular racing performances. Report by Leanne Fahy, photos courtesy of Dickon Siddall.
MGCC MG Trophy Championship
Colin Robertson made light work of tricky conditions in the opening MG Trophy outing. Paul Luti led the way from pole position, however, Robertson soon caught the distinctive yellow MG ZR to replace him at the front.
A few dramas befell the MG Trophy paddock before the race. Problems with his race car and truck saw Luti forced to make some last minute changes, whilst others suffered problems during qualifying. An engine blow out for Rob Perkins sent Doug Cole into a spin, when oil on the track saw him lose grip.
With Robertson out in front during the race, Luti soon found himself under pressure from Graham Ross. Unable to fend off the charging 190 machine, Luti slipped to third for much of the outing.
Before long, Chris Bray entered the mix. Despite starting 25th on the grid, Bray managed to weave his way to a third place finish. Jason Burgess held on for a fourth place finish, ahead of Cole in fifth, who battled his way through the pack from the very back of the grid.
Luti landed in sixth place overall, to also claim Class B honours. Lee Sullivan followed Luti to second in class. Paul Croker was the man to beat in Class C, ahead of early class leader Matthew Turnbull and William Payne.
A red flag with just one minute 30 seconds left on the clock signalled an abrupt end to the final race of the day. It was Ross who claimed honours this time around, with Robertson close behind in second place.
Luti had led the way from pole position once again at the start, as fellow front row starter, Jack Roberts slotted in behind. Luti’s control soon came under threat, when Ross and Robertson quickly latched onto his tail.
Before too long, Ross had manoeuvred his way ahead. Robertson echoed his move shortly afterwards, to settle himself in second place.
Just before the race end, Chris Bray once again steered his way from the back of the grid to land in third place. Luti held on for fourth place, to secure a second Class B victory of the day, ahead of Doug Cole and James Cole. Croker claimed Class C honours, ahead of William Payne and Matthew Turnbull.
Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge
James Dunkley’s dominant performance ensured he stole the show in the sole MG Midget and Sprite Challenge race. Despite treacherous conditions, Dunkley’s MG Midget proved to be the car to beat.
With an eventual four second gap on his side, Dunkley claimed an unchallenged victory. Andy Southcott steered his way to second place, in what became a strong yet solitary result, ahead of Stephen Collier in third place.
Peter Kennerley held on for fourth overall and third in Class B, whilst Stephen Pegram and Richard Wildman completed the top six. John Collinson and Jon Simpson claimed Class E and D victories, respectively.
Dunkley’s victory was enough to secure him the championship lead.
MGCC Watt Electrical BCV8 Championship
James Wheeler and Neil Fowler swapped positions between qualifying and the race end, to crown Wheeler victorious. Fowler’s pole position swiftly came under threat when Wheeler set his sights on the lead.
After claiming control, Wheeler proceeded to launch to a 32 second advantage. Behind, Fowler battled the conditions to steer his way to a second place finish, with a comfortable gap to third placed man Ian Prior in his MGB GT V8.
Jonnie Wheeler and Russell McCarthy finished 4th and 5th, respectively, ahead of Andrew Young. Benjamin Tovey steered his way to a Class B victory, whilst Bob Luff was awarded top spot in Class AB.
MSCC Aero Racing Morgan Challenge
Russell Paterson claimed his first win of the season, in the sole Aero Racing Morgan Challenge outing, as son Elliot fell by the wayside.
A pole position start for Elliot gave him the immediate advantage he craved. However, as the race progressed, a spin onto the Foster’s circuit saw Elliot forced out of contention, as the lead was handed to father Russell.
Although he relinquished his lead, Elliot held on to claim a second place, ahead of Philip Goddard. Tim Parsons and Tony Hurst, followed, whilst Kevin Laidlaw completed the top six finishers.
MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup
Andrew Ashton triumphed ahead of Oli Hood in the sole MG Metro Cup pursuit. As the lights went out, it was Hood who claimed the better start to lead into Old Hall from second on the grid.
Despite his early advantage, Hood soon came under threat when Ashton launched an attack. As the MG Metros fired themselves around the challenging Oulton Park circuit, Ashton managed to find a gap alongside Hood, big enough to squeeze his racer into the lead.
Once in front, Ashton managed to stretch his advantage to just over five seconds. Behind Hood, Lee Connell completed the top three finishes, ahead of Richard Garrard and early front runner Dan Willars. Mark Eales completed the top six.
MGCC Cockshoot Cup
Ross Makar overcame a brief safety car period to secure Cockshoot Cup spoils. Hard work from the MG ZR driver in qualifying gave him the advantage he desired, as he stormed towards Old Hall ahead of his rivals.
Regardless of the brief interruption, Makar returned to form at the restart, to steer his way to an commanding victory.
Second place was awarded to Gary Wetton, who challenged Makar early on. Behind, the battle for third was a fierce pursuit, with Ashley Woodward eventually claiming the position, ahead of Ray Collier and David Coulthard.
Philip Standish had stood himself in good stead for a top three result, however after a side by side moment with Woodward he slipped back to sixth place.
MGCC Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship
Neil Fowler dominated in his MGB GT V8, to walk away with his first win of the season. The chequered flag appeared slightly earlier than planned, as officials tried to reclaim lost time from the schedule. But after leading the way from the start, it was Fowler’s race.
Ian Prior trailed Fowler’s distinctive white machine for the duration, but as time ran out he was unable to dismantle Fowler’s advantage.
Russell McCarthy secured a third place finish, whilst the battle for fourth ignited a fire amongst the pack. Jim Bryan narrowly held on, despite the best efforts of his pursuer, Babak Farsian. The pair had raced mere inches apart for much of the outing, however settled into a steadier rhythm by race end.
Sylatech Porsche Club Championship with Pirelli
Mike Johnson claimed victory in the opening Porsche Club Championship race, to start their season finale in style.
A storming start from fourth on the grid saw Johnson use the wet conditions to his advantage, as he splashed his way around the outside into Old Hall, and into the lead.
From here, Pete Morris tried his utmost to distract Johnson from his incoming spoils, however was unable to make a difference. Despite this, Morris held on for a strong second place finish, ahead of Chris Dyer in third. Steve Cheetham collected Class 2 spoils, ahead of Andrew Toon and Jake McAleer.
Johnson returned to the victory circle in race two to claim his second win of the day, to end his season in victorious style.
As Johnson led the way once again, Morris followed, as Mark McAleer hassled him for position. As the pair circled, McAleer seized his opportunity to launch himself alongside and around his rival into Old Hall. A brave manoeuvre saw McAleer elevated into second place, where he stayed until the chequered flag came into sight.
Steve Cheetham doubled his success in the second race, to claim Class 2 honours once more. Ross Morris followed him home this time around, with Toon third.
With the 2016 championship going down to the wire, it was Toon who was crowned 2016 Porsche Club Championship champion.
Despite difficult conditions at times we sailed through the penultimate race meeting of the year, quite literally at times. Here’s hoping for better weather at Snetterton in a few weeks time. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible for another great season finale.
Presenting the BMH classic 4 hour relay
The MG Car Club is pleased to announce that it will once again be hosting the annual BMH classic 4 hour relay race at the Snetterton 200 circuit on Sunday 2nd October.
Over the past 12 years, the classic endurance race has become very popular amongst competitors, with the event open to vehicles from all marques – not just MGs. Teams can be of one marque or a mixture of manufacturers.
Only 26 teams can enter with each one consisting of three to six drivers and an allocated garage. Cars that enter are not allowed to lap faster than 1minute 20 seconds, to control and limit performance differential.
There are both Scratch and Handicap results, with awards in capacity classes decided by the organisers and dependent on entries.
The Club will reinforce the sensible and clean driving it promotes throughout all of its motorsport activities so that everybody enjoys the race.
The entry fee for each team is just £875, and that can be split between six drivers, prior to September 2nd. After this date, the fee rises to £975. Team registrations are £200 and are open now to enable team managers to organise their entries.
Qualifying for the race will begin at11:30am on Sunday 2nd October, with the race starting at 2pm.
With a truly brilliant atmosphere every year, the Club is seeking drivers from all motoring marques to step forward and represent their Club for a chance to win the Club Team Shield award.
MG Car Club Competitions Secretary John Hutchison said: “We’re delighted to be holding the BMH 4 hour relay race at Snetterton once again, and we’re looking to build on the success of recent years.
“The race we organise is very unique and affordable for all vehicles that wish to enter – whether that’s three people or even six in each team. It’s a great day out, with a friendly atmosphere all around the circuit.”
Those who would like to take part but lack fellow competitors should contact John Hutchison, who will endeavour to assist with collating team entries.
For more information regarding the 4 hour relay race at Snetteron, and to apply through invitation, please contact John Hutchison on 01235 849738 or email johnh@mgcc.co.uk.
Jack Sears 1930 – 2016
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of double champion and cherished member of the British Touring Car Championship community, Jack Sears.
‘Gentleman Jack’ has been a popular and important part of the BTCC right throughout its near 60 year history, having seen it evolve from the British Saloon Car Championship which he won in its inaugural year of 1958 and again in 1963.
In recent seasons MSA British Touring Car Championship rookies have challenged for the ‘Jack Sears Trophy’, with which Jack helped to nurture and support the next crop of BTCC stars, with current MG driver John Cook the current champion of the coveted prize.
Jack was present at MGLive! back in 2015, when the Club celebrated 60 years of competitions.
Everyone associated with the MG Car Club is saddened to hear the news of Jack’s passing, and would like to send their condolences to Jack’s family and friends at this difficult time.
The next Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship event, which takes place this coming weekend at Knockhill (13/14 August), will be marked with a minute’s silence.
MG Trophy Knockhill report
Twenty intrepid drivers and team members made the long trip north to Knockhill for rounds 9 & 10 of this years MG Trophy Championship. Unfortunately 3 others had to drop out for various reasons, sorry guys but you missed a great weekend. Scottish Trophy stalwart Colin Robertson sponsored the event in memory of his late father Stewart Robertson our sincere thanks to Colin and wife Karen for supporting us once again. We had another anonymous donation that we get every time we go to Knockhill, thanks Bob it’s really appreciated! Missing and in our thoughts was driver Andrew ‘Doc’ Martin, who had set himself a target to be well enough to come and watch us, but sadly on the day it was not possible. Report by Pete Macwaters, pictures courtesy of Dickon Siddall.
Testing
There was a track day on the Friday where Lee Sullivan took advantage of learning the circuit, this being his first venture to Knockhill. Driver Paul Luti had arranged a track night on the Friday between 6 and 8pm where I counted 13 Trophy cars on track. Colin Robertson was giving passenger laps to other class A Knockhill novices in his 170 track car and Ross Makar was doing the same in the Booth car to enable them to learn the lines. James Cole managed 3 laps before a clutch change was required, better then than in the race !
On the Saturday morning, Sullivan changed his clutch, Marsh worked on his gear linkage due to selection problems and Doug Cole changed his power steering pump. Sullivan also later found that his steering wheel was cracked, luckily he was able to buy a replacement.
The KMSC had arranged a ‘Warm Up’ practice of 30 minutes on the Saturday after that days racing, switching the direction back to clockwise for the session which saw 12 cars taking part. This allowed those arriving on the Saturday to get a few laps of familiarisation. The session was red flagged almost immediately as Marsh was towed in. The best time was given to Jason Burgess with a 1:01.447, several drivers clocked over 20 laps before the flag at 6pm. Marsh’s problem was a sheared pin on the bottom pulley which resulted in bent valves. A new pulley and replacement head was fitted.
New Drivers
The only ‘new’ driver was returnee Alex Flower out for the first time this season in his 170 car.
Qualifying
All 20 cars were ready for the qualifying session which started at 09:54 on a cool/dry morning. After three laps the order was Sullivan, Campbell, Marsh, D.Cole, J. Cole, Booth, Payne, Burgess and Flower. After six laps it was Robertson, Ross, D.Cole in class A, Sullivan, Luti, Marsh, Campbell in class B and Payne & Gil in class C. With five minutes to go Burgess was into 2nd in class A and Ross 3rd. Luti, Sullivan & Marsh led class B and Payne & Gil were still the class C front runners. With two minutes left on the clock, Ross took the overall pole only to lose it to Robertson on the very last lap with a 59.293, Luti got class B pole on 1:01.363 and Payne class C on 1:03.219. Race two poles went to the same three drivers.
Race 1
The Trophy Championship once again paraded to the sounds of ‘The Final Countdown’ as the cars did their green flag lap.
Class A
Robertson held his pole position with Ross, Burgess and Cole next up, however a mistake on lap 6 at Scotsman left the door open for Ross to grab the lead. Perkins had moved up to 5th overall early on with the last 190 car of Walker struggling down in 10th.
Robertson had a close shave at the chicane passing a class C car, his car almost tipping over, he continued to use all his Knockhill experience to try and regain the lead but despite getting within half a second of Ross, he was unable to get past. Ross held him off to win the race by 2.34s. Burgess, Cole and Perkins were next up, Walker finally finishing in 12th.
Class B
Luti held the class B lead with Sullivan, Campbell, Booth and Marsh next in line. Lap two saw Marsh and Cole move ahead of Booth the remaining order staying the same. Luti succumbed to Sullivan on lap 8 retiring his car at Leslie’s one lap later. The order at the halfway stage was Sullivan, Campbell, Cole, Marsh and Booth. Marsh moved up a place on lap 13 after some close racing with Cole, and Campbell snatched the overall class lead from Sullivan at the exit of the hairpin on lap 16 which he held to the flag.
Class C
Payne lead the class C race with two class B cars between him and Gil in 2nd, Heasman, Webber and Martin following. Martin’s previous gremlins resurfaced and he pulled off after eight laps. Payne took the win, the only class C car to complete 19 laps, Gil held 2nd, Heasman and Webber rounding out the final placings.
Fastest laps Class A was Ross with a 58.944 (n/r) on lap 13. NOTE This beats the ultimate 190 lap record of 59.51 achieved by Anthony Reid in 2003. Class B was Campbell with a 1:01.521 (n/r) on lap 6 and Class C, Payne on lap 3 with 1:03.662 (n/r).
Driver of the Race – Graham Ross Race 2
The Dreadnought team changed the head on the Luti car after discovering zero compression on cylinders 1 & 3. Tim Martin swapped the VVC unit on his car in a desperate bid to rectify his lack of power.
Once more, ‘The Final Countdown’ played whilst the cars completed their green flag lap.
Class A
Robertson lead from pole with Ross, Burgess and Cole completing the top four. History repeated itself as Ross grabbed the lead at Clark’s on lap 3, where he entertained the commentators with more two wheel action later in the race. Despite pressure from Robertson he held station to take the win by 3.13s. with Cole a distant 3rd, Perkins 4th and an off the pace Burgess dropping from 3rd to a disappointing 5th. Walker finished 6th working his way through the pack from his grid position of 15th.
Class B
Luti held the class B pole from Campbell, Sullivan and Cole until the engine let go at Hislop’s on his third tour leaving Campbell in the lead with Sullivan, Marsh and Cole next in line. Cole was out on lap 13 with a flat battery, parking up next to the Luti car on the approach to the hairpin. With Cole out, Harris inherited 3rd place and Boulton 4th. Campbell lost the lead on lap 15 as his engine expired at the hairpin leaving Sullivan to lead the class B race. These positions held to the flag, Sullivan taking the win from Marsh and Harris.
Class C
Payne once again led the class C race with three cars between him and Gil, the next class C car. He continued to race in front of two class B cars as Martin unfortunately had to call it a day after just one lap, again with no power. Payne continued to dominate class C and broke his own race one lap record on his 7th lap. Gil once again took 2nd and Heasman 3rd.
Fastest laps Class A was Ross with a 59.146 on lap 8, Class B, Sullivan 1:01.697 on lap 11, Class C, Payne 1:03.538 (n/r) on lap 7.
Driver of the Race:- Will Payne
Big MG Trophy grid expected for Knockhill
The MG Trophy Championship will be heading north to Knockhill for rounds 9 & 10 of the 2016 season on the 31st July.
21 cars are expected on the grid in Fife, Scotland – an impressive number considering the travelling distance for many of the drivers.
Trophy Co-ordinator Pete Macwaters said: “This will be our fourth visit to Scotland since I took over as Co-ordinator back in 2007, and it looks set to be the busiest trip to Knockhill so far. With 42 registered competitors, it’s great that half of the grid will be making it all the way up there.
“We have four Scottish drivers that regularly head south for all the MGCC meetings, so this is our way of saying thanks to them for their dedication and commitment.”
Local MG Trophy driver, Paul Luti, has organised a track night on the Friday, and the Championship has also arranged a track familiarisation session on the Saturday evening, which should give the drivers enough time to prepare for racing on Sunday 31st July.
Both races will be billed as ‘The Stewart Robertson Memorial Trophy’ in honour of Trophy stalwart Colin Robertson’s late father.