NEWS ARCHIVE

Provisional British Sprint Championship calendar published
21/12/2012

The provisional calendar for the 2013 SBD British Sprint Championship has been published:

Date          Venue
23.03.13    Castle Combe
06.04.13    Lydden Hill
TBA          Mallory Park
18.05.13    Snetterton
19.05.13    Snetterton
01.06.13    Pembrey
02.06.13    Pembrey
08.06.13    Anglesey
09.06.13    Anglesey
06.07.13    Kirkistown
07.07.13    Kirkistown
27.07.13    Knockhill
28.07.13    Knockhill
15.09.13    Brands Hatch
05.10.13    Anglesey
06.10.13    Anglesey
TBA          Donington Park

It is not certain that either of the two "TBA" events will take place, but active discussion is taking place in a bid to secure them.

The 2012 HSA Awards lunch - a reminder
19/12/2012

Just to remind you that the annual HSA Awards lunch is to be held at the Rothley Court Hotel, Leicestershire, close to the M1 and M69 on Sunday January 13th 2013, starting at 12.30pm.

The booking and menu selection forms can be downloaded from the Events page.

We are limited to 85 places so you are advised to get your forms in promptly to avoid disappointment. And some of you award winners out there have not yet registered. So don't be shy - come along and receive the recognition from your fellow competitors!

Stewart Robb takes honours at BSC Awards Dinner
20/11/2012

The annual BMSA Awards night took place on Saturday 17^th November at Lea Marston where the various winners from the SBD Motorsport British Sprint Championship collected the silverware. Winning the Les Edmunds Trophy for the best organised event was the BRSCC for their Saturday event at Snetterton and the shield was picked up by Drew Furlong. John Graham picked up the St John Shield, originally donated by Ken Ayers, for the best newcomer whilst the various category and Top 12 awards were also presented. Stewart Robb the 2012 champion made the customary speech and praised the organisation for delivering the championship in difficult circumstances, he also praised championship runner-up Terry Holmes who had his best season ever whilst chasing down the Scot.

Paul Parker briefed the competitors on the 2013 Calendar which is very close to finalisation with just two events currently in the possible column. There are 14 confirmed rounds on the schedule and if all goes to plan a full 16 round championship will be announced shortly. As soon as the calendar is confirmed then the BMSA will be sending out a Press Release.

The BSC Top 3 l to r. Terry Holmes (2nd), Stewart Robb (1st) & Mike Musson (3rd)

Provisional calendar for the 2013 SBD HSA Speed Championship
19/11/2012

The provisional calendar for the 2013 SBD HSA Speed Championship has been published. As well as the usual favourites we will be making a return to Aintree and Olivers Mount in 2013 along with our first visit to Snetterton for a double header with the British Sprint Championship.

Draft regulations for the Championship will be published on this site shortly and entries will commence early in January. We do not envisage any changes to the Class structure and only minor clarifications to the regs for 2013.

2013 SBD HSA Speed Championship Calendar:

17th March     Mallory Park
23rd March    Castle Combe
6th April     Lydden Hill     
13th April     Loton Park     
20th April     Gurston Down     
27th April     Goodwood     
27th April Wiscombe Park
28th April Wiscombe Park
4th May     Werrington     
5th May     Werrington     
4th/5th May     Shelsley Walsh     
18th May     Snetterton     
19th May     Snetterton     
25th May     MIRA     
1st June     Pembrey     
2nd June     Pembrey     
9th June     Curborough     
29th/30th June     Prescott     
6th/7th July     Harewood     
13th July     Blyton Park     
14th July     Blyton Park     
27th July     Llandow     
28th July     Llys Y Fran     
18th August     Olivers Mount     
24th/25th August   Gurston Down     
31st August     Anglesey (Ty-Croes)     
1st September     Anglesey (Ty-Croes)     
7th September     Loton Park     
7th September     Aintree     
8th September     Three Sisters     
14th September     Thoresby Park     
15th September     Thoresby Park     
22nd September     Shelsley Walsh     
12th October     Curborough  

Bookings being taken for the HSA Awards lunch
07/11/2012

The annual HSA Awards lunch is to be held at the Rothley Court Hotel, Leicestershire, close to the M1 and M69 on Sunday January 13th 2013, starting at 12.30pm.

The booking and menu selection forms can be downloaded from the Events page. 

We are limited to 85 places so you are advised to get your forms in promptly to avoid disappointment.

Most of the HSA Committee will be on hand during the afternoon, so if you have any questions or ideas to share about the Championship, this will be a good opportunity to raise them, as well as enjoy a very good 3-course  lunch in good company and pleasant surroundings.

Official 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship winners & awards
31/10/2012

The official list of winners and awards for the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship have been published and can be downloaded here (updated).

Congratulations to all of our winners and in particular to Matt Hillam for taking the overall Championship title, John Palmer in second place just failing to make it an unprecedented 7 titles and Mark Paterson who was not only third overall but also took the Ginetta Owners Club speed challenge.

Alan Mugglestone took the award for the highest score from 4 rounds entered, David & Jim Spencer who were the highest scoring drivers of a shared car and finally a special mention to Gary Thomas who is awarded the Squires Memorial trophy for the most meritorious performance nationally  in a racing car up to 1100cc.

These awards (along with the other class awards) will be presented at the awards lunch at the Rothley Court Hotel on January 13th. Further details of the event and booking forms will be published shortly.

Matt Hillam, 2012 Champion (R Green)

Gary Thomas, Paul Squires Trophy (S Broadhurst)

THE HSA AND SBD MOTORSPORT ANNOUNCE TIE UP FOR 2013
29/10/2012

The Hillclimb and Sprint Association (HSA) and SBD Motorsport (SBD) today announced that SBD are to become the title sponsor for the 2013 SBD HSA Speed Championship, one of the most popular and established Speed championships in the UK.

Pictured are outgoing HSA Chairman Chris Bennett and MD of SBD Steve Broughton completing the deal recently at SBD's South London premises. SBD are specialists in the design & manufacture of management systems, engine kits & components for use in all types of motorsport worldwide. Steve observed that the HSA's calendar of Hillclimbs and Sprints at many venues throughout the country would enable SBD to reach a wide variety of potential new customers from those competing in roadgoing classes to those in the racing categories.

Incoming HSA Chairman, Les Buck, warmly welcoming the Championship's new sponsors, said that with the combination of one of the best Speed Championships and such a highly regarded motorsport supplier he looked forward to developing the Championship even further in the years ahead.

On behalf of the HSA, Chris also thanked outgoing sponsor REIS for their support and contribution over the past 5 years to the growth and success of  the HSA Speed Championship, which attracted well over 100 entrants in 2012.

Chris Bennett & Steve Broughton confirm the deal

Werrington Park re-surfacing
18/10/2012

Plymouth Motor Club have just had the top half of Werrington Park Hillclimb resurfaced to the same excellent standard that the bottom half was done three years ago. The club have been aware that the surface of the top half of the hill has deteriorated sharply in the last 12 to 18 months due primarily to the harsh winter weather and decided that it had to act now to ensure the long term future of the venue as a top class hillclimb.  

PMC again engaged local company EJ Glendinning to lay the new surface after the excellent feedback we had received from competitors about the good grip and smooth surface on the bottom half of the hill that was laid by them in 2009. With six months to weather in before PMC's “Werrington 2013” weekend on 4^th & 5^th May they are sure that competitors will enjoy the hill even more than before.

The re-surfacing team in front of Werrington House

Matt Hillam wins 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship
14/10/2012

At Curborough yesterday (Sat 13th October) Matt Hillam was crowned the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Champion in his SBD Westfield S2000 with his third maximum score of the season which secured his title.

The top three positions were all in doubt up until the final timed run of the day with six time Champion John Palmer (Westfield SEi) and Mark Paterson (Ginetta G15) both in contention.

Coming in to the event in second place, Mark had a poor first run and with rain appearing in time for his second, this left the door open for John Palmer who scored well by virtue of breaking the existing class record. One consolation for Mark was, as highest placed Ginetta driver, he becomes winner of the Ginetta Owners Club Speed challenge.

At the conclusion of another highly successful season, in which 99 competitors scored points, our thanks go to all those involved, competitors, organisers and sponsors with special mention to Championship Co-ordinator Pat Toulmin, ass't co-ordinator Chris Flavell and title sponsor REIS.

 

NOTE: Results are provisional until officially confirmed.

Matt Hillam, 2012 REIS HSA Champion

John Palmer (2nd) & Mark Paterson (3rd)

Matt Clarke is 2012 Overall Paul Matty Sportscars Classic Speed Champion
09/10/2012

Matt Clarke is the 2012 overall Champion of the Paul Matty Sportscars Classic Speed Championship, driving his 1380cc 1960 Austin Mini. Organised by the Bugatti Owners' Club, and sponsored by Paul Matty Sportscars, the Championship has taken in 13 rounds of sprints and hillclimbs at Prescott, MIRA, Loton Park, Curborough, Harewood, Gurston Down, Wiscombe, Goodwood and Shelsley Walsh. The championship is divided into three classes, catering for Saloon Cars, Sports Cars and Racing/Sports Racing Cars built before 1972. This year some 38 drivers scored championship points in an eclectic mix of historic cars, including Minis, Lotus Cortinas and Alfa Romeo GTVs, through to Sprites, MGAs and MGBs, Triumphs and TVRs, together with a variety of single seaters such as Lotus and Brabham machines, plus Aldon and Ginetta sports racing cars. The competition uses a handicap points scoring basis with the aim of minimising the performance differences between the broad variety of cars within their respective classes.

Congratulations to Matt and the other class winners. The main results are as follows:-

Saloon Cars

1. Matt Clarke 1960 Austin Mini 65 points ( Overall Champion)

2. Andy Clarke 1977 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTV (51)

3. Mike White 1970 Lotus Cortina (45)

Sports Cars

1. John Weedon 1968 Triumph TR5 (56)

2. John Newton 1961 Austin Healey Sprite Mk1 (49)

3. Austin Weltman 1971 Westfield 11-Climax (48)

Racing and Sports Racing Cars

1. Les Buck 1969 Lotus 61 FF (60)

2. Ian Ritchie 1967 Brabham BT21A (56)

3. Martin Jones 1967 Lotus 51A (45)

For more information on this popular series, including in-car videos, please see www.classichillclimb.com

 

Matt Clarke, 2012 Paul Matty champion

Robb reigns again
08/10/2012

The 2012 British Sprint Championship concluded at a sunny Anglesley with two rounds last weekend.

The results are as follows:

SBD Motorsport British Sprint Championship:
1st Stewart Robb
2nd Terry Holmes
3rd Mike Musson
4th Mark Smith
5th Colin Birkbeck
6th Steve Miles
7th Colin Calder
8th Graham Porrett
9th Terry Graves
10th Scott Pillinger
11th John Graham
12th Heather Calder

Foundation Cup winner (Glynis Lloyd- Jones Trophy) : John Graham

Category Awards Winners
Modified Production: Matt Hillam
Sports Libre: Jim Belt
FF1600 Racing Cars: Steve Cawley
1100 Racing Cars: Grahame Harden
2nd Martin Pickles
1600 Racing Cars: Jonathan Toulmin
2nd Simon Clemow
3rd Martin Clemow
2000 Racing Cars: Colin Birkbeck
2nd Mark Smith
3rd Steve Miles
Unlimited Racing Cars: Stewart Robb
2nd Terry Holmes
3rd Graham Porrett
Junior Sprint Challenge (David Render Trophy): Louise Calder
Britannia Trophy:  Grahame Harden
Celtic Trophy: Steve Miles
Saxon Trophy: Grahame Harden
St John Trophy: John Graham
Patsy Burt Trophy: Heather Calder
Mille Miglia Trophy: Terry Holmes & Graham Porrett

REIS HSA Championship Finale
07/10/2012

With less than a week to go until the final round at Curborough it's a chance to have a look at who are the movers and shakers who will be challenging for various class and overall awards.

The race for the overall championship is going to be hot one with the three main contendors all in attendance.   Matt Hillam and Mark Paterson are separated by only 1 point and both have scores of 13 to drop.  Seven times Championship winner John Palmer is within 5 points but only has a score of 11 to drop.

In the class battles, Ken Morris and Tony Thomas will be fighting for honours in their MX5's with only 2 points separating them.

In the inaugural year for the shared driver award it looks like that Jim & David Spencer in their first year as single seater drivers are going to tie this up nicely.

There is a great field entered on the day, so fingers are firmly crossed that the weather will be dry for some great action and a spectacular final round.

Finals & Entry for HSA Sprint Oct 13th
06/10/2012

The final instructions and entry list for the HSA Sprint at Curborough on Saturday October 13th can be downloaded from the events page.

 

 

HSA AGM Tuesday 2nd October
25/09/2012

Just a quick reminder that the AGM of the HSA will be held at the Cromwell Lodge Hotel, Banbury at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday 2nd October.

The agenda appeared in Speedscene 169 or can be downloaded here and the latest set of accounts can be downloaded from the HSA page.

 

HSA Sprint Curborough October 13th
25/09/2012

The provisional entry list for the HSA sprint at Curborough on Saturday October 13th can be downloaded here.

There is still time to enter.

We are also short of marshals so anyone able to assist in the paddock, the office or the startline please contact Eric Morrey at compsec@hillclimbandsprint.co.uk

 

GOLDEN JUBILEE HAREWOOD
24/09/2012

BARC Yorkshire Centre celebrated the 50^th anniversary of their hillclimb at Stockton Farm in style with back-to-back rounds of their Harewood Championship and demonstration runs by iconic cars and drivers in the venue’s history throughout the two-day celebration.

            Saturday’s Greenwood Cup event took place under sunny skies, when a delighted Morgan Jenkins set FTD in his Pilbeam-Vauxhall. His mother-in-law, Sandra Tomlin, drove her father Phil Chapman’s Chapman Mercury 3 for the first time for 27 years during the demonstration runs, which also saw double hillclimb Champion Peter Westbury out in the Felday-Daimler and the Ferguson-Climax 4WD in which he took consecutive British titles, the second of which, in 1964, he secured driving the Ferguson at Harewood’s first British Championship round. Also among the many demo cars were David Hepworth’s Championship-winning Guyson Beablast 4WD Special, driven by his sons Andrew and Stephen, David Gould driving his Gould-Hart 84G in which Chris Cramer took the 1985 British title, Peter Voigt in the Roy Lane-built Tech-Craft-Buick and Mini ace Nicky Porter’s highly original Cooper S, together with many cars and drivers that competed at Harewood’s first ever event in September 1962.

            Sadly, wet weather closed in for Sunday’s Mike Wilson Memorial meeting and few single seaters took their competition runs, leaving Jerseyman Len Amy to set the outright pace in his rear-engined Mallock Mk32. Due to the dire conditions, none of the Harewood Championship contenders improved on their Saturday scores, but with Steve Owen having already done enough to take top honours in the parallel Harewood FTD series, a record-breaking run in her Lotus Elise on the first day ensured that Sarah Bosworth became the first lady ever to win the Harewood Championship outright. In doing so, she had completed the double at the BARC’s two hillclimbs, having won the Gurston Down title in the Elise in 2009.

 

Sarah Bosworth became the first lady driver to win the Harewood Hillclimb Championship (Julian Dyer)

Stephen Hepworth drives his father David's British Championship-winning Hepworth 4WD (Julian Dyer)

REIS HSA Championship scores Loton Park Sept 8th
19/09/2012

The REIS HSA Championship scoring updated yesterday for Loton Park on September 8th used an incorrect set of results. The correct results and times have now been applied and we believe the scores are accurate. Please let us know if you spot anything amiss.

Apologies for the mistake.

The HSA competition at Carfest South
10/09/2012

The HSA was at Car Fest South but were not allowed to take part in the Hill Climb so we decided to run our own competition.

The idea was see how fast a member of the public to get into and out of a fully caged Mazda MX5 racing car (including fastening the 5 point harness). Rob Way kindly allowed his Ma5da MX5 Cup Car to be used.

The adult’s competition on Saturday only had a small but enthusiastic entry with Alexandra Burton leading the field with a 35.72 until a late run by Glen Goodall  who clinched the win with a time of 27.84.

There was a large entry for the children’s competition with Ellie Simpson the early leader with a fast run of 35.18, only to be beaten by a very quick James Taylor with a 30.72.

With much better weather on Sunday there was a large and very competitive entry in both the adults and children’s competitions.

The adult’s competition started with a very quick run by Louise Aldhous with a seemingly unbeatable 22.89,however this was bettered by Lara with a time of 21.75. Things really hotted up towards the end of the day with several sub 20 second runs the fastest of which was an 18.41 posted by Tristan Beard, the eventual winner.

The children proved to be every bit as competitive as the adults with Josh posting a fast 23.03 early in the day but this was beaten by Campbell McGregor with a 22.44, a late run by a hard charging Bethany came close with a 22.69, but Campbell was our winner.

In total £97.50 was raised from entry fees and donations, all proceeds will go to Children in Need.

Rob Way's MX5 Cup race car attracts a crowd

Sunday winner Tristan Beard & HSA Chairman Chris Bennett

THORNLEY AND WILTSHIRE TAKE GURSTON TITLES
09/09/2012

Ending a successful first year of competition at the Wiltshire hillclimb, Simon Thornley took the Gates of Brockenhurst Gurston Down Hillclimb Championship in his roadgoing Westfield-K Series, setting a time just a couple of tenths outside the class record. 2010 champion Roy Barker put in a strong bid to regain his title, but despite a record-breaking shot in his potent Mitsubishi Evo, he had to settle for the runner-up spot ahead of the 2007 champion, Mike Rudge, who charged his Westfield-Duratec through the order on the final round.

            The parallel Gurston Top Ten Challenge Championship, decided on outright best times, was won by Tony Wiltshire. A season’s best 27.39 on his opening run in the ex.Tony Marsh Gould-Opel V6 more than made up for missing the July round due to an accident in practice and he stormed to the title ahead of Terry Graves’ Gould-DFR. A late charge by local airline pilot James Blackmore’s OMS-Hayabusa levelled with Graves on points, but the Launceston driver got the verdict on a tiebreak, due to his maximum score at the July event.

 

Gates of Brockenhurst Gurston Down Hillclimb Championship, final positions: 1 Simon Thornley (1.9 Westfield-K Series) 25.60pts; 2 Roy Barker (2.3t Mitsubishi Evo 5) 24.92s; 3 Mike Rudge (2.3 Westfield-Duratec SE) 23.39; 4 Chris Cannell (1.7 St Bruno Roughcutter) 22.36; 5 Jim White (1.4 Austin Mini Clubman 16v) 21.91; 6 Keith Diggle (2.0 WEV-BDG HCS) 21.88; etc.

 

Gurston Down Top Ten Challenge: 1 Tony Wiltshire (2.5 Gould-Opel V6 GR55) 30pts; 2 Terry Graves (3.5 Gould-DFR GR37) 27; 3 James Blackmore (1.6 OMS-Hayabusa 25) 27; 4 Peter D Smith (1.4 Force-Hayabusa) 23; 5 Rodney Thorne (5.0 Pilbeam-Rover MP43) 21; 6 Diggle 19; etc.

 

Simon Thornley - 2012 Gurston Down Champion ( www.everleyphotography.co.uk)

Tony Wiltshire - 2012 Gurston Top Ten Challenge Champion (www.everleyphotography.co.uk)

The HSA at Car-Fest South
27/08/2012

The Hillclimb and Sprint Association was one of the invited car clubs at Chris Evans' Car-Fest South held at Jody Scheckter's Laverstoke Park Farm estate in Hampshire. The event was in support of the BBC's Children in Need appeal and was held over the Friday to Sunday of the August Bank Holiday.

Other clubs attending included the familiar (Marcos, Lotus 7, Morgan, Aston Martin etc.) and the more esoteric (De Lorean, Nova and so on). There was a surprising amount of interest in Hillclimbing and Sprinting and the volunteers on the stand were kept busy fielding a wide range of enquiries from potential competitors who are looking to take their first steps into Motor Sport in the near future.

The success of the HSA presence was down to committee members Colin Way, for organising our attendance, and Peter Hubbard for co-ordinating activities 'on the day' as well as displaying their cars. The other 5 cars on display were those of Tony Thomas, Rob Way, Les Buck, Jonathan Toulmin and Chris Bennett.

Highlights of the event included Chris Evans' himself who seemed to be everywhere at once, auctioning a 1964 split screen Dormobile Campervan for £30,500 which had been donated with all proceeeds going to Children in Need, driving a selection of his Ferraris and compering the concerts and other activities. The mock up of Bloodhound SSC was dramatic and the demonstration runs of some historic F1 cars including Jody Scheckter in his Tyrell 007, McLaren M23 and Ferrari 312T4 were also memorable.

Jody Scheckter, Tyrell 007

The HSA stand at Car-Fest South

THOMPSON TAKES FOURTH ULSTER TITLE
16/08/2012

Garron point, on Northern Ireland’s picturesque Antrim Coast, staged the ANICC Miller’s Oils Hillclimb Championship title decider on August 11.

The battle for overall championship honours was fought out between the defending champion, Antrim’s Graham Thompson in his GTR-Suzuki Turbo, and Dungannon’s Seamus Morris, driving his Pilbeam-Millington MP62.

Their titanic duel had raged all season with Thompson going to Craigantlet’s previous round under pressure – a win for Morris in either of the last two rounds would have given him his first Championship title. But Graham rose to the challenge and set a pace on the Belfast hill that Seamus simply couldn’t match. At Garron the position was straightforward. If Graham won he would take another title. If Seamus won and Graham was second they would tie, but Seamus will take the title on a tiebreak!

Thompson posted fastest times in both practice runs and after lunch continued in the same vein as he set the pace in all three timed runs. With the GTR driver/constructor on this sort of form the season-long battle with Morris and his Pilbeam was swiftly concluded and Thompson took his fourth Championship title in a row with a new hill record of 37.15.

‘Seamus and I have had a great battle all year,’ said Graham afterwards. ‘It was fitting that the championship should go down to the last round at Garron Point as it’s been so evenly matched. I’ve had to keep developing my car to stay at the sharp end but after a few teething problems it all paid off, with new hill records at Drumhorc and here at Garron. Hopefully next year the battle will continue.’

 

Graham Thompson - four-time ANICC hillclimb champion (Raceline Photography)

Seamus Morris lost out at the last round title decider (Raceline Photography)

HSA Sprint Curborough October 13th
06/08/2012

The regulations and entry form for the HSA Sprint at Curborough on Saturday October 13th have been published and can be downloaded here.

This year we are pleased to include a special invitation handicap class for members of the British Womens Racing Drivers Club which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2012.

There will also be a class for cars with 'Flathead' engines reflecting the significant interest these cars have attracted since their inclusion in the REIS HSA Speed Championship in 2012.

 

‘Paddock net’ has arrived
01/08/2012

British Sprint Championship competitor Steve Miles (Van Diemen RF96) has developed a local wifi network, with a range of a few hundred metres, that anyone in the paddock (with the appropriate authorisations) can access without needing an Internet connection.

This innovative system is currently being used at rounds of the British Sprint Championship so that competitors and other interested parties can keep track of the latest, up to date times, splits and positions.

Users with a wifi enabled laptop or netbook will require some special software which can be provided at an event. They then connect to the BRITISHSPRINT network with a password. No other internet connections are needed and no data is being transmitted that users will be charged for - its all free!

Users with an iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone will need to download some free software from the iTunes app store and install it on their device. Android users will follow a similar pattern.

The system has already generated considerable interest from other clubs and timekeepers and shows how competitors are keeping up with the times - that after all is what our sport is all about -times!

Steve's trailer is shown here with the system in operation, plus a few other gadgets!

 

Base station in Steve's trailer

MURRAY’S GURSTON MINT
23/07/2012

Running his turbocharged Audi 80 over a second and a quarter inside Gurston Down’s 2-litre Modified Series Production car record, Keith Murray won BARC Southwest Centre’s inaugural ‘Gurston 1000’ and the new Tony Marsh Trophy at the Wiltshire hillclimb’s Spire FM raceday last weekend.

The £1000 prize, awarded for the best improvement over an existing class record, was hotly contested with no less than four record breakers in the frame for the award. Gurston’s traditional July event was, for the first time, a round of the TTC Group Midland Hillclimb Championship and defending champion Rob Stevens put in a strong bid for the big prize with a time almost threequarters of a second inside the 2-litre sports libre record in his self-developed, supercharged Force-Hayabusa. Former Gurston Champion Roy Barker’s Mitsubishi and historic Brabham driver Richard Jones also ran sub-record.

FTD went to double Avon/BMTR run-off winner Deryk Young in his Gould-Judd. His wife Sue chased him home each time and ended with a time just a couple of tenths outside her own outright ladies record. Unfortunately, a potential challenge from leading Gurston Top Ten Challenge contender Tony Wiltshire faded after his ex.Marsh Gould V6 ended in the barrier at Karousel during Saturday’s practice. Front suspension and steering damage was too extensive to repair immediately, although Wiltshire hopes to have the car ready for Wiscombe Park’s British Championship round on July 28/29.

The picture shows Gurston 1000 winner Keith Murray (right) receiving the Tony Marsh Trophy from Tony’s sons Simon (left) and Peter.

Keith Murray receives the trophy from Simon and Peter Marsh (www.everley photography.co.uk)

Rob Stevens was a strong contender for the Gurston 1000 (John Hayward)

HSA ANNOUNCEMENTS
18/07/2012

The committee of the HSA recently voted in Les Buck as their new Chairman to replace outgoing Chairman Chris Bennett. The change will be effective following the AGM on October 2^nd.

Chris, who has been Chairman for four years, will continue on the Committee as Media Manager, responsible for the HSA web site and also editing Speedscene magazine from the start of 2013.

Both Chris and Les paid tribute to current Speedscene editor Jerry Sturman who has managed the magazine for many years and look forward to his continuing contributions for years to come.

Fyrth Crosse has stepped down as HSA Advertising manager to be replaced by Colin Way who has recently joined the Committee and will look to extend the HSA’s advertising brief to electronic as well as printed media. As Advertising manager for more than 10 years Fyrth has made a significant contribution to the financial health of the Association and, like Jerry, will continue to be a member of the committee.

Chris welcomed Les’ appointment by saying "I believe that the Association cannot stand still and with a strong committee and successful range of activities it is a good time for a new face to lead us forward".

Les added "On behalf of HSA members I would like to thank Chris for his leadership and unfailing hard work over the last four years. My aim will be to help grow the club membership and confirm HSA as the go-to organisation to represent and be the focal point for sprinting and hillclimbing in the UK."

Les Buck

Les in his Lotus 61

CASTLE HILLCLIMB CANCELLED
04/07/2012

Pre event test at Blyton Park
29/06/2012

The WSCC have told us that they have a trackday arranged for Friday 20^th July ahead of the sprint weekend at Blyton Park which is being run by Javelin for then. They can take competition cars with the exception of single seat racing cars.

If you would like to take part in the trackday then you can apply on-line here.

WILTSHIRE TOPS AT MARSH MEMORIAL WEEKEND
28/06/2012

 It was entirely appropriate that Tony Wiltshire should set the outright pace at Gurston Down’s Tony Marsh Memorial weekend on 23/24 June. Not only as his surname is the same as the county in which the venue is located, but more significantly as he was driving the Gould-Opel V6 formerly owned by the former six-times British hillclimb champion who had advised on the original layout of the BARC’s hillclimb back in the late sixties. Wiltshire’s 27.67s FTD during Sunday’s Gates of Brockenhurst Gurston Down Championship counter kept him firmly at the head of the BARC(SW) Top Ten Challenge series with a maximum score after two rounds.

Former Gurston champion Rodney Thorne had won the previous day’s event in his ex.Roy Lane Pilbeam-Judd with FTD on his first run, but final drive problems as he came to the startline for his second shot sidelined the car for Sunday’s championship event. Resorting for the following day to his ‘back-up’ Pilbeam-Rover sportscar, which he shared with wife Hayley, his fifth FTD in the car on Sunday was enough to maintain the Frampton garage owner’s runner-up spot on the Challenge table.

At the first dry round of the four event series, Chris Cannell took the lead in the target-time based Gurston Championship in his iconic St Bruno Roughcutter Clubmans car, which was raced by Autosport cartoonist Barry Foley in the 1960s. Chasing him on the table were Jim White’s 16-valve Mini Clubman and the superbly engineered WEV-Cosworth BDG sports libre car of Keith Diggle, class winners both.

A highlight of Saturday’s event, which was a round of several regional and one-make championships, was the demolition of Gurston’s outright 2-wheel record by the intrepid Ben Wilkins on his 1-litre Aprilia, his 31.85s climb almost half a second inside Glyn Poole’s two-years-old mark.

 

 

Tony Wiltshire set the weekend's pace at Gurston (www.everleyphotography.co.uk)

Ben Wilkins - fastest ever on two wheels at Gurston (John Hayward)

Another FTD for Graves at Dick Mayo Combe
24/06/2012

The Bristol Motor Club attracted an impressive 140 entries for its summer Dick Mayo Sprint at Castle Combe. With only a few 'offs' and a slick organisation the 2 practice and 2 timed runs were successfully completed by mid afternoon just before the forecast rain finally made an appearance.

Terry Graves took another FTD with a 57.78s on his first run in his Gould GR37. In fact Terry was the only driver to get below 60s with his nearest competitor being Combe regular Simon Clemow who won the up to 1600cc Racing Car class in his Force PT with a 61.01s.

Despite clashing events elsewhere there were plenty of HSA members going well. Glyn Sketchley took the up to 1100cc Racing Car class in his immaculate Megapin CFM9, Clive Wooster won the Libre class in his Radical SR4 (from Andy Laurence's ADR Sport 2),  Mike Smith in his Striker only lost out to Ben Perry in the small Kit Car class by a tenth of a second but did beat Bob Bellerby on this occasion who was sharing Mike's car. Finally John Burton and John Opie made a welcome re-appearance in their smart RALT RT3 with John B taking a second in class to Terry Graves.

 

Glyn Sketchley, Megapin CFM9

Andy Laurence, ADR Sport 2

Toulmin Tops at Blyton Park
21/06/2012

Jonathan Toulmin set FTD at the first MSA licenced sprint at Blyton Park on 17th June with a time of 63.71 seconds in his 1600cc Force PT. The event was ably run by the Midland Automobile Club and three practice runs were available.

A small entry was boosted by the Paul Matty Lotus Championships, The Morgan Sports Car Championship, the Austin Healey Championship and the TVR Club Championship. Unfortunately both June and Paul Matty went home with broken motorcars.The course is very fast, with a mixture of tight and sweeping corners. Sprint/hillclimb tutor Jim Robinson predicted that the last corner, Ushers, would be the trickest - and he was not wromg!

Tony Luxton, Pilbeam MP58 was 2nd FTD with 66.00 seconds and Glyn Sketchley, Megapin, was 3rd with 66.17. David Tilley in his Toleman TG280 was a creditable 4th, in only his second event in the car.

One unusual entry was Geoff Toms in his Fiat based Ballino MM

Congratulations must go to Richard Usher and his team for creating a great new circuit. Well worth a visit.

Results are available on http://shelsley-walsh.co.uk/downloads/Blyton_Results.pdf

For more information about the circuit go to http://www.blytonpark.co.uk/

 

 

Getting ready for the 2nd timed run (Photo by Richard Usher)

The Proof! (Photo by Richard Usher)

Regs for Llandow on July 14th published
13/06/2012

The regs and entry form for the HSA Round at Llandow are out and can be downloaded from the calendar page.

NOTE: Problem with entry form now fixed.

We have also been told that entries for the July 15th Llys y Fran Hillclimb are still being taken at £90.

Over 20 classes

Entry fee is £90 until 18th June, but time is short if you still want to take advantage of this special price.

Ring Steve Lloyd on 01792 368684 or email s.richard.lloyd@homecall.co.uk

The HSA at Brooklands Double 12
10/06/2012

The HSA attended the Brooklands 12-12 meeting with an information stand + a display of competitors cars. Many thanks to all drivers/wives/families for taking the time to attend and make the event such a success.

During the 2 days we talked to lots of interested people and in particular to around 40 potential newcombers to the sport who went away equiped with full details of how to start the sport and in particular what the HSA has to offer them.

We were very fortunate to be located underneath the Concord tail, a great crowd puller. The HAS members’ cars on display were Mike Smith’s Striker, Bob & Anne Adams Royale RP30, Les Buck’s Lotus 61, David Bennett's Marcos GT and Ben Hamer’s Mini.

It was the 1st time the HSA had undertaken such an event and those present believe it is an excellent way to attract new members and/or competitors. We hope to do a repeat at the Chris Evans' CarFest soon.

What better place to be?

Striker, Royale & Lotus to the fore

CULTRA’S HIGH OCTANE GARDEN PARTY
08/06/2012

1800 visitors attended Northern Ireland's Ulster Folk Museum for the Thoughbred Sports Car Club (NI)’s annual running of the Cultra Hillclimb, using the parkland setting for the 700 yard hillclimb course and the historic Cultra Manor as a display area.

The event celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of the MGB sports car and the engineering work and 4WD legacy of Ulster engineers Harry Ferguson and Rex McCandless. The Museum rolled out its two most recently restored exhibits, the last remaining McCandless 4WD racer and Rex’s Mule military prototype.

Star of the 4WD theme was the 1960 Ferguson-Climax P99 driven by Stuart Rolt, the only 4WD to win a F1 race, in the hands of Stirling Moss, and the car that Peter Westbury drove to the 1964 British Hillclimb title. 

Lunchtime Autotest and Sporting Trials car demonstrations showcased these motorsport entry disciplines and the event was won by defending record-holder Seamus Morris in his Pilbeam MP62. NI hillclimb Champion Graham Thompson climbed his self-built GTR Turbo to within a second of the winner, while a three-wheeling Rudi Gage entertained the crowds with third overall in his sports libre Maguire Mini, beating Chris Houston’s OMS single-seater by a tenth. Fastest modified saloon, and fifth overall, was 2010 NI rally champion Stuart Biggerstaff at the wheel of his father Denis’s 1986 MG Metro 6R4.

 

Cultra Manor House forms the background for Gordon Buckley's Escort (Raceline Photography)

Stuart Rolt in the unique Ferguson P99 (Reinis Babrovskis)

Vintage Day at Harewood
06/06/2012

Saturday 2^nd June and the VSCC descended upon Harewood Hill, pre-WW2 cars of many shapes and sizes: road going saloons, tourers and sports and racing sports, single seaters and those eccentric aero engined devices. Modernity was catered for, relatively speaking, with pre-1972 saloon and sports classes although curiously single seaters were pre-1971 and 1985. The weather has dominated the 2012 season and sadly, after the Mediterranean weather the previous weekend, it was a return to the cold, grey and wet that we know and hate. In the event Saturday remained dry and whilst cool, the track was in good condition, the order of the day being 2 practice and 3 competition runs, all counting for the results.

There were two ‘Pre-War’ Austin 7 classes, road and track, each with a single car. Plenty of Bentleys in two BDC classes, pre and post WW2 and in the former class Ewen Getley’s journey from Scotland was justified with the class win on 75.07s. In the latter just 2 cars, Paul Forty’s 4.9 litre Special took the win on 73.48s, new class records for both Getley and Forty. The programme then moved onto the VSCC categories, a lone Austin 7 in the 750cc standard u/s class V1. Slightly more crowded in standard 751-1100cc class V2, a pair of MGs and a Riley Brooklands, Ian Standing winning in the latter car on 84.81s. The standard 1101-1500cc class V3 had a large congregation of Frazer Nash amongst Lea Francis, GN, Aston Martin, MG and Wolsley. A win by Charles Gillett was not unexpected, 72.41s improving his previous class record by 0.37s and over 10s ahead of the runner up Andy Newbold. The class record of standard 1501-2000cc class V3 was quite safe, Mike Holland heading the small class in his Riley TT Sprite on 84.86s, over 9s short of very experienced hillclimber Ken MacMaster’s record. The form book was upset in standard over 3000cc class V6 for whilst class record holder John Guyatt nearly matched his 2008 record with 75.93s in the 4 litre Talbot Lago, Mark Brett set a new standard with his class win, the Ballamy Ford climbing on 74.83s. Slower but none the less desirable were a pair of Vauxhall 30-98s making up the class. Sadly just one Edwardian car in class V7.

Into the special classes and V8, 1100cc and totally Riley, Tim Hopkinson heading Kevin Morton by 1.04s with his winning 82.03s third run. The large class V9 was special 1101-1500cc with plenty of Riley 12/4, two Lagonda Rapier, a Fiat Balillia, GN and Morgan 4/4. David Pryke took the win in his Morgan although the top 5 in the class were very close. Special 1501-3000cc was something of a runaway win by Brian White, Frazer Nash TT Replica on 71.74s, much the same with class V11, special over 3000cc, where the 3.3 litre GN Frazer Nash of Dougal Cawley on 74.02s kept the 3.5 litre Delahaye of Malcolm Underwood at bay by 4.96s. Always of interest the Edwardian Non Automobile engine class had but two runners, Peugeot and Theophile Schneider, both 10 litres, Clive Press having the edge in the Peugeot on 82.56s. Pre-1941 racing cars to 1100cc and Malcolm Leyland’s GN S/S looked rather new whilst Anthony Garner was taking matters seriously with wire mesh fire guards surrounding his rear wheels whilst warming the oil of his supercharged Lagonda Rapier, all in a good cause as a class win and new class record on 74.86s. Pre-1941 racing cars 1101-1500cc and it was perhaps no surprise that Terry Crabb took the class driving ERA R12C on 71.87s although Ian Baxter was but 1s behind in his MG Bellevue Special. Pre-1941 racing cars 1501-3000cc class V15 and the supercharged 2 litre GN of Nicholas Topliss won on 75.89s. The unlimited racing cars showed no lack of cubic centimetres although the smallest, James Baxter’s 3.6 litre Frazer Nash Alvis took the win from that decidedly non-standard 11.7 litre Amilcar of Robin Barker, James’s time 67.05s. Two cars in class V17, historic racing 1100cc V-twin Coopers, Steve Lister’s version best on 76.88s.

And so to the modern cars, somewhat bizarre as in the normal course of events these would be the old cars! Jaguar Mk2 and Triumph Vitesse were alone in the pre- 1972 saloon cars, Geoff Mackrill heading Leon Bachelier, the Vitesse with a winning 80.52s and a new class record. Pre-1972 sports cars and Les Procter was airing his roadable 1380cc Sebring Sprite for the first time, 73.07s enough for the win ahead of Paul Wignall’s pretty AC Ace. Jolyon Harrison and Graham Briggs contended the pre- 1971 racing car class; Jolyon’s Brabham BT30 with onboard battery problems in practice until Jon Waggitt arrived clutching a changed substitute. Graham was leading in his Merlyn FF on the second runs but was caught by the Brabham’s final 64.69s. Pre 1985 racing cars and Fyrth Crosse’s May 1972 Ensign might as well have been in the preceding class!

The day’s sport finished in good time, James Baxter (Frazer Nash Alvis) taking the vintage FTD on 67.05s, Fyrth Crosse (Ensign LNF3) the classic FTD on 62.53s. A smooth day’s sport with no incidents of note, just the way it should be.

Results

 

24litres of Napier propels Chris William's Bentley

Richard Scaldwell's GN, 5112cc in a wooden chassis!

100 competitors for the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship
02/06/2012

The 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship has now reached 100 registered competitors. Well done to everyone involved in making this the most popular Speed Championship in the country.

With 18 of this year's events still to go there is still time to enter and be in the running for one of the many awards available. The top 7 drivers overall are still within 15 points of each other so no-one has yet established an unassailable lead.

 

 

Mike Jeffs' Jedi at Gurston (Shireen Broadhurst)

Blyton regs available
01/06/2012

The regs and entry form for the WSCC Sprint week-end at Blyton Park on 21/22 July (rounds 13 & 14 of the HSA Speed Championship) can be downloaded from the Calendar page. The WSCC have also prepared an intro sheet for the event.

 

Sketchley and Thomas star at The Palace
28/05/2012

The last weekend in May and the Sevenoaks Motor Club repeated their successful formula of ‘Motorsport at the Palace’. With the club’s customary excellent organisation and support from sponsors Ancaster Motor Group, competitors once again enjoyed 2 practice and 3 competition runs on Saturday and Sunday, both day’s competition complete by 4.30pm and it was hot, the television mast silhouetted against an azure sky.

With some resurfacing at ‘Big Tree Hairpin’ the track was in excellent condition and it was not surprising that the past record BTD was at risk. Saturday and Glyn Sketchley (1070cc Megapin CFM) battled with Mike Field (1342cc Stohr DSR) for the main honours, Sketchley taking the win with a record 34.60s from Fyrth Crosse (1600cc Ensign LNF3) who sneaked ahead of Field by one hundredths’ of a second!

Sunday and Gary Thomas (1070cc Force PT) joined the fray, setting a new standard and instantly in the 33’s on his first practice run. Battle was joined, today co-owner John Hewat conducting the Stohr. Thomas made a small error on his first competition run, the Ensign leading the pack on 34.11s. This oversight was dealt with and Thomas came home the winner with a new record, 33.80s, Crosse again the bridesmaid. HSA members were well represented and amongst others Ivan Russell (Ford Anglia), Eric Morrey (Clan Crusader) and David Seaton (Pilbeam MP43) were class winners.

This is an excellent event and perfect for those interested in or competing with classic saloons, sports cars or single seaters. Results

Photos from RWCS Photographics here.

David Seaton's ex-Barry Lines Pilbeam MP43 powered by BMW

A Force to be reckoned with

MAJESTIC LINE-UP FOR CULTRA HILLCLIMB ON JUBILEE WEEKEND
25/05/2012

Cultra Hillclimb is becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most high profile motorsport events and sees the country’s leading speed hillclimb competitors joined by their racing, rallying and sprinting counterparts to contest the Lyness Trophy over the challenging 700yd hillclimb course. This annual celebration of motoring and motorsport is set in the parkland grounds of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and is overlooked by the historic Cultra Manor. First run on the May 6^th 1905, Cultra is the world's oldest active speed hillclimb.

This year’s event on June 2^nd  will follow two themes. A celebration of 50 years of the MGB, in collaboration with local MG car clubs, will see around forty cars on display. And on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend the Thoroughbred Sports Car Club (NI) has arranged for some Group B rallying royalty to be in attendance with the very first MG Metro 6R4 to be built making its Cultra debut, driven in competition on the hill by the owner’s son, 2010 NI Rally Champion Stuart Biggerstaff. A658 NJO was driven by Tony Pond and David Llewllyn in Group B’s rallying heyday and in Denis Biggerstaff’s hands was driven to British, Northern Ireland and Irish Rallycross Championship title wins and NI Hillclimb and Sprint Championships.

Secondly, the 4WD work and legacy of two of Ulster’s greatest engineers, Harry Ferguson and Rex McCandless will be featured. The TSCC has secured the appearance of the Ferguson P99 4WD Formula 1 car, which will be returning to Northern Ireland for the first time in fifty years. This car is still the only 4WD car ever to win an F1 race, when Stirling Moss drove it to success in the 1961 Oulton Park Gold Cup. in addition to the Museum showcasing it’s 4WD McCandless race car and McCandless ‘Mule’ 4WD military prototype, the museum’s own Ferguson aeroplane will have pride of place outside the manor house. 4X4 Production cars get a nod through the presence of the first non all-terrain production car equipped with 4WD, the Jensen FF. Produced between 1966 and 1971, only 320 were made. With one example on static display, the other will be driven on the hill. The only 4WD 1293cc 8-pot Mini Clubman built by the BMC Competitions Department and the very latest competition 4x4 Mini, Derek McGarrity’s JCW WRC Mini, will also be on hand.

Sporting trials and an autotest demonstrations will also be held during the day, while Andy Cooper will again showcase his car control skills in the 420bhp Nissan RMS drift car.

For further information, visit www.nmni.com & www.tsccni.info.

 

 

The 6R4 in its heyday

Andy Cooper in full cry at last year's event (Reinis Babrovskis)

Ed Hollier ahead at 500OA Wiscombe
14/05/2012

Saturday 12^th May and the 500 Owners Association held their annual hillclimb at Wiscombe Park. After the desperate conditions a fortnight previously it was pleasant to compete on a warm and sunny day, the newly re-laid track dry and grippy.

There was a large entry of cars and bikes, many seen rarely on the hills. Class 1A contained several Dellows, Roger Hodgson arriving with his ‘new’ 1172cc sv, reacquainted with this make having owned one in his youth. First runner of the day, David Bain took this class, Road Going up to 1965, in his pretty Sprite Lenham Le Man coupe on 56.06s. Class 1B, Roadgoing after 1966, was well supported by Volvo Amazons, the youthful 2 litre Mitsubishi of John Harding securing the class on 46.95s. Class 2A was exclusively VSCC cars and the 1935 Wolsley Hornet special of Tim Greenhill was definitely on the pace with his winning 49.35s. Austin Sevens had class 2B to themselves, regular climber Terry Griffin’s special winning on 52.63s.

Naturally enough there were plenty of 500s, two groups, pre and post 1954. Regular front runner Mark Riley flew up the hill on 48.16s in the Creamer JAP whilst Nigel Ashman’s Cooper Norton led the moderns on 47.27s. There were three 1000cc Coopers in class 4, Richard Ashford’s JAP engine actually 1100cc which probably helped his class win on 48.61s. Similarly just three Formula Juniors supported class 7, Elva 200, BMC Huffaker and Mallock, Fyrth Crosse’s latter car winning on 46.83s. Class 8 contained everything else, Reg Broome’s Cooper T65, John Hewett’s svelte 1972 GRD F3, Rupert Marks taxed and insured 5.7 litre McLaren to Rod Thorne’s Pilbeam MP58. Late entry Ed Hollier, first time out in his ‘new’ 1600cc MP62, squeezed ahead of Rod with a final run 37.36s for the day’s best time against Rod’s 38.36s.

Results

1972 GRD F3 twincam of John Hewett

Hayley Thorne at Martini in the family MP43

New look for the HSA web site
09/05/2012

Welcome to the new look HSA web site.

The revised menu should make navigation easier and easier to follow. Most of the pages have kept their names so any that are bookmarked in 'favourites' will still link to the right page.

The biggest change is a dedicated section for reports from the major championships along with more photos.

While we have tested things as much as we can the odd gremlin may still appear so please let us know if you find one.

Sad news at Goodwood Sprint
04/05/2012

We are sad to report that Sandra Harrison-Moore died while taking part in a Sprint event held at the Goodwood Motor Circuit on April 28th. The HSA sends its deepest condolences to her family and friends at this time.

A further statement will appear in Speedscene magazine.

Championship Awards Lunch
01/05/2012

First MOLE Report of 2012
25/04/2012

MOLE Racing have published their first report for 2012 including winter development, shakedowns and the first British Sprint Championship round at Castle Combe.

Image courtesy of Steve Kilvington

INVITATION CLASS FOR MOTORSPORT AT THE PALACE
25/04/2012

Sevenoaks & District Motor Club, organisers of Motorsport at Crystal Palace, have announced that an additional 'Invitation Class' has been added to this year's Crystal Palace Sprint programme.

 The new class is open to vehicles which do not comply with other class regulations; entries in this class will run as part of the event, with equal billing as regards Practice and Timed runs. However, Invitation Class cars will not be eligible for fastest time of the day.

GURSTON ANNOUNCES £1000 HILLCLIMB PRIZE
22/04/2012

 

Gurston Down hillclimb will award a £1000 prize for the driver who breaks their class record by the largest margin, or the one who gets closest to it, during the July 21/22 Spire FM Race Day meeting, at which the popular Wiltshire venue will host the TTC Group Midland Hillclimb Championship for the first time. The event also marks a promotional first for local Salisbury radio station Spire FM. Full details on www.gurstondown.org

 

Summer Motoring Events - updated with correct links
17/04/2012

This summer the HSA has been invited to take part in a number of motoring events and we are working hard to try and attend as many as we can. Volunteers and, in some cases, show cars, are being sought so please get in touch with us if you would like to be part of the team.

The Brooklands Double 12 Motorsport Festival takes place on June 16/17 and the HSA will be represented with a stand and cars. Please contact  Peter Hubbard for more details.

Chris Evans' Car Fest will be taking place at Jody Scheckter's Laverstoke Park on August 25/26 and again the HSA is planning to have a stand and cars present. Please contact Colin Way for details.

Retro Rides will be taking place at Prescott hillclimb on August 19th and the HSA has been invited to take a stand and bring along some cars. At present we have one offer of a car but no co-ordinator so if anyone is interested please contact us.

Finally the Mazda MX-5 Owners club are holding a rally, again at Prescott, on September 16 so if any of our MX5 owning members (and there are a few!) are intyerested in helping out please contact Paul Herbert.

PENTILLIE FESTIVAL OF SPEED
12/04/2012

DOUNE HILLCLIMB TO BE RESURFACED
08/04/2012

Following the recent news from Wiscombe Park hillclimb, another British Championship venue is to be resurfaced before its 2012 BHC event. ‘At the last Lothian Car Club committee meeting,’ said Club chairman Tim Thompson, ‘it was agreed that Doune would re-surface the whole hill straight after the April event. This will give us time to address some drainage issues and also make sure the track is clean for the job in hand. We will use CarPave and have been advised by Wallace Menzies and his contractors regarding the work to be carried out. This means that the June British Championship event will see the new surface used for the first time in competition.’

            Tim can be contacted on: 07836 559459

 

 

Anglesey pre-event testing
26/03/2012

In previous years it has been customary for Bookatrack to organise a test/track day on the Friday prior to a week-end double header at the Anglesey Circuit.

However, this year a track day will only be organised on Friday 31st August if sufficient interest is forthcoming. Any competitor interested in taking part should contact bookatrack a.s.a.p.

Welcome to two new sponsors
23/03/2012

The REIS HSA Speed Championship welcomes two new Class sponsors for 2012.

The Mazda MX5 Class (A2.1) is this year sponsored by Autolinkmx5.com who are one of the largest suppliers of New and Used Parts for MX5 in Europe. Another Mazda specialist Doctormx5, a specialist independent Garage for the Mazda MX5 and Eunos Roadster, will be sponsoring Class A2.

Lydden regs out at last!
18/03/2012

At last the regs and entry forms for Round 4 at Lydden Hill on April 14th have been published. The can be found on the Calendar page.

Championship registrations are now at 84 and two more competitors will be confirmed once payment has been received so with even more indicating they will sign up shortly the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship is set to be one of the most competitive championships in the country. Spread the word!

Mallory Photos
16/03/2012

Many thanks to Dave Williamson for this gallery of photos from Round 1 of the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship at Mallory Park on March 11th.

Combe entry & finals
14/03/2012

The REIS HSA Speed Championship prepares to make its first visit to Castle Combe (unless some historians out there know something different?) on March 24th and the entry list & finals are available for download.

WISCOMBE PARK RESURFACED
12/03/2012

Following a new agreement with the landlords to secure the continued use of the venue for speed hillclimbing, Wiscombe Ltd has announced that the entire 900 metres of their testing East Devon course had been resurfaced (the picture shows the stretch from Bunny’s Leap looking down to Wis and the startline). The first competitive events on the new tarmac will take place on the weekend of 28/29 April with two REIS/HSA Championship rounds, while visitors to the British Championship meeting at the end of July will be anxious to see if Adam Fleetwood’s 34.16sec hill record, the longest standing by far in British hillclimbing, will finally be beaten.

 

Championship reports
11/03/2012

This year the team at the HSA are planning to feature brief reports and results of all rounds of the British Hillclimb Championship, the British Sprint Championship and our own REIS HSA Championship on the main news pages of the Speedscene and HSA web sites.

To keep up to date with the latest news from these Championships don't forget to ckeck for updates.

All looking good for start of the Championship
10/03/2012

With the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship about to get underway at Mallory Park and exciting season is in prospect. With over 80 competitors already registered including 7 Ginettas with a G20 from 2010 Champion Tony Thomas. In fact Tony has also entered in not only his Mazda MX-5 but a MK2 Escort as well!

Jeremy Bulmer has entered in a RAW Striker which, as he runs RAW with his brother, must almost count as a works entry and should liven up the modified kit car class. And where else could you see a Fiat Panda up against a Smart Roadster and a VW Lupo?

News and results from the first Round at Mallory will be posted shortly.

Mallory Finals
02/03/2012

The Mallory Park finals for the March 11th meeting are here.

Rules & Regs for 2012 - a few things to note
02/03/2012

With a week to go before the start of the new season there are a couple of things that we would like to remind competitors of.

The first and most important is the application of our title sponsor and class sponsor stickers to your cars. It is your responsibility to ensure they are on the car at all events. If our Eligibility Scrutineer (Martin Ford) reports any car competing without them then points will not be awarded for that event. It may appear Draconian, but this rule is in the Championship regs and has been for sevearal years now; we are grateful for the support that we receive from our sponsors and they have every right to expect their brand is represented at events, so there should be no excsues.

Bearing this in mind, if anyone has not received their stickers with their championhsip entry please let either myself or Pat Toulmin know immediately so that we can get them to you as soon as possible.

The other matter relates to tyres for classes A1, A2 & A3. Please note that if you are running 1B tyres this year please be aware that the road modified classes at Anglesey still only allow the use of 1A tyres. We appreciate this does create a clash, but the move to 1B falls in line with all other venues.

I Hope everyone has a great season and I look forward to seeing you all out and about.

Cheers
Chris.

Anglesey Regs
01/03/2012

The regs for our double header at Ty Croes on September 1 and 2 are published and can be downloaded from the Calendar page.

In the past entries for these events have filled up quickly so to be sure of an entry it is recommended that you send your forms in early.

The link to the MAC entry forms is now working.

MG Car Club Silverstone Sprint cancelled
29/02/2012

Sadly we have to report that the MG Car Club Sprint planned for June 24th on the Silverstone Stowe circuit has been cancelled. Without having the full details it appears once again to be a matter of costs which the organising club can neither bear nor pass on to competitors.

The Sprint was also to have been a round of the British Sprint Championship.

Shelsley & MIRA regs
28/02/2012

MAC have published regs & entry forms for Shelsley and MIRA which can be found from the Calendar page. Note: Llys y Fran regs just added.

Registered competitors have reached the mid sixties including 5 Ginettas, 5 in the Imp engined class and 8 in the 1100cc Racing Car class which is looking very popular. Libre is looking very competitive too with the Lindsay & Alasdair Mercer's Force, Wooster's Radical  Short's OMS and Stephens' Ginetta.

 entered along

Class Records
20/02/2012

More regs
12/02/2012

Regs & entry forms for Combe on March 24th have been published and can be found on the Calendar page.

We have now over 50 competitors signed up with an interesting number in the running for the Ashton Mobile Trophy for the highest scoring pair of drivers sharing a car in the same Class. Bob and Anne Adams, the Jeffs in their Jedi, Jim and David Spencer (in a 'new' Reynard Kawasaki) and Bob and Mike Gale (pictured) will be pushed hard by Simon Andrews and Bernard Kevill in their OMS if past years' form is anything to go by.

Regs & entries
07/02/2012

The regs and entry forms for the first HSA round of the year at Mallory Park on March 11th have been published. You can also enter Gurston Down events on-line. Links can be found on the Calendar page.

2012 AVON MSA BRITISH HILLCLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHED
04/02/2012

Avon Tyres are to sponsor the 2012 MSA British Hillclimb Championship, which was officially launched at Mallory Park this afternoon (Feb 4). As has been previously announced, administration is in the hands of the BARC, who are now in their Centenary year, with experienced British hillclimber and Harewood organizer Tim Wilson at the helm.

Championship sponsor Paul Coates, general manager of Avon Tyres Motor Sport, said: ’We will be working with long-time Avon hillclimb tyre supplier Paul Smith of BMTR and part of our sponsorship deal is to provide lower cost competition tyres for competitors. We are also looking at their increased longevity. We will also be mounting an intensive PR and marketing campaign to enable the sport to reach a wider audience, in terms of both spectators and prospective competitors.’

TTC Group, competitor Graham Wynn’s company which sponsored the Midland Hillclimb Championship last year and will be continuing its backing in 2012, will also sponsor this year’s MSA Hillclimb Leaders Championship, which is run concurrently with the mainland British rounds.

Full details of the 2012 British Hillclimb Championship (which opens at Prescott on April 28/29) including regulations and entry forms, are available at: www.britishhillclimb.co.uk

New sponsor and trophy for the MX5s
04/02/2012

In exciting news for the Mazda MX5 community, the HSA are pleased to announce a new Class sponsor for A2.1. AutolinkMX5.com are Mazda MX-5 specialists, based in Hampshire and  are one of the largest suppliers of new and used parts for MX5 in Europe. The company is also planning to enter a car in a few events this year so keep an eye out for them.

We are also pleased to announce that the MX5 Owners Club are continuing their support  with a new permanent award for the MX5 driver with the highest overall score in the HSA Speed Chamiponship.

Drivers of other makes aren't being neglected though as special awards are on offer for drivers of Ginetta and Flathead cars, drivers sharing a car in the same class, 1100cc racing cars  and competitors scoring in up to 4 events.

2012 Championship news
01/02/2012

With the news that the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship has been granted an Permit we can now go full steam ahead in promoting the Championship along with the Ginetta Speed challenge and the new class for Flathead engined cars. More details will appear here shortly.

With nearly 40 competitors already signed up there are some interesting new entries. Chris Jones who had competed previously in a Mallock MK11 has sold his Formula Ford Van Diemen back to former owner Paul Webb and acquired another Mallock, this time a MK 8. Both drivers are set to appear in the 2012 Championship.

Bob Ridge-Stearn, the 2011 HSA competitor of the year, has swapped his Mazda MX5 for the ex Martin Pickles Van Diemen RF87 while the title winning MX5 of the Mugglestone family is likely to reappear in the hands of Angela Mugglestone and/or a 'rent-a-drive' customer. Meanwhile father and son Mugglestone are busy building up a new car (Fulcrum?) to try and make it two in a row.

Bob and Anne Adams are making a welcome return to the Championship in their familiar Royale RP30 while the 1100cc Racing Car class could see quite a battle in 2012 if Steve Filkin can build on the promising form he showed at the end of 2011. Already 5 MX5s are entered confirming the class as both an ideal starter class and offering some of the best value fun and competition around.

More news is due to appear on these pages shortly so come back often.

2012 REIS HSA SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP
02/01/2012

The organisers of the 2012 REIS HSA Speed Championship are pleased to announce that a Permit has been granted and that a promising number of entries have already been received.

With title sponsor REIS returning for a fifth year, the incorporation of the Ginetta Owners Club speed challenge and a new class for Flathead engined cars a promising season beckons. In another first the Ashton Mobile Trophy (along with individual awards) will go to the top pair of drivers sharing a car in the same class which we hope will encourage a few more shared entries.

More news can be found on the Championship pages, the regs can be found here and you can register on-line.