RESULT – The Cavendish Ships Stores BARC SW Top Ten Challenge

Sep 14, 2018

The Cavendish Ships Stores BARC SW Top Ten Challenge title had already been decided after the July meetings with some great performances put in by Peter D Smith in the Force PT he shares with Richard Gaylard.

Peter had a chance to take a clean sweep at the September meeting but a mechanical failure, a drive shaft breakage, put paid to that during practice. Unfortunately, this also put paid to his co-drivers challenge aspirations too. Richard Gaylard looke like a second place was likely but with the points so close, the September meetings scoring would make a difference to the almost all of those in the top ten of the challenge.

The Result of the Cavendish Ships Stores BARC SW Top Ten Challenge 2018 were:

SECOND – Paul Crute

THIRD EQUAL – Chris Cannell

THIRD EQUAL – Richard Gaylard

We would like to thank all of our sponsor, Cavendish Ships Stores for their continued support in 2018!

E&OE

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

Championship Finale – How Things Change!

Sep 12, 2018

The final event of the year at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb took place on Sunday 9th September. The final two 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 produced some interesting results and changed the class and overall results because of some great performances. There will be more on that in the Championship and Challenge Report later this week. There might be a few hints as to the consequences of these results and what they might mean to the championship and challenge but you will need to wait for the full report.

The September meeting hosted a number of invited championships and classes. These championships were the Triumph Register Cars, MG Cars, Austin Healeys and Sprites and the historic 500cc racing cars.

The Fastest Time of the Day was Neal Coles in his OMS 28 with a 30.07s second timed run. His first timed run was 30.08s, a very consistent performance. It was his first ever Fastest Time of the Day and seemed rather pleased about it as anyone would!

RESULTS IN FULL:

The Triumph Register Class

Roderick Warner and his TR7 V8 dominated this class from the outset finishing he improved his first timed run performance which was 40.73s with a second timed run of 40.34s, leaving the rest the class in his wake, fighting for the places. It looked like it might be quite tight for second until Dale Huxford Spitfire put in a 42.76s second timed run. Roger McEwen in his TR6 was third (44.69s).

The MG Class

There were twelve cars and driver combinations entered in the MG Class. Last years event winner, Ben Rolls in his Sprite maintained his winning form with a second timed run of 39.71s. Richard Withers, last year second place driver, really pushed Ben. After the first timed runs they were just 0.07s apart. Richard improved his time but not quite enough, he ended on 39.95s just 0.24s behind Ben.

The Austin Healey Class – Big Healey and Warwick Cars Class

The Big Healey and Warwick cars went next. After the first timed run, Richard Mason lead Paul Baker and John Tewson. All three of their times were covered by just 0.35s. But it was John Tewson’s day! He improved his time by more than one second giving him first on 38.48s, beating John Mason by just one hundredth, John Mason stopped the clocks on 38.49s! Paul Baker didn’t improve on his time and end on 39.83s for third.

The Austin Healey Class – Austin Healey Sprite Class

The Austin Healey Sprite Class had six drivers entered. Colin Gale lead after the first timed run with a 39.77s. He was just 0.19s in front of Joe Mackrell. But Joe improved his time in the second time run by more than half a second and finished on 39.27s. Colin didn’t manage to improve his time and took second.

Regular Gurston Classes

The Gurston Down MX5 Class supported by the Window Doctor

The 2017 Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Champion, Mark Crookall produced a great first timed run, beating the class target time. Jason Richardson dis the same but was just 0.14s behind Mark. Mark on 40.14s and Jason on 40.28s respectively in their MX5 RSs.

Neither driver improved on their times on the second runs. Jason was just 0.01s behind his first timed run with a 40.29s but was pipped by Mark who finished on 40.28s. These two have scored great points for the championship but more on that later. Chris Burch was third on 40.66s.

Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc Class

John Davey, Managing Director of our Top Ten Challenge sponsor, Cavendish Ships Stores set a new class record in this class and took the class win with a 41.21s first timed run. David Nutland was second in his Mini Cooper S on 41.46s.

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

Dean Cubitt in his Mazda MX5 had stiff opposition in Tim Forster in his Lotus Elan, Dean lead after the first timed run by 0.25s with a 38.74s. He improved his time in the second timed run finishing on 38.50s with Tim just 0.10s behind on 38.60s. The Davies’, Chris and Russell in their Honda Civic were third and fourth, respectively. Alex England end the day with his first sub 40s run. Needless to say he was extremely happy with his 39.93s!

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

After the first timed run Simon Neve in his Mitsubishi Evo was quickest with a 34.74s. Mike Rudge, Ford Focus RS, second on 37.19s, Andrew Thorp, Porsche Cayman S, on 37.46s, and Sean Fudge, Subaru Impreza on 37.49s.

Thanks to Stuart Freeman for this great picture of Mike having an issue with Ashes….

Simon Neve didn’t improve his first run time. But both Andrew Thorp and Mike Rudge scored identical times of 36.72s which were personal bests for them both. A great end of season for them both. Mike Rudge took the second place because of his faster first timed run leaving Andrew third, although he won’t be disappointed with that! An interesting addition to the class was Isabella Lawrence in a Mitsubishi Evo, not only was she competing for the first time – she got her competition licence on Friday before the meeting! 37.83s is a great time. Look out for Isabella next season!

Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre

The first three in this class, Clive Skipper’s 2.0 Caterham HPC, Adrian Lewis’ 1.4 Westfield Megabusa and Anthony Orchard, sharing the Lewis Westfield produced some great times. There was just 0.48s difference in their first timed runs, their positions didn’t change in the second timed runs although Adrian the only one making an improvement. They finished in that order with 34.06s, 34.08s and 34.54s respectively.

The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars upto 2000cc Class

Andrew Hurle was the only runner in this class and stopped the clock on 39.84s.

The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars over 2000cc Class

Phil Price in the Porsche 911 has been the man to beat in this class all season and September wasn’t any different. He stamped his authority on the class from the first timed run finishing with a 33.33s and then imprived that time in the second run with a 33.25s. Graham Beale in the Ginetta just could not match Phil’s pace and came second on 35.11s.

The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class

Neil Turner, the class record holder, in his super fast Mini dominated this class from the outset. His first timed run of 35.34s was over three seconds ahead of his nearest rival Derek Mullis on 38.75s. Neil marginally improved his time on the second timed rin with a 35.21s. Derek Mullis’s first timed run was good enough to secure second.

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

Steven Moore in his Mitsubishi Evo had a great weekend, breaking the class record on both timed runs. 32.45s in the first timed run and 32.27s in the second. A great performance! The Aston Martin Vantage shared by Tim Painter and Andy Fraser gave them second and third respectively, scoring valuable points in the championship.

The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported Gates of Brockenhurst

Steve Holland and his Caterham Hayabusa had a great first timed run with a 31.75s climb, Martin Watson in his Westfield SEiW was second, just 0.16s behind Steve. Martin didn’t make the second run so the result after the first stood. Richie Gatt in another Westfield was third on 33.20s.

The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar

Sue Hayes in her Palliser WDF3 had this class in the bag after the first timed run, dominating it throughout the day. Her tuime of 36.76s was almost six seconds ahead of second place man Brian Gent in the Gilbern GTwith a 42.75s run.

Hill Climb Super Sports Cars Class

There were just two cars entered in this class on Sunday, Mark Mortimer and Richard Fry both in Mallocks. Mark has Gurston experience which paid off and he took the class with a good margin, finishing on 34.80s.

The Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class

Craig Russell in his Westfield XTR2 had a great day, taking the win. Peter Steel in his Guille Mallock, the current class record holder, just couldn’t match Craig’s pace on the day. Craig finished on 36.07s and Peter on 37.62s.

The Sports Libre 1400cc to 2000cc, supported by Class Lewis Property Services and The Sports Libre over 2000cc Class were amalgamated

Chris Cannell took an early lead and unsurprisingly stayed ahead in the more powerful over 2000cc Force SR8 and finished on 30.29s with the under 2000cc WEV HCS-BDG of Keith Diggle second on 31.73s. Great times for both drivers.

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

The OMS shared by Murray Wakeham and Alan Joy was the car to beat in this class. Murray took the win with a 32.81s, second timed run and Alan, second, on 33.07s with Steve Loadsman third in his OMS on 34.30s.

The Formula Ford Class- Cars up to 1600cc, amalgamated with the 500 Owners Association (2001 Rules) Car Class

David Matthews in his Zeus ZR163 won this class with a sub 40 second run, finishing on 39.93s with the Lola P.101 of Stuart Barnes, second on 49.85s.

1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class, supported by SM AeRoTechniques with Brian and Adrian Moody

Peter D Smith and Richard Gayland had a mechanical issue which took them out after practice which left Heal Coles in his OMS 28 and George Brown in his OMS CF07 to fight for the class win. Not only did Neal win the class he also set Fastest Time of the Day with a 30.07s second timed run. Peter and Richard would have to have worked hard to beat that time!

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

Roger Cock has made a good return to Gurston Down this year in his Pilbeam MP54 and took the win with a 32.54s beating Dave Lord in the Quest by just over half a second.

The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class

Paul Crute in the Jaguar powered OMS28 took the class win over Rodney Eyles in the Pilbeam MP54 although it wasn’t quite quick enough for Fastest Time of the Day but helped him with his Top Ten Challenge. Paul’s time 30.40s and Rodney just 0.45s behind.

We would like to thank everyone who made the day possible, the office staff, the marshals, timekeepers, scrutineers and officials without whom we couldn’t run the meeting. Thanks to Ashley Wood Recovery, TSL Timing, Steve Lister, A-Cute Medical Services, Venture Security and Peter Crutcher from Ringwood PA.

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

Annual Awards 13th October – Applications Now Open

Aug 30, 2018

Annual Awards Lunch – Applications Now Open

Saturday 13th October 2018

At The Mercure White Hart Hotel, St John Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP1 2SD

APPLICATION FORM IS HERE

Arrive 12.00 noon to sit down at 12.30pm, followed by the presentation of the awards

Hot and Cold Buffet served with fresh bread, rice and jacket potatoes. A selection of desserts:
Adults and children over 12 years £25.00 per ticket
Children 5-12 years £12.50 per ticket
Children under 5 free of charge

Please send the completed application to:
Miss Becky Crocombe, 43 Hawcroft, Holt, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. BA14 6RN (any queries please
contact beckycrocombe@hotmail.co.uk )

APPLICATION FORM

Preview Championship Finale – September 9th

Aug 29, 2018

The final event of the year at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb takes place on Sunday 9th 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 120 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 has, on a mathematical basis, not been decided. Paul Dickinson in the Honda S2000 is in charge and leads the championship. However, Paul has not entered in the September meeting so things could easily change. There are a number of other drivers who could pip him to the title, the most likely on current form is Mark Crookall. He could take the lead if he were to repeat his performance at the Sunday of the July meetings, when he broke the championship target times and class record on both runs. Sunday’s timed runs will determine the ultimate champion!

The Cavendish Ships Stores BARC-SW Top Ten Challenge was won at the July meetings. Peter D Smith with the Force PC took an unassailable lead. However, the next three places are still up for grabs. But who will it be?

Our September meeting hosts a number of invited championships and classes. These championships are the Triumph Register Cars, MG Cars, Austin Healeys and the historic 500cc racing cars. The Fastest Time of the Day will win The Russell Challenge Trophy, but who will that be?

Preview in detail:

The Triumph Register Class

The TR Class will be first to come to the line. It’s another full entry here so it will probably be a close fought battle. The TR7 V8s of Roderick Warner won in 2017, his experience should help him with the rest of the class. But you can’t ignore any of the car and driver combinations in this class.

The MG Class

There are twelve cars and driver combinations running in this class. Last years event winner, Ben Rolls in his Sprite must start favourite. He has last years second and third placed men, Richard Withers and Paul Bernal-Ryan in addition to the rest of the class so it might not be as clear cut as it might seem.

The Austin Healey Class – Big Healey and Warwick Cars Class

There are eight Big Healey and Warwick cars entered in this class. With Paul Baker and Pat Cooper last years first and second place respectively entered, not only will it be competitive but close too. You can’t really ignore any other drivers here either.

The Austin Healey Class – Austin Healey Sprite Class

The Austin Healey Sprite Class has six drivers entered. The 2017 event was won by Robin Johnson in his Sprite. But the entry has a number of drivers who won’t let Robin take the win without a fight!

Regular Gurston Classes

The Gurston Down MX5 Class supported by the Window Doctor

The 2017 Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Champion, Mark Crookall, returns to the hill in his Mazda Roadster RS after breaking his own record twice at July’s Sunday meeting. Can he do it again? Or will Jason Richardson do the same? But there are a few others who will be pushing Mark and Jason and will take advantage of any errors either of them make.

Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc Class

There is a larger than normal entry in this class. John Davey, Managing Director of our Top Ten Challenge sponsor, Cavendish Ships Stores is sharing his MG Midget with Pete Hammock. John probably starts favourite but David Nutland has had better reliability as a result scored better in the championship.

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

Tim Forster in his Lotus Elan will be looking for some strong championship points to help with his class championship challenge. Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5 will be looking for the same. There are a couple of new car and driver combinations and some names coming back. Will Dave Newman and his MX5 or David Bellamy in the Peugeot 106 spice up the class a little bit!

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

Shaun Fudge is in a strong position in the class championship and with his major competitor, Jon Maycock not entered, it would seem that Shaun might have an easier time. But he will have Simon Neve in the Mitsubishi Evo, providing the cars issues have been resolved, to content with as well as Mike Rudge in the Focus RS and Rodney Eyles in a Alfa Romeo 4C, the later two new to the class.

Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre

Clive Skipper’s 2.0 Caterham HPC, Adrian Lewis’ 1.4 Westfield Megabusa or Anthony Orchard, sharing the Lewis Westfield are the three to watch in this class. are the most likely winners in this class. Clive is ahead in the championship so Adrian will need a great performance to help with his title hopes.

The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars upto 2000cc Class

This class has just two entrants, Martin Biggs and Andrew Hurle. Andrew’s 1962cc car might well dominate the class but it’s all about performance on the day.

The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars over 2000cc Class

Phil Price in the Porsche 911 has been the man to beat in this class. He currently leads the class championship from Graham Beale in the Ginetta. There are some lovely cars in this class, Bob Mortimer’s Porsche and Paul Slades’ E Type, all will be looking for championship points.

The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class

Neil Turner, the class record holder starts this class as favourite. He needs two wins and the points to help his class championship position. If he can managed that, he will win the class. Derek Mullis and David Bean will make sure he works for the win but they are require points too.

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

Steven Moore has been pretty dominant in the class this year. He won’t be looking for championship points but he will be looking for a class record. The gorgeous the Aston Martin Vantage of Tim Painter and Andrew Fraser and Mark Walker in his 4.0 Porsche Cayman S will be looking to keep Steven on his toes but they will all have an up hill battle.

The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported Gates of Brockenhurst

Martin Watson in his Westfield SEiW has the class championship sown-up but that doesn’t mean the rest of the class will let him take the class win at this meeting. Richie Gatt and Steve Holland will be making sure he works for the win.

The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar

Sunday brings some beautifully presented historically interesting cars to Gurston Down. Sue Hayes bring her 1.6 Palliser WDF3, the Jensen C-V8 Mk1 driven by Richard Lovell-Butt and two Gilbern’s of Brian Gent and Ken Young. The class is a little difficult to call but Sue Hayes is the likely class winner here.

Hill Climb Super Sports Cars Class

There are just two cars entered in this class. Mark Mortimer and Richard Fry both in Mallocks. Mark has Gurston experience which is bound to help.

The Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class

This class has a great entry. Peter Steel in his Guille Mallock is the current class record holder and looks like he’ll be the one to beat.

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

There are just two cars entered in this class. The WEV HCS-BDG of Keith Diggle and the Lancia Stratos of Malcolm Cole. Keith has been pretty dominant in this class and we expect Sunday to be no exception.

Sports Libre over 2000cc Class

Chris Cannell is the only entrant in his Force SR8. Chris will be looking for a fast time so he can add to his Top Ten Challenge points.

The 500 Owners Association – (2001 Rules) Class

The ‘500 Owners Association – 2001 Rules” historic 500cc racing cars will run next. There is just one entry, Stuart Barnes in the Lola P.101.

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

There’s a small entry in this class and without James Moore entered, there will be some good championship points available to the entrants in this class. But who will take the class win?

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, supported by SM AeRoTechniques with Brian and Adrian Moody

Peter D Smith and Richard Gayland are back in their Force. They will be both be looking for Top Ten Challenge points and be in the hunt for Fastest Time of the Day.

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

There are just two entries in this class. Roger Cock has made a good return to Gurston Down this year in his Pilbeam MP54. But Dave Lord in the Quest has had better performances this season so it will probably be Dave’s day.

The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class

Paul Crute in the Jaguar powered OMS28 is the only entrant in this class but like Peter D Smith, he will be looking for Top Ten Challenge points and Fastest Time of the Day.

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?

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

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 9th
Times: Competition from approx. 1300, practice from 0830 both days.
Admission: Only £10 for adults each day, accompanied under 15s free, free paddock entry, free parking.

The British Are Back!

Aug 11, 2018

The weekend of Saturday August 25th and Sunday August 26th 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.

Both championships are just a few events away from the season finale at Loton Park at the end of September so there is still all to play for!

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

This class has an all 911 GT3 line-up with Christian Aryes running a GT3RS. Last years champion Robert Lancaster-Gaye won’t have an easy ride with this field. He has last years championship runner-up to contend with, Simon Tarling. But Robert has also been battling with Christian too this season. It’ll be a very close run class. Winner? Well we can say it will be a GT3 but who will be behind the wheel?

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

Class 1 has a 964 in addition to the six other drivers with 911s. Phil Price and his 930RS has had some great Gurston form this year with a 33.99s timed run at our July meeting. Bob Mortimer in his 911 and Peter Turnbull’s 911 are likely to be in the top three too. As well as the in form man and last years champion, Paul Howells.

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

The class has a good entry with nine drivers and seven cars. This class looked like it might be between two drivers, Richard Brant in the very quick Renault Clio and Dean Cubitt in the Mazda MX5. But the event regulations means that we will see Tony Wiltshire in the Lotus Elise in this class too. It will be between these three for the win.

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

There are just two entrants in this class, both of which have significant Gurston experience. Simon Neve in his Mitsubishi Evo RS, goes head to head with Mike Rudge in a Ford Focus RS. It will be interesting to see how Mike copes with a road car on the hill.

The Road Going Specialist Production Car Class – B

Adrian Lewis shares his Westfield Superbusa with Anthony Orchard again. The July meeting saw Adrian take the win in this class but we should expect Anthony to be quicker this time out but will it be enough to snatch a win?

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

Neil Turner’s super fast Mini has been repaired after the problems at the July meeting so he will be the man to beat. Andrew Russell’s delightful Ginetta is always competitive but second might be the best outcome with Neil back in the race!

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

Two drivers, Colin Satchell and Paul Drowne share the very quick Peugeot 205. This might well turn into a really close class.

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

This will be a tough class, not only does it have a huge entry, twelve drivers but it has some really quick cars too. On previous form and Gurston experience, we should see Stephen Moore in his Mitsubishi Evo and Steven Darley in his Subaru Impreza in the top two places. But there are plenty of other cars that might just topple them on the day.

The Modified Specialist Production Cars Class – D

Andrew Griffiths in his Caterham Hayabusa and Simon Jenks and his Caterham Supersport were the top two at the May meeting. It was close and it will be in August too. Although this class is really competitive it could be any of the drivers taking the win.

The up to 2000cc Sports Libre Car Class – F

Keith Diggle in the WEV HCS-BDG won the class in May by a good margin over Duncan Barnes and his Norma M20FC. But that was the first time out for the Norma. Look out for Peter Steel and the Mallock has been on sparkling form so he’ll probably be mounting a challenge too.

The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class – I

This class has another huge entry, 20 drivers. Debbie Dunbar in the DJ Firehawk she shares with Richard Summers, won this very competitive class after a fantastic second timed run in May. Based on the form she is showing, she will be very much in contention. But she won’t have an easy time with all the rest of the drivers in this class. Look out for the Greenen brothers, Andy and Adam or perhaps Darren Gumbley or Robert Kenrick to name just a few. 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)

There are five entries in the class. Simon McBeath and his Swift SC92F starts this class as favourite. He will be looking to take his class record back and for a class win. But the other four drivers will also want rhe championship points and the class win. The class is always close and we should expect it to be the same this time out.

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

Les Mutch in his GWR Raptor starts as favourite in this class after his win in May. But he has David and Allan Warburton in a Gould GR59, Lian and Olivia Cooper in the Force and another group of drivers who will be looking for points and run-off places.

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

The GWR Pediaor driven by Johnathen Varley.has to start favourite in this class. He produced a great second timed run in May that gave him victory. There are nine drivers entered so it’s going to tough for Johnathen particularly as Tim Elmer and his Dallara who was just 0.09s behind Johnathen in May.

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

This class has another good entry including Richard Spedding who was third in the British Hill Climb Championship last year in his GWR Raptor. He will have a tough battle against Paul Haines in the Gould GR59 and Lee Griiffiths with the OMS. All of them will be looking for Run-Off places in addition to class wins.

The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class – L

The class brings the fastest cars and drivers to the hill. The class is most likely to produce the driver / car combination that will take Fastest Time of the Day. The British Championship has just a few rounds to go and is very much in progress and undecided (as at the time of writing).

Will Hall took Fastest Time of the Day in May and both Top Twelve Run-Off wins, one jointly with Trevor Willis. You will also need to look out for Jason Mourant in the Gould GR55, Wallace Menzies and his Gould GR59M, Dave Uren and Nicola Menzies in their GR55, 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, Geoff Hunt’s Lotus 22, the Chevron B19 of Amanda and Richard George, Sue Hayes’ Palliser WDF3, Mike Broome and his Alexis Mk17 F3 and the Brabham BT35 of Christopher Bentley-Jones. The winner in this class will probably be Amanda or Richard but we are all winners watching these gorgeous cars compete.

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

Roger Dean in his Lola T142 is the only entrant in this class.

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

There is a small entry in this class, just three cars. Martin Ellis in his Escort should take the win here.

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

The Mazda MX5 class has a small entry, just two cars. The 1800cc of Ken Morris should over-come the 1600cc car of Stephen Dally.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class C3 Modified Saloons and Sports Cars

There are just two entrants, a Lotus Espirt driven by Nicholas Olson and Subaru Impreza of Chris Berrisford. Chris is the likely winner here.

Copyright: Akina Media

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class D Modified Specialist Sports Cars

There are three entrants in two cars. Looking at this class the win is likely to go to the Caterham Superlight of Lynn Gilbert and Chris Howard-Harris.

The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Class J and J1 Racing Cars

With just one entrant, Mark Schlanker in his OMS.

The BARC SW B Licence Class

The BARC South West B Licence Class will run last. The class has a variety of cars and drivers who hold MSA Speed B Licences. On current form it’ll be between Martin Watson and his Westfield and Steve Holland in his Caterham. Martin will probably snatch the win but there will be plenty of drivers wanting to chase him down.

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 25th and Sunday 26th 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.
Admission: £10 for adults Sunday (£6 on Saturday), accompanied under 14s free, free paddock entry, free parking.

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

July Events Report – Cars

Jul 28, 2018

The Saturday and Sunday July meetings would probably be described by most as the meeting of the year! The events were part of the Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship and of the Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge.

The four rounds of the Championship and two rounds of the Challenge pretty much decided championship positions. More on that in a later report.

We had just over 100 cars and drivers, competing on both days. The weather was superb and very conducive to class records and personal bests, particularly on Saturday when the air temperature was a little lower.

SATURDAY’S CLASSES:

The Sevenoaks and District Motor Club Class

Robert Wood in his Lotus Cortina and Dave Rayner in his Caterham 7 were the only two entrants in the class. With the lighter and more powerful Caterham won the class and a new class record, finishing on 38.75s.

The DEWS Motor Club Class

Then it was the turn of eclectic cars of the DEWS Motor Club Class. This class again went to form, Derek Kessell in the gorgeous and fast Maguire Mini took the win finishing on 36.62s. Second was Marc Morris in his Renault Clio on 39.97s and third Lee Kessell on 41.27s.

Then came the regular Gurston Down Regular Classes:

The Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class, supported by The Window Doctor:

This class seems to have a surprising knack of pulling some very competitive racing and unsurprising Saturday wasn’t any different. Jason Richardson and Mark Crookall have been swapping places for most of the season. Jason took the lead in the first timed run which he kept in the second. His times were just 0.02s different between his runs and he finished on 40.46s.

The Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc Class

David Nutland and his Mini and John Davey, the managing director of Cavendish Ships Stores, our Top Ten Challenge sponsor, in his MG Midget were the two runners in this class. John was having issues with the car all weekend and could repeat his June wins. David putting in two very consistent runs of 41.73s and 41.79s.

The Road Going Series Production Class 1401cc to 2000cc Class, supported by Record-Designs

There was a big entry in this class. Paul Dickinson in his Honda S2000 was already in a strong position in both the overall championship and class championship but more on that later. However, Tim Foster didn’t let Paul have it all his own way. Tim and his Lotus Elan put a very quick second timed run and finished the day on 37.75s with Paul’s 37.89s first timed run giving him second and Dean Cubitt and his Mazda MX5 third on 38.29s.

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

Simon Neve in his Mitsubishi Evo pretty much took charge of this class from the outset. The first timed run produced some interesting results. Sarah Fudge in the Subaru Impreza she shares with her husband Shaun put in a great time pipping Shaun for the first time by 0.08s! Jon Maycock in his Mazda MX5 was second after a great 36.43s run. Shaun was third with a 37.25s second timed run.

Road Going Specialist Production Class supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre

Adrian Lewis and his Westfield Superbusa was pushed very hard by both Clive Skipper in his Caterham and Anthony Orchard who was sharing Adrian’s car. It looked like it could be anyone’s class with them separated by just 0.43s after the first timed run. But Anthony was the only one to improve his time in the second timed run but it wasn’t enough to take second from Clive. Adrian finished on 34.41s, Clive on 34.59s and Anthony on 24.78s.

The Over 2000cc Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car Class

The lovely Porsche 911RS with Phil Price at the helm put in a great performance but Graham Beale and his Ginetta pushed him every step of the way. They were sepataed by just three quarters of a second after the first timed run. Graham improved his time but it wasn’t enough to overcome Phil’s first timed run and Phil went faster too. Phil finished on 33.99s and Graham on 34.57s

The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Class

Neil Turner, the class record holder and class championship leader was on good form, breaking the class record which now stands at 35.14s and taking the class win. However a second timed run wasn’t to be after an engine that decided to let go.

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

This class is becoming one of those classes that is increasing competitive this season. Stephen Moore in his Mitsubishi Evo RS fought hard to take the win from Tim Painter and the Aston Martin Vantage he shares with Andrew Fraser. Stephen took the win on 34.74s, Tim second on 35.03s and Andrew third on 36.03s.

The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported by Gates of Brokenhurst

This was another very close class, Martin Watson in his Westfield took the class win with a 32.31s run but it was close. Second, Steve Holland in his Caterham and, third, Richie Gatt in his Westfield just 0.18s and 0.25s adrift respectively.

The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar

Fryth Crosse and the Dempster Ensign LNF3 took the class with a 33.81s from Sue Hayes and her Palliser WDF3.

The Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class

Peter Steel in his Mallock took the class win here and a new class record with a 33.89s second timed run. Needless to say Pete was very pleased with the result!

The Sports Libre over 2000cc Class

Chris Cannell with the Force SR8 was they only entry in this class but he is looking for Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge points, rather than championship points.

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

James Moore and his Empire Evo 2 took the win in this class. The class was very close with the first five separated by 1.5s. James’ time 31.34s followed by Tony Levitt in the Empire Evo on 32.08s.

The NTM Training supported Formula Ford Class

Saturday’s was the first of the two day Gurston Down Formula Ford Festival. The win was taken by Shaun Macklin in his Swift SC92 with a class record breaking time of 36.22s. The former record holder, Simon McBeath in another Swift was second on 36.70s.

The 1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class, supported by SM AeRoTechniques

Peter D Smith took this class and Fastest Time of the Day. He also took the lead in the Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge. It was also the first time Peter had done a sub-30 second run. He finished on 29.68s.

The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car – Normally Aspirated Class and the Over 2000cc Racing Car Classes were amalgamated

Paul Crute in the Jaguar power OMS 28 took the class win with a 29.76s run with Tim Elmer in his Dallara F399 secomd on 30.83s.

SUNDAY’S CLASSES:

The Sevenoaks and District Motor Club Class

There was an additional entrant, Toby Galbraith with his Subaru Impreza and he pushed Saturday’s winner Dave Rayner in his Caterham 7 very hard. Dave didn’t hold back and not only did he win the class but he set a new class record again, this time 38.47s.

The DEWS Motor Club Class

Derek Kessell in the Maguire Mini repeated his Saturday win with a 37.20s and Marc Morris in his Renault Clio was second matching his previous days time of 39.97s. Third was Paul Denning in a Morgan 4/4 on 40.49 with Lee Kessell fourth on 40.69s.

The Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class, supported by The Window Doctor:

This class had been a class to watch all weekend. Sunday produced some stunning performances. The current record holder and class champion, Mark Crookall reset the record by a significant margin. The record now stands at 39.88s. Unsurprisingly, he took the class win. Jason Richardson just couldn’t match Mark’s pace today. Jason finished with a first timed run of 40.77s.

The Road Going Series Production Class up to 1400cc Class

David Nutland and his Mini completed the double over John Davey, the managing director of Cavendish Ships Stores, our Top Ten Challenge sponsor, in his MG Midget. David time was 41.84s.

The Road Going Series Production Class 1401cc to 2000cc Class, supported by Record-Designs

This was Tim Foster and his Lotus Elan’s class again today. This time by the closest of margins, 0.01s over Paul Dickinson in his S2000. Tim’s time was 37.87s and Paul’s 37.88s. It wasn’t just the first two places that were close, Dean Cubitt and his Mazda MX5 was just 0.06s behind Paul. That probably equates to less than 30cm over a 967m run!

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

Simon Neve in his Mitsubishi Evo put his stanp on the Sunday event too. He finished on 34.54s with Jon Maycock in the Mazda MX5 second on 36.35s (a personal best) and Andrew Thorp in his Porsche Cayman S third on 37.28s.

Road Going Specialist Production Class supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre

Anthony Orchard and Clive Skipper really pushed Adrian Lewis and his Westfield Superbusa hard to a 33.76s second timed run. The first three were again just separated by just 0.5s, although this time Anthony was second, 34.20s and Clive third on 34.25s.

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

Andrew Hurle in his Sylva Phoenix ran alone in this class and put in a 39.15s run.

The Over 2000cc Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car Class

The sunday timed runs were almost a repeat of the Saturday timed runs. Phil Price in his Porsche 911RS put in another great performance. Graham Beale and his Ginetta pushed him very hard improving his time from the previous day. Phil’s second timed run was 34.01s and Graham on 34.34s.

The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Class.

Derek Mullis in his Mini took the win with a 38.87s beating David Bean’s Rover Mini.

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

Stephen Moore in his Mitsubishi Evo RS was in sparkling form today. His second timed run of 32.95s took a class win by a great margin. A great performance leaving Tim Painter and the Aston Martin Vantage he shares with Andrew Fraser trailing in his wake!

The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported by Gates of Brokenhurst

This was another very close class, Martin Watson in his Westfield had taken the class win on Saturday but with a class as competative as this, it would be a tough call to do it twice in a weekend. Steve Holland in his Caterham took the win with a 32.07s with Martin just 0.09s behind on 32.16s. Richie Gatt in his Westfield was third after a bit of an issue on the second timed run.

The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar

Fryth Crosse and the Dempster Ensign LNF3 repeated his Saturday win with a 33.12s first timed run beating Sue Hayes and her Palliser WDF3.

The Sports Libre up to 1400cc Class

Peter Steel in his Mallock had a great weekend. Not only did he take the class again but he reset the class record too! His time was 33.73s!

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

James Moore and his Empire Evo 2 took the win in this class with a 31.48s first timed run. He fended off Murry Wakeham in the OMS who finished on 32.62s.

The NTM Training supported Formula Ford Class

Sunday was the second of the two day Gurston Down Formula Ford Festival. Not only did Shaun Macklin in his Swift SC92 take the class win for the second day and he set another new class record, at 35.81s. Simon McBeath in another Swift was second on 36.50s.

The 1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class, supported by SM AeRoTechniques

Peter D Smith had another great weekend. Not only did he take the class win both days but he also took Fastest Time of the Day both days too and another sub-30 second run. He finished on 29.57s

The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car – Normally Aspirated Class and the Over 2000cc Racing Car Classes were amalgamated

Paul Crute in the Jaguar power OMS 28 took the class win with a 30.19s run with Tim Elmer in his Dallara F399 secomd on 30.63s.

We would like to thank everyone who made the day possible, the office staff, the marshals, timekeepers, scrutineers and officials without whom we couldn’t run the meeting. Thanks to Ashley Wood Recovery, TSL Timing, Steve Lister, A-Cute Medical Services, Venture Security and Peter Crutcher from Ringwood PA.

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