News
25 December 2011, Santa’s Stockings.
Several fillers from Mr Claus, including the ‘Senna’ DVD, and the ‘Closer To The Edge’ TT film – you don’t have to be a petrol head to appreciate the subject matter and both are spectacular and revealing viewing.
21 December 2011, ‘Equipe’ GTS.
News from Jim Lowry and the future of the race series – click on
17 November 2011, WSM S2’s.
Recent expansion at WSM S2 HQ has moved the Sanction 2 build process up to speed – WSM’s 402 and 403 continue to progress, and the donor car for 405 awaits attention.
16 November 2011, Up, Up and Away.
Engineer and racer David Gathercole who pedalled WSM 301 at the 2003 Goodwood Revival, is following in familiar footsteps as he trains for a Private Pilots Licence. Although not giving up a busy motorsport and work schedule, aviation has grabbed his attention and the Cessna 172 pictured becomes his first trusty steed.
15 November 2011, New Series.
‘Ecurie’ GTS has emerged with the MGCC and a ‘steering group’ is established to represent drivers interests. MGB 50 celebrations planned for 2012 will see HRDC, MGCC and AMOC races on the calendar for FIA MGB drivers.
10 November 2011, Hill Revision.
Unearthing more pictures of his time with WSM 205 in 1967 turned the clock back for WSM S2 customer, Geoff Hill. From left to right -WSM 205 at Sandtoft aerodrome in South Yorkshire, at the time a Club sprint circuit. WSM 205 beside the first Mrs Hill’s Sprite. Spares and Mrs Hill in the WSM. The 250GT belonged to club member George Sinclair, who was a butcher. The Cooper Jap in Geoff’s words – ‘Drove the CJ a few times, bloody frightening. It ran on methanol, had no diff and there was so much vibration you could hardly see the circuit, but great!’
2 November 2011, Series Options.
Debate is ongoing regarding ‘Equipe’ GTS following co-founders Christophe Wilmart’s decision to step back, and Jim Lowry’s stated intention to help ensure an ongoing future. Offers from MGCC, HRDC and AMOC to administer the series are under consideration, and with MGB50 celebrations around the corner, the established and popular MGB-based events will be a feather in somones cap.
26 October 2011, Sanction 2 Donor.
WSM 405 S2 is underway following purchase of a suitable chassis. Delivery to the S2 workshops is scheduled this week, and specification for the fast road GT is being mulled over in the West Riding of Yorkshire by owner Geoff Hill.
22 October 2011, Wheel of Fortune.
Lorraine Gathercole pulled a stroke on husband David in organising a surprise 50th – singer Leenie Jane serenaded the birthday boy, and fireworks and a hog roast at the Whittlesey mansion went down a treat. Gifts included a steering wheel, electric guitar and hair brush, and as Biggles is training to achieve his Private Pilots Licence, a ‘Churchillian’ aviation theme was uppermost.
14 October 2011, MGB50.
Following the HRDC announcement from Julius Thurgood and a series of races for FIA MGB’s in 2012, the MG Car Club have advertised similar plans. Ron Gammons said he was surprised at the HRDC press release, but the MGCC had made known its intentions much earlier in the year, with the MGLive event being the centre piece to at least four races during the course of the season. The WSM MGB may be busy next summer.
13 October 2011, Just 25 Twice.
Pictured at Goodwood in 2003, engineer, racer and ex-WSM pilot David Gathercole chalks up the 50th milestone on Saturday, and wife Lorraine has arranged for a suitable collection of n’er do wells, vagrants and hangers-on to attend. I’m unavailable, as is Mr Hancock, but the Cambridgeshire couple are guaranteed to wend an entertaining path through the day – it will simply be a question of whose steering wheel David might use.
12 October 2011, MGB50.
The Historic Racing Drivers Club plan a series of races beginning April 9th 2012 at Castle Combe to celebrate 50 years of competition for the MGB. HRDC founder Julius Thurgood explains the origins of the planned events here
2 October 2011, Sanction 2 Debut.
WSM 401 S2 turned a wheel in anger for the very first time at Snetterton October 2nd – go to ‘Race News’ for details
29 September 2011, Delta Memories.
Called in to Eaton Socon to see Owen Gough, a fit septuagenarian who spent some formative years at Delta Garage in the early 1960’s (pictured 2nd from left with the Delta team). He recalled vividly the time spent working on number 258, Dad’s Monte Carlo Sebring Sprite, and razzing through France in the support car with Mum.
In league with partner Lynne, a fitness instructor, they now travel extensively in Britain, and have a list of cruise ship destinations they’ve enjoyed as long as your arm. Infectiously enthusiastic on so many subjects, they were keen to catch up on the Sanction 2 story. We wined and dined in the continental sunshine and I was given a fast demonstration on the A428 of the Smart Passion car which Lynne pedals. As Arnie said in the film Terminator ” I’ll be back. “
25 September 2011, Karma In Yorkshire.
WSM made an impression on a young Geoff Hill in 1966 – ownership of the lightweight fibreglass WSM 205 (left) set the seal on a love affair with sports cars. Since then a multitude of four wheeled brands have come and gone, but today the cycle is complete as WSM 405 S2 is officially designated to Mr G Hill in South Yorkshire. Pictured at Croft on September 24th alongside WSM 208, Geoff’s long term association with WSM culminates with Sanction 2 build number five, and as he says. “I have to keep calm and patient now.”
22 September 2011, ‘Austin-Healey The Bulldog Breed’.
Just picked up Jon Pressnell’s most recent publication via Haynes Classic Makes Series. Amongst the assembled stars are the WSM 3000 and WSM Sprite’s, accompanied by a mildly tuned version of the 1996 Classic & Sportscar article re WSM. With the inevitable updates to such a depth of subject, trying to squeeze into160 pages what Bill Emerson did in 2002 with his Healey tome was a hard act to follow. However, JP’s angle does work and includes interesting ‘third party’ comment, and pix hitherto unseen by yours truly.
21 September 2011, The Revival.
WSM connections had a mixed bag of results at Goodwood – Rae Davis shared his Renault 8 Gordini in the St Mary’s Trophy with Nicolas Minassian to 14th overall (and bagged ‘Best Presented Team’ award for the Gallic flavour) – Tony Bianchi qualified his Brabham-Ford BT5 in 19th and finished 16th in the Madgwick Cup – David Coplowe took his Lotus-Climax 24 to 10th in the Glover Trophy from 19th – Barry ‘Whizzo’ Williams put the monster Ford Galaxie 500 on pole for the St Mary’s Trophy but after leading and setting fastest lap was out by the fifth. Better luck in the RAC TT saw a 13th place in the gorgeous Ferrari 250GT SWB/C – Ollie Bryant’s 4th placed AC Cobra in TT qualifying was to no avail as co-driver ex-F1 Gerhard Berger crashed heavily at the end of Lavant straight in second practice.
20 September 2011, State Visit.
Having enjoyed all the Goodwood Revival has to offer, Florida resident Bill Emerson took time off to see his WSM ‘GT’ in the flesh for the first time. Pictured (right) with Paul Webb and Wes Attew, Bill has some requirements peculiar to WSM 403 – air conditioning to cope with the high temperatures, different spec seats to make comfortable long distance touring, and an ultra-high gearbox ratio for the USA superhighways that now have limits of 80mph.
17 September 2011, WSM 403 S2.
The third S2 under construction takes shape with the ‘GT’ body sitting pretty on the recently completed chassis.
15 September 2011, Goodwood.
First picture from this years Goodwood Revival courtesy of WSM S2 owner Lorraine Noble-Thompson. Accompanying partner Doug Samuels with the BMC transporter loaded with a Maserati 250F Tecmec, Lorraine piloted the Skoda tender car and vouched for sunny weather.
8 September 2011, – 410 EAO.
The ex-Andrew Hedges Sebring Sprite lovingly restored by Jonathon Whitehouse-Bird over an 18 year period has found a new home. The last time we were talking with ‘Equipe’ GTS founder Jim Lowry, he was definitely thinning down the collection – the lure of this meticulous rebuild must have been too much.?
5 September 2011, – Sanction 2.
Rear firewall work completed on 402, and 403 chassis work commences at Colmworth. Surgery on a ruptured appendix in Spring 2011 does’nt hold 403 owner Bill Emerson back for long, and he crosses the pond to attend the Goodwood Revival next week.
2 September 2011, – Classic & Sports Car.
Francophile, Midget fan and automotive scribe Jon Pressnell was on the case at Burghley in June, and his four page summary of Midget50 in October’s edition of C & SC is typically informative. WSM features there, and in his Austin-Healey book recently published with Haynes that achieves Book of the Month status.
27 August 2011, – Boost to Sanction 2.
Good news for WSM Sanction 2 customers – the build team is joined by Murray Henderson, who contributed time and expertise to the WSM 401 S2 project and supported WSM’s on their travels in previous years. Murray continues with a successful career behind the spray gun, and has a colourful Sprite racing history at the wheel. He recently achieved proud Grandfather status.
23 August 2011, – WSM 402 S2.
The latest ‘GT’, or road-going version of the Sanction 2 production run is looking sleek in the silver finish as designated by owner Lorraine Noble-Thompson.
25 July 2011, – Deep to Ogle.
Guy Loveridge’s Deep Sanderson sold at the recent Silverstone auction, and has been replaced in the Yorkshire-based stable with another A-series oddity, a 1962 Ogle. Previous competition history includes Sebring in period.
22 July 2011, Delta Re-Visited.
Having worked at Delta Garage in 1960/61, ex-SODC member Owen Gough paid a visit yesterday to the premises where Sanction 2 WSM’s are under construction. Pictured beside WSM 402 S2, Owen was involved in preparing the Sebring Sprite that DW-S took on the 1961 Monte Carlo, and accompanied the car as mechanic for the event.
Cholmondeley Pageant of Power – report at ‘Race News’
19 July 2011, – Barry Pinkerton.
Condolences to the Pinkerton family after we heard from Robin Pinkerton that younger brother Barry (second from right) recently died at his California home. Barry was a WSM admirer, and a successful auto-tester in Sprite’s in the early 1960’s besides owning an eclectic range of cars over the years in the UK. A Californian resident for over 30 years, he inherited a passion for all things wheeled from father ‘Doc’ Pinkerton and was an S.O.D.C member. Only last month Barry helped us with information on an A35 pick-up he used to run.
17 July 2011, – WSM at Blenheim.
No cigar for WSM 401 S2 at the Coys concours, but the car drew much attention – pictures courtesy of Murray Henderson
WSM at Blenheim Concours.
Coys of London have invited WSM cars to display at Blenheim Palace on July 16th – at stake the Kensington Trophy for most elegant design, and the Churchill Trophy for best car of the day – WSM 401 S2 takes up the challenge in the hands of Ian and Maggie Hulett.
WSM at Pageant of Power.
The Marquess of Cholmondeley hosts the fourth event on July 15th/16th/17th – similar in intention and style to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the ‘Festival of the North’ features WSM 208 amongst the exotica, and we get to play on the sprint course – more at ‘Race News’.
WSM at MG50 Sunday 12th June.
Despite miserable weather from 10am onwards, the magnificent Burghley setting and the organisational prowess of the MGOC, MASC, MGCC and AHC clubs enticed 700+ cars for display. The crowds may not have lingered long into the day, but they were treated to a fitting celebration of the Midget phenomenon. Stars of the WSM stand were the Sanction 2 display, where 401 and 402 had tongues wagging and camera’s clicking.
A big, fat ‘thank you’ to Flybe and their staff at Ronaldsway – we all knock airlines for delays and cancellations due to weather and technical issues, but its great when customer service just shines through. I was terribly late for a 1.35pm Luton flight on Saturday (transposed 13.35pm for a 3pm departure) and arrived at the check-in at 1.20pm thinking my fate was sealed. It was’nt, thanks to two calls and presence of mind, the quick thinking ground staff got me on. That consideration has me booking their flights at every opportunity rather than the HardProp alternative.
10 June 2011, Silverstone Tribute.
The HRDC series plan a tribute to DW-S at MGLive on 26th June. Series organiser Julius Thurgood has circa 54 cars assembled from the ‘Touring Car Greats’ and ‘Grand Touring Car Greats’ grids, and in response we hope to field at least four WSM’s. It is 10 years since the Rockingham Re-Union brought so many of you together as a surprise for Dads 80th birthday, so we hope this is a timely opportunity to meet up again. see ‘Race News’ for more details.
4 June 2011, – Crossed wires.
We kept everyone in the loop regarding the Mallory race on Monday 30th May, but apologies to those who were asked to contribute by a third party and thought it was WSM Cars on the scrounge to get an entry funded. WSM 207 did fulfill the entry at Mallory, but in the hands of William Lynch – more at ‘Race News’ shortly. However, it was touching that the confusion also revealed a generosity amongst you petrol heads and WSM connections in that many did in fact contribute. We understand all proceeds were subsequently returned.
TV Debut.
WSM’s on Monday Bank Holiday – Motors TV on Sky. See ‘Race News’ for more details.
9 April 2011, – A Wuzzum Fest Hatches at Brands.
As the English winter dissolved seemingly at the flick of a switch and gave way to summer, so the Wuzzum hibernation ended with a flourish at the Kent circuit – full report at ‘Race News’.
8 April 2011, – WSM 401 S2.
Ian Hulett’s lightweight S2 is really taking shape and further progress made as mechanicals are fitted to the spaceframe design.
7 April 2011, – Get Well Soon.
‘Inflamation of the vermiform appendix. ‘ or a ruptured appendix has taken WSM 403 S2 owner Bill Emerson out of action for a while. Hospitalised on Saturday, he’s sure to be up and Healeying again sooner rather than later.
Midget50.
WSM Cars will be at Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire on June 12th with several examples of the Sanction 2 builds to help celebrate the International Midget 50th. The one day event has been arranged to celebrate the Golden Anniversary, and the organising MGOC, MASC, AHC and MGCC clubs have received a huge amount of interest. Click on the Midget50 logo for further details.
Classic Cars.
Meeting Rob Scorah at the Goodwood Revival in 2010 lead to some fab pix by the Classic Car magazine journalist and photographer. Without stealing too much thunder ahead of a proposed article, a focused Brian Arculus on the Fordwater grid and the gaffer himself, courtesy of Rob.
25 March 2011, – WSM 205.
Ex-WSM owner Geoff Hill met an old friend in London recently who happened to find a picture of the fibreglass lightweight WSM. Originally blue and built and registered MW 3 for racer Mike White in 1963, Geoff owned 205 in 1967 and competed in hill climbs and sprints with the car then registered VLY 540 and coloured red.
DW-S 90th.
The ‘M’ in WSM, Jim McManus commented yesterday that it seems the blink of an eye since we were filming at Rockingham in 2001 and celebrating an 80th with a gathering of cars and people. Since then a lot has transpired in the world of WSM, including repatriation of two cars, several changes of ownership, restorations, AH 50th, Goodwood Revival’s, photoshoots, magazine articles and production of Sanction 2 WSM Sprite’s.
Pictured in 1929 with a model aeroplane about to make its maiden flight, DW-S is making plans for two soiree’s on 25th and 26th June in his new Isle of Man address and cordially invites WSM contacts to drop in given the chance.
A wedding invitation gives him an excuse to take the Smart car to France during March, and if all goes to plan, the Jodel Mascaret at Ronaldsway achieves restoration completion this summer and air-testing will be under way.
Race Retro 26th February.
A couple of years since my last visit to the Warwickshire venue, and the new season is nearly with us when the annual historic show arrives at Stoneleigh. WSM 202 looked resplendant on the CSCC stand, while journalist Marcus Pie at the HGPA display was boning up for his weekly Autosport contribution. BWRDC member Lorraine is pictured on the David Gathercole Race Preparation stand with their Lola 290 (which has an itinerary for 2011 that sounds like a holiday brochure of venues), and Lorraine will be campaigning the Lotus Elan again. Ted Walker at Ferret Fotographics came up trumps with rare pix, and gracious acceptance of my cash dilemma and ‘cheque in the post’ payment routine.
18 March 2011, Spritely Donor.
Pictured en route to Miami dockside, a temporary life on the ocean wave for Bill Emerson’s HAN 8 chassis beckons.
15 March 2011, Targa Florio.
If the clock could ever be turned back, then plonk me as an eight year old in Sicily in 1966 in the middle of the greatest road race. While drooling over Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2’s, Porsche 906, Ferrari 250GTO and 250LM, I’d be rooting for Jack Wheeler in his Sebring Sprite. Pictured in the latest Classic & Sportscar is 7080 AC about to set off into the Sicilian dust, prior to chronic bump-steer contributing to a roll in practice.
10 March 2011, Spridgeteers Kits.
Classic & Sportscar’s March edition features fastback kits from Ashley and Lenham. Darryl Davis (brother of WSM owner Rae) revived the Ashley business, while Shaun Rainford took on the Lenham brand from ex-Spridget racer David Coplowe.
8 March 2011, WSM 401 S2.
As the racing seasons beckons, so the Hulett lightweight Sanction 2 continues to take shape. Colmworth Classic Cars proprietor Paul Webb commented that the colouring. “makes the car look long and low”.
Manx Visitor.
Progress with one of our potential guests for the Manx Classic in April – pictured is the Alexander Sprite of ‘Equipe’ racer Paul Freeman
Race news
Oct 1st/2nd MGCC Snetterton.
The revised Norfolk circuit beckoned in ‘200’ form and three races for WSM’s 207 and 208. More interest was promised as the Sanction 2 WSM made her debut (left) in the HRDC race on Sunday, and WSM 202 in ‘Equipe’ GTS on Saturday.
‘Equipe’ Q – The TR4’s of John Andon and Pete Foster topped the charts, but Simon Wood kept MGB interest alive in 3rd. Brian Arculus startled many with WSM 202’s performance at 4th, while Mark Steward impressed in Rae Davis’s WSM 207 in 9th on the 28 car grid. Colin (TVR Grantura) and Helen Elstrop (Spitfire) gave notice of their intent in 5th and 18th, and David Russell-Wilks (10th) continues to quicken in his immaculate MGB roadster.
Race 1 – Andon and Foster ran closely but the poleman looked comfortable with a second or so gap. Wood had terminal issues on lap 2, as did WSM 208 with head gasket failure. Dave Thompson clawed the TVR Grantura into third, but up front a couple of missed braking points signalled trouble for Andon – fluid was being lost which could be seen from the pitwall but unbeknown to Andon a radiator hose had split and he coasted into an unhappy retirement as dials soared on lap 17. Foster cruised home with 43s over Thompson, and Steward upheld WSM honours in 3rd as Arculus dropped out on lap 12.
Race 2 – The bit firmly clenched, Andon was with the leaders after 3 laps. Graham Bates (MGB) made a great start and ran second until Andon and Alistair Davidson (MGB) got on him lap 4, and Andon timed a run on lap 15 past Foster. Arculus made up for Saturday’s disappointment with 4th ahead of Mike Harris’s MGB making his one appearance of the week-end. The Elstrops justified a trip from the North and chalked up 9th and 15th.
HRDC Q – Having got his eye in with WSM 202, it was no huge surprise that Arculus swept all after him in the Lotus Elite. The Rae Davis Mini Gem and Sebring Sprite of Paul Woolmer brushed up well, and all three WSM’s clocked 1m 39s in midfield, with Ian Hulett introducing the Sanction 2 WSM in 10th. The Lenham MG of Shaun Rainford shed an oil hose but an apologetic Rainford was assured that positions would not have been much changed.
Race – Arculus lead until lap 3 when he spun and gave Davis a chink, but Arculus responded on the 7th tour and would’nt be headed again. Rainford scored a lonely podium, while Woolmer edged away from 5th placed James Prentice Le Mans Sprite. Hulett was pleased with 6th straight out of the box.
Pit & Paddock
Lock out Norfolk style – on arrival at the George & Dragon in East Harling at circa 10pm, they had double-booked my Saturday night stay, but got me into a B & B a few miles down the road. After a natter with Brian Arculus, who had’nt been double booked, I went in search of said B & B armed with a telephone number. At 10.45pm I called the B & B for directions from what transpired to be nearby and they said. “Goodnight, you’re far too late, we’re going to bed. “
If strawberries and cream hit your buttons, then Snetterton was the place to be – both the Hulett and the Webb motorhomes produced freshly picked English variety – Maggie and Yvette were popular hosts.
Much humour aroused by the Isle of Man-based Audi estate full of wet weather gear and warm clothing – temperatures at Snetterton hit circa 28c.
Good to see Jim Lowry, co-founder of ‘Equipe’ GTS on Saturday – much debate on the future of the series given Christophe’s recent hospitalisation, and Jim’s update was useful.
The final HRDC event of 2011 leaves a hankering for more – Julius Thurgood has proved he has the organisation and the will, so expectations will be high for ‘Grand Touring Greats’ in 2012.
So much for the quiet week-end of relaxation for Paul Webb.
Murray Henderson attending to the debutant.
Brian Arculus – receives a long overdue WSM shirt.
Mark Steward – a podium with first race in a WSM.
A family affair – Wes holding the baby, Nicky and Yvette holding their breath.
Click on for results
pictures courtesy of Paul Webb
24th/25th September at DDMC Croft.
WSM 208 made her racing debut at Croft in front of DW-S in May 2009 (left) with the ‘Equipe’ GTS series, and the Austin-Healey Club this time provided the double-header at the Darlington & District Motor Club venue. Although a small grid, the Lackford Engineering sponsored event had its moments.
Q – Predictably the full race Healey 3000 of serial winner David Smithies set the pace, but in his wake the rest could squabble over the scraps.
R1 – WSM 208 sought photographers attention with 3rd into first corner, first lap, but thereon Smithies controlled the margin to Adrian Ball in second as 208 slipped away and the field came past. The Sprite’s of Patrick Harris and Neil Cameron gave no quarter, while Ball in a borrowed 3000 held off the quicker Harris by a whisker. The unfortunate Drew Cameron retired his Sprite on the first lap after a major eruption of smoke.
R2– Smithies played the game and made a dreadful start, leaving Ball’s 3000 and WSM 208 to lead the field into corner one. Normal service was resumed as Smithies stormed back through, but Harris kept him honest and had the beating of Ball for second. Cameron’s Vesuvius impersonation on lap 3 was spectacular.
Pit crew Healey-style
‘Bootlid’ demo’s joint technique to ‘Scoop’
Healey fossil Joe Cox holds court
Smithies Meercat action – kiss first, questions later
A season ender, much to Allan Cameron’s joy
click on for results
Pit & Paddock
Lock out Croft style – after Beefeating in Darlington with the team, returned to the Chequers Inn circa 12.30pm to a darkened premises, even darker village, and non-functioning door key. Tapping up neighbours did the trick, but not recommended as the most popular method of rescue.
Brian ‘Bootlid’ Bedford and Pat Harris kindly assisted getting WSM 208 fixed for Sunday’s race. Although it did’nt last, Pat understandably was’nt impressed when 208 passed him into the first corner on Sunday.
‘Scoop’ Broster lost a registration plate off his long suffering Audi en route to Croft – given his Wirral address, it was suggested the plate was long gone prior to departure.
Noise issues for Ball’s 3000 and the WSM which BARC scrutineer Keith Marchment (left) helped resolve, but the V12 paddock bike of another competitor must have been three times as loud.
The Essex crew of ‘Bootlid’ and Harris have a TT visit next June under serious consideration – how rash might my offers of hospitality have been.?
Austin-Healey Club dinner (and AGM) November 19th at Village Hotel, Swindon – Joe for tickets on 07710 028163
15 September 2011, HRDC and ‘Equipe’ GTS.
Four WSM entries are confirmed for MGCC Snetterton on October 1st/2nd on the lightly revised ‘200’ circuit –
Brian Arculus (WSM 202) in the ‘Equipe’ GTS races vies for Class 2 honours alongside AW-S (WSM 208) on Saturday and Sunday.
William Lynch drives WSM 207 again in the HRDC ‘Grand Touring Greats’ – William made his WSM debut in Rae Davis’ 207 at the wet HRDC Mallory event in May – and shares the two ‘Equipe’ races with WSM debutee Mark Steward. AW-S (WSM 208) and Ian Hulett (WSM 401 S2) also duke out the HRDC race on Sunday for WSM bragging rights, but team orders apply in both races.
Ex-WSM hotshoe Peter Jackson is scheduled to be in Norfolk in support of Paul Woolmer’s entry with the Sebring ‘BXN’, the car that Peter raced extensively in the early 1960’s.
WSM S2 constructor and Colmworth Classic Cars proprietor Paul Webb and assistant Wes Attew will be keeping an eye on their charges, as will Andrew Garbutt, whose motorhome hospitality knows no bounds and therefore may be foisted with a vagrant WSM driver again on Friday night at Snetterton.
Geoff Hill, who ran WSM 205 in the 1960’s, also threatens an appearance at Croft on September 24th/25th to size up WSM 208 in the Austin Healey races.
12 September 2011, WSM 401 At MGCC Snetterton.
Entry is now confirmed for the lightweight Sanction 2 WSM of Ian Hulett for the HRDC race on October 2nd – a much anticipated race debut, as Ian incorporated many of the weight saving measures in the build process that were used with the 1963 Chiron blue DW-S lightweight WSM 206. Ian kept his hand in with third place at Mallory in his open-top Sprite last week in the Swinging Sixties race.
Yet to be confirmed are entries for the WSM’s of Clive Cocks, Brian Arculus and Rae Davis. Recently bestowed Grandfather duties are slowing the former, while Brian has been keeping busy with the Lotus Elite and headlined with a win at Donington in the MGCC’s 50 Sports Car race. Rae is usually dependant on how many customer cars he has running as to whether the front-running WSM 207 gets exercised.
6 September 2011, Healey Club, HRDC and ‘Equipe’ GTS.
A busy week beckons as an end of season splurge for WSM 208 begins with a welcome return to Croft in the North East with the Austin Healey Club race series courtesy of Joe Cox. Two races over the 24th September week-end are followed by two ‘Equipe’ races at Snetterton 1st/2nd October and the final HRDC grid of 2011 on the ‘200’ circuit.
BDC Silverstone 13th/14th August.
The WSM’s of Brian Arculus (202) and Clive Cocks (210) had mixed fortunes on the ‘Equipe’ GTS grids over the week-end. Practice on Saturday morning was wet and and the Dunlop-shod cars were struggling while the front wheel drive cars came into their own with the Lancia Fulvia of Stuart Downward qualifying ahead of 26th placed 202 – Clive found a loose crankshaft damper on 210 and took the car home to prepare for Sunday. The track was dry by kick-off and Brian was disappointed with a misfire occuring mid-race and dropping to 20th, although hard on the heels of ex-Equipe organiser Jim Lowry’s TR4 for a Class win. A repeat dose on Sunday brought an excellent 11th, and Clive battled through for 22nd as electrical gremlins slowed.
The WSM connection continued later on Sunday with Brian contesting the 50’s Sports & GT race in his Lotus Elite and finding himself embroiled with the Allard Farrallac of ex-WSM owners Tony and Pia Bianci. After a holiday, Paul Woolmer was thrust back in thick of things with support of the 100S of Mick Darcey and 100/4 of Jonathon Abecassis.
Click on for results
WSM at Pageant of Power 15th-17th July.
Even if not blessed with one of Mother Nature’s drier week-ends, the fourth PoP still drew the crowds, and 50,000 plus beat last years attendance figures. Inevitable comparison to the Festival of Speed is drawn, but a family atmosphere, relaxed administration and ‘can do’ attitude earns Cholmondeley its own definitive calendar spot. Patron Peter Rickett’s work in assembling a breathtaking entry was aided by support from Bentley, and the Donington collection, and the surrounding attractions of powerboats, air displays, grass track racing, rally stage and military machinery on manoeuvres were exceptional. The PoP spectacle was complete with sunshine accompanying a full orchestral concert in front of the thousands on Cholmondeley Castle hill on Saturday evening –
Up to 4th in the dry on Yokohama’s, the WSM slipped, literally, down the Class list as the heavens opened on Sunday, and Paul Woolmer’s PMO 200 was very much in ‘road trim’ condition – he had a practice run in WSM 208 on Friday ahead of PMO’s arrival with wife Sharon.
Cockpit exit Brutus-style
Is that your best side Paul.?
Commentators curse with fellow IoM resident Neville Haye
Flying the flag – WSM 208
Freddie wants one
Steve Cropley (right) and Matt Prior of Autocar fame
No need to bring the bbq
WSM 208 plus Birdcage Maserati and Cobra
Paul Woolmer – screen debut in 208
Ex-WSM owner Tony & Pia Bianci with Allard Farrallac
Post -1957 Le Mans & Sports Cars
Yokohama’s fine in the dry
TT winner on two and four wheels – Stuart Graham
Derek Bell drove the Le Mans winning Bentley
Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams called by
Classic & Sportscar review
Shropshire Star review
Sports Car Digest review
25th/26th June – Silverstone Spectacular.
The combined lure of the Arena Grand Prix circuit and the annual MG bash at the home of motor racing got everyone’s juices flowing – fifty cars for the HRDC Touring and Grand Touring Greats practised on Sunday morning, amongst them three WSM’s and their Sebring cousin ‘BXN’. The 3.66 mile circuit drew approval from all canvassed and observations that plentiful racing lines were on offer –
Q – Having a heads up peek at the Grand Prix circuit on Friday’s test day certainly paid dividends for the Woolmer/ Elwell combination, with BXN in a fine front row spot alongside series sponsor Rainford’s Lenham SS1800 on pole. Arculus hustled WSM 202 into 9th, but the unfortunate Cocks had engine problems and was consigned to the back of the grid in WSM 210. Other standouts included Prentice in the dayglow orange Le Mans Sprite, and journalist Anderson debuting in the Lenham Spitfire GT in search of clues to the success of the HRDC series – the ominous horsepower of the Cunningham Jaguar Mk 1 and Harrison Volvo Amazon lurked in 3rd and 4th.
R – A long hold on the baking hot grid while the massive field was placed probably did for the Rainford Lenham, and after giving chase to the fast starting Cunningham, the engine gave up the ghost after four laps. The Rae Davis Mini Gem had dived ahead on the third tour, but Woolmer slipped to 7th while Harrison, Prentice and the Dyson Zephyr Mk2 were all in the mix. Burton’s Jaguar XK outfoxed Cunningham and Davis on lap 4 for a short lived lead, and the
MG Lenham Le Mans were on the move, with Haigh scrapping his way up from 22nd and Burford from 16th, while guest driver Sidery-Smith wafted up the order from 10th in his illustrious ex-works MGB. Cocks ground to a halt with WSM 210 early on, as did the Ashley GT’s of Darryl Davis and Wright. One midfield barney centred on Lynch in the A35, Butterfield’s Jaguar Mk1, ed’s WSM and Woods in another Ashley GT – Anderson’s quest for material was a short one as
his Spitfire became embroiled in the good natured dispute over 10th. Oil dropped mid-race after Copse slowed the pace, but Lynch proved bravest past the yellow and red slippery surface flags, leaving Woods and ed to bare teeth at each other down Hanger straight until Woods throttle cable broke. Elwell’s swift change for Woolmer kept the Sebring in touch up front, but the Dyson Zephyr led on lap six.rArculus kept WSM in the hunt in 5th, while the Davis Mini Gem and the Burton Jaguar XK missed the pit-stop window and were
subsequently penalised,
leaving a jubilant Woolmer/Elwell to pick up a podium as the Cunningham Jag limped into retirement on lap 11. Sidery-Smith was still on the move and when Davis pitted on lap 12, ‘Sideways’ inherited a comfortable lead he was not to lose over the Harrison Volvo, cemented when a safety car to rescue the ailing Zephyr at Brooklands finished proceedings.
Pictures courtesy of Geoff Hill, John Mangan and Paul Webb
The boys agreed – banish funny hats and Harvey’s.
Diffuser and the air flow cream told a story.
No clues to the weather on Sunday.
Clive had a surprise for Maggie and Yvette.
Proud parents of 401 S2.
Gordon and Paul – right tactics, wrong headgear.
Click on for results
Pit & Paddock
Thank you’s to MGCC Dave Saunders and the voluntary team for another well run meeting – grateful too for the help with WSM’s from Brian Arculus, Clive Cocks, Andy Garbutt, Murray Henderson, Peter Hesz, Ian Hulett, John Mangan, Paul and Yvette Webb, Graham Wharton and Paul and Sharon Woolmer.
The Arena tribute to DW-S
Good to meet up again with ex-WSM owners Geoff Hill and Mike White, and Eddie Wright who was with Delta Garages in the 1960’s colouring-in WSM’s, and MG and aviation buffs Chris and Mavis Parker.
‘Equipe’ GTS racers John Andon, Graham Bates, Mike and photographer wife Sarah Harris, and John Yea dropped by, as did journalist Andrew Roberts, ex-F1 mechanic Ted and wife Sally de la Riviere, WSM Sanction 2 owner Lorraine Noble-Thompson and Spridgeteer Ian Grainger.
MGLive.
Confirmation that WSM’s will be in the race paddock on Sunday 26th June until 11.15am, and then transferred to the Arena site inside Copse corner for presentation by Graham Robson, the well known author of MG and Healey repute. The WSM’s will be taken to the race assembly area at 12.25pm to join the fifty-four car HRDC grid for a 1pm race.
Silverstone Tribute.Click on logo’s for more details –
The HRDC series plan a tribute to DW-S at MGLive on 26th June. Series organiser Julius Thurgood has circa 54 cars assembled from the ‘Touring Car Greats’ and ‘Grand Touring Car Greats’ grids, and in response we hope to field at least four WSM’s. It is 10 years since the Rockingham Re-Union brought so many of you together as a surprise for Dads 80th birthday, so we hope this is a timely opportunity to meet up again.
May 30th / Rae Reigns At Mallory.
The HRDC jamboree arrived in Leicestershire amidst steady rain that outstayed its welcome on May Bank Holiday Monday – but it did’nt dampen the Rae Davis enthusiasm for pole positions as he utilised the front wheel drive abilities of the diminutive Mini Gem. Shaun Rainford and Gordon Elwell (Sebring Sprite) were the usual suspects near the pointy end, but third for Ian Burford (MG Lenham Le Mans Coupe) showed his top ten finish at Brands was no fluke.Deja vous at the start as Elwell got to the first corner ahead, as he did at Goodwood and Brands, and Davis slipped to fourth.
Paul
Woolmer (Sebring Sprite) and William Lynch, making his WSM debut, were squabbling over 4th, and Brian Arculus (Lotus Elite) was the commentators favourite in his successful quest for Class honours. Burford was making up places hand over fist after starting from the back of the grid before a 15-lap dnf, but when Elwells engine leaked through the hairpin just prior to retirement, all lap times became a lottery. Davis stepped up the pace and had such a comfortable margin over arch-rival Rainford that he could afford a gentle ‘off’ at the hairpin and still maintain the lead. Mike Haigh (MG Lenham Le Mans) revelled in the damp for a podium, and in winning Class D for the horsepower minnows, Geoff Turral (Fiat Abarth 750) took
an impressive 11th
place overall. WSM 208 chose to complete just 9 laps of practice before throwing up a clutch problem that could’nt be resolved before the race. The ‘Motors TV’ camera and make-up team did what they could in the time available before interviewing Messrs Lynch in the pitlane, and Davis in the paddock.
Click on for results at tsl timing
Pictures courtesy of Paul Webb (Colmworth Classic Cars)
Next HRDC race Silverstone 26th June MGLive – a combined ‘Touring’ and ‘Grand Touring Greats’ grid on the Arena GP circuit
WSM at Donington Park, May 21st/22nd.
WSM 202 had a good work-out at the ‘See Red’ meeting on the revamped Leicestershire circuit where Brian Arculus topped the class in the ‘Equipe’ GTS double-header. Courtesy of Marcus Pye and the Autosport team, click on to read on.
Mallory Park and Motors TV.
With Equity cards at the ready, the ‘Grand Touring Greats’ presented by the HRDC series on Monday May 30th features WSM’s 207, 208 and 210 after a successful week-end in the Brands Hatch series opener on April 9th. The race is to be televised live on Sky’s ‘Motors TV’ and has attracted a large grid of sub-1500cc Historic GT’s pre-1966, where ex-Porsche 924 pilot Will Penrose steps up into an exclusive club of WSM drivers with his debut in WSM 207 (right), by dint of owner Rae Davis. WSM 208 will be sporting an overdue purchase of Dunlop ‘L’s, and Clive Cocks brings WSM 210 (red) up from his Northants home to seek another top ten spot. Paul Woolmer has ‘BXN’ (right) back on
track for a
second appearance on the HRDC grid after a fine 4th place last time out. WSM 202 owner Brian Arculus brings a Lotus Elite to the Kirkby Mallory circuit and keeps the WSM back for the MGLive HRDC race at Silverstone on June 25th.
Broadcasting on Bank Holiday Monday begins at lunchtime – click on the ‘Motors TV’ logo for more details.
An 80+ entry for the Celton Manx Classic trilogy on motorsport Island
An 80+ entry for the Celton Manx Classic trilogy on motorsport Island was blessed by sunshine from first to last –
28th April / Grandstand Sprint – large crowds on Thursday enjoyed the revised course of less chicanes and more speed, but fewer realised the two practice runs between 12pm and 3pm were a re-schedule as opposed to an add-on, and just the two competition runs were run in the evening. WSM 208 on Yokohama’s and Clive Cocks in WSM 210 on Dunlops finished 2nd and 3rd in Class 2a for pre-68 up to 1500cc, while Steve O’Donohue cleaned up FTD in his Caterham Super 7. Jonathon Gough’s failed GT40 entry was replaced by his Volvo estate stickered up with ‘GT40 replica’. Click on for results.
The Sloc hillclimb on Friday enjoyed an uninterrupted run, and WSM 210 was a respectable 3rd while 208 had a rest day. Richard Weir headed a squabbling Caterham foursome for FTD and new hill record. Branislav Sudjic (left) entertained the fans with his 1914 Stutz Speedster, as did WSM driver Cocks (right). Click on for results.
Lhergy Frissell – The jewel in the MMRC crown on Saturday was less fortunate. Mountain road closure is treasured by all motorsport organisers, and hoops jumped through and herculean efforts made to ensure road opening times are respected. Despite the superb work of Clerk of the Course Graham Malcolm and his team, an emergency ambulance call from Nobles helped scupper the second competition run – it then transpired to be not an emergency, but merely a change of shift that could have been re-routed. WSM’s 208 and 210 were beaten into 3rd and 4th by Dave Musgrove’s stonking Class 2a record run in his Cooper S, and the FJ Cooper of Simon Smith on just his second run up the Lhergy Frissell due to earlier brake maladies. FTD and hill record went to Caterham 7 mounted Andy Hardy, who also took the overall post-1981 award by just 0.05s after three days competition.
Septuagenarian Albert Sparrowhawk (left) returned with his Alvis 4.3 after a 4 year absence from the Manx Classic.
Connor Corkhill was fastest pre-1981 on all three events in his Escort RS1800.
Keeping up with the Smith’s (left) was the order of the day – brothers Andrew, Simon and Adam (not pictured) in T43 Cooper, T56 FJ Cooper and Frazer Nash respectively, had nephew Dan Smith keeping them honest in his Morris Mini. Andrew’s car was driven by Jack Brabham in period, hence the picture with ed on board in overalls signed by the ex-World Champ. Click on for results.
Manx Classic 2012 April 26th-28th
Brands Hatch entries.
A twenty one car grid kicks off the HRDC ‘Grand Touring Greats’ series, with a further four sub-1000cc cars from the over-subscribed ‘Touring Greats’ tagged on. A resumption of the Fordwater battle last September between Rae Davis, Shaun Rainford and Gordon Elwell would justify attendance alone on Saturday 9th, but there’s also some dark horses that could be in the mix. Organiser Julius Thurgood will be pleased with his first HRDC attendance.
Spa Francorchamps to Mallory Park.
The Summer Classic on 10th,11th and 12th June won’t now include the ‘Equipe’ GTS grid. Hugo Holder of the CSCC held a door open for their ‘Swinging Sixties’ grid at the same venue but we can’t get off the Island as TT is in full swing at that time. Looks like Mallory with the HRDC ‘A’ series grid on Bank Holiday Monday May 30th is the back up plan.
Brands Hatch 9th/10th April.
Confirmation of the WSM season opener with WSM’s 202, 208 and 210 scheduled for the very first HRDC ‘A’ series challenge on Saturday 9th April, and Paul Woolmer bringing out ‘BXN’ in support of the new grid. WSM 208 also contests the first two rounds of the ‘Equipe’ GTS series on Saturday and Sunday, while Brian Arculus takes the Lotus Elite off to the Classic & Sportscar races on the Snetterton 300 course.
19 March 2011, AHC.
From AHC co-ordinator Joe Cox – ‘Due to a combination of driver pressure and a smattering of ‘force majeur’, the format and dates of the Austin Healey Championship have changed for 2011 with immediate effect. The championship will now be run exclusively by BARC and we shall revert to the 2010 regulations for tyres, weights etc. We shall run entirely in our own races regardless of entrant numbers. The championship will be run over ten rounds in five weekends with each weekend giving you a double header race opportunity (2 x 20 min) with a single 15 minute practice. Your best seven rounds will count towards your final placement and only two cars not three will need start in each class to qualify that class for full points‘ –
2nd / 3rd April – BAR Silverstone7th / 8th May – BARC Snetterton30th / 31st July – BARC Pembrey Historic weekend28th / 29th August – BARC Brands Hatch (Indy)24th / 25th September – BARC Croft
‘Entry fees will range between £320 and £350 for each meeting depending on circuit. To participate you will need to register with and be a member of BARC and a member of the Austin Healey Club as in previous years. You will need to have registered for the championship by 1st April if you wish to do more than two rounds in the invitation class G.’
13 March 2011, – AHC.
Changes in the Austin Healey Championship as series organiser Joe Cox brings in Dunlops for all classes running in the mixed AMOC and BARC grids. Two double-header 20 minute races with BARC, and six 45 minute races with AMOC may help stem dwindling numbers, but all series face similar problems with rising circuit costs and another busy historic calendar for 2011.
‘Equipe’ Calendar.
A provisional list of dates and circuits includes Brands Hatch MGCC 9th/10th April, Le Mans ACO 2nd/3rd July, Silverstone BDC 13th/14th August, Croft DDMC 10th/11th September and Snetterton in October tba. With the A-series Challenge (see below), there’s a busy April week-end at Brands in store.
12 February 2011, – HRDC.
Interesting mailshot from Julius Thurgood, organiser of the ex-Top Hat race format, with news in the excellent ‘The Racer’ magazine from the Historic Racing Drivers Club and their intention to run a series to cater for A-series cars on Dunlop L section tyres. Essentially a follow-on to the Fordwater Trophy grid at the Goodwood Revival in 2010, the first race is planned for 9th/10th April (see page headline) on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit as a 30 minute ‘A-series Challenge’.
6 January 2011, – Donald Healey Memorial Trophy Race.
The grapevine rattles that a Dunlop-shod grid of Sprite’s might be organised for the popular DH Memorial race. The success of the 2010 Goodwood Revival Fordwater Trophy race certainly reminded many that without fully modified Class E cars such a grid would be possible.
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