Equipe GTS at Zandvoort . .

Go to www.historique.co.uk for a Zandvoort update from roving reporter Jim Lowry I

Pix courtesy of Jim Lowry. Pictured right, the Dutch hosts got wind of Jim's birthday, and the first tranche of candles duly arrives . . .

Cancellation Costs . .

The Manx Motor Racing Club had to scrap 10th/11th September events due to lack of entries. Club officials will have put in time and money, and the disappointment cranks up the pressure for April 2006 plans of a sprint in the North of the Island and hill climb up the mountain - an active MMRC hinges on this event being a success . .

Equipe GTS at Brands Hatch . .

Hors D'Oeuvre . .

Saturday Practice - The double header at the UK's best motorsport spectator venue certainly provided variety, although practice for the pitstop race ended with usual GTS suspects James Cottingham (59.187s pole) and Tom Smith on the front row. Neil Howe's TR4 was within a second, Rod Begbie's TVR 4th, Malcolm Johnson's MGB 5th, with Graham Coles 8th placed MGA outperforming. The Lancia Flavia Zagato of Hoble and Alfa Romeo GTA of Smith/Maycock added extra zest to a thirty-one car GTS grid which included the WSM MGB, WSM202 and WSM210 at 16th, 18th and 29th, and Allan Ross-Jones would start his TR4 at the back after mechanical grief.

Smith or Jaeger . . ?

Saturday - Race One. A soaking track added interest, and only a mistake from Cottingham ending in the gravel at Paddock Hill bend on lap 18 gave Smith (Jnr) the win after a titanic battle. Begbie had trouble getting TVR power down and slipped to 8th, while the fast learning Rob Cull flung his MGB to 4th from a grid 10th. Ross-Jones clawed back twenty one places but ran out of laps, while Johnson's MGB again claimed third spot behind the rapid TR of Howe. The WSM MGB lead MG Motorsport's Doug Smith for 11th place, a car length at best between them for the first half of the race. They pitted together, but the canny team boss must have been equipped with a dodgy timepiece and came out ahead. Best laid WSM plans to get the place back went awry with two laps to go, the WSM waltzing across the grass at Surtees and into 13th, tantalisingly ahead of Michael Van Ofen in 14th - left, Clive Cocks in WSM 210 skimming down Paddock Hill.

More Ofen Than Not . .

Sunday - Race Two. A spirited response from Cottingham with fastest lap, but he still could not usurp GTS champ Tom Smith. In a class of their own (58.827s & 58.641) on a dry track, even the seriously quick Johnson had no answer in third place (59.672) although turning the tables on Howe in 4th. Smith (Snr) was again locked with the WSM MGB but in front from the start, until a clean move into Druids brought the WSM 12th place with three laps to go. Jim Lowry's WSM 202 number 28 (1.02.545) also got past the Smith MGB (1.02.375) and was looming large in big brother's mirrors when the WSM MGB (1.02.253) scattered the gravel at Clarke Curve and gifted 12th and 13th. Inevitably the WSM stalker, Van Ofen, was lurking in 15th spot (Van Ofen beat the WSM MGB on the last lap at Dijon). Pictured , Hilberry's Lotus Elite (81) and Elstrop's Triumph Spitfire -

Rare shot at Surtees - three WSM's on same grid

Cull tured Drive . .

Candidates for Top Drive include Ross-Jones for a charge to 7th from the back of the grid in race one, Cull (pictured left with WSM 210) for his fourth spot on Saturday, Cottingham's fastest wet lap that eclipsed many of the grids fastest dry laps, and Tom Smith for nailing the GTS mantle. The vote goes to Rob Cull - not so long ago he was chewing the WSM tailpipe at Snetterton as a (relative) beginner in the Equipe series - a few of us now should like to have his vapour trail somewhere in sight . .

Cottingham (14) and Cull

Paddock Extras . .

Good to see Barry Sidery-Smith in form at Brands, pictured with the WSM MGB that he owned in the 1970's.

Thanks to Eden Conservatories and Rob Cull for their hospitality on Saturday evening, to photographer Paul Webb for the pictures and Equipe GTS co-organiser Christophe Willmart.

May some blushes be spared but news to come on a small WSM contribution made at Brands to a charitable calendar to be published . .

55th Silverstone International July 23rd . .

Slick shod MG ZR, Midget and Metro head up a 38 car grid for the Longbridge 100k Enduro Trophy two driver race. Regular 'Equipe' GTS runners James Cottingham, Bob Allen, Tim Patchett, Tom Smith, Malcolm Johnson and George Edney carry the MGB and T type flag, while Simon Page escapes FISC clutches temporarily in his AH Sprite (left). Hugo Holland Bosworth and Mark Lister (right) bring more Austin Healey flavour to the mix and Rob Griffiths the monster Midget that claimed a few Manx scalps in the 1990's. The WSM MGB with Woolie and Sprout will have to go some to stay with that lot . .

click here for more information on the MGCC event

Alias Smith & Smith . .

MGMotorsport's Doug Smith has entered 663 FRX for the two driver 'Equipe' GTS race at the high profile Historic Festival at Brands Hatch on August 14th. The races commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the MGB victory in the Guards 1000 race of 1965 won by Warwick Banks and John Rhodes in the ex-works 8 DBL car. Doug shares with son Tom, and the car is similar to Toms race winning red car but BRG, 1840cc engine and 3.9 diff. No pressure but interesting to see if Junior will be up to Dads pace . .

'Equipe' GTS comment from Jim Lowry -

"Our next event on August 13th/14th promises to be another memorable weekend at Brands Hatch, hosted by the Jaguar Enthusiast's Club with support from the Classic Sports Car Club. The weekend celebrates the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Jaguar XJS and Golden Jubilee of the launch of the Jaguar 2.4 Mk1 saloon ( in one of which I started my own racing career "several" years ago ). Expect a fabulous display of classic Jaguars and many off-circuit attractions including the annual Jaguar Enthusiast's Club concours competitions, entertainments, trade stands etc.

Many thanks to Eden Conservatories who will be providing a BBQ dinner in the paddock on Saturday evening for all 'Equipe' drivers and guests - no tickets or jackets required.

Click here for more information on the Brands Hatch event

Entry Selection - The 30 grid slots at Brands Hatch are 100% full and were so well before our intended close of entry. We are told that this is a nice position to be in, however it is inevitable that we will be disappointing some entrants who will have to be nominated as reserves. Christophe and I again have decided that we must give some priorities - firstly to those drivers who have supported us over the previous three years, to those cars fully complying with our regulations, and as ever to entries which arrive earliest through my letter box.

'Equipe' GTS races are becoming very popular, so please do not expect a guaranteed place on the grid if you leave your entry to the last minute. "

Zolder 03-07-05 - report from Jim Lowry . .

Five 'Equipe' GTS regular competitors took advantage following the trip to Dijon and stayed over as guests of the MG Competition / Holland group for a 30 minute race at the following weekend’s European Historic Grand Prix at Zolder.

The MG Competition / Holland series caters for more modified MG cars similar to the MGCC BCV8 Class B cars, but it was Tom Smith in his FIA specification MGB who took pole position, the race win and set fastest lap. For several years the Dutch group have been trying to beat the apparently impossible 2 minute lap, and during the race Tom dutifully spoilt their dreams with an outstanding 1.58.2. Malcolm Johnson’s FIA MGB also managed to beat the 2 minute barrier and finished a well deserved second overall.

Rob Cull’s MGB failed after a strong run in the top ten with clutch failure and John Andon struggled with an incurable misfire in his Triumph TR4.

Regular 'Equipe' GTS competitor James Willis had a good mid-field run, also securing two class wins in the FIA European FIA GTS championship in his ex-works MG Midget Coupe at the same meeting.

Provisional plans are afoot to hold a round of the 'Equipe' GTS series at this venue in 2006. Watch this space . . .

Grand Prix De L'Age D'Or 25-26 Juin 2005 . .

'Venez voir courir l'histoire circuit de Dijon-Prenois'

The Crown Has Slipped . .

James Cottingham won the French classic and halted Tom Smith's domination of Equipe GTS in 2005. The series goes to Brands Hatch in August with the 'Equipe' GTS number one still at stake.

Practice - blisteringly hot conditions prompted a keen eye on temperature gauges and thirty six qualified, from polesetter JC's 1m44.072 to Jean Claude Wilmart's 2m10.703 with an obvious problem. Tom Smith (1m44.382) and Malcolm Johnson (1m46.744) maintained their 2005 form - Peter Edney (1m47.004) 4th pipped the Lamberts - Mark Lambert (1m47.054) 5th outqualified father Brian (1m47.155) 6th for the first time - Rod Begbie (1m48.290) jammed his TVR in amongst the B's at 7th - David Beresford (1m48.532) and Ron Watt (1m48.620) were going to scrap at 8th and 9th - Michael Van Ofen (1m49.816) was 14th and pleased to be beside the WSM MGB (1m49.777) in 13th - Graham Coles (1m49.956) would prove to be a thorn in the side from 15th - Bob Allen at 17th (1m50.421) is rapidly improving in the MGB - and Gabriel Kramer's Morgan (1m53.223) would prove to be quick from 18th.

Race - After a rolling start, Cottingham eaked a lead of 19 seconds over Smith, with Lambert Senior proving his competitive urge remains to edge Malcolm Johnson to 4th and son Mark to 5th. The gravel trap near the end of the lap caught the unawary, and the twisty roller coaster nature of the track meant that passing opportunities against well matched opposition were limited. Ron Watt took some punishment in the drivers door area but still managed 11th, while the green MGA of Graham Coles went well to 12th, and Michael bloody Van Ofen pipped the WSM MGB with two laps to go for a deserved 14th . Gabriel Kramer kept his Morgan tantalisingly out of WSM reach, Paul Freeman still could not cure the misfire that he brought from Australia with Elizabeth, and James Willis got 11 laps before a DNF with mechanical woes. Not many were too disappointed to see chequered after 30 minutes as temperatures in the coupes were pushing 40 degrees.

Drive of the Day - Rob Cull made 6th fastest lap and sprinted up the order from the back before finishing 16th, a technical glitch dropping him from 9th with five minutes left and fortunately one place behind the WSM . .

*********************

Extras - At drivers briefing, the Clerk of the Course, right, held our attention, as did Christophe Wilmart's interpreting. Even Bob Allen, far right, is hell bent on a good view. However, drivers concentration nearly wavered when Clerk of the Course's drop dead gorgeous assistant entered the room midway through instructions - no pix, wobbly camera . .

Rob Cull, left, the picture best explained by a 3am paddock curfew and 'Spadge' Hopkins for company, but in nautical terms known as . ."feeding the fishes". Right, Jim Lowry and Tim Patchett caught in a furtive exchange of paddock 'extras' . .

Left, Bob Allen demonstrates why his Sandhurst son's have the shiniest boots. Right, David Beresford coping with a stressfull week-end (Mrs Beresford remains unconvinced).

Right, the sun is shining and the girls relax, but look in the right hand shadows - can you identify who or what lurks by the door ?

Christophe Wilmart, left, raises a can and a smile, amongst many through the week-end with his unique interpreting.

Above . . "Stay behind me Monsieur and I'll cook for you at Brands . . " Rob Cull confirming that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach.

"I'll fix that mate . . " but the recipient is underwhelmed by Rob's offer to pull the head off . .

left to right - Mark Way no 41 in assembly area foreground - Michael 'bloody' Van Ofen & Terry Patchett muse - Brian Lambert no 46 foreground - Christophe advises - John Bussey no 52 & Graham Bates no 63 foreground - TP has everything in hand.

left to right - Simon Gurney steps up for cheek to cheek action - Ron Watt imitates a buffalo at a water hole - Tom Smith settles graciously for the silver medal - Brian Lambert makes another clean getaway

An awsome circuit that compared to a Brands/Cadwell/Knockhill mix. Mind boggling to think of F1 cars doing their stuff at the limit with such little margin, and to watch the big guns strut their horsepower during our week-end was spectacular. Thanks to the early bird Equipe grid arrivals who insisted on staying in the spacious paddock outside the track - although crammed with goodies, the area within the circuit looked a nightmare to operate from.

And last but not least, JC will forgive me for stumbling across this pre-Camilla item and including amongst our luminaries. Never let it be said that 'Equipe' GTS spectators are not well dressed . .

On to Brands Hatch with 'Equipe GTS' August 13th / 14th for a double header week-end at the Historic Festival.

29th May 2005 - 'Equipe' Get Tom Smith at Mallory . .

Clive Cocks in WSM 210 qualified with a 1.06.3 and Jim Lowry in WSM 202 broke a half shaft after 7 practice laps but did a 1.01.4 to start 15th. Brian Arculus scorched ahead in class to a very impressive 3rd on the grid with a 57.8. Clive had a spare half shaft and despite concerns that the wheel bearing looked a bit sloppy, the entourage fitted the unit and it was fine during the race. Jim continued to experiment with tyre pressures, this being only his third race with WSM 202.

Clive finished 17th from 19 finishers and third in class with a best lap of 1.05.4. Jim finished 9th overall, second in class with a 1.00.7. Tom Smith, number 22, continued his domination of 'Equipe' GTS races with another win and fastest lap of 56.09

more race pix, courtesy of Paul Webb, at wsmcars In Competition.

May 15th 2005 - Chequered 'Equipe' GTS at Donington . .

GTS may well stand for 'Get Tom Smith' if he dominates any more races in this fashion, cruising home at a scorching Donington Park to win the 'Equipe' GTS 30 minute race and his second GTS of 2005.

Practice followed a similar pattern to Snetterton in April, with Smith (1m 28.93), Brian Lambert (1.29.90) and Malcolm Johnson (1.29.95) heading up the MGB offerings, with Allan Ross-Jones's TR4 (1.29.66) in second spot.

Above, WSM Midget of Jim Lowry

WSM interest lay with the close proximity on the grid of the WSM MGB (1.33.93) and WSM Midget (above, 1.35.98), while additional curiosity surrounded the prospective performance of hillclimber and sprinter Michelle Kirkpatrick, racing for the second-ever time in the MGB prepared by her husband. Tim Patchett (1.40.67) and Bob Allen (1.37.70) went up market and raced MGB's instead of their usual MG TA and TC steeds, while Colin Elstrop (1.38.47) in the Le Mans Spitfire, Nick Wilkins, pictured right with Jim Lowry (1.41.75) in the XK120 and Rod Begbie (1.32.39) in the TVR Grantura provided further interesting diversity to an eclectic GTS grid.

Below, MGA of Jon McDonald

The Lotus Elite of Brian Arculus threw a hissy in practice and would not start the race, but the loss of a green flag lap prior to the grid start drew some interesting warm-up techniques on the Melbourne loop. Several drivers then seemed caught unawares by the red lights going off and the usual frantic Redgate scramble assumed mighty proportions first time through. First lap mechanical casualty was Rod Begbie, while Jeremy Cottingham lasted just three laps before succumbing.

Smith stamped his authority with his fastest circuit on lap 3, but our closest scrap of the day was with David Beresford's MGB (1.31.36) and the WSM MGB (1.31.22) - on board video revealed how many times they swapped places - and highlights included a double act instigated by Beresford through the chicane and cunning use of backmarkers. A promising last lap duel was marred by a twitchy flag handler who showed a glimpse of chequered one lap early and sent the 7th placed WSM to an early bath and a pitlane finish of 10th. Had a good humoured chat with the timekeepers and confirmed it was not a championship or race winning issue but worse - pride was at stake. Urgghh.

MG Motorsport prepared Smith held a comfortable 8 second advantage at the flag, with Johnson in 2nd place and FL with 1.27.80, Brian Lambert 3rd, Ross-Jones 4th and Mark Lambert 5th. Jim Lowry brought the WSM Midget into 12th and continues to sport a broad grin whenever asked as to how the WSM Midget is going. Kirkpatrick finished 15th, posting a massively improved fastest lap by a 12 second margin.

Above, Spitfire Le Mans of Colin Elstrop and TR4 of Allen Ross-Jones

Post match awards hosted by series organiser Christophe Willmart included acknowledgement of Jim Lowry's innings of 50 not out, and recognition and thanks to MG Motorsport for their contribution to the event.

'Equipe' GTS grids have established a well deserved reputation that has become a lure to more. Well prepared machinery, close racing and convivial company are the not so secret ingredients that have lead to oversubscribed grids.

Above, Jim Lowry celebrates 40 + 10

26-04-05 'Equipe' GTS . .

Snetterton CSCC April Race Meeting

Virgin Radio Classic Rock Equipe GTS 30 minute race

Tom Smith headed the practice times for the thirty-two car grid at 9am on a sunny Sunday morning with 1m 28s, but the real eye opener was the first twenty qualifiers were only 10 seconds apart and is a testament to the grid picking ability of the 'Equipe' GTS organisers. The appeal of the series has spread, and amongst the MG/MGA regulars were TR4, TVR Grantura, Jaguar Mk11, Triumph Spitfire, Ginetta G4 and Sunbeam Alpine.

Pre-match shenanigans included Clive Cocks failure to keep a straight face when asked by a fellow competitor on the same grid if the pit stop was timed or whether the driver got out and ran around the car before getting back in. It was patently NOT a two driver race, there was no pit stop requirement and somone had not read the paperwork in detail - a missed opportunity (Clive). Jim Lowry's WSM debut got as far as pit-lane when a rotor arm failed. Out of session qualifying rescued the situation.

The race was a cracker and went to qualifying form, but only after Oliver Bryant set fastest lap and finished a hairsbreadth in arrears to Tom Smith. And so it went on down the grid - highlights included Neil Howe spanking his TR4 into a well earned 3rd, Mike Cann's Jag Mk11 and Simon Watson's TR4 scrapping unmercilessly over 6th, Rob Cull flinging his MGB into 12th after giving the WSM MGB grief, 70 year old Terry Bryant bringing his MGA into 17th and Linda Pearcy's MGB fighting with Clive Cock's WSM Sprite to the death.

Post match details revealed the unlucky Jim Lowry had retired his WSM Midget after 6 laps, Linda Pearcy improved her lap times by a massive 10 seconds, and there were seven retirements, twenty five finishers and fourteen seconds between fastest and slowest lap of the race. The WSM MGB finished 11th (1m 31s) with a new engine being carefully treated.

Worthy drives from Brian Arculus (Lotus Elite) and Barbara Lambert (MGB), while James Cottingham (MGB) retired after 16 laps having set 1m28s and leaving a battle with Brian Lambert and Malcolm Johnson for 4th and 5th.

Thanks to Jim Lowry and Christophe Willmart of Equipe GTS, and WSM thanks to Paul Woolmer for his liberal spreading of expertise throughout the week-end.

Onwards and upwards to Donington on Sunday May 15th for the 'Equipe' GTS half hour race . .

Plenty paid to see them, but on appearance would you let this lot out to race on your patch . . ?

Clive Cocks (right) interrogates AW-S as to the whereabouts of his racing boots after an under-bonnet search proves fruitless . .

Interested parties Rob Mackie (left) and ex-F1 mechanic Ted de la Riviere delve into WSM MGB innards with some success . .

and DW-S (left) and Ted discuss the WSM drivers failings . .

more Snetterton pictures at 'In Competition' courtesy of Paul Webb

A blown head gasket spoilt WSM 210's entry in the hands of Clive Cocks. After a good practice session (aided by a GPS unit to show him the way round, right) a gasket blew towards the end of the race.

Click here for pictures at WSM - In Competition

10-10-04 Memorable Mallory . .

You never forget your first - Clive Cocks made his racing debut at the Jaguar Car Club organised Top Hat event in WSM 210 - and with Cobra, E-Type, Mustang and GT40 for company, it was literally a baptism of fire. Practice for the 45 minute enduro was dominated by Simon Hadfield in his Lotus 23B, but the mighty flame spitting Ford GT40 (chassis number 5) of Leo Voyazides in second drew the crowds. Class D was easily headed by Rae Davis in the Mini Marcos (57.6s), followed by WSM 301 (58.6), Ivor Miller in his Midget (1.00), the number 41 Lenham GT of Dave Stubbings (1.10) and the left hand drive WSM 210 - with Class E's Guy Loveridge, three Spridget based cars were at 1.10s.

Drivers briefing included a general telling off from Top Hat organiser Julias Thurgood (left) for contact in practice and an oil pressure problem on WSM 210 was fixed just in time to join the twenty five car grid scramble through Gerards and cram through the chicane at Shaws unblemished. Predictably the Hadfield Lotus and Voyazides GT40 ran away from the field, but like no other, the Mallory circuit keeps everyone in the thick of the action and very few beat practice times. Cocks and Stubbings were never far apart until the mandatory pit-stop between 15-30 minutes, and WSM 301 had XK120, E-Type and Lotus 23 as sparring partners for the duration. Both Mustang GT350's bit the dust at 35 and 38 laps, and there was contact at Shaws hairpin between WSM 301 and the Lotus 23B of Michael Doyle. WSM pit lane organisation by Paul Woolmer contributed towards the 12th o/all finish of WSM 301 - the hot engine failed to fire after the engine-off pit stop and a push from the team got the car out still with 13th placed Doyle - while no-one could live with the class winning Rae Davis Marcos. Cocks got the better of Stubbings and Loveridge to finish class D 4th (18th o/all) and Ivor Miller finished in class D third (15th). The WSM cars were in one piece if not unmarked, Paul Woolmer is again due thanks for spannering both cars, and DW-S met ex-rally driver Pablo Raybould who has a collection of 60's rally plates that includes items from DW-S's Monte Carlo entries. Also met Rob Pepper, an old adversary from Healey championship days in the 1990's who is considering a come back with his Sprite to this sort of event.

Thanks to all the marshalls, and to Julias Thurgood and the Top Hat team who produced a fitting tribute to Mallory's 'First Lady' of motorsport, the late Edwina Overend, and to Miles Townsend, a regular Top Hat competitor who drove his last race in 2003.

Not a bad end to a season that kicked off on March 21st at Donington with the MGTeam - 2005 should see WSM's 202, 207, 210, MGB and Sebring BXN out racing together. Great prospect.

Mallory In Focus . .

courtesy of photographer Paul Webb

Eeeeee Type . .

Clive Cocks in 210 - "Must hang in there . ."

Pedal and metal meet under Clive's foot on start/finish straight

" . . Thought Mallory was clockwise . . ? "

WSM 301 & Lotus 23 kissed and made up at Shaws

Bob Pepper's GT350 Coupe sending messages Apache style to the pits . .

Under duress, Clive Cocks was kind enough to share his innermost thoughts of a first race :

- 10th October 2004, a date that will stay with me forever. Not only is it the day before my 29th wedding anniversary, but it also created the same kind of feelings as 29 years ago . .."WHY AM I DOING THIS ?". But just as 29 years ago, I am glad I did.

7.30am at Mallory Park, Leicestershire, cold but dry, at a Top Hat racing event with me and WSM 210 entered in race number 2. The first outing for WSM 210 in many years and the first ever race for yours truly.The "Cloth Cap" race included a diverse range of vehicles from a superb GT40, through AC Cobra, Lotus 23, "E" Types including CUT 7, and Ford Mustangs, to the two WSM's, a Frogeye, a standard Midget and a Lenham Midget.

With signing on done, licence handed in and tyres, oil and water checked it was time for practice. The plan was to do a few steady laps and purposely keep close to the rear of the grid for the race (120% race time rules did not apply to this race) The plan worked too brilliantly as I was slowest and last on the grid !
The first excuse is that I had a worrying oil light problem, seemingly brought on by hard braking when the oil pressure would drop very low. I did an oil change last weekend because I was unhappy with erratic oil pressure readings but it seemed ok. After the engine had cooled and the oil checked everything looked in order, but on starting the engine again, the oil pressure gauge needle kept climbing and went passed the 100 psi mark. Time to investigate. The oil pressure relief valve was the main suspect and a finely honed team of mechanics on hand (thanks Graham Wharton and Paul Woolmer) went to work. To get at the relief valve, oil pipes, distributor and dynamo all had to be removed. Time was getting on, nerves and frustration were setting in, and the car that I had nurtured for the past 11 months, the engine that I had put together (on more than one occasion) was now being worked on by others who would not let me near - they did not want my racing togs to get dirty !?

Tony went into quiet mode as the race approached, as I went into pale faced frustration mode. Wife Sue (bless her forever for putting up with this) wanted to be left alone. The final call for cars in race number 2 was blaring over the loudspeaker as the last nuts and bolts were tightened and the bonnet replaced. Turn the key. She started and the pressure gauge did what it was supposed to do.

Pic courtesy of journalist Claire Furnell

Sitting in the assembly area facing the grid leaders was daunting. The GT40 of Leo Voyazides - which added insult every time it overtook (which it did quite a lot) by belching out flame from its central exhausts - the mean looking Jaguar E-types, the XK120 looked gigantic and the shining Lotus 23B of the eventual race winner gleaming like a silver bullet. It was comforting to be next to Guy's Frogeye ( thanks Guy and Claire for your friendliness and encouragement ). Time for formation lap, green flag lap, then sit and wait for the lights. The grid leaders seemed a long way up the straight. I looked to my left and there was Guy's Frogeye slightly ahead, looking very much the part and behind him the crowd standing in the sunshine. Straight ahead the Lenham Midget. How many of the crowd knew me and figure this was my first attempt - would a stalled engine on the grid be the highlight of my afternoon ?

Engines revving, red lights went out, clutch released and we were off. Remarkably well even if I do say so myself, and with more experience (and nerve) I think I should have taken the Lenham.So this was it. Forty five minutes of concentration. The raceleaders quickly caught and lapped me (far too many times).Consistency was my byword and after the compulsory pitstop where I was cruelly manhandled by Paul and Graham out of the car and back in again, we were off on the second stint. Time to push on but trying to stay with an experienced driver in a car slower than yours is hard work. However, staying up with an experienced driver with a faster car is impossible. Rae "Flyer" Davis effortlessly overtook and was close enough to have wiped the nose of 210 every time he came past in his Mini Marcos. Tony showed no mercy and overtook anywhere in his vain chase of Davis (I thought there were some team orders about keeping the two WSM's together for photogenic reasons ?) All too quickly the chequered flag and that was it, WSM 210 had held together (not too sure about me). Twenty five starters and I finished 18th (ok, there were five non-finishers) and that all important first signature on my race licence.

Will I do it again ? Yes, (wife permitting) and WSM 210 will be out again next year. Probably not setting any records but hopefully giving its owners lots of enjoyment. Do I need to modify the car to make it go faster ? The only comment I overheard was that we require bigger balls, but I have no idea where to buy them and where they fit on the car ?

Oulton Park - 6th September 2004 . .

A Friday afternoon thrash from Liverpool to Bedfordshire to collect the WSM MGB and back to Cheshire to drop the trailer with Geoff Hill in Longdendale was rewarded on arrival in the paddock with the intoxicating smell of bbq and wine. New to the MGTeam with his recently completed roadster, Rob Cull catered for an appreciative MGTeam gathering and cooked his way into pole position.

The MGTeam's grid at the 750 Motor Club meeting may have been down on numbers from the MGCC July Silverstone count of twenty-nine but the 2.7 mile International circuit at Oulton Park ranks amongst the best in the country for non-stop involvement and entertainment value. Forty five minutes racing and pit-stop at the uprated Oulton facilities beckoned.

Two very different generations of sportscar car designers were spotted chatting in the scrutineering line. 1960's designer Douglas Wilson-Spratt met Lee Noble by the WSM MGB and it was apparent there was mutual appreciation of each others work. Pictured left, Bob Allen, Lee Noble & DW-S

Oliver Bryant topped the 11.10am practice on Saturday with a 2m 08s, followed by Tom Smith 2m 09s and James Cottingham 2m 10s. Of the MT1 class, Andrew Actman lead at 9th in 2m 17s, Bob Allen a worthy 11th with 2m 21s in his underpowered MGTC after a recent engine change and James Willis, his event again blighted by mechanical woes, did not practice. An unimpressive 2m 25s for 15th from the WSM MGB was the result of a new rattle, subsequently found to be a disconnected speedo cable rotating beneath the car, and MGTeam organiser Jim Lowry rounded up drivers without transponders.

The MGTeam were carded as race number seven which gave time to wander the trackside interior and enjoy sunshine and racing. The plunge down Cascades and subsequent appearance over Hilltop and through Knickerbrook is entertaining, and seeing who was flat or not through Island Bend was educational. A leisurely stroll was interrupted by a message that the race sequence had changed and every car on the MGTeam grid bar the WSM was sat in assembly waiting to start race number five. Run, strip, change, belt and bolt - thanks to Christophe Willmart who had the presence of mind to arrange all the necessary gear.

Click on picture, Ron Watt and DW-S talk MGB turkey in the paddock.

At least we had an excuse for a lousy start, but every cloud has a silver lining and we finished the second lap behind Terry Bryant in his white MGA. For seven laps we fought nose to tail, while Rob Cull got away and Bob Allen closed up behind. Huge fun factor but a solution needed. The answer came with the pits opening for compulsory stops between 15-30 minutes into the race and clear track then beckoned. Lap times came down, as interpreted by DW-S pit crew thumbs up, but a spin through Cascades lost time that may have brought us up with Andrew Actman in 8th. The Cottingham MGB had the pace, a 2m 08s on lap 8, but similarly a spin cost places to 5th. Oliver Bryant brought home the bacon - 2m 07s best - with Brian Lambert 2nd and Malcolm Johnson 3rd. Andrew Actman finished 8th, (best 2m 16s) the WSM MGB 9th (2m 15s) and Bob Allen 11th (2m 18s).

Click on pictures, Rob Cull receives an award, and the boys recouperate ( l to r, Bob Allen, Andrew Actman and Ron Watt settle in for Christophe's prize giving address)

A competitive and enjoyable race to sign off the WSM MGB's season for 2004, and the WSM still had enough puff to beat DW-S in the Audi back to Liverpool to catch the 7pm ferry, while the MGTeam look ahead to dune dodging at Zandvoort in a few weeks.

click on for race report from Jim Lowry

BRDC Summer 500 . .

Whizzo in Wuzzum

Some combination. Sounds like a mythical beast saddled with a cartoon character. Barry Williams stepped into WSM 301 for the first time two minutes before practice and set a blistering 4th place qualifying time of 1m 14s around the Silverstone national circuit. Although Barry and DW-S go back a long way, there had never previously been an opportunity for Barry to pedal a WSM, but he certainly made up for lost time - only the two E–Types of Ian Guest and Les Ely and the MGB of Hamish Cook made better progress. Unfortunately the car was only a reserve entry and did not make the grid but other opportunities will surely come. In the race, the E-Types buzzed off some 4 seconds a lap quicker than third placed man Hamish Cook, but down the field Barry Sidery-Smith scored a worthy 8th place, Neil Hardy scrapped for 12th in the Healey 100 and Allan Cameron 16th in his Healey 100M. The WSM MGB fought with Christophe Willmarts MGB for 18th place until the Frenchman’s engine died and caused retirement. Andrew Actman was sidelined with half-shaft failure, while the famous Sprite’s of Chris Clegg and the Martin Davidson driven Jack Wheeler car both suffered mechanical gremlins.

Dinner next door to the BRDC gin palace gave us a chance to catch up with Healey driver David Smithies and commentator Neville Hay, while the unmistakeable figure of Jack Brabham also enjoyed a spectacular buffet. Carriages arrived and departed at 1.00am, leaving the Wheeler, Davidson and Wilson-Spratt party to be chucked out by the weary bar staff . Thanks to Paul Woolmer for his help with the WSM's, Barry Sidery-Smith, Jim Lowry, Christophe Willmart and the MGTeam for organising the grid, and to Guy Loveridge for his sponsorship of the Sportscar race. Fingers crossed that the resuscitated BRDC Summer 500 becomes a regular fixture once again.

Donington Park 21-03-04 . .

The 750 Club event at Donington featured TheMGTeam race, entries including MGA, TA, TC, MGB and the Reliant Sabre Six of John Leslie. Although practice was dry, race conditions were initially atrocious. WSM 301 qualified 2nd in class 1m 39.9, 15th overall for the ½ hour race to Tim Patchetts MG TA 1m 38.4, but Andrew Actman 1m 42s in the gorgeous Sebring and James Willis 1m44.8 in the very special Jacobs Midget were suspiciously slow (Andrew mollycoddling a new engine and James had a misfire). After a torrential downpour caused a delay on the grid for the 24 cars, things went pear shaped after two green flag laps. Late offline braking and triple-sulko in the WSM across the grass infield to Goddards on lap four went unnoticed by DW-S in the grandstand but blew my socks off. James and Tim disappeared off to play and simply drove better on Dunlops. Had a battle with Andrew until he got his skates on, leaving Stephen Barlow in an MG TC and Bob Allen in his TC giving us grief for class 4th, the WSM quicker in a straight line/brakes but Stephen and Bob better in a few of the corners. 5th in class, 14th overall did not set the WSM world alight - lots to learn on Dunlops in the wet – veil drawn. Good to see class 3 MGB’s give it loads and congrats to Oliver Bryant for the race win.

Top notch event from TheMGTeam and sponsors Ridgard Classic Seats – like Arnie, WSM will be back.

Top Hat In Top ‘Octane’ Gear. .

Contrasting fortunes for WSM at Castle Combe for the Easter Monday meeting. A cracking twenty nine car qualifying grid for the one hour European Historic Sports Car Challenge with Shelby Cobra, Ferrari 365 GTO and ‘Cut 7’ E Type through Renault Dauphine and Frogeye Sprite. WSM 301 at 15th headed Class D with 1m.29s, the Tony Jardine/Ivor Miller Midget 20th at 1.33 and Stubbings MG Lenham GT 26th at 1.42, while Class E’s MCL/Claire Furnell Frogeye Sprite turned in a 1.49 - click on the picture right to see who used tyre warmers . .

WSM fuel tank brimmed (please note) F1 style start lights set off a hectic first twenty minutes. A brief safety car period then bunched it all up again before pitlane became Piccadilly Circus. WSM 301 looked to have Class D stitched up with 1.27 laps against Miller/Jardine’s 1.30, and spent most of the race warding off the mighty 3.8ltr Jaguar HL special of Brown/Tart - the WSM better on brakes/bends but lacking cc’s on the motorway bits - lots of cut and thrust until the WSM ran out of four star six minutes early. The six gallon capacity that fuelled an hour at Mallory with a gallon spare was not enough for an hour at Combe, so the Jardine/Miller MG Midget crew celebrated class success.

The Shipman/Hales Crossle took the overall win and new series sponsors Octane magazine in the shape of David Lillywhite saw a large Bank Holiday crowd entertained in some style. Historic endurance racing was a novelty to Combe but organiser Julias Thurgood confirmed that the Top Hat events had immediately been asked back for next year. Writer of the Year 2003 Marcus Pye in Autosport (April 15th) wrote . .”For once the local championship shootouts were overshadowed “ . .

Plus Old & New Acquaintances . .

Great to bump into WSM connections at Castle Combe. Joe Cox, Healey race co-ordinator was running a beady eye over the Top Hat grid which included Chris Clarkson and Julian Bronson in the famous Healey 3000 DD300. Ian Wilson of autographracing.co.uk was caught at the other end of the lens with David Lillywhite of Octane magazine.

At home with Octagon’s Big Week-End . .

Silverstone July 24th & 25th 2004

What’s Bernie’s beef ? Brilliant facility, great track layout, easy access. First time back for WSM in seven years and the home of British motorsport is unrecogniseable. The MGCC event ranks as the third best attended meeting at HQ and not hard to see why. Well organized, plenty of variety, loads of racing and like minded company –

Friday – 5.45am off to the Liverpool ferry. 10.00am on M62 to collect WSM’s. To the newlyweds in Whittlesea (Peterborough), collect WSM 301 and deliver with Claire to trackside Silverstone 3pm to put tents up. Off to Woolie’s Wonderland in Bedfordshire, pick up WSM MGB and convoy back to Silverstone with WSM 202 and the ‘Mars’ car. Traffic jams and hot weather cause ‘Mars’ car to boil over. Transfer Junior Woolies to my car, abandon Senior Woolies to fate on A43. Lizzie (left) says she loves me. Arrive Silverstone 8pm, Andrew Roberts welcome party at the gate, tents partly up, Claire sizzled and sozzled. Senior Woolies arrive later. Install the fleet in MGCC marquee’s. Text messages galore from MCL at Le Mans re sun, champagne and ambience at the Le Mans Classic - good to hear Claire Furnell’s Dad going well and ready for 12am and 8.00am races. Richard Woolmer, son of Paul, is designated official WSM salesman for the week-end (pictured right). Two beers, one BBQ at chez WSM, horizontal by 11.00pm.

Saturday – Never could sleep in bloody tents. Early start anyway for signing on, scrutineering, sort transponder and spanner WSM 301. Meet David Howes, owned a red WSM in 1960’s – can only be XPP or VLY 540 – David will search for pix. Mega interest dawn ‘til dusk in 793 XPP / WSM 202 up for sale. Practice on the International circuit for Midget race - our WSM 1m 56s would not have troubled the fire tender. Engine and mechanics fine but something amiss – loads of understeer and Copse unfathomable. Have I forgotten how to drive on Yokohama’s ? Concensus is lower tyre pressures. Sponsor Andrew Actman also disappointed – his times not bad but three in class bust lap record. Catch up with MG’s Chris & Mavis Parker – both aviators yet Mavis the most nervous race spectator – and MGCC stalwart Brian Rainbow.

Actman Midget Race – car transformed by tyre pressures - 1m 50s laps. Four cars damaged and out in first lap fracas. Make a few places in six laps, Graham Prosser and Ian Staines in Midgets contest ownership of our patch of track vigorously but misfire kicks in and lose them before 8th lap chequered – several moments squeezed onto grass and have to keep red mist at bay. Greet Alastair Naylor, a regular Manx Classic visitor in the 1990’s with his gorgeous MG TC’s and adversary in the Thornley Trophy tomorrow. The Woolies and the Sprouts put world to rights in chez WSM with BBQ and beer.

Sunday – bloody tent. Never again. Early morning rain no help. Give the WSM MGB a bleary eyed check over with Paul. Practice for the Thornley Trophy at 12.15pm so explore the extensive offerings infield. Whichever MG grabbed your spokes, from whole cars to a washer, it was there. Met Murray Henderson - racing a Midget in two-driver race with Ian Hewlitt - who exposed my mechanical limitations by fixing the WSM MGB nearside mirror in 5 minutes. The B goes like a train in practice – 1m 54s reasonably happy mid grid – but like school reports always said “ . . can do better”. Diff oil all over rear offside, plug popped, temp fix we hope. Met Mike Abbott, an SODC member who hill climbed at Woburn etc with DW-S in the 1960’s, now marshalling honcho. Drove WSM 202 around in case not another chance before change of ownership. German TV want interview – tell them our faces suit radio better, translation failure - I collar Paul, he collars me, safety in numbers at least. We burble and gesticulate as best we can. Lizzie still loves me.

Naff start for Thornley Trophy race but great scrap with Peter Edney’s MG TB and Bob Allen’s MG TC. Got down to 1m 51s and took 16th place on last lap from Peter and Bob with 27 finishers. Tom Smith and James Cottingham top dogs in MGB’s. Watched Murray and Ian get sixth place in the enduro. Chat with Tom Coulthard. Thank Andrew Roberts and all the MGCC crew, trailer up, nearly forget to return transponder (thanks to Andrew for the legwork), convoy out to chez Woolie asap. ‘Mars’ car breaks down 3 miles out and Claire in the WSM MGB and Paul get stuck on M way traffic. Arrive Woolies, Bedfordshire 7.30pm, abandon cars, dash for Liverpool 10pm ferry with Paul guiding shortcut to A14. Got it, just. Not much legal though - November 5th in the rear view mirror most of the way. Back to Silverstone next Saturday for BRDC race. Not in a tent. Cannot wait.

Thanks to Peter Browning, Maggie Yeadon, the organising team and all the marshals. Without you none of us get to play.