Jul 5, 2019
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July sees another two days of action from the Autocycle Union’s (ACU) Motorbikes and Combinations, National Hill Climb Championship. This time there are some of the regulars but some new comers too!
The riders and their machines always produce a fabulous display of skill and spectacular racing. They will be running in the second batch again so if you are planning to come and watch, they will start practice around 08:45 and have their first timed run at 13:30 each day (times are approximate).
If you would like to see what it is really like on a solo motorbike or on a motorbike and side-car combination check the videos posted on our Facebook page!
The Solo Motorbikes run first and are separated in to classes based on engine cubic capacity, just like the cars are.
The Solo Motorbikes are the to run.
Solo Motor Cycles 100cc to 250cc class
Pauline Ford on her Honda CBF has the class to herself both days. She will be looking for an improvement in her personal best.
Solo Motor Cycles 251cc to 350cc class
There are three riders both days in this class. Richard Peaty on the KTM will be looking to repeat his win at the June meeting. His margin over Allan Harvey on another KTM was just 0.15s. Allan will be looking to snatch the win.
Solo Motor Cycles 351cc to 500cc class
This class has a huge entry both days. Ten bikes on Saturday and eleven on Sunday. There are some class riders in this class. Will it be a Short, Callum or Mark? Could it be Richard Bowker, Chris Keates or Robert Jones? This class will be very hard fought – the winner, far to difficult to predict!
Solo Motor Cycles 501cc to 750cc class
There a great entry on Saturday in this class. Look out for Tom Short on the KTM SMR and Tommy Hodges on the Team GV KTM. These two are both previous winners.
On Sunday, Dan Hurley on his Husaberg and Nick Cronin on his Aprilia join Saturday’s riders. Dan has the experience to give the other riders a run for their money. This will be an interesting class both days.
Solo Motor Cycles 751cc to 1300cc class
Look out for Simon Gates on his Kawasaki ZR10R, he only in his second season hill climbing but in really enjoying the experience and it shows in his riding. He has Stu Mills on the super quick Aprilia Tuono to beat, which will be difficult. And you can’t discount Paul Jeffery on the KTM. All the riders in this class will be looking for a win!
Sidecar Class
Then it’s the turn of the combinations! There are four entered both days. Kevin and Sara Dewell on their Honda SKR have been having a good season. But they will probably need to chase down Patrick and Paul Keates on the Baker F1. The Keates are former class record holders.
Look out for the Motorbike Top Ten Run-Off. The Ten fastest motorbikes and combinations will compete again!
With over 30 motorbikes each day and 100 cars, the July meetings will be great fun.
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: Saturday July 20th and Sunday July 21st
Times: Competition runs from approx. 1300, practice runs from 0830 both days.
Admission: Only £10 for adults each day, accompanied under 14s free, free paddock entry, free parking.
Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
Jul 5, 2019
We have around 110 cars and drivers competing on both days with a separate event on Saturday and Sunday as well as the motorbikes and combinations of the Auto Cycle Union’s Hill Climb Championship.
All will face the challenge of the legendary 12 feet wide, fast and twisty course at Wiltshire’s famous, award winning Speed Hill Climb Venue, Gurston Down.
With unrivalled access to the hill, paddock, cars, drivers and facilities available to our spectators, the weekend promises to be a veritable sceptical of sound, smell, skill and speed. We have excellent catering and refreshments on site too!
You really can’t get closer to the action!
There are four rounds of the Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship, two rounds each day and two rounds of Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge the Challenger, one round each day.
The Meadens Skoda Championship is close after the first eight rounds. The performances at the July meetings might well determine the overall championship but as ever that will depend on the performances during every timed run.
The current championship leader is Mark Crookall in his Mazda MX5. Second is Jason Richardson in his Mazda MX5 is second. Mark has 73 points and Jason 69 points. Shaun Fudge (Subaru Impreza) and Tim Pitfield (DJ Firecat) are third equal on 68 points.
The Challenge is currently lead by Steve Holland. The challenge results will probably be decided at the July meetings but there are plenty of people who might knock Steve off the top spot.
We also have over 30 motorbikes and side-cars running both days. There is more on that in the Motorbike Preview that will be available soon
In addition to the regular Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship classes, there are a number of invited clubs on both days.
Invited Classes:
The Sevenoaks and District Motor Club Speed Championship Class
There’s a good entry in the class both days. Dave Rayner in his Caterham S-Sport was last years class winner and should be the one to watch. Dave has a much lighter car than his competitors but there are some quick cars in this class.
Bugatti Owners Club Henney’s Cider Classic Speed Championship Class
This class only runs on Saturday but with a line-up of some beautiful cars. There are Ford Escorts, a Ginetta G4, two Brabhams., two MGs just to name some of the cars in this class. There are 17 cars, all of which will be beautifully presented and will be looking for great times too.
Historic Rally Car Register Speed Championship Class
This class only runs on Sunday. There is another great mix of cars in this class. Nigel Patten brings a Renault R8 Gordini, Stephen Akers, aMini Cooper, Phil Cheek an MG B and there are two Lotus Elans.
Downton Motor Club Class
There is a small entry in the class just three cars both days. Steve Harris and Stuart Lugger are both entered in Minis but they will have to fight hard to beat the Locost of Andrew Mathis. His power to weight ratio should keep the other two at bay.
Westfield Sports Car Club Speed Championship Class
It’s good to see such a strong entry from the Westfield Sports Car Club. Five drivers on Saturday and six on Sunday. With Charlotte ad Adam Phelps and their Megabusa being the car / driver combination to beat. But none of the other drivers should be discounted, performance on the day will be critical.
The Regular Gurston Down Regular Classes:
The Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class, supported by The Window Doctor:
This class has been an incredibly competitive class since it started and this season is no expection. The class record has been broken event after event and event, this season. It now stands at 39.13s and is held by Mark Crookall. Mark in his RS will have the usual stiff competition from both Jason Richardson in his RS and Chris Burch in the car he shares with Mark. Mark and Jason are first and second in the overall Meadens Skoda Championship and will both be looking for solid points. Mark looking to cement his lead and Jason to over-take Mark.
The Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc Class
John Davey, Managing Director of Cavendish Ships Stores, our Top Ten Challenge sponsor currently leads the class championship. He’s sharing the car with Gordon Weston this weekend. John needs to keep Dabid Nutland and his Mini at bay as both need great points to secure their position in the class championship.
The Road Going Series Production Class 1401cc to 2000cc Class, supported by Record-Designs
There’s a large entry in this class. Miles Horne bring the Peugeot 306 back after issues at the June meeting. Miles is the current class record holder but needs to secure solid points to hold onto or extend his lead over Christopher Davies in the Honda Civic Type R and Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5. This class might be decided on drop scores. Miles will need reliability to maintain the lead.
The Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class supported by Turbo Dynamics
There is a ten driver entry in this class. Shaun Fudge, in the Subaru Impreza is third in the overall championship and first in the class championship so he will be looking for some good points to secure his championship position. He will have a tough weekend. The current class record holder and former Gurston Down Championship is entered in his Road Going Mitsubishi Evo as are Jenny and Clive Stangle in their Mitsubishi Evo. And we shouldn’t forget Steve Cox in the VW Golf R and Mike Rudge in the Ford Focus RS. This really will be a tough class for everyone.
Road Going Specialist Production Class supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre
Adrian Lewis in the Westfield Superbusa must start favourite in this class. The “Screaming Tangerine” is very fast and driven well by Adrian. Mark Parrett, Manager of the class sponsors, in his lovely Autotune Gemini will be looking for points to help secure his class championship position.
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars up to 2000cc Class
Simon Purcell runs his supercharged Lotus Exige with it’s smaller engine in the upto 2000cc class. He hasn’t got any competition but as ever he will be looking for personal best times.
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars over 2000cc Class
There are just three entries both days but this should be a scrap between Phil Price in the Porsche 930RS and Graham Beale in the Ginetta G33. Sadly the E Type of Paul Slade will struggle against these two monsters. If you are in the paddock you should come around and take a look at all three of these cars!
The Modified Series Production Car up to 1400cc Class
The all Mini line-up in this class, it will be down to Gurston experience. James White starts favourite but David Bean will be looking to score some valuable points in the championship as the current class record holder and class championship leader, Neal Turner isn’t competing.
The Modified Series Production Car 1401cc to 2000cc Class
The Peugeot 306 with Colin Satchell at the wheel will probably dominate this class. Colin’s car is outstandingly quick and Colin is an accomplished driver.
The Modified Series Production Car Over 2000cc Class
The beautifully presented Aston Martin Vantage GT4 of Tim Painter and Andrew Fraser will have some stiff competition on Saturday. Mark Walker in the Porsche Cayman S will make sure they both have to work for the win on Saturday. Mark will be looking for championship points both days.
On Sunday, the class record holder and former Gurston Down Champion brings his fantastically quick Mitsubishi Evo to the hill. With the form Stephen is in at the moment, the rest will be chasing each other for second.
The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported by Gates of Brokenhurst
Steve Holland in the Caterham Hayabusa is the current overall leader of the Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge. Not only will he be looking to be in the fastest ten on both days but he will be chasing championship points as he also leads the class championship.
The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar
There are five entries on Saturday. The lovely Brabham BT35 of Christopher Bentley-Jones has the Tiga SF83 of Robin Johnson and Joe McKrell are joined by the Ginetta G12 of James and David Tearle. Winner of the class, that’s far to difficult to predict!
The Sports Libre Cars up to 1400cc Class
Tim Pitfield in the DJ Firecat is having a great season so far. He is the class current record holder, current class championship leader and has broken the class record twice this season already. Look out for Pete Steele in the Radical SR1, he looking for a 33s run providing the weather is good. Tim will have to be on top form take the win.
The Sports Libre Cars 1401cc to 2000cc Class
The V8 powered Lancia Stratos replica of Malcolm Cole is the only entry in this class. It’s another great car to take a look at when you are in the paddock.
The Sports Libre Cars Over 2000cc Class
Geoff Twemlow brings the Saker GT to the hill. The Subaru engined car hasn’t been behaving properly over the past few meetings, hopefully Geoff has had time to sort it out, enabling him to enjoy a full weekends racing. The Force SR8 shared by Chris Cannell and Sue Hayes also goes in this class. On current form Chris will probably take the win but he will be looking for Top Ten points as well as class championship points. Chris will also be looking for Fastest Time of the Day too!
500 Owners Association Speed Championship / 2001 Rules
Saturday see a good entry in some proper classic racing cars in this class, all with engines of 500cc or less. The drivers almost throw themselves and their cars into the corners. They are a spectacle! On Sunday, John Dent in the Cooper Mk8 runs on his own.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management Limited
There is a good entry in this class both days. Murray Wakeham in the OMS CF96 is having a great season so far and is dominating the class championship. James Moore in the Empire Evo will make sure Murray really has to work for the win.
Formula Ford Race Cars up to 1600cc Class
There’s a great entry in this class on Saturday. The current record holder, Shaun Macklin in his Swift SC92 must start favourite. But with Russell Haynes in the Zeus ZR163, Simon Andrews in the Van Dieman RF90, Doug Auld in a Swift SC93 and Samantha Lester in a Van Dieman FR92 to name just a few, Shaun will have to be in class record breaking territory to grab the win. This class is usually separated by hundredths of a second.
On Sunday, there a six more entrants. So it’ll be interesting to see how Sunday shapes up!
Racing Cars 1101cc to 1600cc Class
Pete Hammock in the lovely 1600cc Empire Wraith has the class to himself both days. The car is new this season so Pete will be looking for new personal bests and learning more of how the car behaves.
Racing Cars up to 2000cc (Normally Aspirated)
Although there are just three entries in this class. This could be one of those that is tough to call. Look out for Tony Wiltshire in the Ralt RT34 who leads the class championship from Roger Cock in the Pilbeam MP54. But you can’t discount Ian Tucker in the OMS 28. This class could bring us Fastest Time of the Day.
Racing Cars up to 2000cc (Force Induction)
Saturday sees Paul Haimes in the lovely turbo-charged Gould GR59. He will be one of the contenders for Fastest Time of the Day.
With a weekend packed with great cars and great motorsport – Why not 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: Saturday July 20th and Sunday July 21st
Times: Competition runs from approx. 1300, practice runs from 0830 both days.
Admission: Only £10 for adults each day, accompanied under 14s free, free paddock entry, free parking.
Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
Jun 21, 2019
Now that was an interesting weekends speed hill climb! Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June was the Tony Marsh Memorial Weekend.
There were just three rounds of the Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship and two rounds of the Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge after an incident in hollow at the very end of the first timed run on Sunday. More on that later in this report.
The weekend was the Tony Marsh Memorial weekend. A special trophy is awarded to the Meadens Skoda Championship registered competitor who makes the greatest improvement in or is nearest to their respective class record in any of the timed runs at either of the June meetings. There will be a full report on this later.
There is a full report on the Motorbikes is available on our website.
The regular Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship classes were supported by a number of invited classes.
Saturday’s Invited Classes:
ACSMC Registered Road Legal Cars Class
David Newman and his Mazda MX5 was in a very strong position after the first timed runs, he was just under two seconds ahead of Steve Elliott in the Lotus Elise. The second timed runs were in much better conditions, David put together a great performance and reduced his time from 42.92s to 39.68s. Daniel Friel in the Honda Civic Type R took more than five seconds out of his first timed run, finishing second on 40.78s and Steve Elliott in the Elise was third on 41.03s.
TyreMarks ASWMC Registered Road Legal Cars Class
Adrian Lewis and the Westfield Superbusa took the win and a new class record with a 34.29s second timed run. Ian Ingleheart in his Westfield SE Cosworth was second on 35.27s and the Alfa 4C of Rodney Eyles was third on 36.33s.
The Midland Speed Championship
The Porsche 911 Carrera of Andrew Norris was ahead from the start. Stephen Barnard in the space-frame Audi TT ran second after the first timed run. However, after the second timed run, Stephen’s advantage fell away and Simon Jones and his Westfield SeiW improved his first timed run by six seconds. Andrew finished on 35.68s, Simon on 36.05s and Stephen on 36.26s.
Sunday’s Invited Classes:
There was only one timed run on Sunday
The Morgan Sports Car Club Techniques Speed Championship
Robert Toon in his Plus 8 took the win. Simon Ashby in his 4/4 was second with Clive Hall is his 4/4 third. Robert finished on 38.71s, Simon on 39.30s and Clive 39.95s.
The Pirelli Ferrari Championship Class
David Snelson has been a regular visitor to the Gurston Down Drivers School this season and it paid off. David and his Ferrari F430 finished ahead of Tim Dickinson in the 458. David crossed the line at 103 mph. These two were close, David put in a 36.39s and Tim in 37.16s.
The Midland Speed Championship
The class was much smaller than Saturday’s. It was a repeat of Saturday, Andrew Norris with the Porsche 911 Carrera finished with a 35.13s and the space-frame Audi TT of Stephen Barnard on 35.59s.
The Gurston Down Regular Classes
The Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class, supported by The Window Doctor
Mark Crookall in his Mazda MX5 RS took the win both days and lowered the class record by 0.45s. The record now stands at 39.13s. Jason Richardson in his RS had lowered the record by 0.01s in the run directly before Mark’s run. Chris Burch had a great run on Saturday’s damp conditions and pushed Jason back to second. Chris had a rather tough second timed run as you will see from the great video on our Facebook page and couldn’t improve his time.
The Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc
David Nutland in his Mini took the win both days. John Davey, the managing director of our Top Ten Challenge sponsor, Cavendish Ships Stores took second. It will be interesting to see how July pans out as John’s “new” Midget should be much more settled by then.
The Road Going Series Production Class 1401cc to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs
The current record holder, Miles Horne, in the Peugeot 306 was in front after the first timed run on Saturday with a 39.00s. But mechanical issues forced him out of the rest of Saturday’s meeting and the car couldn’t be fixed for Sunday. With the conditions drying, Tim Forster in that lovely Lotus Elan stopped the clock on 38.06s. Saturday’s results was Tim Forster, 38.06s, Miles Horne 39.00s, Christopher Davies (Honda Civic) and 39.07s and Alex England (Ford Fiesta) 39.08s.
Everything changed in Sunday’s single run event, Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5 had a great run. He seemed to be struggling on Saturday. His timed run was 38.48s. Christopher Davies in the Honda Civic was second on 38.97s, Tim Foster in his Elan, third on 39.00s.
The Turbo Dynamics supported Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class
Shaun Fudge and the Lewis Dean Subaru Impreza took the win on Saturday from Steve Cox in the Golf R. Shaun managed a 36.94s just over a second ahead of Steve who finished on 38.05s
Sunday’s single run event turned everything around. Steve Cox put together a 37.26s and took the class win. Sarah Fudge pushed Shaun back to third with a 37.72s run with Shaun just 0.13s behind.
Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported the Fieldfare Trailer Centre
Antony Orchard in Adrian Lewis’s Westfield Superbusa was unbeatable on Saturday. Adrian was away winning the ASWMC class. Antony’s time was 34.15s. Claire Tooth in her Lotus Elise was second on 39.75s.
Sunday saw Adrian back in the class but Antony was in sparkling form. He took the win with an improved time compared to the previous day. Antony’s time 33.79s and Adrian just 0.03s behind on just 33.82s.
Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars
The two Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car classes were amalgamated. Phil Price in the 500 plus bhp Porsche 930RS. He stopped the clock on 33.45s on Saturday and 33.46s on Sunday.
Up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Class
Neil Turner took the win both days. He also reduced the class record on Saturday to 35.04s, a great performance.
Modified Series Production Class 1401cc to 2000cc Class
Colin Satchell and the superfast Peugeot 205 took the class win, 33.59s on Saturday and 33.83s on Sunday.
Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Class
Mark Walker in the Porsche Cayman put together a class winning second timed run. Pushing interesting Mazda 323 of Chris Edwards and Tim Painter in the gorgeous Aston Martin Vantage. It was close between these three, Mark 34.43s, Chris 34.80s and Tim 34.89s, great performances all round.
On Sunday everything changed! Stephen Moore in the amazing Mitsubishi Evo RS returned and took the class with a 33.43s run. Second was close, Tim Painter and Mark Walker were almost even at the intermediate time, 18.71s and 18.91s respectively. But Mark’s 110 mph over the line was 6 miles and hour faster than Tim in the Aston. What a great class this has become this year!
Modified Specialist Production Class supported by Gates of Brokenhurst
Steve Holland in the Caterham Hayabusa dominated this class from the outset. Saturday he stopped the clocks on 31.85s and Sunday 32.03s. Satuday’s second place man was Ritchie Gatt on 33.53s and Sunday’s was Jonathan Smith on 33.33s.
The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar
Jeremy Smithson in the Lotus Elan won the class both days. His best time was on Saturday 43.86s on Saturday’s second timed run.
The Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class
Tim Pitfield, Gurston Down Drivers School principal in his DJ Firecat had a great Saturday and won the class. Sunday was even better, he won the class and lowered the class record by 0.43s. It now stands at 32.61s. Peter Steel in his Radical, known as the “Tory Canyon” improved his times over the weekend, Saturday 35.32s and Sunday 34.31s.
Sports Libre 1400cc to 2000cc Class, supported by Lewis Property Services
After issues with on Sunday, this class only ran on Saturday. Clive Wooster in the Radical SR4 had a great first timed run had a great lead. The lead was significantly cut by a great second run by Steven Wells in the SEWC SubZero. However, Clive went even quicker, he finished the day on a 33.04s, a great performance.
The Sports Libre over 2000cc Class
Chris Cannell and Sue Hayes ran the Force SR8 both days. Chris had a great Saturday and scored ten points in the Top Ten challenge and Fastest Time of the Day on Sunday.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management
James Moore and his Empire Evo 2 is back! But some may have thought that it would be a comfortable class win. It wasn’t. Murray Wakeham in his OMS CF96, missed out on first by just 0.06s and just 0.05s on Sunday. James’s times were 32.31s, on Saturday, and 31.81s on Sunday. Murray’s were 32.37s and 31.86s respectively. This class will be an interesting one to watch for the rest of the season.
Formula Ford Racing Car up to 1600cc
Russell Haynes in the Zeus ZR163 ran on both days. The Saturday to himself wasn’t a great day, there were issues in his run.
On Sunday he was joined by David Matthews in his Zeus. Russell was ahead after the first timed run, with a 39.52s, but as the weather David improved his time and ended on 38.90s. Russell had issues and didn’t complete the second timed run. should take the win Saturday.
The 1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class
Mike Lee in his OMS3000M had a great lead over Pete Hammock in the Empire Wraith after the first timed run on Saturday. Pete had mechanical issues and didn’t complete the second timed run. Mike went faster and ended on 32.14s with Pete taking second.
Sunday saw the some class amalgamated.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car – Forced Induction
Saturday saw Paul Haimes and the lovely turbocharged Gould GR59 take the class win and the Fastest Time of the Day with a 28.55s. The fastest time of the weekend.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car – Normally Aspirated Class
Saturday Tony Wiltshire in his Ralt RT34 took the class win.
Racing Cars 1101cc to 2000cc amalgamated – Sunday
Tony Wiltshire in the Ralt RT34 took the win on Sunday. But he was pushed very hard by Mike Lee. Tony finished on 31.97s and Lee on 32.02.
Racing Car over 2000cc
Paul Crute ran on his own in the Jaguar power OMS 28 both days. He had a great Saturday with a 30.62s. But a very serious off at Hollow in the first timed run on Sunday saw the car very badly damaged but Paul wasn’t seriously hurt.
There’s a separate report on the bikes which run both days.
We would like to thank all those who made our weekend possible!
Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
Jun 21, 2019
Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June saw the second and third visits of the Auto Cycle Union’s (ACU) National Hill Climb Championship.
For the spectators who braved the Saturday weather might have noticed some TV cameras and an interesting motorbike built for the TV Show Goblin Works Garage by it’s presentor Ant Partridge. The Ducati Scrambler will feature in the Quest TV show later in the summer together with some footage from the Saturday event. We have a few pictures on an album on our Facebook page. Ant had a great time, arriving on Friday but after walking the hill and meeting Gurston officials and all the bikers in the afternoon, decided to stay over-night at Gurston rather than coming back on Saturday after a hotel stay.
The weather was tough for those on four wheels let alone those on two and three wheels!
Solo Motor Cycles 100cc to 250cc class
Pauline Ford on a Honda had the class to herself on Saturday and finished on 52.27s.
Solo Motor Cycles 251cc to 350cc class
Saturday saw four bikes and riders, Richard Peaty on a 349cc KTM had a good, solid lead after the first timed runs of almost 1.5s. That lead almost slipped away in the second timed runs. Richard finished the day on 38.51s with Allan Harvey on a 300cc KTM SX was second, just 0.15s adrift on 38.66s.
Sunday saw five bikes and riders. The top two were a repeat of the Saturday meeting but the margin slightly better Richard finished on 38.07s and Allan 38.60s.
Solo Motor Cycles 351cc to 500cc class
Glyn Poole on the 500cc Honda took a commanding lead on after the first timed run on Saturday. He was 1.5s ahead of the rest of the field and he improved that in the second timed run too. Glyn finished on 33.63s and Mike Tilley on his 491cc Honda CR on 35.46s.
On Sunday Glyn finished on 33.57s with Mike on 35.14s. Great performances by Glyn.
Solo Motor Cycles 501cc to 750cc class
This class brought some seriously quick bikes and talented riders to the hill. The top three in the class were the same both days. Tommy Hodges on the 613cc Team GV KTM took the win on Saturday with a 32.93s second timed run. Tom Short on another 613cc KTM was second on 33.10s, just 0.17s difference and Guy Ursell on another KTM, was third on 34.62s.
On Sunday Tom Short matched his Saturday time with a 33.10s. Tommy Hodges was just 0.11s behind on 33.21s and Guy Ursell on 34.48s.
Solo Motor Cycles 751cc to 1300cc class
The Goblin Motor Work Ducati Scrambler designed and built Ant Partridge joined this class for Saturday.
Stu Mills on his Aprilia Tuono V4 was fastest both days. Simon Gates on his Kawasaki was second. These two with Allan Jolly on his KTM were the top three on Saturday. On Sunday Matthew Moggridge on his Suzuki took third.
Saturday’s times were Stu Mills, 34.32s, Simon Gates, 35.11s and Allan Jolly 35.20s.
Sunday’s times were Stu Mills, 34.21s, Simon Gates, 34.81s and Matthew Moggeridge 34.48s.
Trike Class
Jon and Isaac Warren rode the Suzuki trike both days. Their best time of the weekend was Sunday with a 36.82s timed run.
Sidecar Class
There were five combinations in this class. The Foster’s on their 600cc Honda F2 won both days but they really had to work for it. The Keates on the 998cc Baker F1. On Saturday, the Fosters finished on 37.26s and the Keates, 37.57s. On Sunday, the Fosters finished on 37.11s and the Keates 37.60s.
The bikes will be back for both days in July. Why not come and join us?
Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
Jun 9, 2019
Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June sees the seasons second and third visits of theAutocycle Union’s (ACU) National Hill Climb Championship. So you know just how quick the motorbikes are at Gurston Down, the current hill record for a Solo Motorbike is 31.85s and is held by Ben Watkins.
The riders and their machines always produce a fabulous display of skill and spectacular racing. The motorbikes are expected to start practice around 08:45 and have their first timed run at 13:00 each day. And look out for the Top Ten Run-off at the end of the day.
If you would like to see what it is really like on a solo motorbike or on a motorbike and side-car combination check the videos posted on our Facebook page!
The Solo Motorbikes run first and are separated in to classes based on engine cubic capacity, just like the cars are. You’ll see by the entry that riders tend to bring different bikes to compete on different days.
Solo Motor Cycles 100cc to 250cc class
Saturday has just two entries, Pauline Ford on a Honda and Steven Garlinge on another Honda. It’ll probably be Steven’s class. There aren’t any entrants on Sunday.
Solo Motor Cycles 251cc to 350cc class
Saturday sees four bikes in the entry. Simon Wilson and his Yamaha was the 2018 winner so we should expect him to be there or there about both days. But he will be looking over his shoulder all weekend.
Solo Motor Cycles 351cc to 500cc class
There is a huge entry both days in this class. There’s a whole bunch of very quick and talented riders. Chris Keates on his Honda CRF has stiff competition from Mike Tilley (Honda CR), Simon Hockling (Husqvama), Glyn Poole (Honda) and Callum Short (KTM), just to name a few of the riders.
Solo Motor Cycles 501cc to 750cc class
This class brings some seriously quick bikes and talented riders to the hill. There are so many winners of fastest time of the day in this class, there’s no way you could call who will be in the top five, let alone the top three. Look out for Tommy Hodges on his KTM, Peter Short and Tom Short on their respective KTMs, Guy Ursell and none of the other riders can be ruled out!
Solo Motor Cycles 751cc to 1300cc class
Both days have a great entries. Allan Jolly (KTM) looks a likely winner here but he will need to beat some riders and bikes that will fight him for the win through out the meeting. Look out for Stu Mills on his Aprilia Tuono V4. Fastest Bike of the Day will probably come from this class, but who will it be.
All the riders will be looking for a Top Ten Run-off places
Trike Class
There’s just one entry in the class. Jon and Isaac Warren ride the Suzuki trike.
Sidecar Class
Then it’s the turn of the motorbike and side car combinations! The side cars are a proper spectacle! The pillion (passenger) only stays on by holding on buy their feet and hands, no seat belts or harnesses. The pillion hanging on or sometimes out of the combination!
There are a couple of great videos of the current hill record holders on our Facebook page. The previous record holders, Patrick and Paul Keates return and must start favourite but it’s a very competitive class. Who will take the win and can the Keates take back the class record?
Then at the end of the meeting, if time allows, there bikes will have a Top Ten Run-off. The Ten fastest motorbikes and combinations will compete again to score additional points.
Why not come and join us?
With this variety of motorbikes (and cars) Sunday 22nd will be an action packed day 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 15th and Sunday 16th April
Times: Competition from approx. 1300, practice from 0830 both days.
Admission: Only £10 for adults each day, accompanied under 14s free, free paddock entry, free parking.
Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
Jun 9, 2019
Saturday 15th and 16th June are the Tony Marsh Memorial Weekend. There are four rounds of the Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship and two rounds of the Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge.
Both the Championship and the Challenge are in their early stages, although there are a few drivers and cars that didn’t feature last season. Will the June meetings change that or will they establish the main contenders. Although the meetings are likely to settle who will be in the top two or three in the class championships.
What is the Tony Marsh Memorial Trophy? The Tony Marsh Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Meadens Skoda Championship registered competitor who makes the greatest improvement in or is nearest to their respective class record in any of the timed runs at either of the June meetings. Mark Crookall and his MX5 has won this for a record three successive years.
We have over 110 cars and drivers together with 40 motorbikes competing on both days with a separate event on Saturday and Sunday.
All will face the challenge of the legendary 12 feet wide, fast and twisty course at Wiltshire’s famous, award winning, speed hill climb venue, Gurston Down.
With unrivalled access to the hill, paddock, cars, drivers and facilities available to our spectators, the weekend promises to be a veritable sceptical of sound, smell, skill and speed. We have excellent catering and refreshments on site too!
You really can’t get closer to the action!
In addition to the regular Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship classes, there are a number of invited clubs on both days.
Saturday’s Invited Classes:
The double drives in batch three head to hill first in their own very small batch then the ACU National Hill Climb Championship motorbikes and sidecars run in batch two. There’s a separate preview available.
BARC Connaught Speed Championship Class
There are just four entries in this class but there’s a good range of cars. William Hunt in the turbo charged Ford Sierra should take charge of this class but none of the other competitors will make it easy.
ACSMC Registered Road Legal Cars Class
David Newman’s Mazda MX5 probably starts this car favourite. He has extensive Gurston experience and the car is running well. He will need to look out for the Elise of Steven Elliot and Daniel Friel in the Honda Civic. They will all be looking for points in their respective classes and the championship overall.
TyreMarks ASWMC Registered Road Legal Cars Class
It will be interesting to see how the Alfa Romeo 4C of RodneyEyles fares against the Westfield’s of Ian Ingleheart and Adrian Lewis. Adrian Lewis is most likely to come out on top with his superfast Westfield Superbusa.
The Midland Speed Championship
There’s a great entry in this class and with such an interesting and wide variety of cars, it will be really difficult to predict who will end up on top. But you will need to look out for the Audi TT Spaceframe car of Stephen Barnard, the Porsche 911 shared by Helen Evans and Andrew Norris and Garry Morgan’s Vauxhall Chevette HSR. With the variety of cars, this class is likely to be down to the performance on the day.
Sunday’s Invited Classes:
The Morgan Sports Car Club Techniques Speed Championship
There’s a great entry in this class, even a very early car, the 1267cc Morgan Series 1 of George Proudfoot is likely to struggle again the more modern V8 plus 8’s of recent Saint Goueno Master competitor, Robert Toon, James and Georgina Dean, Alan Foster and the lightweight of Paul Clarke. These will be the ones to watch.
The Pirelli Ferrari Championship Class
There are some lovely cars in this class, spanning at four decades of Ferrari production. We have the Dino shared by Anthony and Iwan Attwood, the F430 of David Snelson, the 328 of Pauline Goodwin and the 355 of John Swith to name just a few. Part of the championship rules is that the cars have to be driven to the event, they can’t come on a trailer. So look out for some great cars on the local roads as they usually arrive together.
The Midland Speed Championship returns for it’s second day with one less entry. It will probably be a repeat of the Saturday but hill climbing often throws a curved ball when you are least expecting it.
The Gurston Down Regular Classes – running both days
The Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class, supported by The Window Doctor
Charles Gaylard joins the other competitors who run both days, on Sunday. This will be a class to watch, The triple Tony Marsh Memorial Trophy winner, the 2018 class and 2018 overall champion and current class record holder, Mark Crookall is having to work hard to retain those titles and records. Jason Richardson, who is the current class and overall championship leader is making serious headway with some great performances. Both of these drivers are likely contenders for the 2019 Tony Marsh Memorial Award.
The Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc
With two entries on Saturday and the addition of Chris Briant in the MG ZR on Sunday, the winner both days is likely to depend on whether John Davey, the managing director of our Top Ten Challenge sponsor, Cavendish Ships Stores, has completed the rebuild of his “new” MG Midget. Although, David Nutland will be looking forward to the challenge! If John’s new car is as good as the old, which it sounds like it could be, he will be another contender for the Tony March Memory Trophy!
The Road Going Series Production Class 1401cc to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs
The current record holder, Miles Horne, in the Peugeot 306 will have to work hard for the class win. Tim Forster in that lovely Lotus Elan and Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5 won’t make it easy for him. There are a few other that might just pop into the top three but that will be down to the performance on the day. On Sunday, there are a few new comers to Gurston Down, Olly Wright and Anna-May Furness in the Peugeot 106 so it will be interesting where they will finish. Miles is also a contender for the Tony Marsh Memorial Award but he’ll have to smash the record.
The Turbo Dynamics supported Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class
Saturday gives Shaun and Sarah Fudge and their Subaru Impreza a great chance to build on their class championship points. They won’t get it all their own way with the others in the class either and on Sunday, Stephen Moore bring that superfast Mitsubishi Evo 6 RS. He will be very difficult to beat but Shaun and Sarah should be able to get some very solid championship points.
Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported the Fieldfare Trailer Centre
Look out for Antony Orchard in Adrian Lewis’s Westfield Superbusa on Saturday, he will start favourite. On Sunday, Adrian is back in the class so it will be interesting to see how those two get on.
Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars up to 2000cc Class
Simon Purcell in the Lotus Elise runs in the class on his own. He is a previous champion and has recently changed classes.
The Over 2000cc Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car Class
Phil Price his Porsche 911 RS has the class to himself on Saturday but Paul Slade in the Jaguar E Type joins his on Sunday. Likely winner both days is Phil.
Up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Class
David Bean, Derek Mullis, James White and Neil Turner entered both days in their respective Minis and Steve Luscombe in an MG Midget runs on Saturday. The current record holder, Neil Turner and former record holder James White will have a proper fight on their hands. Here’s another class where records are pushed back regularly. Another Tony Marsh Memorial Trophy winner here perhaps?
Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Class
That gorgeous Aston Martin of Tim Painter and Andy Fraser will be the car to beat in this class. Mark Walker in the Porsche Cayman and Jim Herbert in the Mitsubishi Evo will be trying to snatch his away from them. It will be tough but it’s all about the timed runs.
Modified Specialist Production Class supported by Gates of Brokenhurst
Steve Holland in the Caterham Hayabusa and Ritchie Gatt in the Westfield SeiW will be the ones to watch in this class. Simon Marsh, Tony Marsh’s son bring a Caterham R300 to the hill. He is sharing the car with Thomas Marsh both days. Who of those two with finish on top? The Dax Rush of David Mitchell might put a spanner in the works here but it will be an uphill battle with all the experience hewill have to overcome.
The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar
Saturday has the 1932 Morgan of George Proudfoot and Jeremy Smithson’s Lotus Elan. The class should be Jeremy’s on Saturday. On Sunday George moves to the Morgan Car Club class and two Alvis’ arrive, an Alvis 1250 SD of Chris Sutton and a 12/50 TJ of Anthony Norton. It is great to see these cars out and especially competing! Jeremy should take the win on Sunday too…
The Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class
Tim Pitfield, Gurston Down Drivers School principal in his DJ Firecat is probably favourite and is on form this season, breaking the class record in April. He also went quicker in May but the May and August events don’t run the same class structure. So Tim is a very strong contender for the Tony Marsh Memorial Award. But Peter Steel in his Radical SR1 has been improving so might be a threat to Tim.
Sports Libre 1400cc to 2000cc Class, supported by Lewis Property Services
Saturday sees a good entry. The lovely Lancia Stratos replica of Malcolm Cole runs both days but Saturday will probably go to Clive Wooster in the Radical SR4. Sunday sees Malcolm on his own but we will see the beautiful car on the hill.
The Sports Libre over 2000cc Class
Chris Cannell and Sue Hayes run the Force SR8 both days and will both be looking for championship and Top Ten Challenge points.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management
Murry Wakeham in the OMS CF96 has had a great season so far. But James Moore and his Empire Evo 2 are back both days. James has the form to take this class but he will have to have some great performances to gain championship nd Top Ten Challenge points.
Formula Ford Racing Car up to 1600cc
Russell Haynes in the Zeus ZR163 runs both days but only has competition on Saturday when David Matthews joins him in another Zeus. Russell should take the win Saturday.
The 1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class
Pete Hammock in the gorgeous Empire Wraith has a tough class with Andrew Forsyth in the OMS CF04 and Mike Lee in his OMS3000M. Mike and Pete will both be hunting championship and challenge points.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car – Normally Aspirated Class
There are two entries, both days. Roger Cook with the Pilbeam MQP54 and Tony Wiltshire in his Ralt RT34. It’s a while since Tony has competed in a racing car at Gurston Down but he’ll be the one to watch in this class.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car – Forced Induction
Paul Haimes and the lovely turbocharged Gould GR59 has this class to himself. He must be a contender for Fastest Time of the Day.
Paul Crute runs on his own in the Jaguar power OMS 28 in the Over 2000cc Racing Car Class, both days. He may well be a contender for Fastest Time of the Day but he will be looking for more Top Ten Challenge points as he is the current leader. Two great performances will help him strengthen his position.
With a weekend packed with great cars and great motorsport – Why not 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: Saturday June 15th and Sunday June 16th
Times: Competition runs from approx. 1300, practice runs from 0830 both days.
Admission: Only £10 for adults each day, accompanied under 14s free, free paddock entry, free parking.
Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
