UK Race Series

Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Championship

Round 9 : Donington Park 7^th October 2006

Words and Pictures by: Phil (Scoop) Booster email : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk

The final round of the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Club Championship took place at Donington Park and it promised to be some finale. There were 22 entries and ten of those were ‘Big’ Healeys, including a return to the series, after a couple of years absence, for a ‘one off’ by past multi- champion Bruce Montgomery. Would he still match the pace of the current competition?

Practice got under way with everyone keen to be on track, Montgomery was out first closely followed by Christian Andrew and a whole host of 3000’s and Sprites all eager for a fast lap. Montgomery and Cox soon got into a battle, Andrew was pushing hard, clipping the chicane markers in the process, he looked quickest, but it was a close call with the rest.

Indeed it was, Andrew finished up on pole, but only by half a second from Cox and Storer. Woolley, Smithies and Montgomery were next and these five were about a half second apart, now that’s close! Had everyone caught up with ‘Monty’s’ previous pace or was he just a little rusty?

During the interval it was a case of “ten green bottles” as I wandered around the Paddock. Firstly Bill Rawles, he sorted his brakes, changed tyres and was off for a play in the AMOC Intermarque qualifying, well that didn’t last long before he came back to the Paddock with a car sounding dreadful, diagnosis! A broken crankshaft, luckily not one of those that throws rods, pistons and other bits of metal about, but that was it, game over and the Rawles family reduced to spectators, an inauspicious end to a great season for the series sponsor whose support is invaluable.

Next, Xavier confirmed his rattling engine was also terminal so he went home, ‘ciao amigo’. Further on, John Richards was a bit glum, his car driven by Adrian Ball had a suspected flywheel problem, out came the starter motor and there was evidence of shrapnel damage and a decision to be made about a repair. Doom and gloom at this end of the Paddock, so off I went in the other direction, only to find Pat Harris with exactly the same problem, and guess what? ‘Jonah’ had walked past and put his hand on his shoulder, and that’s all it needs, he was out. There were one or two others fettling away, cars and engines just getting a bit tired at this stage of the season.

By the start of the race we were down to 18 cars, although Permain was allowed to start from the back of the grid. It looked like an interesting race was on the cards. After an incredibly long time on the grid, the lights flashed and off they sped into Red Gate Corner, Cox and Andrew disputing the lead with Cox’s 3000 leading into the Craner Curves, and that was his moment of glory as he went into a lurid spin at the Old Hairpin, just about being missed by everyone, although he did restart at the back of the field. Further on in the lap we had Woolley forgetting to brake for McLean’s and he went into the gravel like a gopher going into its furrow!

But that’s not all on this opening lap, coming out of the chicane onto the Pit Straight Potter got a bit sideways, then a lot sideways, then slammed into the pit lane entrance barrier at a heck of a rate, sideways!, drivers side, now that must have hurt! I expected a ‘red flag’, what with this and a car in the gravel but they raced on. ‘Hippy’ didn’t move, and for what seemed an age, neither did anyone else, until the fire car crew, parked in the pits ran to his aid. Worry not, Hippy was just enjoying his own personal ‘light show’ having banged his bonce on the roll cage, this was one ‘trip’ he will remember, and Mark, thanks again for the pictures man! I’ll get photographer of the year yet with this guy!

Down to 16 already, this must be end of term fever, still, Andrew was in the lead with Smithies next and Montgomery behind him. But then disaster for Andrew, and with it any chance he had of taking the Championship as he ground to a halt half way round the second lap with his gearbox in tatters. This allowed Smithies into the lead, being pushed hard by Montgomery. We were down to15 cars. Next lap and ‘Monty’ out braked Smithies at the Chicane, Smithies now second with Storer third.

Smithies felt his engine start to tighten, and so was pacing his drive, not too much though because Storer was on his case. Campfield jnr. was back ahead of Lackford, these two providing spectacle.

Thorne and Hill were fighting side by side. On lap seven this fight would end in tears with contact putting Hill out and leaving Thorne with a huge dent in his door, apparently, Permain had spun and the resultant avoidance was the cause. Thorne had also dropped back to Todd, Bedford and Cameron in the process.

By lap nine the race had become a bit strung out, Cox making no more progress and the unfortunate Bolton was sidelined. With 13 runners left this race of attrition continued as the clock counted down, 15 minutes was allocated and that took us to 11 laps. Lackford was pulling up to Campfield snr and junior was looking ragged keeping Cox behind.

Montgomery took the flag with Smithies second and Storer third. Campfield snr., Lackford and Campfield jnr followed, next, a charging Cox, then Lister, having had a good race, Thorne, Todd, Bedford and Cameron, with Permain at the back.

So this was some finale, and a good job we are at the end of the year with workshops being busy for the next few months. What was the secret of ‘Monty’s’ two second a lap improvement? New tyres borrowed from Woolley, Cox had fought back well, Andrew’s car let him down at the eleventh hour, and the racy Campfield jnr finished in style. This race seemed to sum up our season, with close battles, mechanical interventions and surprises at the flag fall.

Another season over, where did it go? Hopefully we will all be back next spring for it all to start again. See you then and thanks for reading these reports and all the kind comments you give me, it is appreciated.

To see the full results and points scored click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from this event click here or click on the Gallery tab above.

Round 8 : Oulton Park 16^th September 2006

Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster.‘e’ mail : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk

The fantastic scenic Oulton Park circuit was the venue for the ninth round of the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Club Championship which saw seventeen entries for this AMOC organized meeting. Not the best grid we have had this year but it did include eight big Healeys and the return of several drivers to the championship.

Amongst these returnees were David Grace and Chris Clarkson, Chris having raced here recently at the Gold Cup meeting and loves this circuit. Dave Smithies was here fresh from finishing first in the index of performance on the ‘Tour of Britain’. We were missing a few of the Sprite regulars for whom the trek north is a little daunting but for those who did turn up, this circuit offers a unique and historic challenge.

The challenge for the Sprite contingent was to outrun the ‘big’ Healeys and in practice that is exactly what happened. Christian Andrew and Andrew Storer battled it out for ‘pole’, but with a time over a second apart Christian won this first battle in his blue Sprite. Remember, at Mallory the expected battle for the lead didn’t materialize due to mechanical gremlins in Andrews blue car and Storer took the win. Would we see that battle today?

We were expecting the two front row Sprites to protect the start but as the lights flashed the 3000 of Smithies powered through to snatch the lead into Old Hall corner and he was a couple of lengths clear by Cascades. Andrew was second with Storer close behind. Rawles had made a ‘stonker’ from row four and was fourth ahead of Campfield, Cameron and Clarkson as the field sped off into the country.

Down to the Chicane for the first time and Smithies had pulled a good lead, Andrew was coming under pressure from Storer and defended his line. Rawles was right with the Sprite ahead of him and in front of Campfield whilst Clarkson had powered ahead of Cameron. Darling was next, in front of Grace, Potter, Rawe, Lackford, Bedford and Hill. Jenkins seemed to be struggling and Sanz de Acedo was spluttering at the back in real trouble

Into the Chicane for the second time the three leaders were all over each other, Clarkson was established in fourth with Campfield, Grace, Cameron and Darling all just behind.

Lap three and the Sprites were cornering quicker as their tyres got warm, all three leaders falling over each other through the fast Cascades, it was surely a question of time before they would be at the front.

Over Hill Top towards the Chicane Storer was ahead of Andrew with Smithies pulling ahead a bit, the Sprites slowing each other in their battle. However, as they braked for the Chicane Andrew dived into the corner to regain second, this was looking good.

Through Cascades on lap five the two Sprites were ahead of Smithies, somewhere on that lap having both passed the 3000 they were away. The battle we should have had at Mallory was now on.

Storer was in front at the Chicane, Andrew a couple of lengths behind with Smithies now back in third. Grace had quietly been pulling Clarkson in and was getting close, in fact, pulling alongside over Hill Top. Darling was pushing Campfield and ‘Hippy’ got into a lovely slide out of the Chicane… unfortunately he spun! When he looked up, who was pointing his camera at him? He indicated he had spun round twice!...I think it was three times though.

Penultimate lap and it looked as though Storer had got it round Cascades, but as they came over the hill into the Chicane Andrew had the inside and was going for the lead, just making it stick as they went up Clay Hill.

Lackford finally pushed his way ahead of Rawe who had held off several challenges.

Storer was pushing hard on the last lap and the leaders went through Cascades side by side, over Hill Top they were still together but it was Andrew who hung on to the line and held the lead as they went towards the finish.

Andrew won, just, Storer second and Smithies alone in third. Clarkson held off Grace. Darling beat Campfield and Rawles held off the challenge from Lackford who just held Rawe to the line. Hippy next, then Hill, Bedford and the spluttering Sanz de Acedo, who never gave up. Turns out he had lost a plug lead, completely.

What another great race this had been, lacking in numbers but a tremendous fight for the lead and those battles throughout the field again! No wonder AMOC love us so much. We had another splendid barbecue supplied by the Northern Centre and looked after by Karen, Don and Matt, thanks so much you guys, we all appreciate the food and drink and the effort you put in

Donington for the final round then, see you there.

Round 7 : Mallory Park 13th August 2006

After a brief break since Silverstone, round seven of the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Club race championship saw us back at Mallory Park. But wasn’t it listed as Pembrey? I hear you say. It was! But with fewer entries for its own championships than expected, the Aston Martin Owners Club took the unprecedented decision to cancel the meeting. So, BARC jumped in and offered a race at Mallory, and here we are, back in Sprite territory.

Practice went well for most with the exception of Christian Andrew, who couldn’t get his car to pull properly and Campfield snr, whose brakes were giving trouble. Bedford was another not running right, but he was confident he would cure his ills before the race. It was wet though, not a bit like the last few weeks, and one or two got caught out on the slippery surface, duck tape repairs put things right though. However, wet conditions suited the car and style of Campfield jnr. who ended up with pole and the only person to lap under a minute. Smithies’ 3000 came next from Rawles’ similar car, then we had the Sprite of Storer and Cameron in the 100M, with Campfield snr. completing the first six.

A few ‘red flag’ races delayed proceedings but it wasn’t too long before it was time to move and as the cars completed the installation lap the drama unfolded. Campfield snr. came to a halt, completely, locked brakes and the car wouldn’t move….over came a tractor to lift the car away and Paul quickly freed them with some blows from a spanner, just in time, and the car was brought back on a tow line.

Start delayed, but eventually the lights signaled ‘go’ and as the front row moved away Campfield jnr. got the jump, for about ten yards! before the ‘Big’ Healey of Smithies came thundering through. Up to the hairpin Smithies was ahead with Campfield’s Sprite just holding second before Storer came storming up the inside hard on the brakes to secure second spot. Rawles was third then there was a gap already to the rest of the field before a huge battling swarm of Sprites, 100M’s et al came through to complete lap one.

Andrew was expected to have climbed up the pack but had actually lost places and he pulled off at the end of the lap with a car that just would not perform. Another casualty was the unfortunate David Jenkins, who once again suffered mechanical failure, this time his gearbox had let go, even before taking the start. We were down to fifteen runners already! Oh dear!

By lap three Smithies was well in command, some six lengths ahead of Storer who in turn was some way ahead of Rawles and the Sprite of Campfield. Lackford was ahead of Harris who now had a gap on Thorne.

By lap six it was like a waiting game, Storer was ever closer to Smithies, Campfield was aware of Lackford, locking up into the hairpin and there were two battles that would become one, that of Thorne, Permain, Taylor, Hill and Cameron.

Storer had hassled Smithies for several laps as they cut through the back markers on lap ten he made his move, late on the brakes into the hairpin, Smithies not fighting it, “he was coming past anyway” said Dave later. Rawles was watching his mirrors full of Campfield and Lackford. Taylor had pulled clear of Hill and Cameron, who were still swapping places, and was now mixing it with Thorne and Permain, these three also fighting for the same bit of road.

By lap eleven, Storer had pulled clear of Smithies and Lackford had found a way past Campfield into fourth. Next lap and the leaders came up to lap the first of these battles and we soon had seven cars almost in one group, Storer in with Thorne and co., Smithies with Hill and Cameron, quite spectacular. On this lap Lackford dived alongside Rawles who came up fast on Harris, having to jink to the right to avoid a collision and thwarting Lackfords challenge.

On the last lap Storer was two seconds clear of Smithies to take the flag, Smithies taking a new class lap record in the process. Rawles held off another challenge from Lackford who was trying hard round the outside of the fast sweep before the start, just five hundredths of a second apart at the end.

This had been another good display of Healey racing, watching the Class ’E’ Sprites get quicker as the race progresses, road going Healeys sliding through the hairpin with modified Sprites all over them, and what if Andrew had been on form, he would surely have been a match for Storer, and what a fight that would have been. Andrews winning time last meeting here was comparable with Storer's!...what if!...isn’t that what Motorsport is all about?

Oulton Park next, my home track, I’m looking forward to that one. See you there.

Round 6 : Silverstone 1st July 2006

The next round in the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Club championship saw us back at Silverstone this year, part once again, of the A.M.O.C. annual St. John Horsfall meeting. There were no less than ten Big Healey’s to take it to the Sprites on this fast circuit, would we finally see them ‘swat’ the buzzing challengers?

The list of entries for the 3000 class was impressive, and, we had the return of Eric Woolley, Ian Cox and David Grace, all out with us for the first time this season. Robert Rawe was here, and so, this time, was his car, nice one Dave! Will Darling had his repaired car ready after Mallory, albeit unpainted. Dave Jenkins had sorted his depressing problems after Mallory and was back to play, nice! and there was a new face in the invitation class, Jim Mackie had a nice red Sprite and will be out with us this season. Twenty one entries and an impressive grid to keep the crowd entertained.

Practice got underway, and, after a dozen laps or so guess who was on top? Had to be a Big Healey right? Wrong! It was the indomitable Sprite of Christian Andrew, and by over half a second, now that was impressive. The next Sprite was in eighth place, that was Robin Lackford, and he doesn’t hang about these days. So, what in between? Well, in second spot was Eric Woolley’s silver blue 3000, fast now it’s been sorted by Mr. Smithies who was in third spot, a midges wing separating them. Ian Cox and David Grace were in amongst it with Hugo H-B and Mark Potter just ahead of Lackford.

Baby Campfield was ninth with Will Darling surprisingly low down, likewise, Bill Rawles is unaccustomed these days to being in the low end of the top dozen, he did have an excuse though, he had some badly machined front brake disc fitted and they made the car un-drivable, and worse, un-stoppable. Off to town went Joe Cox to buy replacements, handy racing Healey’s, get parts off the shelf. He would have it all back together for the race.

Anyway, the grid formed after a warm up lap which saw Andrew weaving ‘Alonso’ style all over the place to warm his tyres, this was serious stuff.

Woolley was raring to go as were Smithies and the rest and as the lights signaled the start, the first front rows took off as one into Copse. Woolley had the drop on Andrew but through the corner Smithies went between the pair of them to take the lead. Around the back of the circuit Andrew retook first place and as they arrived at Brooklands it was the Sprite, sliding wide but holding first from Smithies. Cox was third then came Grace, Woolley and H-B side by side through Luffield, Rawles and Potter next, then a gaggle of Sprites as they all filed through.

Lap two and Smithies arrived at Brooklands in front with Andrew trying first one way then the other to find a way through, finally slipping up the inside in the second part of Luffield. Cox, Grace and Woolley were still together from Potter, Darling and H-B. Rawles had arrived at Brooklands and took to the gravel, dug in and was out of the race, maybe it was the new brakes not bedded in, whatever, Bill settled to watch the race as a spectator.

Already we had several battles forming, but they were getting strung out, we had the two leaders, a gap, then Grace, Cox, Woolley another gap to Potter, H-B, Darling. Then Pat Harris who had got ahead of Lackford, Campfield and Harris J. These four were pulling up to Potter though.

At half distance, we had Andrew challenging again, and almost losing it, Woolley had got ahead of Cox and was pulling away. Campfield and Harris J. were still together and poor Rawe was really fighting his car, it would understeer into Luffield, immediately throw its tail out and then understeer its way out of the corner, it looked like ice racing. Afterwards Robert reckoned it was putting new tyres on that did it.

On lap nine Andrew was back with Smithies, all the way round Brooklands, and then Luffield, round the outside and onto the straight he was a nose in front, had he got the lead this time? Well the next time through Smithies did try into Brooklands but the Sprite was stuck to the track and stayed in front, Andrew had recorded fastest lap in the process. We lost poor Pat Harris who had been going really well. Lackford had deposed Darling and was after Potter.

Things had settled by lap eleven, Andrew about six lengths clear from Smithies, Woolley was right with Grace and Cox had dropped back a bit. H-B was alone but Lackford was all over Potter, these Sprites just don’t give up!

Lap twelve and now Woolley had got ahead of Grace for third, Darling found the slippery outside of Luffield and almost got stuck in the gravel, managing to keep momentum and driving out of it, lucky!

With time up and thirteen laps completed Andrew took the flag five seconds clear of Smithies, who was a similar distance ahead of the late charging Woolley who had a superb race to come from fifth on the first lap, Grace had driven well to be robbed of third at the last moment. Cox was next from H-B and Potter who had Lackford in his boot as they crossed the line. Campfield finished ahead of Darling who recovered from his excursion. Rawe did well to drive his car home, although he did admit to having a quick spin. Bainbridge, Taylor, Jenkins, Holdsworth and Mackie completed the field, these last two getting some signatures on their licence which is what they wanted.

The presentation and goodbyes over with in the Paddock we all set off for a bit of a break before Pembrey at the end of August. Oh! just a word of warning to the racers. Jonah Cox is rapidly getting the reputation of Murray Walker, no, not old and waffling, just don’t let him talk to you before the race, you won’t finish, ask the Harris twins what they think!

To see the full results and points scored click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from this event click here.

Round 5 : Mallory Park 18th June 2006 (Race two)

Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. (email : philb@merseymail.com)

So, the first of the two rounds at Mallory in the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Championship was out of the way. We had seen frantic action throughout the field and we were all expecting another great race for round five. Would it provide another crowd pleaser? Read on!!

There was lots of hammer beating and use of tank tape going on in the Paddock during the interval between the two races. Gordon Elwell was straightening his Sprites rear end and looking for his tail light which had disappeared into the depths of the boot space. The Campfield clan were taping up their Sprites front end, Bill Rawles was inspecting his battered 3000, Will Darling’s car showed battle scars, everybody muttering but nobody talking, if you get my drift!

By the way, talking of scars, Christian Andrew was hobbling around all day because he had had two in-growing toenails removed, on the Thursday before the meeting, now that’s dedication, it must have been painful.

The grid had been worked out by taking the second fastest times from the practice session, not as complicated as it seemed, Dave Smithies and Christian Andrew swapped places, Smithies on pole this time, Darling, Elwell, Rawles and Campfield were unchanged.

The lights held for a long time until they finally signaled the start, Campfield slightly anticipating the start as Smithies powered away to lead Andrew into Gerrards Bend. Onto the back straight Andrew was right with him with Darling in third and Rawles fourth. Elwell was fifth from Campfield but as they went through the Chicane Elwell took fourth place from Rawles who came under pressure from Campfield as they climbed towards the Hairpin.

It was here that it went wrong for Andrew, well in the lead he braked just a little late, maybe it was his injured feet, or cold tyres/brakes, whatever, he went straight on allowing Smithies, and most of the field for that matter, through as he scrambled back onto the circuit.

The talk of this race was going to be Andrews climb back up the field and as they came to the Hairpin next time he dived up the inside of H-B to take sixth.

Smithies, Darling and Elwell were still the first three. Rawles had Andrew with him next lap with Campfield just behind. H-B and Lackford were fighting hard again as in the first race; Hill, Bedford, Levett-Princep and Thorne were also wanting the same piece of road.

Next lap and with Smithies several lengths ahead, Elwell pushed Darling into a mistake at the Hairpin, he missed a gear and the Yellow Sprite struck to take second.

On Lap nine we lost Darling at Gerrards, trying to take Elwell he ran out of road finishing up against the barriers putting an end to that particular fight, however, Elwell now had Andrew to think about.

On the final lap Andrew drew alongside Smithies at the Hairpin actually getting his nose ahead on the exit, before Smithies powered ahead down the hill to take the flag by under half a second. Elwell, Rawles and Campfield came next. Lackford, H-B, Permain and Taylor followed, then Harris J, Harris P. Further back, a lap down, Hill, Levett Princep, Bedford and Thorne were next, after another great race long battle. Bainbridge, Richards and Prior completed the field.

Another superb race had thrilled the crowd; there was a standing ovation for Andrew who had given the race much of its spectacle although the battles with Darling/ Elwell, Lackford/H-B and Permain/Taylor/Hill/L-P/Bedford/Thorne had entertained all day. Healey racing, in my opinion, is at its best this season. One can always tell by the reaction of the spectators and in particular the Marshall’s, remember these guys are not an easy bunch to impress.

Long may it continue, and continue it does at Silverstone on the 1^st July, I’ll let you know what happens.

Round 4 : Mallory Park 18th June 2006 (Race one)

Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. (email : philb@merseymail.com)

Mallory Park on Sunday 18^th June saw the Healey racers turn out for a double dose of racing in the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Championship, yes, two races on the cards, both scoring maximum points, double entry fees of course, but only one lot of traveling. This could be the future for the environmentalist, imagine, a full programme of Healey racing, get all the season done in one day…ner! Where’s the fun in that eh!

Qualifying took place quite early as the races were to be second on the card and seventh, with enough of a gap to do any moderate rebuilding in between. There was only going to be one session with both grids decided from that. The best time decided race one grid whilst the second best time decided race two. See, more saving on expenses and resources!

Christian Andrew emerged on top heading the Healeys of Dave (old man) Smithies and Will Darling with Gordon Elwell next in his Sprite from Bill Rawles’ 3000. Marc Campfield was just ahead of Anthony Bolton and Robin Lackford who did a good time despite only getting in about a third of the laps of the others, he had lost third gear for the race. Pat Harris was ahead of namesake John with Ian Permain getting in at eleventh, remember his performance at the wet Memorial meeting? He did have an ignition problem though, which he would fix for the race.

Another with mechanical dramas was Bolton who, having taken his engine out of the car, found that the problem couldn’t be fixed at the circuit, the whole lot, car, transmission and engine were tied to the trailer, and off home he went, what a shame!

Everyone else made it to the grid and the talk was whether the 3000’s would get the drop on the Sprites at the start. We didn’t wait long because as the lights flashed Andrew and Smithies surged off the line to head into Gerrards together. It was the Sprite that emerged onto the straight in the lead, closely followed by the red 3000. Rawles made a stonking effort up the inside of Darling in the Esses to be third by the hairpin.

Into the hairpin these four still lead, with the Sprite of Campfield diving up the inside of Darling, Elwell was keen to follow likewise. H-B and Lackford wanted the same piece of track and Harris P. was keeping a watching brief.

Further back, Hill, Thorne and Bedford were close together but everyone got through without any drama although the yellow Sprite of Holdsworth was having trouble picking up on the exit.

Next lap and Rawles, Darling and Elwell were at it ‘hammer and tongs’, Darling getting on the grass leaving the hairpin, Lackford and H-B were very close and there was a terrific scrap going on with Taylor and co.

It was rather fraught for third, apparently Darling was getting sideways just about everywhere which impressed his fellows and it was anybody’s drag down to the Devil’s Elbow.

Another fight was forming between the Sprites of Permain and the two Harris’s, we had at least three separate battles going on.

There seemed to be a unique way to tackle the hairpin, understeer in, slide wide giving your opponent the chance to get alongside and then by getting more grip on the outside get better acceleration down the hill. Several cars were doing this and the sight and sound of them getting the power down was a real crowd pleaser.

Then it was tears at the hairpin, by lap nine, Darling was trying to take Rawles, there was contact, Rawles made the turn, Darling went straight on, Elwell avoided Rawles but was punted in the rear by Campfield. From my position no blame could be apportioned, it was one of those shunts like a motorway collision, somebody brakes and the whole thing just escalates.

Andrew meanwhile, was driving serenely out front, Smithies was a settled second but Darling wanted third off Rawles and was still pushing hard, Pat Harris settled his fight by getting in front of Permain who disposed of Harris J. when the Welshman went just a little too wide at the hairpin. Lackford finally got the best of H-B and Hill was in control of his fight with Taylor, Thorne and Bedford.

Andrew took the flag almost six seconds in front of Smithies who in turn was nearly ten seconds ahead of the Rawles/Darling fight for third. Campfield finished ahead of the unfortunate Elwell. Lackford took seventh ahead of H-B followed by Harris P., Permain and Harris J. Hill, Taylor, Thorne and Bedford finished in that order a lap down, likewise Levett-Princep, Bainbridge and Richards. Prior completed the order whilst Holdsworth was still running at the finish.

This had been yet another fine display of Healey racing, you only have to witness the reaction of the crowd, they love the big car/little car battles our chaps produce, and it wasn’t over yet, we had another race to come…..

For the full Austin Healey Championship results and a full set of the series rules, regulations and scoring system click HERE