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UK Race Series |
Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Championship - Race ReportsRound 9 : Donington Park 30th September 2007 Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. email : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk
Well, the final
round of the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Club Championship was again
at Donington Park, and the Championship could not be more finely
balanced. Dave Smithies with his 3000 and current Champion Marc Campfield
in his Sprite were both in the frame. An outright win by either would be
enough to seal it. With class positions also waiting to be settled we
were in for a good race. Twenty one cars turned up for this finale, no less than 8 ‘Big’ Healeys, the rest an assortment of various Sprites. Practice saw problems for a few. Most notably Christian Andrew, who flew to a pole position only to have his gearbox once again, let him down, his nemesis this season. Marc Campfield had a lurid moment at the fast Redgate corner when a rear upright broke, this would be welded up in time for the race however. David Jenkins found what looked like bits of foam in his petrol filter, he had been low on power. Stuart Bramley only completed a lap with a coolant problem. Worse than that, for him anyway, was Simon Hinley’s departure, not at all well and running a temperature, he decided to call it a day. With Andrew ‘hors de combat’ Campfield was alone on the front row. The big Healeys of Smithies and Holland-Bosworth were next then behind came Lackford in another quick Sprite, Woolley and Campfield snr, Woods, a splendid eighth, Rawles, Harris, Wenyon, Sanz de Acedo, going well, Thorne in his 100/4, Bedford, Lister, Cooke, Hinley, homeward bound, Taylor, Cranham, Bramley and Jenkins completed the field. We had a beautiful autumn day and with no other problems to talk of we all looked forward to a terrific race.
But in the lead H-B was motoring and over the line he headed Campfield, Woolley, Lackford, Smithies, who sliced up the inside of Campfield snr at the Chicane and Rawles. Behind these Harris battled with Thorne, and Woods led a gaggle of Sprites and 3000’s to complete the first lap.
Into the chicane on the second lap Campfield was a little closer to H-B,
Lackford had got himself into third ahead of Woolley but Smithies pulled
the move he had performed on Campfield to get ahead of Woolley as they
crossed the line. Rawles was in seventh ahead of Woods, having a great
race, Wenyon, also flying, Harris, Thorne, Sanz de Acedo, Lister, Bedford,
Cooke, whose car sounded dreadful, Taylor, Jenkins and Cranham.
Then on lap three, going into Mcleans on the far side of the circuit, Campfield jnr tried an impatient move on H-B, going a little too quickly and using H-B to slow him down, both cars slid across the circuit letting Lackford and Smithies through, Smithies making contact with Campfield in the melee and lifting off to avoid ending the blue Sprites race on the spot. The outcome of this was that Lackford came into the Chicane in the lead, followed by Smithies, H-B who recovered well, and Campfield jnr, all close behind each other. Woolley was still in touch, Campfield snr was ahead of Rawles and then a battling Woods, Wenyon, and Harris.
This was an exciting race though, the best this season I reckon, because
another great fight was going on further back. Sanz de Acedo relishing
his new Elwell prepared engine, having taken Thorne and fighting with old
stalwarts Lister and Bedford. Another pair having fun were Jenkins and
Cranham, the latter having his third race in the series
Next time around it was all change again as Smithies entered the chicane in the lead, closely followed by Campfield jnr and Lackford who had been demoted. H-B was a little further back but under pressure from Woolley, Campfield snr, and Rawles, all four charging into the chicane together. Woods was having a great race with Wenyon although Harris was looking to pass both.
On
lap seven Smithies was still ahead, but the Sprites of Campfield and
Lackford were very close behind. H-B had pulled a bit of a gap on Woolley
with Campfield snr just a little way back but being challenged by Rawles. Going into the Old Hairpin on lap eight and Campfield got ahead of Smithies. When they arrived at the chicane he had a substantial lead, and Lackford was menacing Smithies. Don’t forget this was for the championship, a win for either Campfield or Smithies would secure it. This was a race full of excitement, battles through the field were entertaining the crowd. We did lose Cranham this lap, suspected fuel contamination being blamed.
By
lap nine Lac
By
the final lap Campfield had pulled a ten second gap on Lackford who had
his best race ever in this car he has gradually sorted. Smithies was a
resigned third but had performed bravely, and that’s how they took the
flag. H-B had a mixed race but came back to finish fourth ahead of a
strong Woolley. Rawles got ahead of Campfield snr. Harris had won the
fight from Woods and Wenyon, then came Sanz de Acedo ahead of the Thorne,
Lister and Bedford fight. Cooke persevered with a sick car from Taylor
and Jenkins who completed the field. Campfield took the title again, he and Smithies tied on points, but due to more race wins he did it, how close was that? Overall Class titles went to, Thorne who won Class A, Lister made sure of Class C. Hulett, absent from here, took the honours in Class D. Campfield’s win takes him out of Class E, so that honour went to Lackford. So that was it, another classic season over and a terrific battle for the Championship once again down to the wire. This race had produced some of the finest Healey racing I have witnessed and no tears, well not really! Except for an unfortunate accident to befall Healey newcomer James Wenyon in a later race, which saw him total his Sprite in a series of rolls. He thankfully emerged unhurt but was a little bruised and sore when I spoke to him, let’s hope he comes back next season. In fact, let’s hope we all come back next season, Healey racing just gets stronger. To see the full results and points scored during the season, click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from the events, click here or click on the Gallery tab above.
Round 8 : Oulton Park 15th September 2007 Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. email : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk Well, June was the last time you heard from me, we had a summer break and a round at Brands and now back for round 8 at beautiful Oulton Park. With the Rawles Motorsport Championship battle hovering between Smithies’ Big Healey and Campfield’s Sprite, things were hotting up. But, drama! in the weeks leading to this we had an e mail telling us of a disastrous accident befalling Mr. Smithies. He had apparently crushed his legs with agricultural machinery, not only would he be out of racing for the foreseeable future, we all feared for his life, the championship was settled and I faced the real prospect of spending money on some flowers! Forget all that, I arrived in the paddock and there, in full view, the Smithies mobile residence. More to the point, Smithies had driven it there, and entered to race, crushed legs and all! The full story of this deserves a separate article elsewhere, it’s enthralling to say the least! In fact, check out "The Smithies Incident !!! " at the end of this report. So, fight still on, maybe, and we had Campfield’s Sprite there, together with the only Sprite likely to take on the front battle, that of Christian Andrew. Ian Hulett is always at the sharp end and James Wenyon, another of the Aston Martin boys to join our ranks in the ex Campfield Championship winning Sprite, albeit heavily rebuilt and looking much tidier than it had was here. Other Sprites were those of mercurial Welshman Harris J., Woods, Bramley, Permain, Lister, Bedford, Sanz de Acedo, Jenkins, and, second time out, Cranham. Thirteen Sprites in all, with the Big 3000’s of Holland-Bosworth, Rawe, Cooke and late arriver, David Grace to support the big class we had a field of18 cars. Practice went well, for most! Andrew looked quick and Campfield was flying through the fast Old Hall corner, trouble was he was flying elsewhere, into the scenery two maybe four times, depending on who you spoke to. Still he didn’t damage anything, this time! Hulett was also motoring and Smithies looked as smooth as ever, despite, or because of, his size12 right foot. H-B was being all laid back only doing 4 laps. There was a reason for this, the man was celebrating the birth of his first child, and he looked just a tad ‘gooeee’.. or was that the bottle of wine he had the night before. Anyway, congratulations to him and his lovely wife, they got a baby boy H-B now. Sanz de Acedo ran just a few laps with a slight manifold overheat and was thinking twice about doing the race. Cranham was happy finding his way around the track, out for the second time in a car he found with Dave Jenkins. It had been a hill climber and looks smart in yellow having had a lot of work carried out by Jenkins and Robin Lackford. Hulett had an alarming moment when a king pin broke but he would have it repaired for the race, and Harris had a very long brake pedal towards the end. A visit to Smithies after practice saw him in good health giving a ‘pep’ talk to the young gun Campfield, and we saw Grace turn up in his ‘silver bullet’ motorhome with the Healey on the back, quick bit of prepping and he would make the back of the grid at least, that bode well for a bit of excitement. With everyone sorted and looking forward to racing on this circuit the grid formed and waited for the lights. At the start Andrew and Campfield took off as one, Campfield trying for the lead but Andrew making the first corner in front. Smithies found his way between Hulett and H-B, just a bit tight though, and they all chased down to Cascades. By Knickebrook Andrew had a good distance on Campfield with Smithies, H-B and Hulett following. Wenyon was well up with Woods also showing well ahead of Rawe. A little battle was forming with Bramley leading Harris and Sanz de Acedo, Cooke was ahead of Permain with Lister and Bedford resuming battle ahead of Jenkins and Cranham. Grace had already climbed half the field by now. Next lap and Andrew was pulling away from Campfield, his tyres seemingly working better. Smithies was getting clear of H-B with Hulett hounding ‘The Daddy’. Wenyon, Woods and Rawe came through, then Grace getting nicely sideways from Harris and Sanz de Acedo. Cooke got a little wide coming out of Knickebrook and lost a place to Permain. Lister, Bedford, Jenkins and Cranham all came through. Lap three and Campfield came back at Andrew pushing him quite hard. By lap four Campfield was leading and Andrew was behind Smithies, only just, because on lap five he was back right on Campfield’s tail, they went up Clayhill side by side, and that was the last we saw of this potentially great fight. Going into Druids Andrew had tried the outside, not the best of ideas on this fast double apex, he had run wide and an errant stone punched his radiator, half way around the water temp was rising and he wisely switched off. A shame, because this fight had been going to the wire. I do admire Christian’s honesty in relaying his tale though. Meanwhile, poor Cranham pulled over with broken suspension and we lost Bramley. Hulett was looking good though and chasing down H-B and Wenyon wasn’t far behind. Grace had passed both Woods and Rawe in his climb from the back. With the battle for the lead now over Campfield was away on his own, likewise Smithies was keeping a good pace watching for Hulett who was pushing on behind having disposed of H-B. Harris and Sanz de Acedo were the only pair looking to make a race of it and on lap seven the green car of Sanz de Acedo took the place away from Harris. J.H. was having none of it though and fought all the way around the last lap to grab it back on the line by the smallest of margins, what a finish for them. Campfield took the flag at a much slower pace over the last couple of laps, the talk worked, and Smithies held off Hulett for second. H-B came fourth from a well driven Sprite of Wenyon. Grace had made it up to sixth with Woods and Rawe keeping each other company all race. There was Harris and Sanz de Acedo then Permain, all alone Cooke, then Lister and Bedford fighting class C and only two hundredths apart. Jenkins was the only other finisher. Off we go to Donington (Sunday 30th September) for the final round. It’s all to play for, down to the wire. To see the full results and points scored during the season, click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from the events, click here or click on the Gallery tab above.
The Smithies Incident !!! A special report by Phil (Scoop) Broster So, we all get this e mail from Comps Sec. Joe Cox telling us how Smithies has incapacitated himself in an agricultural accident, or more to the point, crushed his legs and in a serious state!
Then we
turn up at Oulton Park and there he is, right as rain, or as near as. A
miracle, you all cry, or the biggest case of ‘sandbagging’ the opposition
you have ever heard.
To be
honest Dave was hobbling a bit, needed a stick, but then he is old! His
foot WAS a bit big! all the more useful for the throttle pedal then! He
was rambling, lying down resting when I saw him but that’s nothing new
either, I’ve seen it before, and his poor lady running around after him
with cups of tea and tucking him in…yes! Tucking him in ... because … what
I saw in the motorhome will stay with me for a long time and is something
I had not seen before… Dave’s ‘snuggle blanket’. See for yourself……. I
had to share it, and look at him, he’s PROUD of it! Not some super hero
for butch Dave, not Batman, Spiderman, but…Polly Pocket!
And let’s recount the accident. Dave is trying to start a stacker truck in a field, why a field? I didn’t dare ask. Anyway he’s lying by the stacker, using his legs as an impromptu wheel chock, fiddling around, and it starts. ‘Great’ thinks Dave for about a millisecond until the thing starts moving.
Now Dave
is not in the best of places, he should be in the driving seat, and he is
considering his rash decision to lie under the thing as it serenely rides
over his leg. ‘Ouch!’ Says Dave, ‘silly me’ and ‘bother’ as the ch Stunned, Margaret looked up the field at the chain of destruction, smashed conservatory, damaged corner wall, bricks and cement dust everywhere, oil, more than left by the Exxon Valdez, Dave, squirming, and his tool chest, all within a few metres of each other. ‘Best get help’ says Margaret, ‘splendid idea’ says Dave.
Round 6 : Snetterton 30th June 2007 Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. email : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk Off to Snetterton for round six of the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Club Championship and normally I will say what the weather is doing. Well, as those of you in the UK will know, that rainstorm that came to Oulton two weeks ago was still here, with a vengeance. It hasn’t stopped and there was a real danger that the whole country would grind to a halt, or flood, and that would have affected our race, especially in the lowlands of Norfolk. Has that got your attention? Good, I love dramatic! We did get a race, with seventeen cars entered for this AMOC run meeting. Six big Healeys showed up, Smithies, Holland-Bosworth, Cooke and his chum Rawe, whose car was repaired but unpainted from Mallory. Also out was newcomer Simon Hinley in the car run by Sandy Glen a few years back and Peter Korner's 100/4 was out in the hands of Simon de Lautour. Good to see that out. The usual hoard of Sprites were out to do battle, Essex boys Taylor, Jenkins, Bedford and Harris P., Lackford, Hulett, Woods, Lister, Prior, Bolton here for another play and ‘boy racer’ Campfield had his Sprite back. Dad had obviously had second thoughts and worked countless nights, and spent countless pennies to give his son his chariot back.. with the help of Bill Rawles who rebuilt the chassis. So what’s this about rain? It was dry for practice and almost sunny. Smithies was soon on the case with ‘boy blunder’ in his Sprite getting out of shape in The Esses within a lap. Lackford looked quick and the Essex boys Harris, Bedford and Taylor were circulating together, swapping places every lap, Taylor back in the groove after Brands. Hulett, Cooke, Rawe and H-B were going well also. The grid was decided with Smithies 3000 on pole, Campfield, Lackford and Hulett, all in Sprites were next before H-B, Cooke and Rawe in their 3000’s. We were going to have at least one other Sprite/3000 battle by the look of it! Pat Harris was ahead of Woods, Taylor and Bedford. The 100/4 of de Lautour just pipped Lister’s Sprite with Hinley ahead of Jenkins, Bolton and Prior. But that wasn’t the whole story! Bolton had completed one lap and was ‘full chat’ past the pits when a con-rod decided to part company with the rest of the engine and make a bid for freedom. It was successful to the detriment of the block which had a huge hole punched through it. Poor Bolton was left with the prospect of finding finance for a new engine, tough that one! Prior also came back on a rope but he would be out again for the race. Misfire seemed to be the word of the day because nearly everyone had it! Or were they ‘sandbagging’. Lister wasn’t, he changed plugs and bits in the Paddock. Smithies had a misfire, low oil pressure and vibrating brakes but he didn’t seem too bothered by it all. We had rain, dry, wet tyres, dry tyres for most of the day until ‘our’ race came around at 3 pm. It was cloudy but dry and everyone made it to the grid, minus Bolton of course, and we waited for the start. Smithies was expected to out drag the Sprite alongside but it was Campfield who made it into the first corner and we had to wait for the rest of that lap to find who was where! Into the Chicane to complete the first lap it was Campfield, and by quite a distance. Smithies was second, just ahead of H-B and Lackford. Behind them was Rawe with Harris all over him like a rash. Cooke was next, alone, but then a great little group consisting of Taylor, going really well, Bedford, a gap to Hulett who had lost out at the start, Woods right with him, de Lautour and Lister and Jenkins alongside each other. Hinley and Prior completing the field. Next lap and Campfield was pulling clear, the Sprite like a Kart through the chicane, Smithies was pulling away from H-B and Lackford was still fourth. Harris pulled alongside Rawe but was just short of passing the Healey. Woods and Taylor had both got ahead of Bedford, further back de Lautour was right with Lister. These guys were providing three separate battles down the field. Unfortunately we lost Hulett on that lap. On lap four, the order was the same but Lackford was right on H-B’s tail, Harris and Rawe were at it ‘hammer and tongs’, going through the chicane side by side. Bedford was right behind Taylor and de Lautour had got ahead of Lister. Hinley was feeling his way nicely, cornering the Big Healey with style playing with Jenkins. The H-B/Lackford battle was becoming a repeat of Oulton, the pair sliding through the Chicane with the big car having the power on the straight to stay ahead. Harris out braked Rawe into the chicane to get ahead, but Rawe wasn’t having any, again, the big car had the power onto the straight to just get back ahead. Bedford was pushing Taylor even harder, they were having a great race, and then Lister was coming back at de Lautour, this was crowd pleasing stuff. These battles went on lap after lap, Lackford trying everything to get past H-B, the nimble Sprite much quicker through the chicane. Then on lap 6 Lister came through ahead of the 100/ 4 and Harris and Rawe went around the whole of the chicane side by side. By lap eight we had lost Hinley and Prior, Campfield was about ten seconds down the road and Smithies was about the same distance from H-B/Lackford who were still locked in battle. Bedford had got ahead of Taylor and Lister had pulled onto the back of them both. Rawe and Harris were still squabbling. Then on lap ten, Lackford pulled a similar move as he did at Oulton, getting up the inside of H-B and making it stick into the chicane. Harris was just never going to give up on Rawe, although the big Healey wasn’t going to give up easily either. Then the fifteen minutes was up and onto the final lap they went. Campfield took the flag fifteen seconds ahead of the serene Smithies. Lackford held off H-B to take third whilst Rawe kept ahead of Harris. Cooke was lonely in seventh place after a strong performance whilst Woods was another lonely finisher, but confident again after his Mallory mishap. Bedford came in ahead of Taylor after their own race long battle with Lister only just behind. De Lautour and Jenkins completed the order. This had been another typical Healey club race with battles going on throughout the field. Campfield had come back as strong as ever, Smithies consistent once again. We go for a long break now but will be back at the end of August. Next round is Brands Hatch at the end of August. To see the full results and points scored during the season, click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from the events, click here or click on the Gallery tab above.
Round 5 : Oulton Park 16th June 2007 Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. email : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk So, there we all were, sitting around the Paddock watching young Campfield sheepishly circling his dad, and his car on the trailer. We were talking about this and that and generally chilling ‘cos. the next race, round 5, wasn’t for hours and no one had major problems. As we neared the race the talk turned to which ‘big’ Healey would pull it off, it was all rather civilized for a change! Practice had been sorted in the one session that morning and second best times would decide the grid. There was one change though, in that Gordon Elwell was going to have a go in Xavier’s car, he now looks after it and what better way to sort any foibles I suppose. Smithies was on pole this time, with a gap alongside where Campfield’s once immaculate Sprite would have been (sorry to rub it in you two!, but it just flows). Behind Smithies was Hugo H-B with Rawles sat next to him. Then the quickest Sprite now left, (sorry!), which was Lackford's and Harris J, who’s pace was remarkable. Hulett was on row four with Harris P., then the road going Lister, and Bedford. Woods, Jenkins and Taylor where next, with Elwell starting from the back. Off into the country to watch this time, the sun was out, well not really, but any threat of rain had gone. The cars completed their warm up lap and waited for the lights. It was to be another ten lapper. Off they went, and it was Smithies who held off the challenge into Old Hall corner, followed by H-B and Rawles. By the time they got to the Chicane half way around the lap, Smithies had pulled at least a three car gap. Rawles was in H-B’s boot and Lackford had claimed fourth place. Pat Harris was fifth, Lister in sixth had held off Hulett for most of that lap but the faster Sprite got by in the chicane. Lister had made a cracking start by the way, getting ahead of Harris P., Hulett,. AND Harris J. Bedford, Elwell, Jenkins, Taylor and Woods completed the field. On lap two, Smithies was leaving the chicane as H-B was entering it, so, barring mishap, the winner was becoming obvious. Not so obvious was second to fourth as Lackford was pulling himself onto the back of the Big Healeys ahead of him. Hulett was right on the tail of Harris J. by now, and, just entering the chicane, Elwell out braked Bedford to move up the field. Second place was see-sawing a bit as H-B had pulled a gap by lap three and Lackford wasn’t as close to Rawles, each time through the fast sweep of Cascades the Sprite would be with the bigger cars, but it was the usual story come the straight bits, although we were using the middle length circuit which leaves out the banked Shell corner and about half the top straight. Elwell had moved ahead of Lister by now and was going after Harris J. Next lap, Lackford was much closer, and on lap five was ahead of Rawles, splitting the two Healeys. Now let battle commence. Hulett had also got ahead of Harris P that lap. We would now witness the highlight of the race as on lap six the three cars disputing second place were swapping and changing throughout the lap. Through Cascades the Sprite was alongside the big cars and as they disappeared into the Island hairpin and came onto the straight Rawles had the power to stave off the challenge. They came through the chicane in the order H-B, Rawles and Lackford. But on the next lap, Rawles was awake…and had got ahead of the other two, where had that move come from. Not only ahead, but pulling clear! Now that gave Lackford the impetus to challenge H-B, who was, and I have to say it, getting a little itsy bit leary, maybe tired, who knows? Anyway the result was that on lap nine, the penultimate lap by the way, Lackford made a superb dive up the inside into the chicane to get alongside the blue Healey, H-B attempted to fight back but the Sprite had the inside line for the second bit and was away into third. Rawles by the way, had decided he had had enough of all that playing and was two seconds up the road in second place. Oh! Now we had tears, because that was the last time we saw H-B, who apparently forgot that Druids corner has TWO apexes, he missed the second one and went to look at some shrubs. That was a shame though because he did deserve some sort of result for his effort. Incidentally poor Elwell was having a misfire and dropping places after a good drive up the field. Onto the last lap and Smithies, remember him, was once again smoothly lapping in the lead. He was twenty seconds ahead of any of the fun we had witnessed and that gap was to Rawles who was ‘well chuffed’ with his hard earned second place. When they took the flag it was Lackford who had outpaced all the other Sprites for third. Hulett was a good fourth ahead of Harris P. who seems to have sorted his gremlins these days, although his biggest gremlin, J.C. no! not that one the other one, Joe Cox !! was away in France. Harris J. was a strong sixth from Bedford who had pulled ahead of the ‘on form’ Lister. Elwell brought his spluttering Sprite home ahead of Jenkins, Taylor and Woods, these two having had much better conditions to race in this time. We had presentations handled by the HealeySport ‘Web Master’ Paul Baker, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself with us and did a good job in Joes’ absence, nice talking to you Paul! Next round is Snetterton at the end of June. To see the full results and points scored during the season, click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from the events, click here or click on the Gallery tab above.
Round 4 : Oulton Park 16th June 2007 Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. email : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk Mid June, and the championship moved up north for the ‘double header’ Oulton Park meeting. The majority of serious contenders made the journey for this BARC run event, the three big Healeys of Smithies, Holland-Bosworth and Rawles pitted against assorted Sprites in various classes. This circuit produces great racing … when it doesn’t rain! Unfortunately rain was on the cards for the day and although it didn’t rain for practice, the track was damp and slippery. Fourteen cars turned up for the day, including the returning Pete Taylor after his Brands incident, and Harvey Woods was back in his rebuilt maroon Sprite, immaculate as ever. Welcome back you two! Championship leader Campfield junior was here in his Sprite and challengers Smithies and Hulett with their 3000 and class D Sprite respectively. Not far behind in the tables is stalwart Mark Lister in his road going Sprite, and he was here also. Practice went well for all, well, a couple of spins for Harris J and Campfield who forgot about the hairpin turn aside that is. Campfield did post fastest lap though, a 'midges kneecap' from Smithies and then Hugo (opposite lock) H-B, shaking off a night of debauchery into the early hours - who says the spirit of Hawthorn is dead! Bill Rawles was next from Pat Harris ahead of Robin Lackford. Then Hulett, ‘spinner’ Harris (my choice for the cap so far this year Bill), Mark Lister, Harvey Woods, Brian Bedford, Xavier Sanz de Acedo, Dave Jenkins and Pete Taylor completed the line up. Then we had a break, not long, because the first race was to be before lunch, tyre choices were being made and I was being asked about my local knowledge of the weather, who am I, Michael Fish? Anyway, I said it would rain and boy did it RAIN - just minutes before the start. There are a couple of trees left at Lodge corner these days and I got beneath one to protect my camera gear, scurrying out periodically to grab a shot. The grid formed and after a couple of ‘sighting’ laps while they collected the stray karts from the previous race, we got a start for this ten lapper, straight laps for a change and not against the clock. The blue Sprite on pole got bogged down in wheel spin as the ‘Big’ Healeys took off at the lights, H-B challenging Smithies into Old Hall with Rawles third. Half way around the lap Campfield was back in fourth and as they came into Lodge to complete lap one Smithies had a strong lead from H-B and Rawles, Campfield, Hulett, Lackford and the rest as they splashed through. By lap two, Campfield was getting his act together and chasing down H-B having passed Rawles. Smithies was comfortable up front. The conditions were awful and most people were content to just splash around and stay on the track. By lap three Campfield was ahead of H-B, getting past around the back of the circuit. Into Lodge and onto lap four Campfield was motoring and attempting to pass Smithies under braking for Old Hall, this corner is tricky in the dry, in the wet, treacherous! And that was where the challenge ended, in the barrier on the outside, Campfield locking brakes onto the grass and once there, bang!! It wasn’t the best place to try for the lead, still, that was it, and with it any chance of Campfield keeping his championship this year. The car was pretty badly damaged and will be out for a while according to his Dad. Didn’t envy those two on the journey home! Anyway, on with the race and undaunted and smooth as ever Smithies was starting to lap back markers, Taylor and Woods having a baptism of fire for their return, at least Woods had a roof! Rawles was mounting a challenge on H-B, chasing him up Deer Leap, Hulett was ahead of Lackford who was finding his car a handful through Lodge and probably anywhere on the circuit. “It was a pig”, said Robin afterwards. Lister was going well ahead of the much faster cars of Harris’s J and P, de Acedo also showing well in the conditions. Bedford had a quick spin out at Druids (thought I didn’t know eh Brian!, never underestimate ‘the scoop’ ! ) and Jenkins, Woods and Taylor were having lonely races. As the rest of the laps counted down, it was quite a procession, H-B pulled away again from Rawles and everyone else was getting quite spread out. All except Lister who was closing on Lackford in the closing stages and Harris who were only 500 th’s sec. apart at the end! H-B was having fun at Lodge, sliding the back out, I think it was for the camera, poseur! He was on his own and nothing else to do I suppose. After ten laps the flag came out and Smithies serenely sailed past (literally) to take the flag nearly twelve seconds clear of H-B who had driven well to take second. Rawles a sensible third, Hulett fourth, then Lackford, on form Lister, Harris J, Harris P, Sanz de Acedo, Bedford, Jenkins, Woods and Taylor finishing the order. Into the Paddock for lunch, an eye on the weather and a long wait until the second race, heads down guys! .. oh! and the sky cleared, looked promising for the rest of the day. Read my second report. To see the full results and points scored during the season, click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from the events, click here or click on the Gallery tab above. Round 3 : Silverstone 2nd June 2007 There is no race report or pictures for this race. Normal service to be resumed at Oulton Park on June 16th. Round 2 : Brands Hatch 7th May 2007 Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. ‘e’ mail : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk After all the turmoil and excitement of Mallory our intrepid bunch found themselves at Brands Hatch for the second round of the Rawles Motorsport Austin Healey Club championship. Renowned for suiting Sprites but usually allowing the powerful 3000 cars to unleash the horses on the straight bits, how would this race round out? Well, the first thing I noticed on arrival in the Paddock at 9 a.m. was that it was empty, well, very near! There wasn’t a Healey in sight, and not many other cars either. Trailers and Motor Homes belonging to ‘our guys’ seemed to be about, so! they must be in scrutineering I thought, no! Marie Celeste like, that too was empty. A trek up to the start line complex, and if any of you know Brands, not easy at that time of the day, or any time of the day for that matter, gates, underpasses and hills, lots of hills! Anyway, mystery over, there they all were, revving up and about to go out on track, for once we are going to be the first race of the day, great! early start! and back for the 4 1/2 hour drive home by 3 o’clock I thought. It was Bank Holiday Monday! There were 19 cars going out, 21 on the entry list. Christian Andrew and Ian Hulett hadn’t arrived, they were on the way but, and this is where the empty Paddock mystery is, they were stuck, together with many others, somewhere on the motorway, closed because of a dreadful fatal accident. They would eventually get here to practice out of session. Rawles got pole, ahead of ‘that Sprite’ of Campfield jnr. with Smithies, H-B and Campfield all within a second of pole. Bolton was the next Sprite, so he definitely has a faster car than last year, ‘Senna’ Harris was next from Thorne, Harris P., ‘new boy’, I use the term loosely, Cooke, Lister, Taylor, Bramley, sorted after Mallory, Todd, Permain, Bedford, Jenkins, Bainbridge and Sanz de Acedo. The talk about who would do what at the start was fascinating, the only sure thing was that Andrew and Hulett would not stay at the back for long. As the lights flashed they all stormed towards us. As usual the power of the Big Healeys told and they swamped the second placed Sprite, but coming round the outside it was the blue car of H-B that got the jump. He was flying and just got ahead of Rawles to take Paddock, Smithies was alongside Campfield jnr. But at the back Andrew was flying like a banshee!, already half way up the field into the first turn, Hulett not far behind him. As they came out of Druids for the first time H-B was still in front, Campfield jnr had claimed second from Rawles, Smithies and Campfield snr. Behind them was a battle with Andrew hard up to Harris J., Bolton was next from Harris P., Thorne and Cooke. Then came a traffic jam of cars including Hulett. Into Clearways on that lap Campfield jnr took the lead from H-B and as they crossed the line, Rawles was putting on the pressure. Andrew was ahead of Campfield snr. and out of Druids the order further down was Taylor, going well, Permain, Todd, Lister, Bedford, Thorne, Jenkins, Bramley, Bainbridge and Sanz de Acedo. On lap two Andrew got past Smithies around Clearways and Rawles was shaping up behind H-B. Crossing the line for the third time ‘that blue Sprite’ was streets ahead, but behind was a gaggle of cars fighting it out, H-B, Rawles, Andrew, Smithies and Campfield all together. Andrew tried up the inside of Rawles into Druids, the big Healey closing the door under braking, and that was the last we saw of Christian’s stirring drive as he came down the hill slowly and on the grass. His gearbox had blown again, or rather his ‘borrowed’ box. It was a shame because he had been flying and looked as though he would be the only one to match the pace of the leading car. We will see! Thorne disappeared on lap six and Rawles had got ahead of Smithies once more, this time back on H-B’s case. Hulett was catching Campfield snr. Rawles got alongside H-B into Druids and they went round together, H-B on the grass on the outside, backing off on the turn in to Graham Hill Bend. Bill had the ‘red mist’, two places and going for it in one lap! The unfortunate Taylor got sideways at Paddock, onto the loose stuff and away towards the tyre wall, more or less without slowing, before smacking them with a fair old belt. He was alright though. The ‘yellows’ slowed the pace for a bit. Meanwhile, Rawles got caught out at Paddock spinning and then getting going again, unfortunately right into the side of the luckless Hulett who happened to be in the way. Bill was out on the spot but the Sprite continued, a bit worse for wear, but still running. Things more or less settled for the rest of the race, the leaders were among the back markers now. Hulett had got ahead of Campfield snr. and was sighting H-B. The blue leader was now almost 30 seconds ahead and performing like a slot car with magnets! Smithies ahead of H-B by 4 seconds who was coming under pressure from Hulett, another couple of laps and he would have him! Bolton and Harris J were fighting tooth and nail, swapping places for much of the lap around lap twenty. But we didn’t get any more laps, after 20 minutes out came the flag and Campfield was the winner. Smithies consistency had got him second, H-B was a splendid third just ahead of Hulett, Campfield snr next, seven seconds adrift. Pat Harris had driven tidily and was a splendid sixth ahead of Bolton who eventually finished six seconds ahead of Harris J., Cooke finished his second race in a Healey in a comfortable ninth, then came Permain, Lister, Bedford, Bramley, who had been stuck in gear for most of the race, Sanz de Acedo and Jenkins. Both Bainbridge and Todd failed to complete those later laps. We had seen a good race, longer than the usual fifteen minutes, some good battles, steady drives and action up front, but that blue Sprite!!! Let’s see what happens at Silverstone, it should suit the big cars. To see the full results and points scored during the season click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from the events click here or click on the Gallery tab above.
Round 1 : Mallory Park 22nd April 2007 Words and Pictures by : Phil (Scoop) Broster. ‘e’ mail : phil_scoop@hotmail.co.uk Well, the winter dust had been washed off the cars, diet regimes made sure overalls fitted, discussions with AMOC had ensured we were with them again this year and Rawles Motorsport was the headline sponsor, ably supported by Foodfinders Ltd, Listers Quantity Surveyors, Harris Coaches Ltd, and John Todd Refrigeration Ltd. as class sponsors. So we all trundled to Mallory Park to begin another season of Healey racing. There were some changes, changes in cars, some new faces and some not so new returnee faces. Whatever, we all seemed to agree, it was as if we had never been away. Read on to find out how the day went. A walk around the paddock confirmed the winter rumours. Past champion Mike Johns has returned, with a big Healey, the car campaigned by Ian Cox in recent years. Current champion Marc Campfield has bought Nigel Adams’ rapid car, or at least his dad has, not wanting him to have his big Healey to play with as had been rumoured. Jeremy Cooke, who races a DB4 with AMOC has decided to come and play with us, he has the car last seen in the hands of Bob Pepper. James Wenyon, another AMOC racer is joining us in a semi- modded Sprite; this is Mark Campfield’s racer from last year. Ian Hulett, who used to race with us way back, at least before even Joe can remember, although given his memory span that’s no testimony. He has a car he has recently campaigned in the FISC series, and Harvey Woods has come to play with a Modded Sprite. Oh! and the honourable Hugo Holland-Bosworth had come out again. Nice to have you all with us, especially the new guys, keeps the blood line going you know! Practice had gone reasonably well, although baby Campfield completely stumped everybody with a lap almost 1.5 seconds faster than his nearest rival who also stunned the opposition because it was Anthony Bolton, his best ever showing putting him on the front row. David Smithies was the first big Healey and just behind him was Christian Andrew, although he would take no further part in the day when his brand new gearbox decided to internally combust! The grid formed up and as the lights flashed to go Campfield was the first to move with the big Healey of Smithies following him into Gerrards. Close behind was Bolton but it was Hugo H-B who stormed through from the fourth row to follow closely and overtake the Sprite down the straight into the Esses. Up to the Hairpin for the first time Campfield jnr. already had a huge lead from Smithies, H-B and Bolton with Campfield snr right on his tail. Hulett was next up with Lackford chasing then Harris J., Rawe, Harris P., Permain, Bramley, Taylor, Woods, Johns, already working his way through the pack, Bedford, Thorne, Lister, Cooke, Jenkins and Prior. Lap three saw Campfield jnr. about six seconds ahead and tail sliding for the camera. Smithies was undaunted in second but unable to make any ground. H-B was still third. Campfield was under pressure from Hulett who was alongside and Lackford was looking at the inside as they braked three abreast. The exuberance of youth was with Campfield as he arrived next lap, streets ahead and determined to make a show for the camera, which he did, and promptly did a 360 spin. That focused his attention as he was suddenly back in the clutches of Smithies. His dad was determined to better this as he dived up the inside of H-B exchanging paint, fortunately Hugo moved over which avoided further tears. Mine, my eyes were streaming at the antics of young Campfield. This confusion for poor H-B saw the cheeky Sprites of Lackford and Hulett, follow Campfield through. The hapless chap had lost three places in one corner, now that’s cruel! For the next few laps the pace settled down, Campfield jnr. pulled away again, Smithies had a comfortable gap to third man Campfield snr. while Lackford, Hulett and Bolton were all still falling over each other. H-B was settled in sixth and the rest of the field were going about their business. On lap eight Lackford was missing from the battle. Johns had climbed up as far as Rawe. Then suddenly out came the red flag, and the rescue units went mobile, this was not a spin in the gravel trap, something serious was up. Out on the fast sweep of Gerrards Bend there was a lot of activity, I could make out Robert Rawe’s car, then a cluster of marshals around another. There had been a big incident. Getting information was difficult; the marshals at Devils Elbow confirmed two cars were involved. Down into the Paddock and slowly, drivers came to me with their stories. The man who knew most and almost got involved was Mike Johns. He had just dived inside Robert Rawe who tucked himself in behind to take the fast sweep. Half way around Johns saw a broadside Sprite in the middle of the track, who was it?, Harvey Woods, going well in his first ever race, but going just a little too hard at Gerrards had half spun, jinking to the right he avoided it. Rawe right behind and unsighted stood no chance and slammed into the parked car, driver’s side. It was a huge impact; the front of the big Healey was destroyed right to the bulkhead. The Sprite, hit just forward of the door, stood up remarkably well, a full roll cage saving the driver from serious injury, it resembled a banana though. But that was the end of the race, it took a while to remove the hapless Harvey, who was shaken and bruised but with nothing more serious thank goodness. Robert likewise was uninjured if a little shaken by the experience, but happily wandering around the Paddock with a soothing cup of tea. We were all a little subdued but the race awards went ahead with the result given at 10 laps. Harvey contacted me later in the week, he was stiff and bruised but determined to get back with us and talking about rebuilding the car to be out later in the season, we look forward to that. To see the full results and points scored during the season click here or click on the 'Results' tab in the grid at the top of the page. To see the pictures from the events click here or click on the Gallery tab above.
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For the full Austin Healey
Championship results and a full set of the series rules, regulations and
scoring system click HERE |
As
the lights flashed to signal the start the field took off towards Redgate
Corner, Campfield jnr was swamped by the bigger cars around him as first
Holland-Bosworth and then Woolley tore through. Smithies made a poor
start and found himself behind Campfield snr and Lackford but it was
Woolley who was impressive, holding second place for the whole of that lap
before Campfield’s rapid Sprite out braked him into the chicane at the end
of the lap.
that
was until Cranham performed a neat spin in front of me, sorry Bob!
Harris started to charge and dived inside Wenyon to secure ninth place.
Thorne, Lister and Bedford were still fighting and Cooke’s car sounded
worse than ever, hardly on four cylinders at times, let alone six.
arging
monster heads towards his house. Dave decides to run after it, again, not
the best decision he made that day, as he got nowhere, with one leg
pointing North and the other South, ‘that’s not right’ says Dave, falling
to the ground. So he shouts, loudly, and poor Margaret comes out of the
house to be greeted by the errant stacker, demolishing a multi gallon oil
storage tank, oil everywhere, and still the things moving, its slight
deflection sending it careering towards the house now. It didn’t do much
damage to the corner wall apparently, but it simply changed direction and
went straight into the conservatory, and that’s were it came to rest, hard
up against the wicker furniture, engine still running, wheels spinning.