Championship Finale Preview – September 8th

The final event of the year at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb takes place on Sunday 8th September with two more rounds of the Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Championship and the final round of the Cavendish Ships Stores BARC SW Top Ten Challenge. There is a full entry for Sunday’s event which should result in a full day of exciting and entertaining action.

Over 110 cars and drivers will compete in standard road cars, classic and modern cars and amazingly fast sport and single seat racing cars. All of them will pit their wits against the fast and twisty course at Wiltshire’s famous Speed Hill Climb Venue and each other to score valuable championship points.

Spectators have unrivalled access to the hill, paddock and facilities. The excellent catering and refreshments are available on site too.

You really can’t get closer to the action!

The overall Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Championship was decided at the July meeting. Mark Crookall in his Mazda MX5 RS took the overall championship and the Mazda MX5 class championship with some amazing performances at the July meeting.

The next four places in the championship are not finalised. Each of the drivers could change positions within the top five. Jason Richardson (Mazda MX5 RS), Tim Pitfield (DJ Firecat), Shaun Fudge (Subaru Impreza) and Steve Holland (Caterham) will all be looking for maximum points on Sunday.

Chris Cannell in the Force SR8 secured the Cavendish Ships Stores BARC SW Top Ten Challenge after the July meeting. His minimum score is 46 points (maximum 48 points) and second place is Steve Holland (Caterham) maximum is 41 points (minimum 37 points) and third place man Pete Hammock (Empire Wraith) maximum is 40 points (minimum 30 points). Second place will be decided at the meeting! Who will it be?

Our September meeting hosts a number of invited championships and classes. These championships are the Triumph Register Cars, MG Cars and the Austin Healeys. Time of the Day will win The Russell Challenge Trophy, who will that be?

Preview in detail:

The Triumph Register Class

The Triumph Register always bring a huge class of classic British cars. There are TR4As, TR6s, TR7s and a rather lovely Dolomite Sprint amongst others. The fastest cars in this class are usually the TR7 V8s. Roderick Warner in his TR7 V8 has Gurston experience and has won here more than a few times. If fact in both 2017 and 2018! He will be the man to beat. You can’t discount Dale Huxford in the Spitfire, who was second last year. Look out Steve Small in his V8. You simply can’t ignore any of the car and driver combinations in this class.

The MG Class

There are thirteen cars and driver combinations running in this class. Ben Rolls in his Sprite must start favourite as he has won this class for the past two years. But you have to look out for the other members of this class as they might just pip Ben to the post.

The Austin Healey Class – Big Healey and Warwick Cars Class

There are just five cars in the Big Healey and Warwick cars class entered. With Paul Baker and Pat Cooper will have to look out for John Tewson. John won last years event by just one hundredth of a second. Just like many of today’s invited classes, you can’t really ignore of the any other drivers here either.

The Austin Healey Class – Austin Healey Sprite Class

The Austin Healey Sprite Class has six drivers entered. Last years winner, Joe Mackrill, isn’t amongst the entrants so the favourite has to be Colin Gale, who was pipped to victory last season by just 0.50s.

The Isle of Wight Car Club

With the superfast Mitsubishi Evo 5 of Jennie and Clive Stangle entered in this class. They both have very good Gurston experience so it will be interesting to see who actually takes the win. Will be Jennie or Clive?

Regular Gurston Classes

The Gurston Down MX5 Class supported by the Window Doctor

The 2017, 2018 and 2019 Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Champion, Mark Crookall, returns to the hill in his Mazda Roadster RS. He is having a really great season, breaking records and winning the Tony Marsh Memorial Trophy at the June meeting. Jason Richardson in another RS has also had a great season with stunning performances and looks like he might get second in the overall championship. Mark is the current record holder, it stands at 39.13s. Will Jason steal the record back?

Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc Class

There are just two entrants in this class. John Davey, Managing Director of our Top Ten Challenge sponsor, Cavendish Ships Stores and David Nutland in his Mini. David holds the class record at 40.55s. It will be interesting to see how this class ends the season?

Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs

The class championship is currently lead by the class record holder, Miles Horne in his Peugeot 306. He is having a great season. Miles, Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5 and Tim Forster in his Lotus Elan are the likely top three in this class. But watch out, Rob Brodie in his Renault Clio and the Honda Civic shared by Chris and Russell Davies have been improving all season. David Bellamy in the Peugeot 106 might spice up the class too!

Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class, supported by Turbo Dynamics

Shaun Fudge is in a strong position in the class championship but hasn’t entered in September, leaving his wife Sarah as one of the top two contenders along with Mike Rudge in the Focus RS. It will be interesting to see how this class goes?

Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre

With a few of this classes regular competitors and winners missing from the class. It will be interesting to see how that affects the result. Will it be Nick Morgan in the Lotus Elise or Bruce Bosley in the Caterham? These two are the fastest two by previous times. Looks like this class will be determined by performance on the day.

The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars up to 2000cc Class

Simon Purcell runs in this class on his own in the Lotus Exige. Sadly he is likely to be amalgamated with the over 2000cc class. That will make it a really tough class for Simon.

The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars over 2000cc Class

Graham Beale in the Ginetta G33 runs on his own in this class. Although the class amalgamation might well make it a great class to watch. Graham and the G33 will have a tough run against Simon Purcell in the Lotus.

The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class

Neil Turner, broke his own class record again in August, so he has to start favourite. He needs two good point scoring rounds to take the class championship position. Derek Mullis, James and Derek White along with David Bean will make sure he works for the win because they are require points too.

Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class, supported by Meadens Skoda

Jim Herbert in the Mitsubishi Evo has a small class of just three cars. The Renault 21 turbo of Hillyar and Mark Walker in his Porsche Cayman S will be looking to keep Jim and maybe just snatch the win.

The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported Gates of Brockenhurst

Richie Gatt in his Westfield has to start favourite in this class. Nigel Holt in the Caterham 310R which he first drove at the August meeting and the other 310R driven by Simon Cassey and Neil Robinson will all be looking to make sure he works for the win and snatching the second place.

The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar

There are just two lovely cars in this class. Mike Broome in the Alexis MK17 F3 and Jeremy Smithson in the Lotus Elan. On previous experience, Mike will probably win.

The Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class

This class has a great entry. Tim Pitfield in the DJ Firecat is have a great season. Peter Steel in his Radical SR1 Gen 2 are likely to be the top two. Tim unofficially broke the up to 1400cc record at the August meeting but the differences in class between Gurston and National regulations, means technically it doesn’t count. But it is very much a statement of intent!

The Sports Libre 1400cc to 2000cc Class, supported by Lewis Property Services

Steven Wells run his SEWC SubZero on his own in this class.

Sports Libre over 2000cc Class

Chris Cannell and Sue Hayes run the Force SR8 in this class. Chris will be looking for fast time so he can add to his Top Ten Challenge points and make sure of his Challenge win.

The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management

This should be a class dominated by the two Empire Evo’s entered by Tony Levett and James Moore. The winner of past performance should be James Moore.

The Formula Ford Class- Cars up to 1600cc

There is just one entrant in this class, David Matthews in his Zeus 163.

1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class

Mike Lee and Pete Hammock are the two entrants in this class. Mike driving an OMS 3000M and Pete in the lovely Empire Wraith. This class should belong to Pete, he has been improving all season in the new car.

The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated

Roger Cock runs alone in this class in his Pilbeam MP54.

 

The Championship Finale will be a decider for the Top Ten Challenge and most of the Gurston Down Championship Class titles. It will be a specular day!

Why not come and join us?

 

Key info
Location: 1 mile west of Broad Chalke, 9 miles SW of Salisbury, Wiltshire. Turn off the A354 at Coombe Bissett on the unclassified road to Broad Chalke, follow AA signs.
Dates: Sunday September 8th
Times: Competition from approx. 1300, practice from 0830 both days.
Admission: £10 for adults each day, accompanied under 15s free, free paddock entry, free parking.

 

Anthony Record – Press Officer BARC SW Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb

Record Breaking Weekend and Championship Won!

The August meeting at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb brought the Avon Tyres / Wynn Developments British Hill Climb Championship and the Avon Tyres / Wynn Developments Hill Climb Leaders Championship to the hill.

There were 150 cars and drivers competing at the twisty course at Wiltshire’s famous Speed Hill Climb Venue and it was a spectacular weekend with class records falling all over the classes! Some great performances!

The British Hill Climb Championship was decided at the first run-off on Sunday. Wallace Menzies won the first run-off and sealed the championship. It was his 299th run-off too. Such a great performance with seven run-off to go! More on the run-offs later in the report.

Wallace also won the Fastest Time of the Day with a 25.54s run in the first run-off. That’s less than 0.2s off the overall hill record.

Saturday’s practice had a few incidents but it showed how Sunday’s events might be.

Class Results:

The BARC SW B Licence Class

The BARC South West B Licence Class went first. Martin Watson in his Westfield SeiW dominated the class from the outset. His second timed run was 32.13s four seconds ahead of the Isabella Lawrence in Stephen Moore’s Mitsubishi Evo, she was sharing with Jon Maycock this weekend. She finished on 36.14s with Mark Everett in the TVR Griffith. There were many personal bests in this class too.

The Road Going Series Production Car Class up to 2000cc – A(i)

Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5 stamped his authority on this class from the start of practice. He best timed run was 38.24s. It was interesting to see how the four “new” Mazda MX5 drivers got on. Ronald King snatched second in the MX5 he was sharing with Paula Levett, finishing on 41.46s.

The Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Car Class – A(ii)

Jon Maycock in the Mitsubishi Evo he was sharing with Isabella Lawrence had a great day. He one the class with a 33.98s first timed run. Interestingly, his second timed run was just 0.01s slower on 33.99s. Jon was a little surprised by the car! Second was Rodney Eyles in the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 4C on 35.14s, narrowly beating Mike Rudge in the Ford Focus RS.

The Road Going Specialist Production Car Class – B

Adrian Lewis with the super fast Westfield Superbusa was dominant in this class. He improved his fiorst timed run 33.05s with a 32.98s second timed run. Second was John Pick in the Subaru powered AMS Murtaya with a 36.96s second timed run.

The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(i)

Neil Turner and his super fast Mini reset the class record in the second timed run and won the class. The new record and the class winning time was 35.01s. The Hillman Imp with Eric Morrey at the wheel was pushed hard by Jim White in the Austin Mini. Those two finishing on 35.96s and 36.17s respectively.

The 1401cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(ii)

Colin Satchell and Paul Drowne who share the very quick Peugeot 205 swapped places between the first and second timed run. Paul was just 0.03s ahead of Colin after the first timed run. They both went quicker in the second timed run. But it was Colin who took the win with a 33.68s run. Paul was just 0.01s behind on 33.69s.

The Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(iii)

Yet another record fell in this class. Stephen Moore in his other Mitsubishi Evo had an outstanding second timed run. After the first timed run he was in front by just 0.64s. But in the second he got everything together and finished on 31.99s, beating his own class record for the second time this season. Mark Walker in the Porsche Cayman finished second with a 34.26s. Tim Painter in the lovely Aston Martin Vantage was third on 34.53s

The Modified Specialist Production Cars Class – D

Simon Jenks and his Caterham Supersport had a great weekend. Not only did he win the class with a 30.44s second timed run but he took Mike Rudge’s ten year old record with it. Interestingly, Mike, whilst being interviewed during the meeting, promised he would be back with his Westfield soon! Steve Holland was second with a 31.87s second timed run.

The up to 2000cc Sports Libre Car Class – F

Tim Pitfield in the DJ Firecat was in sparkling form! His winning time of 31.75s would be a record in Gurston Down’s own up to 1400cc class. But with the class structures different in the national events, sadly it won’t count. Needless to say he was very pleased! The Norma M20FC, belonging to Duncan Barnes was second, not in Duncan’s hands, but in his hands of the driver he was sharing with, Tom New. Tom was only 0.13s behind Tim and 0.33s ahead of Duncan. A great performance for a car that is usually seen on European hills.

The Over 2000cc Sports Libre Car Class – G

Allan McDonald bring the crazy Mini Evo was joined by Geoff Twemlow in the Saker GT. Geoff switching cars. Allan and the Mini Evo currently holds the hill record for a closed car, he didn’t quite match that pace but won the class with a 31.23s second timed run.

The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class – I

The current class record holder Robert Kenrick in the GWR Raptor 2 was the man to beat in this class. Robert reset the class record in May and reset it twice in both of the timed runs. He won the class with a 28.04s run. He also helped his Leaders Championship points and he qualified for both British Hill Climb Championship run-offs too. Stephen Owen in the OMS 28 was second on 29.66s with the Greenen brothers Adam and Andy third and fourth respectively, both finishing on 29.87s but Andy’s second timed run failgave Adam the third place.

Formula Ford Racing Cars up to 1600cc Class – J(i)

This class was amalgamated with the 1100cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class (J(ii)) as Sam Lister is the only entrant. Sam and her Van Diemen RF92 managed a 37.99s second timed run, a great performance.

The 1100cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class – J(ii)

Eynon Price in the Force TA took the lead in the first timed run, didn’t improve in the second but none of the rest of the class could match his pace. He stopped the clocks on 28.59s. David and Allan Warburton in their Gould GR59 were second and third respectively, finishing on 28.62s and 29.27s respectively. David and Eynon also qualified for the first Top Twelve Run-off.

The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated – K(i)

Tim Davies in the Pilbean MP88 won a very hard fought class with a 29.26s first timed run. Tim Elmer and his Dallara was second on 29.50s and the GWR Pediator with Johnathen Varley at the wheel with a 29.69s run. The first four in this class were separated by less than one second.

The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Forced Induction – K(ii)

Paul Haines in his Gould GR59 took this class with a 27.58s. He has had some great runs during the season at Gurston earlier in the season. Richard Spedding had issues with his car all weekend. He finished second on 27.94s and they both qualified for the two Top Twelve Run-offs. Great performances all round in this class.

The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class – L

With the Championship at stake, this class really was a great one to watch. Will Hall in the Force WH-Xtec had a little spin in the first timed run which meant he didn’t qualify for that. But in the second timed run, he was on the money. His second timed run took the win and took him into the second Top Twelve Run-off. His time was 25.79s, which is close to the long standing hill record but he didn’t get fastest time of the day. That went to Wallace Menzies in the Gould GR59 in the first run-off. Wallace’s class time was 26.03s with Sean Gould in the relatively new Gould GR59-Judd third with a 26.11s. Dave Uren in another Gould, but this time a GR55, was fourth on 26.39s. Debbie Dunbar in the DJ Firestorm had a great weekend, she qualified for the run-offs and her first timed run was just 0.07s off the long standing Ladies Hill Record held by Sue Young.

The Sports and Racing Car Built up to 1971 Class – M

The Brabham BT35 of Christopher Bentley-Jones finished fastest in this class. Although issues meant that he only did one timed run. He finished on 34.85s, just ahead of Amanda George in the Cheveron B19 who finished on 35.11s.

The Sports and Racing Car Built up to 1985 Class – N

Roger Cock transferred from the Racing Car Class in the Pilbeam MP54 and took the class win from Roger Deans in the Lola T142. Roger Cock finished on 31.95s and Roger Deans on 37.47s.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class A2 Saloons and Sports Cars

Chris Berrisford in the Subaru Impreza was a non-starter, leaving the class very wide open. Charles White in Lotus Elise won after a great first timed run of 41.78s with Oliver Beale in the Audi TT just 0.20s behind.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class A2.1 Mazda MX5s

The Mazda MX5 class had a good entry. The Mazda shared by father and son, Alan and Nicholas Mugglestone dominated the class. They both broke the existing class record. Ultimately. Alan was the quickest. He finished on 38.26s with Nick on 39.29s.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class B2 Roadgoing Specialist Cars

The Westfield is shared by Simon Price and Paul Evans was the only car in this class. Simon was ahead after the first timed run and stayed in that position during the second as Paul couldn’t improve on the mornings run.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class C Modified Saloons and Sports Cars

Robin Lee in the Renault Clio he shares with Geoff Lancaster took the class win here. It was a hard fought and very close battle for the top three places. Paul Meadows in another Clio was second and Julian Harper in a Mini was thirds. Their times were 39.38s, 39.64s and 40.36s respectively.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class F Supersports / Sports Libre Cars

This class was amalgumated with Class I and J Racing Cars.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class F, I and J Racing Cars Amalgumated

Paul Batey in his Rawlinson S-F Stiletto took the class win, by a good margin. He stopped the clocks on 37.16s. Laurence Marks in the Van Diemen RF84 took second with a 39.14s first timed run.

The Porsche Club’s National Hill Climb Championship Class 2 – Standard Production Cars

Another class record fell in this class. A great performance by David Dyson in his 911 beat Robert Lancaster-Gaye in his 911 GT3. David’s time and new class record was 34.89s with Robert finishing on 36.82s

The Porsche Club’s National Hill Climb Championship Class 1 – Modified Cars

Class 1 had the super fast 911 RSR with Paul Howells at the wheel. Paul was ahead after the first timed run. None of the three improved their times in the second timed run so Paul took the win. His time 33.27s finishing ahead of Peter Turnball who stopped the clocks on 34.03s. Their times were probably affected by the late afternoon heat.

Top Twelve Run-offs, Rounds 27 and 28 of the British Hill Climb Championships

Round 27

This run-off could decide this years Motorsport UK Avon Tyres / Wynn Developments British Hill Climb Championship. In order for Wallace Menzies in the Gould GR59 to win, he had to win the run-off and Alex Summers in the DJ Firestorm, his competition needed to finish below fourth. Wallace won the Run-off and Alex finished fifth, so Wallace became the 2019 British Hill Climb Champion. His time also won fastest time of the day, he finished on 25.54s, just 0.07s off the Hill Record. It was an all Gould top three, Sean Gould in the GR59-Judd was second on 25.81s, Dave Uren in the GR55 was third on 25.89s with Trevor Willis in his OMS28 fourth on 26.34s. Alex Summers was fifth on 26.88s.

This was the 299th time Wallace had qualified for a Top Twelve Run-off and the 19th time a Gould has won the British Hill Climb Championship.

Round 28

Sean Gould had a great second run-off in the GR59-Judd. The “new” car is really coming together now and it will be interesting to see what will happen during the rest of the season. Sean finished on 25.62s with Wallace Menzies in another GR59 second on 25.78s. Will Hall in the Force WH-Xtec slotted into third on 25.96s and Dave Uren and Trevor Willis fourth and fifth respectively.

We would like to thank all those who made our weekend possible!

Anthony Record – Press Officer Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb – BARC SW

The British Are Back! August Meeting Preview

The weekend of Saturday August 24th and Sunday August 25th bring the Avon Tyres / Wynn Developments British Hill Climb Championship and the Avon Tyres / Wynn Developments Hill Climb Leaders Championship back to Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb.

With 150 cars and drivers competing at the twisty course at Wiltshire’s famous Speed Hill Climb Venue, it will be a spectacular weekend. There will be a huge variety of cars, everything from standard road cars, specially prepared hill climb cars and spectacularly fast sport and single seat racing cars.

Spectators have fabulous unrivalled access to the hill, views of the course, paddock and facilities. We have excellent catering and refreshments on site too.

You really can’t get closer to the action!

Saturday is practice day. Each competitor gets three opportunities to take to the hill. We start around 09:00 with two runs each before lunch. Then a restart around 13:00 for one further practice. Practice day usually finishes around 15:00.

Sunday is competition day, this is when the fun starts. There will be an early morning practice, starting around 09:00. First timed runs start around 10:30 followed by the first of two top twelve run-offs. After lunch the second timed runs are followed by the second top twelve run-off.

The Top Twelve Run-Off of the Avon Tyres / Wynn Developments British Hill Climb Championship give championship registered another run on the hill. This time the fastest ten, score points for the British Championship. Ten points for a win, down to one for tenth. These run-offs ultimately determine who becomes the British Champion!

The Championship could be won at Gurston Down!

The current championship leader, Wallace Menzies in the Gould GR59 could secure the championship after the first runoff. He has to win the Run-off and the second place man, Alex Summers finishes below fourth.If this doesn’t happen Wallace has to score 15 points in total over the weekend and he will be champion!

The Avon Tyres / Wynn Developments Hill Climb Leaders Championship is slightly different and doesn’t have a run-off. Each timed run is treated as a separate event, so competitors will score in two rounds on Sunday.

Alongside the British Championship and Leaders Championships we will have the Porsche Club National Hill Climb Championship, SBD HSA Speed Championship and a special class for BARC South West Members too!

As ever there will be a Fastest Time of Day! Who will it be?

Class Preview:

The BARC SW B Licence Class

The BARC South West B Licence Class will run first. The class has a huge variety of cars and drivers who hold MSA Speed B Licences. Look out for Nigel Holt in his new Caterham 310R, Mark Everett in the TVR Griffith 500, Alex England is the Ford Fiesta and Steve Cox in his Porsche Boxster. But on current form it’ll will probably be Martin Watson and his Westfield SeiW for the win.

The Road Going Series Production Car Class up to 2000cc – A(i)

The class has a good entry with six drivers in five cars. Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5 starts favourite. It will be interesting to see how Shaun Fudge in a Mazda MX5 gets on. He won’t be the only one with a new car, Paul Levitt is sharing an MX5 with Ronald King. You mustn’t forget John Davey in the Midget.

The Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Car Class – A(ii)

There are just three entrants in this class, all of which have significant Gurston experience. Jon Maycock is leaving his Mazda MX5 at home and borrowing Stephen Moore’s Class A(ii) Mitsubishi Evo 6 RS. Mike Rudge drives his Ford Focus RS and Rodney Eyles the beautiful Alfa Romeo 4C. Rodney starts favourite.

The Road Going Specialist Production Car Class – B

Adrian Lewis brings the super fast Westfield Superbusa and shouldn’t be too troubled by the rest of the class. But you never know!

The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(i)

This class might hold a few surprises. Neil Turner’s super fast Mini is the class record holder should be able to hold off the rest of the field in this class. But he’s got James White in his Mini and the forced induction Hillman Imp of Eric Morrey to content with.

The 1401cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(ii)

There are two drivers, Colin Satchell and Paul Drowne who share the very quick Peugeot 205. They are driving the car to beat. Simon Purcell in the Lotus Exige and the rest of the entrants will have his work cut out to catch these two.

The Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class – C(iii)

This will be a tough class, not only does it have a big entry but it has some quick and beautifully presented cars. Stephen Moore in his Mitsubishi Evo should take this class. But it will be much more difficult to predict second place. All of the car and driver combinations have the experience to take second. Will it be the lovely Aston Martin Vantage GT4 of Tim Painter and Andy Fraser or Mark Walker in the Porsche or Geoff Twemlow in the Subaru Impreza.

The Modified Specialist Production Cars Class – D

Steve Holland in his Caterham Hayabusa and Simon Jenks and his Caterham Supersport will probably be the top two in this class. But the class is always really competitive so it could be any of the drivers taking the win.

The up to 2000cc Sports Libre Car Class – F

There’s another big entry in this class. It will be interesting to see how Tony Adams in his recently acquired Radical SR3 RS fares against Pete Steele in his Radical SR1. Look out for the lovely Norma M20FC of Duncan Barnes. Duncan is sharing the car with Tom New. But they will all be chasing Tim Pitfield in the DJ Firecat who is in sparkling form!

The Over 2000cc Sports Libre Car Class – G

Allan McDonald bring the crazy Mini Evo. The Mini Evo currently holds the hill record for a closed car. You’ll find a great video on our Facebook page.

The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class – I

The ever popular 1100cc racing car class has another huge entry. The current class record holder Robert Kenrick in the GWR Raptor 2 has to be the man to beat. Robert reset the long standing class record in May, will he improve that again in August. There are so many other drivers in the class who will be looking for Leaders championship points and the change to qualify for the British Hill Climb Championship run-off. Look out for the Greenen brothers, Andy and Adam or perhaps Darren Gumbley, Harry Pick or Stephen Owen. The class will be settled by hundredths of a second and there might be some who will make the cut for the Top Twelve Run-Off too!

Formula Ford Racing Cars up to 1600cc Class – J(i)

Sam Lister is the only entrant in the class in her Van Diemen RF92.

The 1100cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class – J(ii)

This could be an interesting class. Olivia Cooper in the Force TA she shares with her husband Liam is having a great year, so you’ll need to look out for her. Eynon Price is also having a good year in his Force TA. Allan and David Warburton in their Gould GR59 and all the other drivers will all be chasing run-off plcaes.

The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated – K(i)

Tim Elmer and his Dallara, Andy Bougourd in his Force PT and the GWR Pediaor driven by Johnathen Varley will probably be the top three in this class. It will be interesting to see how the Reynard TKD YV8 shared by Terry and Tricia Davis fares against the others in this class.

The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Forced Induction – K(ii)

Richard Spedding is having a great season in the British Hill Climb Championship so far in his GWR Raptor. Paul Haines in the Gould GR59 has had some great times at Gurston ealier in the season so it will probably be between these two for the win. But you can’t actually discount anyone in this class. All of the class is registered for the British Hill Climb Championship so they will all be looking for places in the run-off.

The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class – L

The class brings the fastest cars and drivers to the hill. With Gurston Down being a power hill, the fastest time of the day is likely to be a driver in this class. The British Championship has just a few rounds to go and is very much in progress and undecided. Wallace Menzies in the Gould GR59 currently leads the championship and will be looking for more points to consolidate his lead. Alex Summers is sharing the DJ Firestorm with Debbie Dunbar this season and she is having a great season too. As is Nicola Menzies in another Gould, this time a GR55. The ladies record might be under threat!

You can’t ignore another Gould, the Judd engined, factory GR59J DB4, driven by Sean Gould nor Will Hall in the Force WH-XTEC and Trevor Willis, the current champion, in his OMS 28. They will all be looking to qualify for Top Twelve Run Off places too.

The Sports and Racing Car Built up to 1971 Class – M

This class is full of beautiful classic racing and sports cars, the Chevron B19 of Amanda and Richard George, Mike Broome and his Alexis Mk17 F3 and the Brabham BT35 of Christopher Bentley-Jones. The class win is likely to come from the George camp or Mike Broome but we are all winners watching these gorgeous cars compete.

The Sports and Racing Car Built up to 1985 Class – N

Roger Deans in his Lola T142 has Fyrth Crosse in the Dempster Ensign LNF3 are the only two entrants in this class. Both of these cars are beautiful. The class winner, too difficult to call, the power of the Lola against the lightness of the Ensign!

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class A2 Saloons and Sports Cars

There is a quite a strong entry in this class. Chris Berrisford in the Subaru Impreza is the likely winner. He has Gurston experience and a very quick car.

Copyright: Akina Media

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class A2.1 Mazda MX5s

The Mazda MX5 class has a small entry, just three cars and four drivers. The Mazda shared by father and son, Alan and Nicholas Mugglestone is quick. They both have plentry of experience too.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class B2 Roadgoing Specialist Cars

There are just two entrants, in just one car. The Westfield is shared by Simon Price and Paul Evans.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class C Modified Saloons and Sports Cars

There are five entrants in four cars. The Ford Puma of Richard Worth and the Renault Clio of Robin Lee and Geoff Lancaster should be in with a great chance of beating the BMW E30 of James Rushworth. But they will have to drive well.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class F Supersports / Sports Libre Cars

There is just one entry, Paul Batey in a Rawlison S-F Stiletto.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class I and J Racing Cars

With four entrants in three cars in this class. There are two Formula Ford cars and one Jedi Mk2. Can the 919cc Jedi overcome the Van Diemen RF84 of Laurance Marks and the Royale RP24 shared by Nick Alnold and Graham Cheery?

The Porsche Club’s National Hill Climb Championship Class 2 – Standard Production Cars

This class should be interesting this year. Last year there was an all 911 GT3 line-up. This year we have three 911 and two Caymans. Look out for Robert Lancaster-Gaye in his 911 GT3, he has Gurston experience which should help him. But he’ll have to look out for Duncan Andrews in the Cayman and David Dyson in his 911.

The Porsche Club’s National Hill Climb Championship Class 1 – Modified Cars

Class 1 has the super fast 911 RSR with Paul Howells at the wheel. It will be interesting whether the 911 GT3 of Peter Turnbull can overcome the RSR.

We will also have two Top Twelve Run-offs these will at the end of each timed run.

Another exciting weekend of at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb – Don’t Miss It!

Key info:
Location: 1 mile west of Broad Chalke, 9 miles SW of Salisbury, Wiltshire. Turn off the A354 at Coombe Bissett on the unclassified road to Broad Chalke, follow AA signs.
Dates: Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August
Times: Saturday Practice from 0830 until 1500 approx. Sunday 0830 Final Practice then timed runs from approx 1030, then first timed runs followed by First Top Twelve Run-Off, then lunch and final timed runs from 13:00 Second Top Twelve Run-Off. Times are estimated.
Admission: £10 for adults Sunday (£6 on Saturday), accompanied under 14s free, free paddock entry, free parking. Animals are not permitted on site..

 

Anthony Record – Press Officer Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb – BARC SW