Sep 14, 2017
The final event of the 50th anniversary season at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb took place on 10th September 2017. The conditions for practice were damp. However, the afternoons timed runs were a little different! A few of the first batches had damp first timed runs but the rain persisted so the rest of the meeting could only be described as wet!
There were some great performances despite the weather. We will come on to those later in this report. With all the meetings going on locally, we had a shortage of marshals for the event. We would like to thank those marshals who were asked at the last minute to come and help out. And those drivers, both competing and not competing, who helped manage the start-line and the top-paddock. Thank you!
With the overall Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Championship already decided. The class championships came to the fore, as most were undecided. There will be more on those once the full results have been collated.
The Cavendish Ships Stores BARC-SW Top Ten Challenge was still wide open and the weather caused havoc with the results so dropped scores will became very important.
Fastest time of the day went to Mike Rudge and his Westfield. He produced a fantastic run in the first timed batches of 33.54s. Mike would normally have expected drivers in later batches to take Fastest Time of the Day away from him. But the weather intervened and no-one could match his time!
The weather forecast suggested that the first timed runs would be the key to class victory and as it turned out that was pretty much true.
Class Results in detail:
The TR Class
The TR Class were the first to the line. The V8s pretty much dominated this class from the off. Roderick Warner won the class finishing on 40.79s with Steve Small and James Giddings, second and third respectably. Their times were 41.06s and 41.91s. With the weather deteriorating no-one could improve their times.
The MG Class
You would normally expect this class to be pretty close. It wasn’t, Ben Rolls put in a sterling performance in the first timed run finishing on 40.66s. His next nearest rival was Richard Withers and his MGB GT with a time of 42.39s and Paul Bernal-Ryan in his MG Midget on 42.73s. Second timed runs weren’t anywhere near this pace.
The Austin Healey Class – Big Healey and Warwick Cars Class
The three Big Healey and Warwick cars were as entertaining as ever. Paul Baker and his Healey 3000 stopped the clocks on 42.37s with Pat Cooper in the Healey 100/6 second on 43.56s. No-one could improve their first timed runs in the second runs.
The Austin Healey Class – Austin Healey Sprite Class
The Austin Healey Sprite Class had a good entry. Robin Johnson and James Taylor, in their Sprites, were separated by just 0.10s after the first timed runs. Robin’s time of 43.53s and 43.63s didn’t change later in the day.
The Reliant Scimitar and Sabre Class
James Carter stamped his authority on this class in the car he shares with Richard Carter. James’ first timed run was 44.03s. Richard had it all to do in the second timed run but it wasn’t to be. Richard was one of the few drivers to improve their times in the second timed runs. His improvement, over three seconds, stopping the clock on 46.19s!
The Isle of Wright Car Club Class
Steve Wells and his Procamp LA Locost took the Isle of Wright Car Club. His Gurston Down experience paid off, he dominated the class. Steve was another driver to improve his time on the second timed run, only by 0.01s, finishing on 41.83s. All of the drivers in this class improved on the second timed runs! The other Locost of Ricky Sheppard was second on 44.63s.
Regular Gurston Classes
The Gurston Down MX5 Class supported by DoctorMX5
The 2017 Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Champion, Mark Crookall’s car broke down on the way to the event on Sunday. This left the class wide open. In August, Julian Cox (DoctorMX5) won the class with Nick Revels, Gurston Down’s competition secretary second. After the first timed runs it looked like it would be a repeat of the August results. But Nick Revels went almost 1.5s faster than his earlier run. He finished on 44.11s with Julian on 44.81s
Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs
It was Dean Cubitt’s and his Mazda MX5 that took this class. His first timed run of 41.65s was enough to take the win. His second run didn’t quite go to plan – check out facebook for some great pictures. The next eight drivers and cars were separated by just 0.70s. Paul Hearne in his Clio Cup finished on 42.20s, Tim Forster in his Lotus Elan was third, just 0.01s behind Paul.
Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class, supported by Turbo Dynamics
The 2015 and 2016 Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Champion, Stephen Moore in his 2.0t Mitsubishi Evo 6 secured his first place after the first timed run with a 36.14s. Conditions on the second timed run had significantly deteriorated so there was little chance of any vast improvements by the drivers in this very full class. Shaun Fudge in the Subaru Impreza was second and Neill Duncanson in ths Audi was third. Their times were 37.40s and 37.72s. The first four places went to four wheel drive cars.
Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre
Clive Skipper has his 2.0 Caterham HPC lead the class from the first timed run. Adrian Lewis’ 1.4 Westfield Megabusa was second. Clive didn’t take his second timed run but there was no way Adrian would be able to improve his time with the worsening conditions. Clive finished on 39.68s and Adrian 40.25s.
CAR 103
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car up to 2000cc Class
Steve Butts had the class to himself and managed a 40.77s first timed run.
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars over 2000cc Class
The Ginetta of Graham Beale lead the class from the outset, not by much, but enough. Simon Purcell and the Lotus Elise was only 0.30s behind after that run. But, again, the conditions sealed the result. Graham finished on 38.77s and Simon on 39.07s.
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class
Neil Turner, the class record holder has been dominant all season. He had already won the class championship but a great margin. September wasn’t any different. His time of 39.11s was over half a second ahead of Richard Wood.
Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class, supported by Meadens Skoda
Tim Painter and the gorgeous the Aston Martin Vantage he shares with Andrew Fraser finished ahead of Mike Butler, in the Toyota Celica GT4 and Mark Walker in the Porsche Cayman S. Tim’s first timed run time of 38.08s was enough. Mike and Mark, stopped the clocks on 39.71s and 40.08s respectively.
The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported Gates of Brockenhurst
This class produced what many would say as one of the best performances of the day and earned the driver Fastest Time of the Day! Mike Rudge and the Westfield weren’t taking any prisoners! His time of 33.54s was quick, no question about that. We would have expected the next few classes to be quicker but it was Mike’s day! Antony Orchard was second on 36.19s.
The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar
Fyrth Cross’ Dempster Ensign LNF3 made this class his own after a first timed run of 40.08s. Sue Hayes and her Palliser WDF3 took second place with a 41.28s.
The Sports Libre up to 2000cc, supported by Class Lewis Property Services
Unfortunately the Jonathan Gates / Peter Sexton supercharged Force LM didn’t make it past practice so the class was left to just two drivers. Keith Diggle and his WEV HCS-BDG took the win, finishing on 37.77s with Peter Steel and his Mallock on 46.07s.
Sports Libre over 2000cc Class, supported by Berazzi Wheels
Chris Cannell had this class to himself. His battle was for a quick time to help him with points in the Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge points. His time of 38.09s might not have been enough. Further news on the Top Ten Challenge soon.
The 500 Owners Association – (2001 Rules) Class
Those historic 500 Owners Association, 500cc racing cars came next. Nicholas Reynolds in his Cooper Mk 9 made the class his own after a first timed run time of 46.40s and improve by 0.05s on the second. He finished on 46.35s. Mark Riley and the Creamer Special took second with a first timed run of 47.98s.
The 500 Owners Association – Other Cars Class
The second 500 class was won by Charles Reynolds’ Mk7 Cooper with a 44.43s run.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management
The weather really slowed the pace of the racing car classes. James Moore and his Empire 00 was not just chasing the class win but a quick time for Top Ten Challenge points. He pretty much put his name down for the win on the first timed run. His time of 35.97s was almost 1.5s ahead of his next nearest rival, Adam Steel (37.35s). Adam’s margin over third was similar. Unsurprisingly, the class finished that way.
1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class, supported by SM AeRoTechniques with Brian and Adrian Moody
Peter D Smith was third after the first timed run. Richard Gayland, who shares the force with him, lead at this point by almost two seconds. Richard’s time was 38.03s. Peter put a great second timed run in, jumping to the top of the class with a 37.19s run.
The Formula Ford Class- Cars up to 1600cc
Simon McBeath and his Swift SC92F, the current record holder, has been very consistent in this class. He needed a great result for class championship points. But Russell Haynes, Mark and Lynsey Alley would never give him an easy ride. Simon’s first timed run of 41.72s was just ahead of Russell Haynes’ 42.43s but was enough to take the win.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated
Dave Lord in the Quest has been improving all season and it showed with a great performance, taking the class win from Roger Cock. They finished on 37.92s and 39.05s respectively.
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, Insight Medical Services, Insight Security and Peter Crutcher from Ringwood PA.
Don’t forget to get your annual awards lunch tickets. It’s at the Haynes International Motor Museum on 26th November 2017. Application forms available on;line now!
We will be back in 2018 for another great seasons motorsport and Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb!
Anthony Record – Press Officer BARC SW Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
Sep 2, 2017
The final event of the 50th anniversary season at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb takes place on September 10th. There is a full entry for Sunday’s event which should offer a full day of exciting and entertaining action.
Over 140 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 with Mark Crookall being crowned champion. But the places and most of the class championships are still open and will be dependant upon the performances on Sunday.
The Cavendish Ships Stores BARC-SW Top Ten Challenge is still wide open. Four drivers can win the title. But the mathematical variations will make it almost impossible to predict.
Our September meeting hosts a number of invited championships and classes. These championships are the Triumph TR cars, MG Cars, Austin Healeys, the Reliant Scimitar and Sabre cars, the Classic Marques Speed Challenge and the historic 500cc racing cars.
There are a number of competitors who will be in the hunt for Fastest Time of the Day and with championship points at stake, this will be a hard fought battle. The Fastest Time of the Day might determine the Top Ten Challenge too!
Class Preview in detail:
The TR 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 and Steve Small will probably be very much in contention. You can’t ignore any of the car and driver combinations in this class.
Copyright: Anthony Record
The MG Class
There are twelve cars and driver combinations running in this class. Robert Orford and his MGB Roadster starts favorite. But you cannot discount Steve Luscombe and his MG Midget, on previous form, he is likely to be in the mix.
Copyright: John Hayward
The Austin Healey Class – Big Healey and Warwick Cars Class
There are only three Big Healey and Warwick cars entered in the class. It will probably be between Pat Cooper (Austin Healey 100/6) and Paul Baker (Austin Healey 3000).
Copyright: John Hayward
The Austin Healey Class – Austin Healey Sprite Class
The Austin Healey Sprite Class has eight drivers entered. Based on last years event, this class will be headed by Andrew Taylor and Joseph Mackrill. It is another very competitive class so no-one can be discounted.
The Reliant Scimitar and Sabre Class
The Reliant Scimitar and Sabre Cars class has just two cars entered. James Carter and Richard Carter.
Copyright: John Hayward
The Isle of Wright Car Club Class
The Isle of Wright Car Club class returne for its’s second year. Steve Wells and his Procamp LA Locost start favourite. Steve Wells has Gurston form and finished second last time. He also jointly holds the record for this class. But there’s another Locost entered, by Ricky Sheppard so it will be interesting to see how that goes!
Regular Gurston Classes
The Gurston Down MX5 Class supported by DoctorMX5
The 2017 Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Champion, Mark Crookall, returns to the hill in his Mazda Roadster RS. He missed the August event when Julian Cox (DoctorMX5) won the class. It will be interesting to see who’ll be victorious!
Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs
Tim Forster in his Lotus Elan will have the newly revised Peugeot 306 of Miles Horne to contend with! There are a few new drivers and cars entered so we will have to wait to see whether they can mix things up a bit. Tim needs some goods points to regain his chance of winning the championship in this class.
Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class, supported by Turbo Dynamics
The 2015 and 2016 Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Champion, Stephen Moore in his 2.0t Mitsubishi Evo 6 is back. He’ll be looking to secure some good points to maintain his class championship lead. But Clive and Jenny Stangle are entered in their recently finished Mitsubishi Evo 5. We shouldn’t forget the Subaru of Shaun and Sarah Fudge and the turbocharged Mazda MX5 of Jon Maycock. On previous form, Stephen should take the win but who’ll be second?
Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre
Clive Skipper’s 2.0 Caterham HPC or Adrian Lewis’ 1.4 Westfield Megabusa are the most likely winners in this class. Adrian has been in form all year but we will have to wait and see.
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car up to 2000cc Class
Steve Butts has this class to himself. He’ll be chansing championship points and class records.
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars over 2000cc Class
The 2014 Gurstion Down Champion, Simon Purcell will be favourite to take this class. His class record was snatched away from him at the August meeting so he will be looking for this back and for more championship points. The lovely Porsche 911 of Bob Mortimer, Paul Slade’s Jagaur E Type and the TVR Griffith of Steve Holley will all make sure Simon doesn’t have it all his own way.
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class
This all Mini class is always very competitive. Neil Turner, the class record holder starts this as favourite. He needs the points for the overall championship and the class championship. Derek Mullis and David Bean will make sure he works for the win.
Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class, supported by Meadens Skoda
The gorgeous the Aston Martin Vantage of Tim Painter and Andrew Fraser will have stiff competition from Mark Walker in his 4.0 Porsche Cayman S. But who will be first?
The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported Gates of Brockenhurst
Mike Rudge will need a great performance to maintain his challenge in the Cavendish Ships Stores Top Ten Challenge. He will need to be on sparkling form. Antony Orchard, Richie Gatt and Martin Watson won’t let either of them walk away with the win.
The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar
Sunday brings five beautifully presented historically interesting cars. Sue Hayes bring her 1.6 Palliser WDF3 and Geoff Hunt in his Lotus 22. They will have a Jensen C-V8 Mk1 driven by Richard Lovell-Butt, Mike Broome’s Alexis Mk17 F3 and Fyrth Cross’ Dempster make up the rest of the field. It’s likely to be between Fyrth and Geoff for the win.
The Sports Libre up to 2000cc, supported by Class Lewis Property Services
This class will be headed by Jonathan Gates / Peter Sexton in the very fast supercharged Force LM. Peter and Jonathan are candidates for Fastest Time of the Day but there are a few other drivers in a similar position.
Sports Libre over 2000cc Class, supported by Berazzi Wheels
Chris Cannell start favourite in the Force SR8. Geoff Twemlow’s Saker GT being the only other entry. Chris will be looking for fast time so he can add to his Top Ten Challenge points.
The 500 Owners Association – (2001 Rules) Class
The ‘500 Owners Association’ historic 500cc racing cars will run next. There are six cars and drivers. This class is very unpredictable so it could be anyones!
The 500 Owners Association – Other Cars Class
The other 500 class, has only two entries. Ainsley Barwick’s Mk6 Cooper and Charles Reynolds’ Mk7 Cooper.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management
There’s a great entry in this class. James Moore and his Empire 00 will be looking for the class win and Top Ten Challenge points. But the class is really competitive.
The Formula Ford Class- Cars up to 1600cc
There’s a relately small entry in the Formula Ford Class! Simon McBeath and his Swift SC92F, the current record holder, must be the favourite. It is so competitive with Russell Haynes, Mark and Lynsey Alley it’s not going to be easy. And Simon needs championship points to maintain his class title hopes.
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 in the hunt for Fastest Time of the Day. But we can’t discount Gurston regulars, Pete Hammock (OMS), Ian Tucker (OMS) and Neal Coles (OMS).
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated
There are just three 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 been improving all season. And we cannot discount Malcolm Cole in the Force MV8.
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 10th
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.
Sep 1, 2017
The British Came as did some gorgeous weather.
The August bank holiday visit of the Avon Tyres / TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb Championship and the Avon Tyres / TTC Group MSA Hill Climb Leaders Championship saw some of the fastest cars vist the narrow, twisty and spectacularly fast Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb.
There were over 140 cars and drivers competing in everything from standard road cars, specially prepared hill climb cars and super fast sports and single seat racing cars.
Saturday’s practice day gave a taste of what was to come. There were some superb performances. But Saturday was only practice!
Darren Mitchell provided some excellent entertainment in the evening and we raised a good some of money for our charity, the Stars Appeal. Thank you to all those who gave so generously!
Sunday’s early morning practice showed promise with some interesting improving times. Timed runs got underway about 10:30. Fastest Time of the Day was settled later in the day, during one of the two top twelve run-offs. More on those later in the report.
Class Review in Detail:
The Porsche Club’s National Championship Class
The all 911 line-up in the Porsche National Championship class provided great action and a new class record. Peter Turnbull and his GT3 had a fantastic first timed run setting the pace for the class. His time and new class record was 34.02s. Paul Howells in his lovely RSR was second on 34.71s.
The Gurston Down MX5 Class supported by DoctorMX5
The hotly contested Mazda MX5 class was interesting. Julian Cox, the class sponsor, brought his Mk1 MX5 out for the first time this season and beat Nick Revels, Gurston’s competition secretary, in his Mk2 RS, finishing on 41.83s and 43.01s respectively. It will be interesting how this class pans out at the September meeting which class record holder Mark Crookall back.
Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs
Richard Brant and his 172 Clio Sport pretty much dominated this class from practice. His time in the first timed run of 38.50s gave him the class win and some very valuable points in the Hill Climb Leaders Championship. John Davey and his newly refreshed MG Midget can good after a bit of a slow start in practice. John finished second on 41.16s.
Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class, supported by Turbo Dynamics
Steven Darley and his highly modified Subaru Impreza took the class with an excellent 33.51s first timed run. Shaun Fudge and the Lewis Dean Motorsport Subaru Impreza came in second with 36.78s.
Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre
The Caterham 7 of Allan and David Warburton didn’t quite have an have it all their own way in this class. David finished first on 32.93s and Allan on 33.47s with Adrian Lewis’s Westfield Superbusa just over a second behind the leader.
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class
Bradley Drowne won this class with an impressive second timed run of 37.18s, beating Andrew Russell and his Imp powered Ginetta G15 by just under a second. Andrew finishing on 38.10s.
The Modified Series Mini Class
Richard Wood and his beautifully presented 1000cc Yamaha power Mini had a great weekend. He pushed his personal best down to 38.09s on the first timed run but suffered induction temperature problems later in the day.
The 1401cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class
This class probably had two of the fastest modified Peugoet 205’s in the country competing for honours! Colin Satchell’s ultra-fast Peugeot 205 came and conquered! He stopped the clock on 33.79s. Darren Balster had a mountain he didn’t quite managed to climb. Darren improved his first timed run and finished on 34.42s.
Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class, supported by Meadens Skoda
This class saw on of the biggest entries for some time. The entry brought some really quick and gorgeous cars to the hill. The former Gurston champion. Simon Purcell in his Lotus Elise had his work cut out to keep the other eight cars at bay! But it was Joe Cross’s day. Joe’s Subaru Impreza produced 32.47s on the second timed run, leaving Simon with second on 34.58s ahead of that lovely Aston Martin Vantage of Tim Painter. Joe’s time was a class record too!
The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported Gates of Brockenhurst
Simon Jenks and Caterham triumphed over Anthony Orchard’s Westfield in this class. Simon’s first timed run was a 31.20s. Anthony just couldn’t match that and stopped the clocks on 32.41s.
The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar
Mike Broome’s lovely Alexis Mk17 F3 took the win in this class. But he didn’t have it all his own way. Sue Hayes and her Pallliser WDF3 was ahead by almost 1.5s after the first timed run. But Mike found some extra speed and finished on 36.83s with Sue, second, improving her first run finishing on 37.42s.
The Sports Libre up to 2000cc, supported by Class Lewis Property Services
Keith Diggle’s WEV HCS-BDG shone in this class, with a first timed run of 31.79s. Peter Steel and his Mallock was second on 35.49s.
Sports Libre over 2000cc Class, supported by Berazzi Wheels
Allan McDonald and his Mini Evo had the class to himself after Sue Hayes switched cars and classes. Allan’s second timed run of 30.37s was a great improvement on the posted time on the first run of 35.36s.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management
With 18 drivers entered in this class it was always going to be right down to hundredths of a second to settle the class. The first four drivers all managed sub-30s runs and just 0.13s separated them. Steve Owen and his OMS 28 had to work hard for his win, his first timed run was 29.78s just 0.03s ahead of second place man Harry Pick! Harry’s time was 29.81s. Third place went to Debbie Dunbar and fourth to Jack Cottrill. They finished on 29.85s and 29.91 respectively.
The Formula Ford Class- Cars up to 1600cc
Simon McBeath, the current class record holder, put himself in a very strong position in this class after a first timed run of 36.55s. Simon and his Swift SC92F were 0.55s ahead of his nearest competition after that run. Simon Andrews (Van Diemen – 37.10s) and Mark Alley (Swift FB91 – 37.33s) were second and third respectively after run one. The top four were split by 0.90s. However, it all changed in the second timed run. A great performance by Russell Haynes and his Zeus ZR163, took him from fourth to second. The finishing order being Simon McBeath 36.55s, Russell Haynes 39.10s, Simon Andrews 37.10s and Mark Alley 37.33s.
1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class, supported by SM AeRoTechniques with Brian and Adrian Moody
The lead in this class changed between the first and second timed run. After the first timed run Richard Speeding and his GWR Raptor was ahead by a good margin. His 28.52s run was over half a second quicker than his next two fastest rivals, Sean Gould and Tina Hawkes. But it wasn’t to be Richard’s day. Sean Gould and the Gould GR59 improved his time and pipped Rochard by just one hundredth of a second stopping the clock on 28.51s. Victory to Sean Gould by the slimmest of margins. Tina Hawkes and her Force PC finished third on 29.21s.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated
Tim Elmer and his Dallarra F399 was the only sub-30s runner after the first timed run. His time was over half a second clear of Terry Davis and his OMS. Tim’s time of 29.75s looked like it was going to be a tough one to beat. It was! Tim Davies chopped a whopping 1.5s off his first timed run which relegated Terry to third. The final finishing order: Tim Elmer 29.75s; Tim Davies 29.94s and Terry Davis 30.34s.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Forced Induction
Paul Haimes’ revitalised Gould GR59 pretty much took control of this class from the outset. Paul’s first timed run of 27.58s was only surpassed by his second of 27.49s, leaving almost a second between the class winner and second in class man, Lee Griffiths. Lee’s first timed run of 28.35s kept the other challengers away.
The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class
The first timed runs were delayed after an incident involving Alex Summers and his DJ Firestorm. Alex got a little out of shape around Hollow bend. He says that he’ll be back next May with a few new wishbones. Fitted to the car, not Alex!
The class eventually went to Wallace Menzies and the Gould GR59-M, finishing on 26.48s. However, after the first timed run, Wallace was in fourth place behind Trevor Willis, Will Hall and Jason Mourant. The final results was Wallace Menzies Gould GR59-M 26.48s, Trevor Willis OMS 28 26.51s, Will Hall Force WH-XTEC 26.53s and Jason Mourant Gould GR 55 26.75s. The rest of the class just couldn’t match the pace of the first four with Jason a whole second clear of fifth.
SBD HSA – Speed Championship – Saloons and Sports Cars Class
The HSA championship had an eclectic group of cars competing. It was Jason Tunnicliffe and his Peugeot 205 won after a great first timed run of 34.48s. Jason had more than a second lead over the Raw Striker of James Roberts and the Westfield Megabusa of John Phelps. James did improve his first timed run by one second but it wasn’t enough. He stopped the clock on 34.94s. John was third on 35.61s.
The BARC South West B Licence Class
Martin Watson’ and his Westfield pretty much dominated this class. His first timed run of 34.39s gave him an almost three second margin over Peter Leggett and his Westfield.
Then came the top twelve run-off
Run-Off One – Round 27 of the British Hill Climb Championship
Will Hall and the Force WH-XTEC put in a great performance. Will’s 26.01s run won the first run off and Fastest Time of the Day! Trevor Willis, Jason Mourant , Wallace Menzies and Paul Haines were second, third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Run-Off One – Round 28 of the British Hill Climb Championship
The second run-off saw the top four from the first run-off reversed. Wallace Menzies and the Gould GR59-M won with a 26.07s; Jason Mourant second on 26.62s; Trevor Willis third on 26.63s and Will Hall fourth on 27.07s.
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, Insight Medical Services, Insight Security and Peter Crutcher from Ringwood PA.
Anthony Record – Press Officer Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb – BARC SW
Aug 28, 2017
The weather was with us for the second visit of the British Hill Climb Championship and Hill Climb Leaders Championship. There was plenty of sun and some great action.
The main events were the two Top Twelve Run-Offs for the British Hill Climb Championship.
Round 27 was won by Will Hall in the Force WH-XTEC with a great performance stopping the clock on 26.01s. Trevor Wills in his OMS28 was second and Jason Mourant in the Gould GR55 third.
Round 28 was won by Wallace Menzies in his Gould GR59-M with an equally great performance stopping the clocks at 26.07s and crossing the finish line at 159.5 mph! Jason Mourant was second, pipping Trevor Willis by just one hundreth!
Full Review of the meeting coming soon!
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, Insight Medical Services, Insight Security, Steve Lister for the great photographs and Peter Crutcher from Ringwood PA.
Anthony Record – Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Press Officer
Aug 11, 2017
CAMPING / CAMPERVANS / TRAILERS:
The image below details the camping arrangements. Trailers may be parked attached to campervans provided they are parked in the way detailed in the map.Tents may also camp in the trailer area if they wish.
Camping on Thursday night is NOT permitted. Our land-lord has specifically requested this as it is outside the terms of our lease!
Trailers not attached to campervans MUST be parked in the trailer park.
FRIDAY ARRIVAL TIMES:
Please do not arrive before Noon, put your car in or obstruct the paddock areas before this time.The adverse weather has left these areas worse than usual. We usually have these areas road swept in the morning on Friday but we expect this task will take longer than usual.
DOGS:
Dogs are NOT permitted at our August and September meetings.
Aug 6, 2017
August Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th sees the second visit of the Avon Tyres / TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb Championship and the Avon Tyres / TTC Group MSA Hill Climb Leaders Championship to the narrow, twisty and spectacularly fast Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb.
The weekend brings some of the fastest cars and drivers in British Hill Climb. They will all pit their wits against each other, the clock and Wiltshire’s award winning famous Speed Hill Climb Venue.
There will be over 140 cars and drivers competing in everything from standard road cars, specially prepared hill climb cars and super fast sports and single seat racing cars.
Spectators have fabulous unrivalled access to the hill, 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 driver will be allowed three practice runs. The first cars will come to the line just before 09:00. There will be two runs in the morning and one after lunch. Practice usually finishes around 15:00.
The day doesn’t finish there. Saturday evening includes live music from Darren Mitchell.
Sunday sees another practice run in the morning, starting around 08:30. Timed runs will start around 10:30 followed by the first of two British Championship Top Twelve Run-Offs. After lunch the second timed runs are followed by the second Top Twelve Run-Off.
The Top Twelve Run-Off allows the fastest twelve registered competitors in the British Hill Climb Championship to score championship points. Ten points for a win, down to one for tenth. These run-offs ultimately determine who becomes the British Champion! The current leader in the championship is Trevor Willis.
Alongside the British and Hill Climb Leaders Championships, the Porsche Club, SBD HSA have rounds of their respective championships and the BARC South West Members have their own class.
As ever there will be a Fastest Time of Day award.
Class Preview in Detail:
The BARC South West B Licence Class
This class has a variety of cars and drivers. Martin Watson’s Westfield, Sarah Fudge’s Impreza, Mike Butler’s M3, if it’s sorted after the off he had a Goodwood earlier this month, and Alex England’s Ford Fiesta, to name just a few of the drivers likely to feature in the top five. Martin’s previous times will probably give him the class win.
The Porsche Club’s National Championship Class
There is an all 911 line-up in the Porsche class. Peter Turnbull has the form to win the class but this class is really competitive. Robert Lancaster-Gaye and Paul Howells and all of the rest of the class will make him work for the win.
The Gurston Down MX5 Class supported by DoctorMX5
There are six MX5’s running in this class. Julian Cox, the class sponsor, bring his Mk1 to the hill for the first time this season and Nick Revels, Gurston’s competition secretary will be the drivers to beat.
Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs
There are just five cars entered. John Davey and his refreshed MG Midget are back. Steve Harris is entered in the Vauxhall Corsa and Richard Brant and his 172 Clio Sport will probably be fighting for the top two places.
Over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class, supported by Turbo Dynamics
Shaun Fudge and the Lewis Dean Motorsport Subaru Impreza is favourite in this class. Andrew James and the Nissan 350Z won’t let him have an easy time of it.
Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre
The Caterham 7 of Allan and David Warburton is likely to dominate this class. Can Adrian Lewis’s Westfield Superbusa and local knowledge help him to victory?
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Car Class
There are just two entries in this class. David Bean and the extra-ordinary Mini and Andrew Russell and his Imp powered Ginetta G15. Hopefully, the Ginetta will behave this weekend and make this class another close battle.
The Modified Series Mini Class
There is just one entry in this class. Richard Wood and the Yamaha power Mini will be chasing personal bests and class records.
The 14001cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class
This class brings Colin Satchell and his ultra-fast Peugeot 205 back to Gurston Down. He is sharing the car with Paul Drowne. Colin will probably take charge of this class so it’ll be down to Paul Drowne and Darren Balster and Tom Reeves to fight it out for second.
Over 2000cc Modified Series Production Car Class, supported by Meadens Skoda
This class features former Gurston champion. Simon Purcell in his Lotus Elise. He will be up against Geoff Tremlow’s beautiful Subaru Impreza, Tim Painter and Andrew Fraser’s stunning Aston Martin Vantage and Bob Mortimer’s 911 to name just a few of the large entry in this class. It will probably be between Simon, Bob and Geoff but you cannot discount Tim or Andrew or for that matter any of the rest of this class.
The Modified Specialist Production Class, supported Gates of Brockenhurst
Anthony Orchard and Simon Jenks and their respective Westfield and Caterham will be the one’s to watch in this class. On previous form, Anthony should end up on-top. This class is never easy to predict and it could be anyone’s!
The Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kelvin Jouhar
There are four gorgeous cars entered in this class. The Lotus 22 of Geoff Hunt has the form to take the win here. Mike Broome’s lovely Alexis Mk17 F3 will be chasing Geoff all the way to the line.
The Sports Libre up to 2000cc, supported by Class Lewis Property Services
There is a good entry in this class, the Peter Sexton / Jonathan Gates Force LM is the car to beat in this class. There have been issues with the Force LM, this season, but when it is on-form, it’s almost unbeatable! Our drivers school principal, Tim Pitfield and his DJ Firecat will have to work hard to beat Keith Diggle’s WEV HCS-BDG to third.
Sports Libre over 2000cc Class, supported by Berazzi Wheels
Allan McDonald will have a proper battle on his hands in his Mini Evo. With similar times, Allan and Sue Hayes in the Force SR8 she usually shares with Chris Cannell are very evenly matched and neither will give any quarter.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management
This class has a massive entry! There are 21 drivers entered. Although the Force HC of Olivia and Liam Cooper might not be repaired in time, after Liam’s off at Wiscombe Park at the end of last month. Simon Fidoe (Empire Wraith), Steve Owen (OMS 28), Lindsay Summers (DJ Firehawk), Darren Gumbley (Force TA Mistral) and the Greenen brothers, Adam and Andy (Empire Evo 2) will all be in the mix. This class will probably be settled by just hundredths of a second.
The Formula Ford Class- Cars up to 1600cc
There is another big entry in this class. 1967 is not only Gurston Down’s 50th Anniversary, it is also the 50th Anniversary of the Formula Ford. The current class record holder Simon McBeath starts favourite but this is a class that is usually very close, hundredths of a second are usually the deciding factor! With cars that are so evenly matched everyone has a chance of taking the win.
1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class, supported by SM AeRoTechniques with Brian and Adrian Moody
This class really have come alive recently. The specialist hill climb car manufacturers are building some amazing machinery. There are three of last years Top Ten British Hill Climb Championship drivers entered. The GWR Raptor of Richard Spedding has been very much in-form recently with three run-off wins of the last four rounds and he is currently second in the championship. Then there is the Gould GR59 of Sean Gould, currently ninth in the championship and we must not forget the Empire Evo of Ed Hollier who is tenth. And we should not discount Tina Hawks and her Force PC who has been on sparkling form.
All of these drivers will be looking for runs that secure a place in the Top Twelve Run-Off so you should expect these driver to be fast.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Normally Aspirated
The class is also well supported and extremely competitive! There are fourteen drivers competing. Chris Cannell, who usually shares the Force SR8 with Sue Hayes in the Sports Libre class, is out this time sharing, the recently revitalised Pilbeam MP53 of Roger Cook. Tim Davies and his Pilbeam MP88 has Lee Griffiths and his OMS 25 as well as Tim Elmer and his Dallarra F399 and the rest of the class to contend with. This class will be down to the best driver and car performance on the day.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car Class – Forced Induction
There are only three entrants in the Force Induction class. It’s likely to be between the two lastest cars from Pilbeam and Gould here. The Gould GR59 of Paul Haimes and the Pilbeam MP101 of Kelvin Broad will probably make up the top two.
The Over 2000cc Racing Car Class
This class is all about qualifying for the Top Twelve Run-Off. There are two former British Hill Climb Champions, Alex Summer and Trevor Willis, as well three other drivers currently in the top ten in this years championship. The class is difficult to predict. Trevor Willis and the OMS 28 are leading the 2017 Championship and will be one to watch. Wallace Menzies, fresh from a Run-Oiff win at Wiscombe Park in his constantly improving Cosworth / Gould GR59-M will be one to watch. In May Wallace went through the Hollow speed track at 150 mph and over the line well in excess of that! The car seems to be getting better all the time. Jason Mourant in the Judd / Gould GR55b had a win at Gurston Down in the Midland event in July and Will Hall and his Force WH-XTEC (2000cc turbo-charged) will also be chasing. And the former champion, Alex Summers, will be there or there about too. Although he will have to fight hard in the Opel V6 (2500cc) / DJ Firestorm.
British Hill Climb Championship Top Twelve Run-Off
There will be two Top Twelve Run-Offs on Sunday, one before lunch on Sunday and one at the end of the meeting. With the British Championship still undecided, any points will be important to all of the qualifiers. We suspect the Fastest Time of the Day will come from one of these run-offs.
SBD HSA – Speed Championship – Saloons and Sports Cars Class
The HSA championship has an eclectic group of cars entered. It’s quite a difficult class to predict, the Caterham of Colin Bowdidge, the Raw Striker of James Robertson start favourite although the Peugeot 205 of Jason Tunnicliffe might be a surprise.
SBD HSA – Speed Championship – Sports Racing and Racing Cars Class
There are two entries in this class, John and Charlotte Phelps share the Westfield Megabusa so it’s a win for the Phelps family!
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 August 26th and Sunday August 27th
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
