News
73rd Goodwood Members Meeting 21st-22nd March 2015.
Graham Robson and WSM 202 have received an invite from Goodwood to compete in the Les Leston Trophy for British sports production cars 1960 – 1966.
Blast From The Past.
Contact from Mark Cole –
‘When I started racing in 1968, my 850cc Riley Elf (Mini) was sponsored by Delta Garages of Leighton Buzzard, which had been founded by Douglas Wilson-Spratt in 1954. I lived in Leighton Buzzard, but by then he had sold the business to Ken Scrivener, who was a friend of my father, and let me use the workshop facility at weekends to prepare the car. I was a member of the Dunstable-based Sporting Owners Drivers Club (the SODs) and knew Douglas and his son Tony through that, particularly through Woburn Abbey hillclimbs (at which I competed in the Elf) and through their Austin Healey rallying.
There was still much evidence of the business’s WSM history at Delta when I was there: a WSM Sprite body out the back with lots of fibreglass bits, which was probably the one which became the 10th to be built in 2009, two years before Douglas died.
I found this photograph of my Riley Elf racing at Crystal Palace in 1968, sponsored by WSM’s former Delta Garages of Leighton Buzzard, which I mentioned in my previous mail. The car was same colour as the border, which like the Elf (there were only two racing at that time) I chose to make it stand out from the rest of hordes of Minis. The engine was by now a 1000 S BL Special Tuning screamer (all of 125bhp) which revved to 10,000rpm when regular Minis redlined at 8000rpm. ‘
NEC Classic Motor Show 14th November.
Year on year this event seems to be swallowing up more of the NEC site, so no surprise the show is getting ever busier. Two manufacturers showcased for the first time – Jaguar and Porsche – with the local boy comprehensively winning the title of the show’s most impressive stand. Jaguar Heritage’s recent expansion – including its run of ‘missing’ Lightweight E-types – meant the presentation was peppered with first class examples from the great firm’s past.
WSM 402 vied for top dog on the MGOC stand, while the Healey display was impressive with three original ‘big Healey’ rally cars and many of the mechanics and drivers from period in attendance. We also met up with Healey co-ordinator Joe Cox (right), Martin Ingall of Sebring website fame, Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams (left) who blew the doors off WSM 301 at Silverstone, WSM 405 owner Geoff Hill, big Healey-hunting Ian Grainger, Toyota-powered MGC owner Doug Samuels, and Paul and Yvette Webb with the Swallow Doretti’s.
Classic Motor Show 14th-16th November.
The UK’s largest indoor show is growing with each event, and last year’s 65,000 visitors over 3 days may well be exceeded. The MG Owners Club stand features Lorraine Noble-Thompson’s WSM 402 amongst another mouth-watering array of classics at the NEC near Birmingham.
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Quite something if the Motoring Event of the Year, as voted in 2013 at the International Historic Motoring Awards, invites your car to compete in 2015. WSM 403 has achieved just that, and owner Bill Emerson is justifiably pleased. The event celebrates its 20th year and is honouring Sir Stirling Moss in a reprisal of his role in the first edition in 1996. To mark the occasion, Mercedes-Benz have committed the Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes 300SLR and the W196 racer that took Stirling Moss to his first Formula One victory. I suspect Bill might be available March 13th-15th.
27th-28th September Pistons and Props – The Sywell Classic.
Over 13,000 visitors took in the second running of the motorsport and aviation festival which included live action motorsport on the ‘Racing Runway’. The Martini-liveried Lancia LC2 reached top speeds of 192mph, only to be beaten by the KTM racing bike which tipped 195mph. Classic motorbikes had a much bigger presence in 2014 with around 250 examples on display and racing up the runway, including a trio of Ducati superbikes lined up against the limited edition Hesketh 24 motorcycle.
They were eclipsed by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster bomber, accompanied by a Hurricane and Spitfire to create a display that stirred the soul. Event director Tom Siddall said “The feedback has been overwhelming and it’s brilliant how all the people involved have really taken this event to their hearts. All of them comment on the atmosphere and it was great to see more and more people arriving in vintage dress and getting into the spirit of the festival.”
WSM were represented by Ian Hulett with WSM 401, and Geoff Hill in WSM 405, and both ran strongly on the runway sprint – thanks to Maggie Hulett for keeping the team and visitors refreshed.
The Historic Rally Car Register’s 30th anniversary celebrations finished with a final test at the show, and Charles Graves and Ron Palmer in their Triumph TR4 won from Duncan Wild and Steve Skepper (Austin Cooper).
UK Street Machines lead 36 dragsters and hot rods on the ‘Sprint Strip’ for its shoot-out competition, where Phil Middleton and his ten-litre V8-powered Fordson Van that produces just under 1,000 hp claimed top spot.
The Blades and the Yakovlevs aerobatic display teams were entertaining with their show stopping routines, while WW1 was represented by the fantastic eight plane line-up of Great War Display Team featuring Iron Maiden star Bruce Dickinson. Those who enjoyed the vintage lifestyle appreciated the new Vintage Fair in Hangar One, the 100 strong Classic Trader Village, and headed to the Pilot’s Mess where the lovely Elle & the Pocket Belles performed alongside rockabilly band The Houndogs.
Sywell Classic 2015 on 26th-27th September
26 August 2014, At Arms Length.
Courtesy of Geoff Hill forwarding, click on below to view this Maxda MX5 Cup race for its entire one minute 11 seconds at Silverstone for a sensational move by number 4 on Hanger Straight.
Mazda Hoot
12 August 2014, WSM Sold.
The oldest known surviving WSM Spridget 793 XPP has changed ownership. Pictured at a wet MGCC Silverstone in 1963, and best (9th) of the WSM’s in the 2010 Goodwood Revival Fordwater Trophy grid with Brian Arculus at the helm, the car remains in the UK and will continue to be raced. Graham Robson, an experienced pedaller, said. ” I’m delighted to become the custodian of such a beautiful car with such a wonderful history. I can’t wait to get her out on track, and plan to race XPP in the HRDC All Stars at Snetterton 27th Sept.”
11 August 2014, Caged Craft.
Fabricage continue their association with WSM and are fitting a roll cage to the WSM3000 at their Cambridgeshire premises – WSM’s 208, 301 and MGB have all benefitted from the Harston crew’s expertise.
28 July 2014, Denis Welch.
The renowned Healey exponent and experienced racer died after the Lotus 18 he was driving rolled in the second Jack Brabham Memorial race for pre-66 Grand Prix cars at the Silverstone Classic. Our thoughts are with his family.
26 July 2014, Silverstone Classic.
The burgeoning fixture on the historic calendar at HQ is in full swing and the attending WSM contingent includes WSM 402 owner Lorraine Noble-Thompson (not satisfied with a Le Mans Classic visit earlier this month, a trip to Belgium is also planned for the Spa 6 Hour event in September), and Geoff Hill with WSM 405.
Thanks to Peter Hesz for sending a picture yesterday of 405 parked beside the Woolmer Classic Engineering encampment in the Silverstone paddock.
Ex-WSM owner Tony Bianci has a Farrallac Allard in the Stirling Moss Trophy Pre-61 Sports Cars, and ex-Sprite racer David Coplowe a Lotus 24 on the Jack Brabham Trophy HGPCA Pre-66 Grand Prix car grid. Lorraine Gathercole pilots a Lotus 18 in the Historic Formula Junior Peter Arundell Trophy and husband David a Lola T212 in the FIA Masters Historic Sports Cars, while the Clegg family field two Sebring Sprite’s in the TT race for Historic pre-63 GT cars.
Its not all work and no pay for Paul Woolmer, who shares Mick Darcey’s Austin-Healey 100S in the RAC Woodcote Trophy for Pre-56 Sportscars.
8 July 2014, Wedding Belles.
Matthew Hill made a good impression with his new bride Suzanne in having the ultimate chariot available after the service. Courtesy of father Geoff, the latest of the Sanction 2 WSM’s hit the spot with wedding guests in sunny Derbyshire – obviously the premier event in the North of England that week-end after our man Cavendish bit the dust.
7 July 2014, Connecticut Connections.
Walter Donaghy (left) and Kent Bain caught up at a Vintage Racer Group event on a hot day at the newly re-opened Thompson Motorsports Park in Thompson, Connecticut a week ago. Walter bought WSM 207 in 1966, and in 1987 Kent and Vintage Racing Services restored the car for Walter to race. Kent was at Thompson with a group of clients cars and racing a Porsche 914-6, while Walter was with his newest acquisition, a Ginetta G-4.
Kent forwarded an evocative set of pictures featuring WSM 207 in action at various venues –
4 July 2014, WSM 3000.
If ever a reminder is needed of the craftsmanship invested in aluminium bodywork, then take a peek at the thumbnails. Pictured left in 1965 at the Delta Garages premises, two weeks after the car was collected from Peels Coachworks of Kingston for owner Malcolm Bridgland – then pictured right 49 years later as the fastideous restoration continues. When DW-S was re-united with the car in 2003, one of the most satisfying discoveries was the integrity of the panel fit throughout. He opened and closed the doors and bonnet, and with a quiet smile stood back to view the perfect shut lines. Given that the car had been previously rallied, then laid up and partly exposed to the elements for circa 30 years, it was a powerful testament to design and build quality. Alec and Fred at Peels were true artisans, and they would be pleased at the care todays restorers are taking.
25 June 2014, Stateside Silverware.
WSM403 S2 scooped the prestigious Best Of Show accolade at The Homestead Austin Healey Conclave of 2014 in Virginia, USA. The entry of 240 Healeys was headed by the second Sanction 2 road car build, and a delighted Bill Emerson is pictured with the award.
16 June 2014, Birthday Memento’s.
Marking the 50th anniversary of WSM in 2012, two special edition items have been produced by Geoff Hill alongside the Sanction 2 builds. The chunky glass fronted coasters with rubber base picture DW-S at the Goodwood Revival in 2003 with WSM’s 202 and 301 – the key fob with chrome surround incorporates the blue WSM and S2 insignia on a white background with blue leather strap.
14 June 2014, MGLive.
The ‘Ecurie’ GTS grid of 43 entries at MG90 on June 21st/22nd includes a rare gathering of WSM’s with 401 (Ian Hulett), 210 (Clive Cocks) and the MGB alongside prototype ‘BXN’ (Richard Woolmer). The 30 minute Grand Prix circuit races on Saturday and Sunday bring out the largest grid of the season, and Tom Smith’s MGB, the Elva Courier of Scott Quattlebaum, TVR Grantura of Robi Bernberg and Turner Mk2 of Mark Halstead are likely to be near the head of the mix.
Also on display will be the road-going Sanction 2 WSM’s of Lorraine Noble-Thompson WSM 402, and weather and logistics permitting, WSM 405 of Geoff Hill. The Woolmer Classic Engineering encampment will be easy to spot, administering to Healey 100/4 and more.
10 June 2014, Sad News.
Former Speedwell owner Antonio Bertini was killed in an accident in Italy on Saturday. He was competing in an FIA spec Marcos Volvo, sharing with co-driver Adam Cunnington on the event, and it seems that Adam was unhurt.
(www.modenacentooreclassic.it)
9 June 2014, Hotshoes.
Pictured at a gathering in tribute to ‘Big’ John at Celtic Manor – Mike Wilds, John Surtees and ‘Gentleman’ Jack Sears – this 250 GTO must have been quaking on its boots given any one of them would drive the wheels off the car given opportunity.
8 June 2014, Sanction 2 Modelling.
Collaboration between 402 and 405 Sanction 2 owners – Geoff organised the prints and Lorraine models the Sanction 2 motif.
5 June 2014, TT Tails.
The busiest TT period since the Centenary, aptly sponsored by the Monster Energy drinks company. Unhelpful weather has’nt dampened ever-enthusiastic bikers from all points of the globe, but gives the organisers headaches in completing the race programme. 37,000 bikers shipped in, wins by Michael Dunlop, 132mph lap record from Bruce Anstey, and a 117mph lap on a plug-in Mugen Shinden by John McGuinness in the TT Zero race are highlights to date. Todays second sidecar TT is already delayed, and the foul weather forecast is the sword of Damocles over Friday’s Senior TT. Pictured getting advice on paddock access.
29 April 2014, Appreciating Ramsey.
Indicitive of the kindness and understanding of Ramsey residents while Manx Classic competitors filled the neighbourhood with cars and trailers, this sign and the water buckets were placed at the entrance to a property by the owners.
28 April 2014, Late Night Shopping.
Enamoured DW-S granddaughters have more items on their shopping list now – the blue Sanction 2 WSM ticked all the boxes.
27 April 2014, New Arrivals.
The Manx Classic enticed many shapes and forms from the adjacent island, and also marked the first time a Sanction 2 WSM set tyre on Isle of Man soil. First impressions of the 186bhp ‘K’ series performance in WSM 405 were astounding, and heading West to wind up the rev counter to anywhere near the 7500rpm red line produced simply epic acceleration. Pictured in Peel with Geoff Hill outside W-S residences echoed 1980’s pictures of WSM 301, and the scripted speedometer in 405 a subtle reminder of the car’s origins.
27 April 2014, Hot Scots.
Husband and wife team Liam and Eileen Wood made their second Classic visit, and although Eileen’s intended steed failed shortly before crossing, the C-class Mercedes diesel estate tow car was liveried up and pressed into service alongside Liam’s Escort.
27 April 2014, Fill Yer Boots.
The Brabham Sprite of Paul Webb sported an excess baggage area to accomodate shoes and handbags, allegedly wife Yvette’s. Theories on poor fuel economy centred on webber carbs, but its evident that weight and airflow penalties are to blame.
18 April 2014, Autodrome Shakedown.
Bedfordshire Autodrome, home of PalmerSport, saw WSM 405 S2 in the hands of owner Geoff Hill put through its paces yesterday. Comment on the ‘K’ series engine performance and S2 handling to date is all positive, and the car makes its competition debut on Saturday 26th April in Ramsey, IoM. The Manx Classic has an oversubscribed entry this year, and WSM 210 is in Class 2A for pre-1968 Classic Cars up to 1500cc, with 405 in Class 3B for pre-1981 Classic cars 1500cc to 2000cc.
9 April 2014, Nearly Three Legs.
A flurry of activity as the Manx Classic approaches – WSM 401 owner Ian Hulett has nearly finished an engine for his hill climb special, Paul Webb admits there’s a bit to do with his Brabham Sprite, Paul Freeman’s Alexander unfortunately expired at the Goodwood Members meeting, and Clive Cocks with WSM 210 is keeping a low profile.
8 April 2014, Small USA.
Bill Emerson was awarded Best Austin-Healey at a show in St Petersburg, Florida, and bumped into Hayes Harris who used to have custody of WSM 203, one of four exports in the 1960’s to the USA. As Bill (right) commented. ‘Two firsts in one day!’
3 March 2014, MG&Triumph Spares Show.
Stoneleigh Park hosted the annual MG and Triumph bash on Sunday 2nd March, and Sanction 2 WSM’s 402 and 405 were on display with the Midget Register and MGOC stands.
8 February 2014, Fanfair Awaits.
Things are going to get interesting before much longer in Bedfordshire once this little orchestra, pictured left, fills its lungs. The first ‘K’ series WSM, as planned by DW-S while he enjoyed his ‘Pocket Rocket’ Gti Metro in the 1980’s, is soon to be fired up for the first time.
6 February 2014, Fast Moustache.
Click on thumbnail for an unearthed video from Donington in 2005. The WSM MGB was on the ‘Equipe’ GTS grid and racing with David (The Fast Moustache) Beresford in his white MGB roadster – if he was’nt visible, he was on our case close behind. Only a tussle for 7th but the fun factor was evident.
27 January 2014, Gold Standard.
The follow up to the December MG Enthusiasts magazine article on WSM by editor Simon Goldsworthy features Lorraine Noble-Thompson’s Sanction 2 GT – the January edition has a five page spread sprinkled with excellent photographs.
7 January 2014, Rod Revisited.
Good to hear from Rod Brisby, who nearly 22 years ago contacted us from Scotland regarding his ownership of WSM 202. A flight over with DW-S to Scotland led to Rod sending his WSM bonnet over to the Isle of Man on a fishing boat for a mould to be taken for WSM 301. The subsequent sale and restoration of 202 in time for the WSM Re-Union in 2001 was a key element in the ongoing search for surviving cars –
‘Was checking through some old information and updating things and I remembered that I hadn’t heard from you for a while. I never did get that run in the car when finished! Pleased to see the resurgence of the marque. I was sorry to hear of your fathers passing and please accept my sincere condolences. He was a true gentleman and it was a pleasure to be able to say I knew him.
I enclose a couple pictures of my DIY restoration of my 1959 TR3a. Took me about a year and a half to complete but I am quite pleased with the result. My 1954 TR2 is well on the way to completion and that only leaves the TR3 to do. I hope you had a good New Year celebration ‘
5 January 2014, Showtime.
WSM S2’s are listed for display at the MG & Triumph Spares show at Stoneleigh Park on Sunday March 2nd – the 402 GT of Lorraine Noble-Thompson and the ‘K’ series-powered 405 GT of Geoff Hill.
Race news
5 October 2014, Snetterton MGCC 4 Hour Relay.
The Super Sprites re-grouped for the event on the 200 circuit – John Hopwood (Frogeye), Mark Lister (Mk3 Sprite), Simon Page (Sebring replica) and Ian Hulett (WSM Sprite 401) with Richard Angood as Team Manager, supported by the WAGS who provided food, drinks and pit signalling services.
Mark broke a gearbox terminally during practice and the WSM developed a clutch problem, partially fixed for the first session and fully fixed for the second. The planned two 30 minute sessions each during the afternoon were increased to 40 mins with the loss of one car, and all went well until Simon broke a halfshaft towards the end of his second session, which increased John’s and Ian’s last stint by a few minutes. The race was run as both a handicap and a scratch race and the Super Sprites finished mid-field in both – picking up a class win with 16th o/a with 144 laps, the team registered a third consecutive award in the Relay.
27 September 2014, Snetterton AMOC.
Glorious sunshine greeted the ‘Equipe GTS’ and HRDC grids, the latter including WSM202 with new owner Graham Robson at the wheel. The Woolmer Classic Engineering encampment also paraded a Sebring Sprite for Richard Woolmer entered in the ‘Allstars’ and a Standard Pennant for Graham and partner Hilton Persaud in the two-driver 45 minute ‘Touring Greats’ race.
Allstars Q – TVR, E-Type and Mustang filled the top four, but Woolmer’s 5th was a stand-out and Robson’s effort in WSM 202 in his first competitive pedal in 12th was encouraging for the WSM camp.
‘Equipe’ Q – MGB-mounted John Yea’s reaction to setting pole ahead of Peter Foster’s TR4 spoke volumes for the magnitude of the task. Nick Matthews was pleased with 3rd in his Healey 100/4 given the top five were within 2s of pole.
Allstars Race – The Sebring was swallowed off the line and deposited in 8th, while Robson caught others napping for 10th after lap one. A great tussle developed between Woolmer and Chris Scholey’s XK120, but Robson’s run was cut short with head gasket failure. Woolmer’s tiddler got the Jag on lap 9 for 7th and caught Sean Rainford’s ‘Lumbertubs’ Sprite on the last lap for 6th, earning Driver of the Race watch.
‘Equipe’ Race – Yea kept ahead as Foster’s tardy start dropped him to 3rd, and the WSM MGB from the second row followed Yea through Riches for 1st and 2nd. Foster got in his stride to take both places inside one lap and Martyn Corfield in another 100/4 was ahead of Matthews example for 4th and 5th, until a mistake by the WSM at Murrays on lap 3 put both Healeys past. Foster could’nt shake off Yea all the way to the flag, while 3rd for Corfield was deserved after resisting race long pressure from Matthews and the recovering WSM.
Pit & Paddock
‘Gentleman’ Jack Sears in good form with daughter Suzanne.
. Smiles all round chez Woolmer
Music legend and WSM fan Chris Rea, piloting an A35 in the ‘Allstars’.
. WSM 202 ‘s Graham Robson catches up with WSM 402’s Lorraine Noble-Thompson
Gongs abound at WCE.
. 16th for the Pennant team
Thanks to Lorraine Noble-Thompson for trackside photography
Results courtesy of tsl timing
24 August 2014, Oulton Park HSCC.
The regenerated Gold Cup meeting, at perhaps Englands finest circuit, shrugged off inclement weather and served up a real treat for drivers and spectators while celebrating 60 years of the event at Oulton Park. The Super Tourers of the 1990’s, and the big bangers in the Derek Bell Trophy that caters for F1, F2, Formula 5000 and Formula Atlantic, were highlights this week-end, but across the smorgasbord of grids there was something for everyone in the large crowds.
Saturday 23rd Historic Road Sports Qualifying – Series regular Justin Murphy (Ginetta G4) was quickest in a wet session, but three Elan’s were sprinkled ominously amongst the top six, with Kevin Kivlochan’s Morgan Plus 8 and Porsche 911 of last season’s Roadsport champion John Shaw in the mix. The WSM MGB midfielded at 14th, happy enough on shiny new unscrubbed Dunlops.
Sunday 24th HRS Race – The Ginetta G4 of Patrick Ward-Booth (left) and E-Type of Robert Gate were first to shine in the dry conditions and scythed through from 21st and 20th respectively to challenge the Elans and Plus 8. Ward-Booth was sidelined after 6 laps with gremlins and the Kristy Brooks Elan succumbed to Gate for 6th. The lead battle was between the Elan of 5th placed qualifier David Tomlin (left), who caught and passed Murphy after 3 laps. Jonathan Stringer’s nimble Lotus 7 S2 claimed a deserved 4th, while up front there was less than a second at the chequered between
the bickering Elan and Ginetta, Kivlochan a lonely 3rd.
WSM fortunes were buoyed by a good start, aided to 11th by Peter Lanfranchi’s E-Type parting the waves when the gantry lights went out – click on for first laps video – but not enough to fend off the De Tomaso Mangusta of Mike Eagles (pictured right courtesy of www.AE-Photography.co.uk.)
Pit & Paddock
IoM resident Justin Wilson – 4th season with Alfa Romeo Bertone on 70’s Road Sports grid.
Ex-WSM owner John Pearson with latest steed Chevron B17 F3.
Walk in the Oulton Park for ex-WSM owner Brian Arculus in the 50’s Intermarque.
‘Tight’ was the one word description afterwards.
Circa 50 years since meeting Cable Junior! Transpires also a visit to Leighton Buzzard in 1959 with father John culminated with DW-S taking the young Cable on the new M1 motorway in a Mk1 rally prepared Sprite.
Thanks to WSM S2 pilote Ian Hulett for schlepping up the M6 and back with the WSM MGB.
MGB shod Tom Smith 17th overall in Guards GT amongst heavy metal.
Serious musing by Culls, Pearsons and Hulett after minor mishap.
Click on for Historic Roadsports results courtesy of MST Timing
Next race September 27th Equipe GTS at Snetterton
1 July 2014, Brands Hatch AMOC.
The Archover sponsored ‘Equipe’ GTS races on the short Indy circuit on Saturday, and the dramatic Grand Prix loop on Sunday, were eagerly anticipated. The Kentish auditorium served up varied weather and exciting racing in equal measures, with mixed success for the WSM camp –
Q Indy – Jon Payne piloted the proven and rapid TR4 to pole, but Ian Hulett’s close second in WSM401 was impressive and dampened the Elva, TVR, MGB and TR parade – the WSM MGB was nowhere near front running pace, perhaps regretting not filling Dunlop coffers for new L sections.
R1 – Hulett and 4th qualifier Rob Cull (TVR Grantura) got blistering starts as poleman Payne fell to 6th. For 4 laps the WSM held sway, but a safety car did for the underdog and Cull lead into lap10 with Payne making up positions and the TR pack closing fast. Payne lead on lap 11, bringing Pete Foster and John Andon in his wake, and although the Peter Barnard Elva Courier got past the WSM, battle raged from lap 22 until the flag for 5th and the WSM registered 3rd fastest lap to boot. Payne’s margin was a comfortable 9 seconds, with Foster and Andon continuing their rivalry less than a second apart, and Cull a deserved 4th.
Q GP – Horsepower ruled but the rarely used GP circuit polarised top 9 times to within 3.5 seconds. TR’s dominated, with Heritage chief John Yea the fastest MGB.
R2 – Brian White did’nt make the same mistake as Payne and lead from the lights, but Andon’s demise after 2 laps placed fast starters Cull and Hulett in 2nd and 3rd until Foster got in his stride and mugged Hulett on lap 8, then Cull on 14. Chase-Gardener’s Alfa GTA caught and passed the WSM MGB after 10 laps for 7th and the closest contest of the race ensued to the flag. Cull spun out on the last circuit for a Hulett podium, while Foster posted fastest lap in vain pursuit of a largely untroubled White.
Pit & Paddock
Next seasons suggested regulation changes may alter the ‘Equipe’ grid landscape via engine cc revisions – Class 2 for example to 1293cc and Class 4 to 1840cc – which may lead to fewer if any ‘A’ series-powered entries.
WSM202 owner Brian Arculus took 5th in a wet 50’s Sports Car race in his Lotus Elite on Saturday, and 7th on Sunday.
Ex-WSM owner Tony Bianchi shared an MGB with Till Bechtolsheimer in the GT & Sports Car Cup to 20th on the GP circuit.
Bolderson’s en masse – Jnr registered best ever finish.
Cull Snr and attractive Pearson pitcrew at rest.
Without these stars, we don’t get to play.
Ex and current WSM owners Pearson and Arculus.
A testing time for fold up chairs.
Maggie Hulett with her second car.
WSM fan Corey McDowall.
Aviator and racer Tony Bianchi with a past love.
‘Whizzo’ and Innes Ireland Cup entry.
830 miles before next comfort break in Audi.?
Click on for results courtesy of tsl-timing
24 June 2014, Trophy Week-End At Silverstone.
A successful foray to the Northamptonshire HQ for MG90 saw Class awards and Driver Of The Race accolades for WSM and Woolmer Classic Engineering. The ‘Ecurie’ GTS grid was particularly competitive again, bringing most of the hotshoes together for the largest grid of the season on the Grand Prix circuit.
Q – As predicted, the Turner Mk2 of Mark Halstead topped qualifying ahead of Robi Bernberg’s TVR Grantura and Tom Smith’s MGB, while previous race winner Scott Quattlebaum in the Elva Courier was 21st after mechanical difficulties. Richard Woolmer lead the contest for bragging rights within the WCE camp in 9th with BXN, ahead of Ian Hulett (12th in WSM401), Jonathan Abecassis (14th Healey 100/4), WSM MGB 19th and Clive Cocks (36th WSM210).
Race One – Quattlebaum caught and passed second-placed Smith with one lap remaining, while Halstead was imperious up front with Bernberg’s race finished after two laps. 18 year-old Woolmer’s driving to 8th merited mention, the three race novice keeping a cool head whilst battling with (six hundred races and counting) Pete Foster in the TR4. Huletts progress in the dark silver WSM to 6th was rewarded with Driver of the Race and Class 2 winner, and all WSM’s finished in rude health.
Race Two – With no Halstead, the Quattlebaum / Smith rivalry was key, although Hulett put the proverbial cat amongst pigeons taking 2nd from the start until Smith squeezed through, followed by Hulett’s demise with a detached plug lead from 3rd after 4 laps. Woolmers drive under pressure from various MGB’s caught the organisers eye for Driver of the Race, and garnered the Class 2 title. The WSM MGB got embroiled with John Andon’s MGB for a hard earned 15th, and Quattlebaum made his transatlantic visit a memorable one via a three second margin to Smith at the chequered.
Pit & Paddock
Six hundred and counting.
Cocks regained his race mojo as well as adding a second in Class pot to the mantlepiece collection.
Last seasons awards broke cover.
WSM202 owner and eligibility marshall for ‘Ecurie’ GTS, Brian Arculus experienced a week-end of highs and lows – his Lotus Elite failed on Saturday after qualifying an impressive 5th for the ‘Ecurie’ races, but the Lotus Mk 9 brought home the bacon on Sunday in the Iconic 50’s race by a 10 second margin.
WSM fans and prospective racers.
Good to see Peter Hesz, Ian Grainger, Murray Henderson, David Howes, David Markham, Simon Page, Doug Samuels, Barry Sidery-Smith and Robert Waterhouse amongst others visiting the Woolmer Classic Engineering encampment.
WSM 402 S2 of Lorraine Noble-Thompson.
Caught up with Vicki Dollimore – a contemporary at primary school and another family name associated with Leighton Buzzard over the years – who travels to many race meetings with partner Tim Cairns. Thankfully the ‘yours and mine’ scenario seems not to have played out in Class 2a, or Vicki is simply too kind to remind.
Click on for results courtesy of TSL Timing
Next races Brands Hatch with ‘Equipe’ GTS June 28th/29th for WSM’s 401 and MGB
16 June 2014, MG90.
The largest gathering of WSM’s since September 2012 is planned for the Silverstone MGCC event, with three originals alongside three Sanction 2 cars. Featured as the largest grid of the week-end, the first ‘Ecurie’ GTS race kicks off at 4pm on Saturday, and the second at 1.55pm on Sunday.
8 June 2014, BARC Harewood Hillclimb.
The Yorkshire Centre meeting included Geoff Hill in the latest WSM Sanction 2. Although entered in Class C21 (Classic Racing and Sports Racing Cars which was won by a Brabham BT30), his competitive times would have headed up Class C20 for Classic Sports Cars, which included Porsche 911, Morgan Plus 8, Austin Healey 3000 and E-Type Jaguar. Thanks to Ian Kendall for the photograph.
7 June 2014, ‘Equipe’ GTS AMOC Donington.
From our East Midlands correspondent Ian Hulett –
Q – After a successful run on the rollers on Friday, Saturday dawned with indifferent weather. It rained before practice and again before the race but was drying for both. WSM 401 was 12th in practice after a problem in the collecting area – the Marshall said 10 minutes before the start but it was actually circa 60 seconds, hence was not helmeted or strapped in time and lost a lap or two.
R – Gordon Elwell in MEG199 was two rows ahead but bogged down when the lights went out and I arrived at Redgate in front of him. Circuit was damp and slippery particularly through Redgate and the Craner Curves. I made up a few places through overtaking (mainly on the brakes into the chicane) and as a result of others going off, and was up to 7th at the start of lap 11 when I dropped it at Redgate. The car went through 360 and then another 180 and the engine cut. As usual with a Sprite it would not restart and that was my race ended. Congratulations to Gordon – he spun twice at Redgate and got away with it both times to win the class.
Click on for results
Next races June 21st/22nd Silverstone GP at MGLive with ‘Ecurie’ GTS
11 May 2014, Oulton Fosters Downpour.
The popular Cheshire circuit hosted AMOC and some erratic weather, but the combination heralded good racing. The ‘Equipe’ GTS grid was a little light in number compared to the first round at Silverstone in April, although throwing up some unusual results in qualifying with rain strengthening as the session started.
Q – Brian White dominated by a massive 10 second margin in one of the six TR4’s on show, with three Triumphs amongst the first four.
R – White’s start from pole carried the WSM MGB with him into second place, but ex-airline pilot Pete Foster took half a lap to put the record straight and set off after the disappearing White. Richard McKoen slipped past the WSM at Hislops and David Reed’s Aston Martin DB2 upset the applecart with a great run to third. After 10 laps, White’s second mechanical
demise in two races opened a cavernous door for Foster who ambled to the flag, while McKoen was glad to see chequered with a quickening Reed looming large. Novice Nick Mountford continued the leap up the learning curve with an excellent 5th, while Andrew Mitchell deserved plaudits for a Class 3 win and besting some heavier metal in his Alfa Giulia.
Pit & Paddock
Delivery driver, cook, mechanic and car washer – thats not the one in the yellow hat.
Bad influence – thank goodness Friday night was nothing like Saturday’s.
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Photographs courtesy of Noel O’Reilly (copyright King) and Dave Brassington of AMOC
Next race June 7th Donington with ‘Equipe’ GTS
28 April 2014, Manx Classic.
Blessed for the second year in succession with fair weather, the three legs of Mann enticed an oversubscribed entry from near and far. The Grandstand Sprint brought spectators out in numbers on Thursday, and although not without incident, the organisers produced another rabbit out of the hat with the successful Creg Willey’s course debut on Friday. The Saturday finale on the UK’s longest hillclimb was slightly blighted by off-course excursions which ate into admin time, but thankfully injuries were minor.Ten entries in Class 2a included a Spitfire, WSM, Cooper S, Sprite’s and Midgets, and local taxi-driver and Mini hot shoe Dave Musgrove (53) still holds sway, albeit with a narrower margin than ever on all three challenges. Class 7a for Sports Libre cars included WSM 405, which ran well on its competition debut. Off-piste at Mylchreests on Saturday evening, the competitor and marshall concensus seemed to be upbeat about 2015 bringing more of the same.
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Next race at Oulton Park 11th May with AMOC ‘Equipe’ GTS
5 April 2014, Silverstone Hors D’Ouevres.
AMOC’s first race meeting of 2014 kicked off in style when leading lights from the British Touring Car Championship and Endurance Racing world enjoyed a ‘busman’s holiday’ sharing historic racing cars with family and friends. BTCC champ Andrew Jordan shared an Austin A40 with father and saloon car racer Mike Jordan in the HRDC ‘Touring Greats’ race, and was battling with Le Mans racer Darren Turner who shared Desmond Smail’s similar car. All three featured in the main battles of the 45 minute race, with the duo of Neil Brown and Richard Dutton victorious in their Austin A35.
Q – Triumph TR4’s dominated the top three in ‘Equipe’ GTS practice, with Brian White toppling usual suspects John Andon and Pete Foster, while the WSM MGB endured a lack lustre practice for 19th and Nick Mountford was pleased to be starting his TR4 in only his fifth race from 11th.
R – White lead convincingly until 11th lap retirement, which opened the stage to TR4 rivals Foster and Andon. Foster prevailed by 2 seconds at the chequered after a mighty tussle, but a possible yellow flag infringement clouded results. The WSM MGB started two rows off the back, although placed 12th after one lap, but found progress harder while embroiled with the Alfa Romeo GTA of Chase-Gardener, TR4 of Nick Mountford and MGB of Bolderson Snr – that said, a more enjoyable scrap would be hard to find for just 9th place.
Pit & Paddock
WSM202 owner Brian Arculus had a good run to 9th in the HRDC Touring Greats in his Hillman Minx Ex-WSM 205 racer
Mike White (right) and pal Tony Cowley were welcome guests
Budding young racer Christian joins the select roster of WSM drivers
Andon may inherit black and white
if Foster missed some yellow
Pre-tyre pressure check after practice
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WSM at Manx Classic April 28th
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