Apr 25, 2017
The 2017 Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb season got underway on Saturday 22nd April with the first meeting of the 50th Anniversary Season.
The weather wasn’t perfect for racing but it was dry and the forecast was good.
It wasn’t long before the sounds of cars competing on the 12 feet wide, narrow and twisty tarmac began.
With a large number of events on over the weekend, there was a small shortage of marshals, without whom we could not run the event. So a number of drivers stepped forward to help out the hard working marshals.More about this experience later.
Conditions were much improved in the afternoon for the timed runs.
First up were the Pre-War Austin 7’s. The “Road” Class was as competitive as usual. The win went to the Austin 7 Special of Daniel Cowley. Daniel did not have it all his own way, he was second by almost one second after the first timed run but managed a fantastic run and finished on 48.67s almost a second ahead of Ian Bennett.
The quicker “Race” Class went next. Terry Griffin and his Austin 7 Special just pipped Paul Geering to the win. Terry finished on 45.91s and Paul on 45.99.
The TVR Class saw some gorgeous cars on the hill. The TVR 2500 of Mark Hankins wasn’t amongst the top runs but it was a beautifully prepared car. James Howell’s incident in practice put him out for the day. The eventual winner was Mark Everett in his Chimaera with a 38.55s second timed run. Second place was close too. Richard Bream and Alan Davies had been running within a tenth of a second in the first timed runs. Richard managed a 39.17s run, edging Alan out by just 0.05s.
The Westfield Class saw Martin Watson score a convincing win. Martin and his Westfield SeiW finished on 33.07s almost two seconds ahead of the rest.
The ‘Classic Marques Speed Championship’ Class attracted entries from all over the country, in a variety of cars. It also saw some very close competition. The silver Ginetta G4 of Matthew Eady, 37.41s, was quickest followed by Steve Cox and his TVR V8S, 37.58s and Steven Lyle and his Porsche Boxster S, 37.66s, making the top three.
The Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class, supported by DoctorMX5 came next. Mark Crookall, the class record holder and the 2016 class champion took the win by a very strong margin. He finished on 41.41s just 0.40s off the class record. The next two were separated by just 0.06s with Mark Jones pipping Mark Coleman to second.
The Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc, supported by Record-Designs was next. Tim Foster and his lovely Lotus Elan, 38.88s, beat Dean Cubitt’s MX5 by just over half a second.
The over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class, supported by Turbo Dynamics was close too. Shaun and Sarah Fudge and the revised Subaru Impreza managed a first and third on 37.03s and 38.88s, respectively. They were separated by Jon Maycook’s turbocharged MX5 who ended on 37.21s. A very close class indeed.
The Road Going Specialist Production Class, supported by Fieldfare Trailer Centre went next. This class was another close fought battle between Clive Skipper in his 2.0 Caterham HPC and Adrian Lewis in his 1.4 Westfield Megabusa. Clive took the win with a 35.62s with Adrian just 0.07s behind on 35.69s.
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars up to 2000cc Class had only one entry, the current class record holder, Steve Butts in his Lotus Elise. Steve stopped the clocks on 34.73s.
The over 2000cc Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car Class saw Simon Purcell and his beautifully prepared Lotus Elise over-come both Paul Slade (Jagaur E Type) and Steve Holley (TVR Griffith). Simon’s time was 35.15s.
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Class, supported by Cock and Sons (Builders) had the two very fast Minis of David Bean and Derek Mullis entered. Derek’s gearbox failure in practice left David the class to himself. David finished on 42.86s.
Darren Balster and his Peugoet 205 in the 1401cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Class, supported by Tipadel managed a very keen 35.47s run.
The over 2000cc Modified Series Production Class, supported by Meadens Skoda saw Tim Painter and Andrew Fraser, go head to head in that gorgeous Aston Martin Vantage GT4. Tim was the man on form and finished on 35.34s.
The over 2000cc Modified Specialist Production Class, supported by Gates of Brokenhurst had four highly developed Westfields. This class is always entertaining and Mike Rudge took the win with a 31.76s.
Those lovely cars in the Historically Interesting Class, supported by Kalvin Jouhar came next. Geoff Hunt was on form with the black and white Lotus 22 pulling out a 36.66s second timed run after Mike Broome (Alexis Mk17 F3) lead after the first timed runs.
Derek Harris in his Mallock17b was the only entry in the Hill Climb Super Sports Class. Derek finished on a 35.43s.
Peter Sexton and Jonathan Gates went head to head in their shared Force LM in the Sports Libre up to 2000cc Class, supported by Lewis Property Services. They are both very competitive and candidates for Fastest Time of the Day. Saturday was Peter’s day, he finished on 29.95s just ahead of Jonathan on 30.15s. Peter’s time also gave him the Fastest Time of the Day!
The Sports Libre over 2000cc Class, supported by Berazzi Wheels saw the Force SR8 of Chris Cannell and Sue Hayes take on the hill. Chris managed to secure the win with a 30.45s.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class, supported by Drynham Project Management Limited went next. James Moore in the Empire ran a very quick 32.09s second timed run to fend off the rest of the pack. Second and third were close, Murray Wakeham was beaten by just 0.28s by Calum Kemp.
The 1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class, supported by SM AeRoTechniques with Brian and Adrian Moody, had Peter D Smith and Richard Gaylard in their shared Force PC starting favorites. It was Richard’s day, he beat Peter by just 0.09s and finished on 30.48s!
Mark Alley took the Formula Ford Class, supported by Basil and Lorraine Pitt. He and his Swift FB91 managed a 38.16s run. But he had to overcome George Haynes after George lead by just 0.01s after the first timed run. We are looking forward to out Formula Ford Festival later in the year.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car (Normally Aspirated) Class, supported by New Techniques with Gould Engineering Class had two runners. David Lord and his Quest had to fight hard to beat Malcolm Cole. David ended the day on 34.30s.
The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Saloons and Sports Cars rounded off Saturday’s racing. The two Subaru Imprezzas of Chris Berrisford and Justin Andrews were pretty much in control after the first timed runs. Justin got the better of Chris, finishing on 34.63s.
Thank you to Steve Lister for the great pictures!
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 and Peter Crutcher from Ringwood PA.
Anthony Record – Press Officer – BARC SW, Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb
Apr 24, 2017
Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb’s first two meetings of the year were two great days of motorsport.
Saturday was overcast but still managed to produce some great performances.
Fastest Time of the Day went to Peter Sexton in the Force LM he shares with Jonathan Gates. His time of 29.95s was just 0.20s ahead of Jonathan Gates. The top five were separated by just over 0.50s! A remarkable performance by everyone.
Sunday’s meeting was the first round of the Meaden’s Skoda Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Championship and the Cavendish Ship Stores Top Ten Challenge. We were also joined by the motorbikes of the ACU’s Hill Climb Championship.
The sun came out on Sunday and down came the times!
One of the best performances of the day came from Mark Crookall in the DoctorMX5 sponsored MX5 Class breaking the class record by 0.03s. It now stands at 40.98s.
Fastest Time of the Day, 29.45s, went to the Force LM for the second time but this time to Jonathan Gates who pipped Peter D Smith who finished on 29.72s. Jonathan scoring maximum points in the Top Ten Challenge.
The bikes had a fantastic day.
Fastest Time of the Day and the Top Ten Run-off win went to Stuart Miles on his outstanding quick Aprilia with a 34.02s run. Stuart pipped Paul Geffrey by just 0.13s.
Full Review of the weekend 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 and Peter Crutcher from Ringwood PA.
Anthony Record – Press Officer Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb – BARC SW
Apr 9, 2017
The 2017 Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Championships get underway on the Sunday 23rd April. It’s Gurston Down’s 50th Anniversary Season so looking ahead, it should be an exciting year!
Sunday is the first of five rounds of the Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Championship and the Cavendish Ship Stores Top Ten Challenge. Both championships were decided in at the final event last September with Stephen Moore taking the Meadens Skoda Championship for the second successive year and Simon Marsh taking the Cavendish Top Ten Challenge. We thank all our sponsors for their continued support!
Sunday has around 130 cars and drivers entered which with the motorbikes make an outstanding day. There will be all the sounds, smells, speed and skill you can expect. There will be lots of different cars and classes (and motorbikes too), in everything from your average standard road car, classic and modern sports and saloon cars and purpose built, 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.
Spectators have superb and 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!
Sunday April 23rd sees Gurston hosts a number of national championships in addition to the two Gurston Championships. The Big Healey and Warwick cars make a welcome return along with the nimble Austin Healey Sprites. We will have the Triumph Register’s championship and the Volvo Owners Club here too. The 500 Owners Association also have a round of their championship too. Not forgetting the TVR’s and Classic Marques Cars who have their second event at Gurston having competed on Saturday.
The ultimate goal for most competitors is a class victory but some will be in with a chance of the Fastest Time of the Day. Sunday will be just as competitive as ever for this title. There are a number of drivers in contention but weather is likely to determine who will take FTD. Peter D Smith and Richard Gayland in their Force PC will have to work hard to keep Peter Sexton and Jonathan Gates at bay in their Force LM. But we should never discount Chris Cannell in the Force SR8. This will be all about the car and driver on the day!
Sunday’s meeting gets under way with the invited classes.
First up should be the Volvo Owners Club. With only one entry, Richard Conway will have just the conditions and the hill to contend with.
Copyright: Akina Media
Next up will be the Triumphs. With 12 drivers looking for the win, this will be highly competitive and you will see some class British sport and saloon cars looking to take the awards. Roderick Warner in his TR7 V8 and Nick Smith in his TR6 are likely to be at the front but you can’t discount John Weedon TR4 or most of the class entry for that matter.
Copyright: Akina Media
The Austin Healey – Big Healey and Warwick Car Class run next. There are eight of these lovely machines entered. Paul Baker and Pat Cooper in their respective 100/6 and 3000 along with Huw Edwards (Mk3) and Peter Walton (Mk1) will lead the charge. They aren’t afraid of pushing their cars and themselves to the limit!
Copyright: John Hayward
The Austin Healey – Sprites Class follow the big Healeys. There are eight entries. On last years performances, Colin Gale and his Sprite together with Andrew Taylor and Stephen Casson are likely to be in the top three.
Just like Saturday, the TVR class looks like it’ll be go down to the wire. There will be some fabulous sound when these cars take to the hill!
Copyright: Akina Media
There is another a huge ‘Classic Marques Speed Championship’ Class. You’ll see everything from a Ginetta G4, an MGB GT, a Marcos Mantis, a Honda S2000, a couple of Mazda MX5s, a Lotus 7, just to name a few of the cars competing. Steve Cox in his TVR V8S is a previous class winner so he should be able to keep everyone else at bay. But you can’t discount any of the other driver / car combinations!
Then we have the classes in the Meadens Skoda Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Championship and the Cavendish Ship Stores Top Ten Challenge.
Mark Crookall, the 2016 class record holder and the 2016 class champion in the Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class, heads up a small class of three cars. Can he win?
Danny Dzenis www.dd-photography.co.uk
The Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc sees a large entry. Tim Foster and his lovely Lotus Elan start favourite. Although, Dean Cubitt’s MX5 and Paul Dickenson and his Renault Clio will be strong opposition and we shouldn’t forget Kevin Thomas and his Clio either! Saturday’s event will give some indication of what may happen on Sunday. There might be some surprises.
May 2016
The over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class will be interesting. The 2015 and 2016 Meadens Skoda Champion, Stephen Moore bring his monstrous Mitsubishi Evo back to Gurston Down. It’s been worked on during the closed season and will give Shaun and Sarah Fudge’s revised Subaru Impreza a really good run. Stephen will want to score maximum points so he will probably be looking to improve his own class record!
The Road Going Specialist Production Class runs next. Clive Skipper in his 2.0 Caterham HPC and Adrian Lewis in his 1.4 Westfield Megabusa, will be looking at the top two places. Based on last year, Adrian might just pip Clive to the win.
Steve Butts in his Lotus Elise is the only entrant in the Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars up to 2000cc Class.
The over 2000cc Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car Class sees Paul Slade (Jagaur E Type), Bob Mortimer (Porsche 911) and Steve Holley (TVR Griffith) go head to head. Last year, there was just half a second between Steve and Bob.
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Class has three very fast Minis entered. The form book suggests it will be between Neil Turner or Derek Mullis. But who will prevail?
Copyright Akina Media
Richard Wood is the only entrant in the Modified Series Mini in his Yamaha powered car.
Darren Balster runs his Peugoet 205 in the 1401cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Class.
The over 2000cc Modified Series Production Class, sees that gorgeous Aston Martin Vantage of Tim Painter and Andrew Fraser back on this hill. They are joined by Mark Walker in his 4.0 Porsche Cayman S and Mike Butler in his Toyota MR2. Mike ran a BMW M3 last season so it will be interesting to see which car he brings. This class is wide open.
The Modified Specialist Production Class has a four drivers entered. This class could be anyone’s.
The Historically Interesting Class always brings out some lovely machinery and Sunday is no exception. Mike Broome’s 1.6 Alexis Mk 17 F3, Jeremy Smithson’s Lotus Elan FHC, Geoff Hunt’s Lotus 22 and Fyrth Crosse’s Mallock U2 Mk2B have all to play for. On previous form Firth Crosse should take the win but he has changed his car so it looks like this class is wide open.
Mark Mortimer in his Mallock17b is the only entry in the Hillclimb Super Sports Class.
Peter Sexton and Jonathan Gates in their shared Force LM are joined by the Mallocks of Peter Steel and Luke Trotman in the Sports Libre up to 2000cc Class. This class is likely to be between Peter and Jonathan.
The Sports Libre over 2000cc Class, see the Force SR8 of Chris Cannell and Sue Hayes come to the hill, together will the 7.5 litre Cheverolet Camaro of Jeffrey Way. Chris is likely to take the win but the Camaro is a fantastic sceptical!
The two 500 Owners Association go next. There are four cars and five drivers entered in the 2001 Rules class. And just one in the Other Cars class. These are a great to watch and produce some sensational times. Remember they are only 500cc!
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class has a good entry on Sunday. James Moore, Murray Wakeham and the rest of the class will make it a great battle.
The Formula Ford Class sees Linzi Alley, Gurston’s Treasurer, and her husband Mark out in their Swift FB91. Paul Morcom in the Swift SC93 and the shared Zeus ZR163 of Russell and George Haynes will all be there or there abouts at the end of the day!
The 1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class puts Peter D Smith and Richard Gayland in their shared Force PC up against thre other car and driver combinations. On previous form, Peter D Smith is most likely to come out on top. But we shouldn’t forget Peter Hammock, Neal Coles or Ian Tucker. This class has some contenders for Fastest Time of the Day.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car (Normally Aspirated) Class has just one two entrant, Dave Lord, in his Quest.
Then we’ll have the riders in ACU’s Motorbikes National Hill Climb Championship. Please check our full Motorbike Preview on our website!
Copyright: Akina Media
Why not come and join us?
With this variety of cars AND bikes Sunday April 23rd 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: Sunday April 23rd
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
Apr 9, 2017
Sunday 23rd April brings the riders in the National Hill Climb Association’s motorbike championship to Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb. This will be their first visit of the season.
There will be thirty motorbikes, six side-car combination and a trike too, there will be two, three and sometimes one wheeled action. All of them will pit their wits against the fast and twisty course at Wiltshire’s famous Speed Hill Climb Venue. They will also be competing against each other too, of course.There will be four wheeled action too. Check the Sunday 23rd Meeting Preview for more details.
Spectators have superb and 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!
In the Solo Motor Cycles 100cc to 250cc class, has eight entrants. It’s a little difficult to predict who is in form this season as the Gurston event is one of the first. The course record for this class is 34.08s, which is fast even by four wheel standards.
There is a big entry in the Solo Motor Cycles 351cc to 500cc class. Chris Keates (Honda CRF) and Richard Bowker (Honda CRF) and Pete Ford (KTM) all have previous form on the hill so we should expect a very close fought class. Last year the top four were within one second of each other. The class record is 32.33s.
The Solo Motor Cycles 501cc to 750cc class has six entries. Mark Short and his Aprilla SXV 550cc took the win last year on 35.28s. With Tommy Hodges (KTM SMR), Peter Short (Aprilia SXV), Guy Ursell (KTM), Keith Haines (Aprilla) and Dan Hurley (Husaberg) competing, this class will be close. All these riders have Gurston experience!
Copyright: Akina Media
The Solo Motor Cycles 751cc to 1300cc class sees Peter Jeffery on his KTM RC8 1148cc bike, last years winner, up against Stuart Mills (Aprilla) who finished second last year by just 0.3s. This class will be close.
If you thought the solo motorcyclists were balmy, wait until you see the side-cars! The rider and pillion race up the hill, the rider laying on their front and the pillion hanging on or sometimes out of the combination! There are no seat belts or restrains to keep them all together!
The Side-Car class has five combinations entered. Last years winners and hill record holders, Patrick and Paul Keates in the Baker F1, probably start favourites. But they won’t have it easy.
Sam Matthewman and Gareth Rawlings take to the hill on a trike. If you check our facebook page you’ll find a video of the trike competing last year.
The bike meeting closed with a Top Ten Run-off. Paul Jeffery won last years but with more than thirty contenders for these ten places, there is likely to be some great riding.
Why not come and join us?
With this variety of bikes (and cars) Sunday, April 23rd 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 April 23rd
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
Apr 8, 2017
The 2017 Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb season gets underway on the Saturday 22nd April. It’s Gurston Down’s 50th Anniversary Season so looking ahead, it should be an exciting year!
Saturday kicks-off the season’s opening weekend and will provide a glorious show of sound, smell, speed and skill. Around 120 cars and drivers competing in different cars and classes, in everything from your average standard road car, classic and modern sports and saloon cars and purpose built, 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. They will also be competing against each other too, of course.
Spectators have superb and 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 April 22nd sees Gurston hosts a number of national championships. The SBD Hillclimb and Sprint Association hold a round of its hill climb championship, as do the Westfields, TVRs, Classic Marques Cars and pre-War Austin 7s. On top of all those championships there is the usual mix of production-based machines, sports racing cars and single seaters.
Fastest Time of the Day is the ultimate goal for most competitors and Saturday will be just as competitive as ever. There are a number of drivers in contention. Peter D Smith and Richard Gayland in their Force PC will have to work hard to keep Peter Sexton and Jonathan Gates at bay in their Force LM. But we should never discount Chris Cannell in the Force SR8 or perhaps Malcolm Cole in the Force MV8. This will be all about the car and driver on the day!
Copyright: Akina Media
Saturday’s meeting gets under way with the invited classes. First up should be the Pre-War Austin 7’s. The “Road” Class has six drivers entered. It’ll be difficult to predict but the Austin Seven Special of Bernard and Daniel Cowley probably starts favourite. In the much quicker “Race” division, last seasons results would suggest the man to beat will be Martin Whittaker in his Austin Seven Single Seater. The Austin Sevens are so competitive, it could be anyone’s win.
The TVR class looks like it’ll be go down to the wire. There will be some fabulous sound when these cars take to the hill!
The Westfield Class always produces some fantastic driving. Keith Adams in his Westfield Sei and Martin Harvey will probably head the field but it’s a tough class to call.
Copyright: Akina Media
There is a huge ‘Classic Marques Speed Championship’ Class. It has attracted entries from all over the country, in a variety of cars. You’ll see everything from a Ginetta G4 driven by Roger Coate, an MGB GT driven by Richard Withers, a Marcos Mantis driven by Phil Jones, a Honda S2000 driven by Phil Ludbrook and Steve Cox in his TVR V8S. The winner? That’s far too difficult to predict! This class has a wonderful array of beautifully presented cars and is always worth watching.
Copyright: Akina Media
Next up will be the Gurston Down Mazda MX5 Class. Mark Crookall, the 2016 class record holder and the 2016 class champion starts as favourite. But there are a few new comers, Lucy Cuff and some returnees, Mark Coleman who may well mix this class up. Mark Jones, Phillip Eaton and Nick Hollier can’t be ignored because this class is so evenly matched.
Copyright: John Hayward
It’s all change in the Road Going Series Production Class up to 2000cc. The Greenen brothers, Andy and Adam, have moved onto a 1100cc single seater and Paul Webster, Gurston’s competition secretary has sold his Mazda MX5! Tim Foster and his lovely Lotus Elan start favourite. The closed season has seen a few cars undergoing significant changes, Dean Cubitt’s MX5 has had some major work done and if Test Day was anything to go by, he’ll be right there at the front. You really can’t discount any of the driver / car combinations in this class. There might be some surprises.
August 2016
The over 2000cc Road Going Series Production Class will be interesting. Shaun and Sarah Fudge and the revised Subaru Impreza are definitely in the hunt for a win. This class is fairly open at the moment and it will be interesting to see what happens on the day.
The Road Going Specialist Production Class always brings some fast cars to the hill. Clive Skipper in his 2.0 Caterham HPC, Adrian Lewis in his 1.4 Westfield Megabusa, to name just two. John Watson and his Lotus Elise might we surprise. You can’t rule anyone out!
Copyright: John Hayward
The Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Cars up to 2000cc Class has only one entry but it’s the current class record holder, Steve Butts in his Lotus Elise.
The over 2000cc Modified Limited Production Marque Sports Car Class sees Paul Slade (Jagaur E Type), Steve Holley (TVR Griffith) and the 2014 Gurston Champion Simon Purcell in the super-charged Elise, go head to head. The previous for it’ll be Simon who’ll end up on top.
The up to 1400cc Modified Series Production Class has two very fast Minis entered. David Bean and Derek Mullis will have a battle royal for this class.
Darren Balster runs his Peugoet 205 in the 1401cc to 2000cc Modified Series Production Class.
The over 2000cc Modified Series Production Class, sees that gorgeous Aston Martin Vantage of Tim Painter and Andrew Fraser, Mark Walker in his 4.0 Porsche Cayman S. It’s be interesting to see whether Mark can overcome the Aston!
The over 2000cc Modified Specialist Production Class has a six drivers (and five cars) line up. This class is far too difficult to predict, it could be anyone’s.
Up next will be The Historically Interesting Class. This class always brings out some lovely machinery and Saturday is no exception. Mike Broome’s 1.6 Alexis Mk 17 F3, Jeremy Smithson’s Lotus Elan FHC, Geoff Hunt’s Lotus 22, Fyrth Crosse’s Mallock U2 Mk2B and the Chevron B19 of Amanda and Richard George are all out. Form suggests this will be Richard George’s class.
Mark Mortimer in his Mallock17b is the only entry in the Hillclimb Super Sports Class.
Peter Sexton and Jonathan Gates go head to head in their shared Force LM in the Sports Libre up to 2000cc Class. They are both very competitive so we will have to watch this class to find out.
The Sports Libre over 2000cc Class, see the Force SR8 of Chris Cannell and Sue Hayes come to the hill. On previous form, Chris is likely to take the win.
The 601cc to 1100cc Racing Car Class has a good entry on Saturday. James Moore won’t have an easy win here. Murray Wakeham and the rest of the class will make sure he works for it.
The Formula Ford Class sees Linzi Alley, Gurston’s Treasurer, in her first competitive Formula Ford event and after her showing at Test Day, it may prove interesting. This class is always close so Linzi and Mark Alley, Paul Morcom, Russell and George Haynes, with very similar cars, will all be there on the day.
The 1101cc to 1600cc Racing Car Class puts Peter D Smith and Richard Gayland in their shared Force PC up against four other car and driver combinations. On previous form, Peter D Smith is most likely to come out on top. This class has some contenders for Fastest Time of the Day.
The 1601cc to 2000cc Racing Car (Normally Aspirated) Class has just two entrants, Malcolm Cole with his Force MV8 will probably end up on top. Malcolm is another Fastest Time of the Day contender.
The SBD HSA Speed Championship – Saloons and Sports Cars round off the day. This class bring an eclectic range of cars to the hill. The two Subaru Imprezza’s of Chris Berrisford and Justin Andrews, the Lotus Elise 250 Cup of Tim Richardson, the Raw Striker of James Robertson and David Newman’s Mazda MX5 will make this an interesting end to the day.
Why not come and join us?
With this variety of cars Saturday, April 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 April 22nd
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
Apr 3, 2017
Test Day in pictures..
Thank you all those people who made our test day possible! The office staff, the marshals, timekeepers, control, scrutineers and officials without whom we couldn’t run our meeting. Thanks to Ashley Wood Recovery, TSL Timing, Insight Medical Services, Insight Security and to all those spectators who came too!
Pictures are all Steve Lister – thank you.
Anthony Record – BARC SW Gurston Down Press Officer
