News
28 December 2005, Frog In Top Gear.
Nice to see a Frogeye beat the pants off the Chav machine at Prescott Hill Climb in BBC’s Top Gear programme – Allan Cameron must have given ‘The Stig’ a few pointers.
23 December 2005, Yuletide Greetings from North Hollywood.
Barry Pinkerton, ex-Delta Garage customer and brother to Delta sales Manager Robin Pinkerton, sends Xmas cheer from sunny 80 degree California. Pictured right with friend Greg after a spin in a 1940’s Waco biplane courtesy of the wives, and now gagging for more airtime in a 1940’s Tiger Moth in the New Year.
OAC 969.
Can anyone help David Moore trace OAC 969, a 1953 100/4 Healey sold in 1962 to an engineering student in Loughborough University? We should like to return a favour, as David helped trace the WSM 3000 in 2003.
18 November 2005, ‘Shakey’ Surfs In.
Thanks to Octane magazine, who feature the occasion in a forthcoming headline article, John Sprinzel flew in from Hawaii for a re-union drive in PMO 200, the Sebring Sprite and registration synonymous with the motorsport legend. Now owned and restored by Paul Woolmer, a photoshoot at the Lancaster Mews premises in London where Sprinzel operated the Speedwell business in the late 1950’s and early 60’s was followed by John driving PMO in Hyde Park, a re-run of road tests carried out in period. Pictured with co-driver Willie Cave and fellow Sprite pilot Peter Jackson alongside 46 BXN, Sprinzel spent a busy few days catching up with old friends before jetting home. There was an opportunity for DW-S to try out the Sebring for size again, after running one in the 1962 Monte Carlo, and leaf the history books with Spritely Years author Tom Coulthard.
photography courtesy of Paul Webb
14 November 2005, Missing Link.
Mike White,WSM 205 owner and racer in 1963, contacted us today. Failure to track Mike over the last few years had been frustrating us and others. The November edition of Classic & Sportscar cracked the case by publishing another request for help and two pictures of Mike at Castle Combe and Goodwood in 1963 with the WSM. More details later, but suffice to say, as with several previous interviews of period racers, he remembers my blonde sister and not me.
29 October 2005, Barrett Homes In.
Another chunk of WSM ownership history fell into place following an interesting telephone call from Tim Barrett. He bought WSM 201 from Delta Garage in 1964, and the picture shows the car prior to collection from our home at Vicarage Lodge in Wing, and removal of the cherished DWS 97 number which remained on all DW-S cars. Seeing the piece on Mike White in Classic & Sportscar this month prompted the contact, and Tim recalled part exchanging a Triumph TR for the WSM, before paternal influence dictated changing three months later for an MGB, again with Delta Garage. More info to come.
15 October 2005
15/10 WSM Sprite 201. Pictures received from Dutch Healey Club member Ivo Visser, of the first WSM Sprite, WSM201. Taken during a Healey Club meeting at the Rotterdam Ahoy football stadium in 1964, the car was painted green when in Peter Jackson’s ownership after the original ‘Chiron’ blue pictured at Woburn in 1963. Also pictured is a Speedwell owned by Ivo’s brother which is being restored and has one of four original alloy Monza bonnets.
26 October 2005
26/10 Corking picture by Klaus Twedell (via James Willis and Jim Lowry) of the 1964 1000km race at Nurbergring. Pick out GT40, 250LM, Cobra, Porsche 904, 250GTO, E Type, Alfa Romeo TZ, Lotus Elan, MG Midgets (the Jacobs cars 770 & 771 BJB) but can you identify more eg numbers 36, 113, and 122? Ian Hulett suggests number 122 may be a Targa Floria Sprite, 693 LAC perhaps?
Was the driver in the car behind number 118 doing a protest ‘thing’ a la Jackie Ickx at Le Mans with the slow walk into action, or had he been a gentleman and let the driver of number 118 climb aboard first?
10 November 2005, Westland travels.
USA Healey guru and author Bill Emerson has been hoovering up the trophies around the States with his 1948 Healey Westland. Best of Show at North Carolina, Vermont and Florida were just rewards for a meticulous restoration of the car that Donald and Geoff Healey drove from New York to Hollywood in 1948.
22 October 2005
Two pictures from Silverstone in 1963 courtesy of Jim Lowry. Packed grid and house for the
BRDC Sportscar Championship with pole David Cunningham in the ex-Le Mans E-Type, alongside Jack Lambert in another E-Type. Lotus Elite and a Sunbeam Alpine possibly driven by Christabel Carlisle complete the front row. A TVR Grantura (now residing in Chelmsford), Healey 3000, Daimler Dart, Diva, Sebring Sprite and more E-Types complete the rest of the grid. Jack Lambert appears to have the better start, and did go on to win the race. Click here to visit Historique Race & Rally
Ashes to. England
Commiserations mate, but remember our bet before the First Test on whether the England cricketers could get the Ashes back? Good luck with your search for “. a top quality bottle of Aussie wine.” The lobster can sleep easy now.
MGCC Silverstone 22-24th July.
Amongst a spectacular display of historic cars, the ex-John Sprinzel Sebring PMO 200 held particular interest for DW-S, seen here with Paul Woolmer. With work ongoing even during the show, volunteers were always, well, volunteering. Pictured here is another ‘helper’ who got his thumb stuck in the hole intended for the windscreen wiper base – Paul Woolmer can be seen helping push Rob Cull’s errant digit back out.
Investigation into illegal fuel use in the Enduro race has begun after this picture taken by a member of the public caught the Playford/Stock MGB at the pump.Good to see author, historian and actor Tom Coulthard again, who instigated the WSM revival 10 years ago with a call to the Isle of Man – he has a few more publication ideas up his sleeve. David Hands recalled owning a red WSM bought from Robin Pinkerton at Delta Garage in the 1960’s. Author John Baggott dropped in and his latest book on ‘big’ Healeys will be out soon – worth keeping an eye out for later this year. Manx Classic visitors Alistair Naylor and David Bishop were in good form, as was Ted de la Riviere – engine builder Ted looked anxious when the WSM MGB dropped out of the 28 lap Enduro race on lap 7, less so when a faulty diff was diagnosed. DW-S bumped into plenty of old rivals and associates, including Jack Sears, Peter Browning, Stuart Turner and Willie Cave.
Good to see author, historian and actor Tom Coulthard again, who instigated the WSM revival 10 years ago with a call to the Isle of Man – he has a few more publication ideas up his sleeve. David Hands recalled owning a red WSM bought from Robin Pinkerton at Delta Garage in the 1960’s. Author John Baggott dropped in and his latest book on ‘big’ Healeys will be out soon – worth keeping an eye out for later this year. Manx Classic visitors Alistair Naylor and David Bishop were in good form, as was Ted de la Riviere – engine builder Ted looked anxious when the WSM MGB dropped out of the 28 lap Enduro race on lap 7, less so when a faulty diff was diagnosed. DW-S bumped into plenty of old rivals and associates, including Jack Sears, Peter Browning, Stuart Turner and Willie Cave.
Charity Jump.
Claire Furnell completed a parachute jump on Saturday which raised nearly £500 for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home –
” My instructor Mike Browne and I jumped at 12,000 feet and free fell for about 45 seconds (enough to take your breath away) before opening our parachute at 5,000 and returning to a delicate landing on the airfield.”
Colmworth Home Guard.
Click on to see the beefing up of security arrangements in the sleepy hollow of Bedfordshire that is Roothams Green – Paul Woolmer is appointed Community Liason Officer Training (C.L.O.T) and is equipped with a 1/2cc engine and licence to roam. Whitehall are keeping a close eye on results.
1963 WSM 207 – and that’s an order.
25-07-05 Joel Nelson contacted wsmcars today. A recently retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, Joel was based in Orleans, France in 1962 and ordered a WSM Sprite that he could race on the continent in 1963. The preparation of the blue left hand drive road car to white, right hand drive WSM competition car (WSM 207) took longer than expected and delivery was made in August 1963 to New York. Joel entered events throughout the South East from 1963 to 1965 and recalls selling the car to Fred Glaesner of Charleston, who also raced the car, in late 1965.
Claire’s Sponsored Jump.
19-07-05 Claire Furnell – “I have madly agreed to throw myself out of a perfectly serviceable
aircraft that is 10,000ft in the air – very mad seeing as many of you might know I am scared stiff of heights! After completing a 192m base jump by wire in New Zealand I am fairly sure I can do this, but to be sure of course I am doing this for a VERY good cause.
I am jumping for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home which provides free nursing care to people with terminal illness in the Chilterns area. The nurses provide invaluable
support not just to the patient but also the family of the patient. The charity celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, but needs to raise one million pounds every year to carry on its vital work.
The jump will take place near Silverstone on either the 3rd or 4th of September (Yes, VSCC members will know that’s Red Weekend ) and I need to raise a minimum of £375. From this the charity will receive £140 but every pound raised over that will go direct to the charity. Please drop me an email if you feel able to support me in this attempt to raise £500 for the charity. I just need your pledge, full name and address, including post code and if are a UK tax payer whether you wish to let the charity recover the tax on your donation (this costs you nothing extra).
Thank you in advance, and any advice is more than welcome (but I have heard the one about taking a parachute)”
claire@clairefurnell.com
18 July 2005
A decade since Tom Coulthard (pictured left in a recent TV ad) called to
organise three WSM’s at the Coys Historic Festival at Silverstone in July 1995. Since that landmark, WSM 301 was returned to racing, WSM 202 was restored, the WSM MGB returned to family ownership, four cars joined the Rockingham Re-union in 2001, two WSM’s joined the Healey 50th celebrations at Thruxton in 2002, WSM’s 207 and 210 returned to live and race in the UK,, the WSM 3000 was found in 2003, the XK150S was restored, the WSM MG1300 traced, WSM 203 moved from the USA and is racing in Japan and four WSM’s were invited to race at the Goodwood Revival in 2003. Quite a comeback after almost disappearing from view in the late 60’s, early 70’s and hope to see Tom again at the Silverstone MGCC meeting on July 23rd.
NEW TRIBUTE TO DONALD M. HEALEY ANNOUNCED
Alton, Virginia (July 7th 2005)
The Healey Museum™, commemorating the life of Donald M. Healey and the production of his automobiles was announced today at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia. The Healey Museum™ will showcase significant and unique automobiles, trophies and memorabilia, offering the general public previously unseen views of private automobile collections. In addition to specific milestone cars, the Bill Wood Collection of Healey production documentation obtained from Geoff Healey will be a major part of the museum’s Resource Center. A collection of photographs and literature relating to the Nash-Healey has been obtained from an anonymous donor. Additional acquisitions for the museum are being researched and evaluated.
Bill Emerson, Curator of The Healey Museum™, introduced special guests Harvey Siegel and Connie Nyholm, co-owners of Virginia International Raceway, Allan Casavant, Founder of The Healey Museum™, Bill Denton, Architect, David Lenk, Displays Consultant, and Melody Cooke, Research and Acquisitions. In keeping with the worldwide appeal of Healey automobiles, visitors from Canada, Australia and the U.S. participated in the symbolic groundbreaking. Many in attendance were racers in the 2005 Australian/U.S. Healey Challenge. The groundbreaking took place surrounded by historic Healeys representing milestones in the marque.
The Healey Museum™ philosophy was summarised by Emerson –
“Upon this site will be erected a building to historically preserve the cars and memories of Donald M. Healey, his family, and all those who helped design, develop, produce, market and race the cars that bear the Healey name.”
The location of the 20,000 sq. ft. building at Virginia International Raceway was made known as part of VIR’s annual Gold Cup Historic Races weekend. Allan Casavant and Connie Nyholm shared the honor of unveiling the sign announcing the future home of The Healey Museum™. The museum opening is scheduled for 2007.
VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse.
VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The renovated original circuit has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days.
Media Office, The Healey Museum™
352-223-8840 healeyinfo@aol.com
The Healey Museum™ – www.healeymuseum.org
Virginia International Raceway – www.virclub.com
Australian/U.S. Healey Challenge – www.auhc.net
PS The Westland I have been working on in Australia arrived back in the US. I took it to the big Austin-Healey meeting on the East coast. The car won “Best of Show.” Needless to say I was excited. Oh yes, as an aside I have a new job.
Bill Emerson Curator
Goodwood Festival of Speed 25th-26th June
WSM owner Paul Woolmer and Swallow Doretti collector Paul Webb got to sample the new forest stage in style in Mick Darcey’s historic Healey 3000, and met a few petrol heads along the way –
pictures courtesy of Yvette Webb
F1 Shooting.
120,000 eyewitnesses watched in horror at Indianapolis as Michelin, the FIA and F1 team operators fiddled while a gun was loaded (Michelin tyre blow out in practice), aimed (no safety measures introduced by FIA) and fired (F1 teams pulling cars off the starting grid) at the foot of one of motor racings highest profile events.
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Speedway, June 20 – Eyewitness News has been tracking two class action lawsuits Monday filed after the Grand Prix fiasco. A Colorado man is suing F1, Michelin and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in federal court wanting a refund, expenses reimbursed and unspecified punitive damages. Boone County resident Jim Miller filed a similar suit in Marion County court, saying what took place on Sunday was not really a race. “It appeared to me just to be a farce, from the minute the folks turned in, pulled into the pits, utter confusion and no one knew what was taking place.” Miller is also seeking a refund and punitive damages.
4 June 2005, New
s in from the Gathercoles in Whittlesea – David, who drove WSM 301 at Goodwood in 2003, is going great guns – 1st at Oulton Park 9th April, 3rd Silverstone 16th April, 1st Brands 15th May and 2nd Snetterton 28th May – needless to say, leading the URS Classic Formula Ford championship – might just let him race WSM 301 again if he keeps his nose clean. Both David and Lorraine are out in a Shrike in Sports 2000 grids, a Jamun in HSCC/URS FF1600 and a Reynard in URS 2000.
02-06-05 Quality pics have surfaced, courtesy of Healey historian Bill Emerson in the USA, of the WSM 3000, commissioned by Malcolm Bridgeland in 1965 and featured in Safety Fast magazine in 1966. Also, pictured below is DW-
S in a Sprite circa 1959. There are more developments in the pipeline re WSM/USA/Healey – watch this space over the forthcoming weeks.
27 April 2005, What Lies Beneath.
click on to find out, courtesy of photographer Paul Webb
14-04-2005 Woolie At Work.
The WSM MGB receives a new powerplant in the holiday surroundings of Roothams Green in Bedfordshire. Paul Woolmer may co-drive NMN 97 this season but has several projects in the mix which could dictate otherwise.
31 March 2005, WANTED – Flag marshalls for 2005
Successful candidates will be well equipped and receive comprehensive training. Although a voluntary position, these are sought after opportunities. Please apply by email to head marshall Victoria at tony@wsmcars.com and attach picture and measurements for trackside uniform. Remaining vacancies must be filled before April 2nd.
25 March 2005
Reminiscent of Damon Hill’s P1 Club in the UK, a new enterprise recently launched in the Isle of Man – click on logo for more details.
16-02-05 CO-DRIVER. I am in competition for a co-driver spot in a recently imported Alfa Romeo, but fail to see why the driver in the single seater merits selection instead.
27-01-05 NEW ARRIVAL. Guy and Victoria Loveridge have been expecting for months – and here is the 1959 Alfa Giulietta Sprint just off the boat from Italy. Christened ‘Sophia’ after another curvaceous Italian, and receiving a little tlc ahead of entry into the Equipe GTS racing series.
19-01-05 BMC 27, similar to the picture left and based on a 1963 Morris commercial chassis, has been acquired by a consortium based in Bedfordshire. Styled by
Pininfarina and built by Marshalls of Cambridge, the original function of the sixteen or so vehicles produced was providing mobile instruction / demonstration units for dealerships around the globe. As BMC’s competitions commitments grew, some vehicles were requisitioned for the Special Tuning Department for use as competition support vehicles. Equipped with left
hand drive, Perkins diesel, power steering, six speed gearbox and two-speed rear axle, the comps department vehicles witnessed many of the company’s finest motorsport triumphs throughout Europe. Following its return from long term Canadian ownership, plans are afoot for this vehicle to attend historic race meetings in 2005.
24-03-05 It would be churlish to deny that auctioneer Loveridge has
anything but a blessed itinerary in the course of what passes for ‘work’ – pictured at the Goodwood Festival of Speed press day last week, tabloid model Gemma enhanced his credentials further.
08-02-05 Click on a favourite snap to find out where she parked the car.
10-01-05 Contrary to rumours, this is not a re-work of the Healey Centre premises of 1963 in Swiss Cottage, London. Pic courtesy of journo and broadcaster Claire Furnell.
Ok, open the presents, turn up the volume and download a brief recording of a BRM V-16 at full blast. Initial download may be
slow but worth the wait and replays instantly thereon. Is there a better engine noise than this? Better still, go to ‘WSM – Cousins & Contributions’ to hear 3 laps of this mighty 1950’s soundtrack from pitlane AND in-car.
Race news
31 October 2005, Handicap B Overcome.
Equipe GTS runners Tom Smith, Malcolm Johnson, James Cottingham and Bob Luff mugged the handicappers in the 56th Birkett 6 Hour Relay at Silverstone, their MGB’s completing 266 (311) laps to the the second place Cobra team’s 276 (308). The 3 lap margin saw the MGB’s win for the second time in three years, and for Bob Luff it was a repeat of his 1982 success. The Sprite team of Mark Lister, Simon Page, Charles Marriott, John Hopwood and Christian Andrew were 10th with 257 (298) laps.
Nurburgring Classic 2005.
Equipe GTS regulars Paul Freeman, Rob Cull, James Willis and Brian Lambert took a ride on the wild side at the demanding German rollercoaster –
RC -‘We had a really good time. I love that circuit. It has everything you could want, and I had such a headache after Saturdays practice because I’ve never concentrated so hard in my life. On the Friday in the dry, it confirmed why I race cars. I had a smile from ear to ear for hours after I got out of the car. That’s how awsome I found the track‘.
Click here for results
2 October 2005, Top Hat at Mallory.
The season finale with the Top Hat series was full of incident, some of which involved re-modelled machinery, although bruised pride and panels were the worst casualties. Lotus 23, Healey 3000 and Austin A35 owners went home with a Xmas wish list for parts as long as your arm.
Cloth Cap – Optional Two driver – 25 minute practice – Pia Bianci drove her new love, an MGB roadster, having shared the Fallerac in previous races with husband, former WSM MGB owner Toni Bianci (59.029). Current WSM 207 owner Rae Davis saw his Mini Marcos rolled at Gerrards with Willie Lynch (56.898) at the wheel, but simply popped the front and rear screens out and joined the grid. Healey brethren David Smithies and Chris Clarkson (56.858) were in charge of John Chathams famous DD 300 in class A, and class B pacesetter was Russell Martin (58.236) in an MGB, with TR 2 and 3 splitting the remaining three MGB’s (the WSM MGB’s meagre 1.004 for 19th may be excused – or not – by a 3.9 diff that had to stay in). Pole came from George Douglas (52.725) in a Ginetta G12, but by a small enough margin from Chris Sharpe (53.128) in an Elva Mk7 that indicated things would not necessarily go his way in the race.
45 minute race – uneventful until fourth place qualifier Lotus 23B of Seckel/Seckel slammed into the bank immediately after the chicane. A safety car period at the 14 minute mark led to a crammed pitlane with everyone keen to make their mandatory stop while the SC flags flew. Main beneficiaries included the WSM MGB that jumped the Arculas/Chisholm Lotus Elite and MGB of Cope/Stoate to 16th, and the Sharpe Elva, which despite a fastest lap from Douglas of 53.171, held the lead until the flag. Closest finish of the race came from the E-Type of Alistair Dyson who clinched the scrap for 5th spot from the hounding TVR Griffiths of Richard Tyzack, and Russell Martin wrapped up class B comfortably from the TR2 of Chamberlain / Hazelwood.
Paddock Extras – Toni Bianchi was coerced into a photograph with the car he owned in the 1970’s. As the instigator of the colour change to red from the original white, he approved of the darker ‘Tartan’ red applied in 2003.
The A40 Farina of Sprite racers Mark Lister and Simon Page decided to dispense with brake fluid during practice for ‘Oldies But Goldies’, but a gearbox breakage then scuppered their race.
Bad Timing – DW-S sported a plaster following a shaving accident, and then fell over a Lotus (admittedly easy) in the paddock shortly before Autosport’s Marcus Pye sent a photographer along to snap the W-S of WSM beside one of his designs.
Product Placement – Alec Hammond in his Chevrolet Camaro fought off a race long assault until the very last lap of the 30 minute Sebring Salute. Despite the cubic inches and steam roller width of the Camaro, he simply had no right to hold off for so long the bewinged, monster tyred piece of kit that was Rod Smith’s Taydec sports racer.
Driver of the Day – 19 year old Joe Twyman, a regular with the Top Hat series, has battled Leukaemia with chemotherapy since April, AND raised circa £20k for the Teenage Cancer Trust through various methods. Joe’s performance in a Lotus 11 for the class win, and D of D tribute, fittingly brought the longest and loudest applause of the day when presented his trophy by Top Hat organiser Julias Thurgood.
Thanks to – Will de la Riviere at Beech Hill Garage for his expertise, and to Murray Henderson and Ian Hullett who took time and trouble to organise pit boards, lap times and pitlane assist, only for the WSM driver to miss the info completely.
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 Zandvoort.
Go to www.historique.co.uk for a Zandvoort update from roving reporter Jim Lowry I
Pix above courtesy of Jim Lowry. Pictured right, the Dutch hosts got wind of Jim’s birthday, and the first tranche of candles duly arrives.
Click here for more pix
Spridget racing.
Click on FISC for a report on three eventful Zandvoort races on 10th/11th September with the FISC Euro Tour Trophy.
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.
GTS champ Tom Smith (right) talking with Rob Cull
Graham Coles (left) and Michael van Ofen (right)
MGCC Longbridge 100.
Silverstone hosted the 28 lap enduro amongst a packed week-end of Octagon thrashing. Free practice on Friday was indulged, no thanks to the WSM MGB starter motor which failed when Paul asked it to help get the car on the trailer, with an out of session blat in the afternoon. Driver tactics revolved, I suspect, around the merits of the crutch fumbling. ” can I secure your harness Mister. ” role that Yvette Webb would play in the driver changeover procedure – practice had shown that practice was needed. And wanted. A mediocre 1m 54s WSM time paled beside the polesetting MGB V8’s 1m 37s, but at least Paul Woolmer had no claim on that achievement as his session was cut short after two laps.
The WSM race, bar a brief flurry with gearbox guru Neil Hardy’s 100M and Mark Lister’s Sprite, was a non descript seven laps, and as the pained mechanical whine grew louder, discretion took over for a pit visit and one slow lap confirmation from Paul that the diff was to expire. One Shortbridge Enduro.
Rob Griffiths’ monster blue Midget blew many into the weeds for 27 laps until expiring and leaving the win to the Hall/Beer MGB. The less powerful spec MGB’s of Johnson/Smith and Cottingham/Wilson took a creditable 4th and 6th respectively.
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 parlance 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 start 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.
Next up, 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 April 2005, ‘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 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
Silverstone 21-03-05.
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
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