NEWS PAGE
Locked down - again
4th November 2020
As of tonight at midnight, the country is again in a lockdown to help combat COVID-19 and attempt to relieve the NHS. BMC is no exception to this, and MSUK have withdrawn all permits issued for events planned for the lockdown period, Sadly then, the long awaited Papyrus 12 Car, scheduled for 20th November has become another casualty.
All is however not lost. The event will now be postponed to run on a new date early in 2021. Keep an eye on 'Wosson' for details as they develop.
That then is the end of BMC events for 2020, and what a year it has been. Despite the lock down we did manage to successfully run three of our 12 Car events.
Stay tuned for further developments as they happen.
4th November 2020
As of tonight at midnight, the country is again in a lockdown to help combat COVID-19 and attempt to relieve the NHS. BMC is no exception to this, and MSUK have withdrawn all permits issued for events planned for the lockdown period, Sadly then, the long awaited Papyrus 12 Car, scheduled for 20th November has become another casualty.
All is however not lost. The event will now be postponed to run on a new date early in 2021. Keep an eye on 'Wosson' for details as they develop.
That then is the end of BMC events for 2020, and what a year it has been. Despite the lock down we did manage to successfully run three of our 12 Car events.
Stay tuned for further developments as they happen.
Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car
19th October 2020
Starting last Friday evening, in a socially distanced Lay-by north of the 'West Meon Hut' crossroads, at the SouthWest corner of map OS186, and with the marshals allocated their controls remotely before the event, 10 crews lined up for the start of the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car. TC3 was hastily re-sited due to men working on the ETLs over the road on the small loop into the control, as route instructions had to remain sterile the crews were informed of the changes verbally whilst in the start queue.
The first handout took the crews north up the western side of the map through Monkwood to TC2, using spot heights (given as roman numerals to expert crews). Intended to ease crews gently into the rally, no-one was troubled too badly, and all the experts arrived at TC2 clean.
The route from TC2 was defined by road colours at junctions, again straight forward navigation, and despite shortening the section by two miles, all came in clean here too.
The next handout took competitors from TC3 right through to TC6, a 're-join' control. With TCs 4 and 5 somewhere on route. This time spot heights (plus or minus values for experts) set the course, with the added twist of 4 available spot height 82s to choose from between TC4 and TC5, the correct one was defined by a depart direction. Here is where the first 'Expert' penalty was incurred, with Barry Shurman/Steve Barber in the blue Proton dropping just one minute into TC4, and a further 2 at TC6. The only other time lost here was by first time 'beginners' crew Ben Willshire/Derek Harden in their tidy little VW Lupo, dropping just one minute into TC5.
The inevitable 'Herringbone' was issued at TC6. Identical handouts for both novice and experts alike, apart from descriptions of what to do at junctions for novices. Again most crews cleaned this section with cars 6,8,9, and 10 still clean into TC7.
TC7 offered another 'Multi-section' handout, covering several controls up to TC10. Navigation consisted of a grid giving departures from grid squares, triangles and give ways. Although designed to take time out of crews, Eddie Gale/Simon Fuidge and Mike East/Roger Davidson were still clean into TC8. The score sheet at this point would have shown Gale/Fuidge to be leading on Engine capacity'. Ian Hazelton/Paul Hardy 3rdwith just one minute lost, and Martyn Roberts/Iulian Arcus and Graham Skeggs/John Murdoch both in on two minutes.
Confusion over the siting of TC9 led the Clerk of the Course, Glynn Hayward to cancel all time penalties there. Whilst this benefitted most of the novice crews who were now beginning to lose time, the main casualty here was Eddie Gale/Simon Fuidge who dropped a code board, giving away their potential win.
Congratulations to Mike East and Roger Davidson for the close fought win. After a battle all the way to the wire, and finishing with a clean sheet just one minute ahead of second placed crew Ian Hazelton with Paul Hardy. Last years winners Graham Skeggs / John Murdoch came in third on 4 minutes, and an excellent 4th place /1st novice to Martyn Roberts and Iulian Arcus who dropped just 6 minutes all night. Very impressive. Well done too to first time competitor Ben Willshire, sharing a car with Derek Harden and finishing the rally. Welcome to the world of dark nights and narrow lanes fellas.
The next BMC event will be the Papyrus 12 Car, scheduled for 20th November. The final BMC event from a troubled 2020, and therefore likely to be well attended. If you want to play – don't delay!
19th October 2020
Starting last Friday evening, in a socially distanced Lay-by north of the 'West Meon Hut' crossroads, at the SouthWest corner of map OS186, and with the marshals allocated their controls remotely before the event, 10 crews lined up for the start of the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car. TC3 was hastily re-sited due to men working on the ETLs over the road on the small loop into the control, as route instructions had to remain sterile the crews were informed of the changes verbally whilst in the start queue.
The first handout took the crews north up the western side of the map through Monkwood to TC2, using spot heights (given as roman numerals to expert crews). Intended to ease crews gently into the rally, no-one was troubled too badly, and all the experts arrived at TC2 clean.
The route from TC2 was defined by road colours at junctions, again straight forward navigation, and despite shortening the section by two miles, all came in clean here too.
The next handout took competitors from TC3 right through to TC6, a 're-join' control. With TCs 4 and 5 somewhere on route. This time spot heights (plus or minus values for experts) set the course, with the added twist of 4 available spot height 82s to choose from between TC4 and TC5, the correct one was defined by a depart direction. Here is where the first 'Expert' penalty was incurred, with Barry Shurman/Steve Barber in the blue Proton dropping just one minute into TC4, and a further 2 at TC6. The only other time lost here was by first time 'beginners' crew Ben Willshire/Derek Harden in their tidy little VW Lupo, dropping just one minute into TC5.
The inevitable 'Herringbone' was issued at TC6. Identical handouts for both novice and experts alike, apart from descriptions of what to do at junctions for novices. Again most crews cleaned this section with cars 6,8,9, and 10 still clean into TC7.
TC7 offered another 'Multi-section' handout, covering several controls up to TC10. Navigation consisted of a grid giving departures from grid squares, triangles and give ways. Although designed to take time out of crews, Eddie Gale/Simon Fuidge and Mike East/Roger Davidson were still clean into TC8. The score sheet at this point would have shown Gale/Fuidge to be leading on Engine capacity'. Ian Hazelton/Paul Hardy 3rdwith just one minute lost, and Martyn Roberts/Iulian Arcus and Graham Skeggs/John Murdoch both in on two minutes.
Confusion over the siting of TC9 led the Clerk of the Course, Glynn Hayward to cancel all time penalties there. Whilst this benefitted most of the novice crews who were now beginning to lose time, the main casualty here was Eddie Gale/Simon Fuidge who dropped a code board, giving away their potential win.
Congratulations to Mike East and Roger Davidson for the close fought win. After a battle all the way to the wire, and finishing with a clean sheet just one minute ahead of second placed crew Ian Hazelton with Paul Hardy. Last years winners Graham Skeggs / John Murdoch came in third on 4 minutes, and an excellent 4th place /1st novice to Martyn Roberts and Iulian Arcus who dropped just 6 minutes all night. Very impressive. Well done too to first time competitor Ben Willshire, sharing a car with Derek Harden and finishing the rally. Welcome to the world of dark nights and narrow lanes fellas.
The next BMC event will be the Papyrus 12 Car, scheduled for 20th November. The final BMC event from a troubled 2020, and therefore likely to be well attended. If you want to play – don't delay!
They're not off 'cos it's off
12th August 2020
Sadly we have to announce that the long awaited 'Monster Mulch' Grass Autotest, scheduled for the 13th September has had to be cancelled. This is due to the exceptionally dry and arid conditions of the grass at Popham Airfield. Unfortunately the site has not recovered well from the last event, and it was felt that to run over it again, in it's current condition would cause long term or irreperable damage. As a club we fully understand and endorse this reasoning, and support Popham Management in their decision.
For those keen 'testers' in our ranks, may we recommend as an alternative, the 'Clubmans Series' of grass autotests, run by Bognor Regis Motor Club (the next of which is this coming weekend, and entries are still available). You should be able to compete on a BMC clubcard, and it's not too far for a good day out. Details and entry at:
https://www.bognor-regis-mc.co.uk/clubmans-autotest-champio…
12th August 2020
Sadly we have to announce that the long awaited 'Monster Mulch' Grass Autotest, scheduled for the 13th September has had to be cancelled. This is due to the exceptionally dry and arid conditions of the grass at Popham Airfield. Unfortunately the site has not recovered well from the last event, and it was felt that to run over it again, in it's current condition would cause long term or irreperable damage. As a club we fully understand and endorse this reasoning, and support Popham Management in their decision.
For those keen 'testers' in our ranks, may we recommend as an alternative, the 'Clubmans Series' of grass autotests, run by Bognor Regis Motor Club (the next of which is this coming weekend, and entries are still available). You should be able to compete on a BMC clubcard, and it's not too far for a good day out. Details and entry at:
https://www.bognor-regis-mc.co.uk/clubmans-autotest-champio…
Under Starter's orders
23rd July 2020
And they're off! Yes we the club is back in play after the COVID-19 Lockdown. MSUK are issuing permits once more, and BMC can resume organising the top quality grass roots motor sporting events that you are used to. However, there will be some changes. Social distancing and extra hygene measures will mean that competitors and marshals will need to follow the rules and be more vigilant. It will also mean that there will be no paper entry forms to fill in and everything will be digital and on-line, with payments by bank to bank transfer only. It will also mean that car sharing is a no no, unless both drivers are from the same household. Still, Motor Sport is coming back to BMC, and thats exciting!
Of course with the pubs open and trading again, Club nights at the Fox have been resumed. The first meeting after the lockdown was well attended in the usual area in the bar. Thanks to Russell for catering for the club so enthusiastically. Covid measures of course were in place, and will be for some time. Table service only and no bar service. Congregating at the bar is no longer allowed, and with a maximum of six to a table, regular clubnights have resumed and will be held every first and third Wednesday evening from 8 til 10.
Events will be resuming soon, with the Marksman 12 Car Rally and the Monster Mulch Grass Autotest planned for September 4th and 13th respectively. Permit applications will be in this week so keep fingers crossed. To see details of these and other events, go to 'Wosson' and check it out.
23rd July 2020
And they're off! Yes we the club is back in play after the COVID-19 Lockdown. MSUK are issuing permits once more, and BMC can resume organising the top quality grass roots motor sporting events that you are used to. However, there will be some changes. Social distancing and extra hygene measures will mean that competitors and marshals will need to follow the rules and be more vigilant. It will also mean that there will be no paper entry forms to fill in and everything will be digital and on-line, with payments by bank to bank transfer only. It will also mean that car sharing is a no no, unless both drivers are from the same household. Still, Motor Sport is coming back to BMC, and thats exciting!
Of course with the pubs open and trading again, Club nights at the Fox have been resumed. The first meeting after the lockdown was well attended in the usual area in the bar. Thanks to Russell for catering for the club so enthusiastically. Covid measures of course were in place, and will be for some time. Table service only and no bar service. Congregating at the bar is no longer allowed, and with a maximum of six to a table, regular clubnights have resumed and will be held every first and third Wednesday evening from 8 til 10.
Events will be resuming soon, with the Marksman 12 Car Rally and the Monster Mulch Grass Autotest planned for September 4th and 13th respectively. Permit applications will be in this week so keep fingers crossed. To see details of these and other events, go to 'Wosson' and check it out.
The Best is yet to come
9th April 2020
Sadly the club is still closed down due to the COVID-19 Lockdown. This means no clubnights at the Fox, as everyone should be staying at home in isolation. Until further notice that is the case. The club will be monitoring the Government Lockdown situation and plan accordingly.
It is good to see so much happening on social media. Members are busy exchanging the banter and interest one usually sees at club nights. All this with added competitions, virtual table top rallies and the like (you can't keep a good club down).
MSUK has announced that there will be no permits issued for any type of motorsport until the end of June. You will have to wait at least until then before you can resume any form of competition. However the committee has, as ever been busy, and utilising the myriad of electronic media available, have been continuing committee business as usual.
Just before the COVID-19 Pandemic kicked off, the club secured a deal to run the Felix Leporem, an AutoSolo at Thruxton Circuit, scheduled for 12th July. Also to be included as rounds of the CMSG and ASWMC AutoSolo Championships, this addition to the BMC calendar looked promising. Hopefully the Lockdown and the MSUK permit limit will not be extended, and to that effect the committee is continuing to organise ALL events scheduled to run after the end of June. Obviously if limits are extended the club will act accordingly,
See 'Wosson' for further details as and when.
9th April 2020
Sadly the club is still closed down due to the COVID-19 Lockdown. This means no clubnights at the Fox, as everyone should be staying at home in isolation. Until further notice that is the case. The club will be monitoring the Government Lockdown situation and plan accordingly.
It is good to see so much happening on social media. Members are busy exchanging the banter and interest one usually sees at club nights. All this with added competitions, virtual table top rallies and the like (you can't keep a good club down).
MSUK has announced that there will be no permits issued for any type of motorsport until the end of June. You will have to wait at least until then before you can resume any form of competition. However the committee has, as ever been busy, and utilising the myriad of electronic media available, have been continuing committee business as usual.
Just before the COVID-19 Pandemic kicked off, the club secured a deal to run the Felix Leporem, an AutoSolo at Thruxton Circuit, scheduled for 12th July. Also to be included as rounds of the CMSG and ASWMC AutoSolo Championships, this addition to the BMC calendar looked promising. Hopefully the Lockdown and the MSUK permit limit will not be extended, and to that effect the committee is continuing to organise ALL events scheduled to run after the end of June. Obviously if limits are extended the club will act accordingly,
See 'Wosson' for further details as and when.
All stop - for now!
17th March 2020
Alas, the effect the COVID-19 Corona virus has struck and BMC is sadly on shutdown. With the latest recommendations issued by the government, the club committee has had little choice but to place the club into temporary closedown. A statement to that effect has been issued by Chris Pratt, the cub Chairman, which is shown below:
17th March 2020
Alas, the effect the COVID-19 Corona virus has struck and BMC is sadly on shutdown. With the latest recommendations issued by the government, the club committee has had little choice but to place the club into temporary closedown. A statement to that effect has been issued by Chris Pratt, the cub Chairman, which is shown below:
As Chris' message states, we will resume service at the first available opportunity.
And they're off!
23rd February 2020
Last Friday the 21st February saw the running of the first BMC event for 2020, The Norseman 12 Car. Just ten crews, five experts and five beginners started the 2020 Norseman 12 Car, from the sumptuous suroundings of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Basingstoke. Basingstoke Motor Club would like to extend their thanks to the hotel staff and management who looked after them all so well.
8:00 pm came around very quickly, and crews departed the start for a gentle and relaxed cruise south on the A339 for the 3 mile run out to MTC1 at Winslade, where the rally proper began. Experts opened their envelopes to find a string of map references with app/dep directions. The first of many as the entire event's navigation consisted of map references. It seemed that Clerk of the Course, Jace Shawley, decided that the club needed to practice quick reference plotting, and that was just what was required. Beginners were presented with a series of map portions with the route for that section marked out. However, they still had to maintain the discipline of plotting from each control and getting the timing right.
The opener revealed a twelve mile run, running close to Ellisfield and Bradley. Then back to Ellisfield and via the infamous slot hairpin left at Nutley to finish under the motorway bridge at North Waltham. The sting was the loop to Bradley, which was only apparent if the app/deps to and from the map references were properly heeded. It's here that expert crew Parr/Murdoch, and beginners Reed/Wilson drew the first fails out of the organisers very big bag.
The next section, taking in a very quiet zone past The Fox (the Club's Club House), and the village of North Waltham, then progressing north and west toward Overton, that the second tricky app/dep reference should have come into play. However, how many fell to this one will never be known due to the disappearance of the board on the loop just after the infamous 'slot hairpin right' at Cobley Wood. Still the route progressed north to TC3 at the junction with the B3400 just south of Ashe, where Cuthbert/Partridge were the first experts to drop time.
With almost all the experts still on time, the procession ran into a shortish but time sapping hop through the outer edges of Overton and Quidhampton, and away via an interesting 'left/right over bridge' into a rarely used lane to Polehampton and TC4. Hoping to catch a few 'slackers' on this one, the organiser was disappointed and most of the experts were still without penalty.
The next section, heading east then south, from Polhampton to Hannington, North Oakley and the 'also infamous' hairpin at Ashe triangle, more app/dep references denoted the extra loop via Ibworth. Here again, a board had gone missing and so culprits could not be penalised. However, the organiser was rewarded by taking time out of all experts on this one, with the exception of Donaldson/Vaughan, who remained the only crew at this point with a total clean sheet. All the beginners lost time on this one too.
TC5 sent crews on a quick 6 mile run South, under the railway tunnel at Steventon, hairpin slot left at Village Farm, so just avoiding a revisit to North Waltham, and via Bulls Bushes to the control before South Wood Farm. Just a few more minutes lost here, and the rally moved on eastward via Dummer and Farleigh Wallop to the next control at Cliddesden School. Onward still to cross the original 'runout', North along the A339 and then eastward again to Polecat Corner, a couple of loops to Tunworth and into TC8. TC8 had to be moved at the last minute (due to local flooding) stopping short of the plot, and crews were redirected by the marshals via Upton Grey to rejoin the original route, headed for Herriard and Lasham without penalty or incident.
All expert crews and just one beginner (Mead/Mead) managed to go from here on, west along the the bottom of the route without further penalty. The only incident being the repositioning and detour of TC11, again due to flooding, and again no further problems ensued.
The event finished on the slip road to join the A303 close to Bullington where time cards were left at MTC12. A short run to McDonalds Southbound at Sutton Scotney services where coffee, burgers and results were served.
A compact route, clearly designed for drivers offered a challenging test for all classes. Whilst most drivers had had a most enjoyable evening, grumblings were noted from some exhausted and frustrated navigators, who obviously didn't like the format. An excellent performance however revealed a delighted pair, Ian Donaldson and Paul Vaughan, who both shone with huge grins at the finish. And well deserved it was too.
With equal numbers in both classes the organisers deemed that the two classes be separated into two effective events, and the results were posted thus.
23rd February 2020
Last Friday the 21st February saw the running of the first BMC event for 2020, The Norseman 12 Car. Just ten crews, five experts and five beginners started the 2020 Norseman 12 Car, from the sumptuous suroundings of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Basingstoke. Basingstoke Motor Club would like to extend their thanks to the hotel staff and management who looked after them all so well.
8:00 pm came around very quickly, and crews departed the start for a gentle and relaxed cruise south on the A339 for the 3 mile run out to MTC1 at Winslade, where the rally proper began. Experts opened their envelopes to find a string of map references with app/dep directions. The first of many as the entire event's navigation consisted of map references. It seemed that Clerk of the Course, Jace Shawley, decided that the club needed to practice quick reference plotting, and that was just what was required. Beginners were presented with a series of map portions with the route for that section marked out. However, they still had to maintain the discipline of plotting from each control and getting the timing right.
The opener revealed a twelve mile run, running close to Ellisfield and Bradley. Then back to Ellisfield and via the infamous slot hairpin left at Nutley to finish under the motorway bridge at North Waltham. The sting was the loop to Bradley, which was only apparent if the app/deps to and from the map references were properly heeded. It's here that expert crew Parr/Murdoch, and beginners Reed/Wilson drew the first fails out of the organisers very big bag.
The next section, taking in a very quiet zone past The Fox (the Club's Club House), and the village of North Waltham, then progressing north and west toward Overton, that the second tricky app/dep reference should have come into play. However, how many fell to this one will never be known due to the disappearance of the board on the loop just after the infamous 'slot hairpin right' at Cobley Wood. Still the route progressed north to TC3 at the junction with the B3400 just south of Ashe, where Cuthbert/Partridge were the first experts to drop time.
With almost all the experts still on time, the procession ran into a shortish but time sapping hop through the outer edges of Overton and Quidhampton, and away via an interesting 'left/right over bridge' into a rarely used lane to Polehampton and TC4. Hoping to catch a few 'slackers' on this one, the organiser was disappointed and most of the experts were still without penalty.
The next section, heading east then south, from Polhampton to Hannington, North Oakley and the 'also infamous' hairpin at Ashe triangle, more app/dep references denoted the extra loop via Ibworth. Here again, a board had gone missing and so culprits could not be penalised. However, the organiser was rewarded by taking time out of all experts on this one, with the exception of Donaldson/Vaughan, who remained the only crew at this point with a total clean sheet. All the beginners lost time on this one too.
TC5 sent crews on a quick 6 mile run South, under the railway tunnel at Steventon, hairpin slot left at Village Farm, so just avoiding a revisit to North Waltham, and via Bulls Bushes to the control before South Wood Farm. Just a few more minutes lost here, and the rally moved on eastward via Dummer and Farleigh Wallop to the next control at Cliddesden School. Onward still to cross the original 'runout', North along the A339 and then eastward again to Polecat Corner, a couple of loops to Tunworth and into TC8. TC8 had to be moved at the last minute (due to local flooding) stopping short of the plot, and crews were redirected by the marshals via Upton Grey to rejoin the original route, headed for Herriard and Lasham without penalty or incident.
All expert crews and just one beginner (Mead/Mead) managed to go from here on, west along the the bottom of the route without further penalty. The only incident being the repositioning and detour of TC11, again due to flooding, and again no further problems ensued.
The event finished on the slip road to join the A303 close to Bullington where time cards were left at MTC12. A short run to McDonalds Southbound at Sutton Scotney services where coffee, burgers and results were served.
A compact route, clearly designed for drivers offered a challenging test for all classes. Whilst most drivers had had a most enjoyable evening, grumblings were noted from some exhausted and frustrated navigators, who obviously didn't like the format. An excellent performance however revealed a delighted pair, Ian Donaldson and Paul Vaughan, who both shone with huge grins at the finish. And well deserved it was too.
With equal numbers in both classes the organisers deemed that the two classes be separated into two effective events, and the results were posted thus.
The next 12 Car event in the BMC Calendar is The Marksman, scheduled for the 10th April. Paul and Vicci Vaughan will run it again, so navigators can expect more than just map references. Always a challenge, regs will be out out soon!
Goodbye Teenies, Hello Twenties.
18th December 2020
As we close on another year, it is time once again to look back at the past 12 months. It has been an interesting year in so many ways, but through thick and thin, and in the face of challenges and joy, we are all still here.
The early months of 2019 saw the running of the highly successful 'Plotters Bash' Navigator Training course. Three evening sessions covering not just navigation techniques, but included equipment, stowage, driver information and general cabin management. All this culminating in a purpose designed 'Novice only' 12 Car event and de-brief. Once again thanks to various 'Expert' members from ourselves and other clubs in our region for their support and assistance in presenting what turned out to be a very influential initiative.
Pic - A busy classroom at the Plotters Bash
18th December 2020
As we close on another year, it is time once again to look back at the past 12 months. It has been an interesting year in so many ways, but through thick and thin, and in the face of challenges and joy, we are all still here.
The early months of 2019 saw the running of the highly successful 'Plotters Bash' Navigator Training course. Three evening sessions covering not just navigation techniques, but included equipment, stowage, driver information and general cabin management. All this culminating in a purpose designed 'Novice only' 12 Car event and de-brief. Once again thanks to various 'Expert' members from ourselves and other clubs in our region for their support and assistance in presenting what turned out to be a very influential initiative.
Pic - A busy classroom at the Plotters Bash
12 Car Rallies
The year started with no less than seven 12 Car Rallies on the calendar. However this was to change. Surprise heavy snowfall put an end to the Scotty Totty's original running. However with solid determination from organisers Karen and Jem Mead, they took over the 'Norseman' slot in July and the 'Scotty' ran successfully in mid summer.
All seemed to be on track until September, when a really surprising low entry forced a rescheduling of the Papyrus. At the same time Rob Willshire announced that he was unwell, and that the necessary hospital treatment would likely preclude him from running his first 12 Car for us. Logically then, Jeff Brown's Papyrus filled the now vacant November slot. We all wish the best and a speedy recovery to Rob, who in spite of everything, still works tirelessly for the club.
All the other 12 Cars ran to plan, thanks to Paul and Vicci Vaughan for the Marksman, and to Glynn Hayward once again for the Nick Ardern Memorial. Well done guys.
Pic - 12 Car Rallies still going strong, but fewer events next year
The year started with no less than seven 12 Car Rallies on the calendar. However this was to change. Surprise heavy snowfall put an end to the Scotty Totty's original running. However with solid determination from organisers Karen and Jem Mead, they took over the 'Norseman' slot in July and the 'Scotty' ran successfully in mid summer.
All seemed to be on track until September, when a really surprising low entry forced a rescheduling of the Papyrus. At the same time Rob Willshire announced that he was unwell, and that the necessary hospital treatment would likely preclude him from running his first 12 Car for us. Logically then, Jeff Brown's Papyrus filled the now vacant November slot. We all wish the best and a speedy recovery to Rob, who in spite of everything, still works tirelessly for the club.
All the other 12 Cars ran to plan, thanks to Paul and Vicci Vaughan for the Marksman, and to Glynn Hayward once again for the Nick Ardern Memorial. Well done guys.
Pic - 12 Car Rallies still going strong, but fewer events next year
Autotesting
The Popham Autotest Triple (Monster Mulch, Pasture Blaster and the GrassHopper) all ran as planned. All well run and attended. Thanks to Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire for the Monster Mulch. To Tim and Chris Pratt for the Pasture Blaster, and to Karen and Jem Mead for their second organising foray of the year with the GrassHopper. Thanks to all, and again very well done!
The Popham Autotest Triple (Monster Mulch, Pasture Blaster and the GrassHopper) all ran as planned. All well run and attended. Thanks to Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire for the Monster Mulch. To Tim and Chris Pratt for the Pasture Blaster, and to Karen and Jem Mead for their second organising foray of the year with the GrassHopper. Thanks to all, and again very well done!
New for 2020
So 2019 then has effectively ended, and 2020 is about to begin. However, last year was not without issues and problems. Thankfully your committee has dealt with them all professionally and efficiently, but there will be changes to the norm for 2020:
Firstly, the grass area that we use for Autotesting at Popham Airfield, was really chewed up this year. Hence things have had to change. After various meetings with Popham management it became clear that a new approach was needed, not just in the way we use the land, but also in the way we manage and regulate that use. To that end Jace Shawley is now the official liaison between Popham and BMC, and will be in supervisory control of all events we run there. That includes quantity and duration of events, right down to test design. He will also have the authority to stop an event if he feels that it is cutting up too badly.
It was felt by all that three events run on the same turf in the same year, left little time for the grass to naturally recover. 2020 then will now see just two events at Popham. The Pasture Blaster will be run by Tim and Chris Pratt on 31st May, and The Monster Mulch, run by Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire on 13th September. The committee is however seeking further venues (Grass or tarmac) with a view to replacing lost autotests and running extra events where possible. If you can help or if you know of a suitable venue, please contact any committee member and let them know.
12 Car rallies didn't escape either. We have noticed a great proliferation of 12 car events in and around our area run by other clubs. It is good to note that other clubs have once again followed our lead. Sadly though it has also been noticed that as a result of this greater choice, full entries can no longer be guaranteed. BMC have elected to follow a course of quality not quantity, thus reducing the number of BMC 12 Car events for 2020, but maintaining their superb quality.
2020 will also see changes to the structure of the BMC Club Championship. A review earlier in the year suggested that a change was necessary, so after a great deal of trying out different formulas, the new system was adopted, to come into effect on 1st Jan 2020. Hopefully this will address the balance between all differing disciplines and help to even things up. Details will be on the website soon.
Another change, and this one already in effect, is the change of our meeting place. Sadly the Sun Inn has changed ownership and management, and it became clear that the new owners plans for the establishment didn't match our requirements. For a while we gave them the benefit of the doubt, seriously expecting something to change, but it soon became apparent that we had to move. The Fox at North Waltham has welcomed us with open arms. Many thanks to Rob and Russel who have looked after us very well so far. Wasn't the Christmas meal tasty?
Please note that clubnights in January will be the 8th and the 22nd. This is due to New Years Day falling on the first Wednesday. All back to the first and third Wednesday of the month from February.
Finally, all of us at Basingstoke Motor Club would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
So 2019 then has effectively ended, and 2020 is about to begin. However, last year was not without issues and problems. Thankfully your committee has dealt with them all professionally and efficiently, but there will be changes to the norm for 2020:
Firstly, the grass area that we use for Autotesting at Popham Airfield, was really chewed up this year. Hence things have had to change. After various meetings with Popham management it became clear that a new approach was needed, not just in the way we use the land, but also in the way we manage and regulate that use. To that end Jace Shawley is now the official liaison between Popham and BMC, and will be in supervisory control of all events we run there. That includes quantity and duration of events, right down to test design. He will also have the authority to stop an event if he feels that it is cutting up too badly.
It was felt by all that three events run on the same turf in the same year, left little time for the grass to naturally recover. 2020 then will now see just two events at Popham. The Pasture Blaster will be run by Tim and Chris Pratt on 31st May, and The Monster Mulch, run by Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire on 13th September. The committee is however seeking further venues (Grass or tarmac) with a view to replacing lost autotests and running extra events where possible. If you can help or if you know of a suitable venue, please contact any committee member and let them know.
12 Car rallies didn't escape either. We have noticed a great proliferation of 12 car events in and around our area run by other clubs. It is good to note that other clubs have once again followed our lead. Sadly though it has also been noticed that as a result of this greater choice, full entries can no longer be guaranteed. BMC have elected to follow a course of quality not quantity, thus reducing the number of BMC 12 Car events for 2020, but maintaining their superb quality.
2020 will also see changes to the structure of the BMC Club Championship. A review earlier in the year suggested that a change was necessary, so after a great deal of trying out different formulas, the new system was adopted, to come into effect on 1st Jan 2020. Hopefully this will address the balance between all differing disciplines and help to even things up. Details will be on the website soon.
Another change, and this one already in effect, is the change of our meeting place. Sadly the Sun Inn has changed ownership and management, and it became clear that the new owners plans for the establishment didn't match our requirements. For a while we gave them the benefit of the doubt, seriously expecting something to change, but it soon became apparent that we had to move. The Fox at North Waltham has welcomed us with open arms. Many thanks to Rob and Russel who have looked after us very well so far. Wasn't the Christmas meal tasty?
Please note that clubnights in January will be the 8th and the 22nd. This is due to New Years Day falling on the first Wednesday. All back to the first and third Wednesday of the month from February.
Finally, all of us at Basingstoke Motor Club would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Christmas Dinner and Awards
The end of year BMC Christmas dinner and awards presentation for 2019, will be held at 'The Fox', at North Waltham on the evening of 4th December. An exciting menu, which includes a traditional Christmas option, will hopefully tempt you along, and of course awards and presentations as appropriate, should make for a delicious and entertaining evening.
Please choose from the menus below, and relay your order and payment to our Chairman, Chris Pratt, as has become traditional.
Please note that the prices shown are subject to a 10% service charge, and that all drinks and extras are exclusive, and to be paid for on the night.
Send your orders to Chris Pratt - [email protected] -
Payment is required before the night by cash or cheque, either at a club night or by post. Contact Chris directly if paying by BACS.
The end of year BMC Christmas dinner and awards presentation for 2019, will be held at 'The Fox', at North Waltham on the evening of 4th December. An exciting menu, which includes a traditional Christmas option, will hopefully tempt you along, and of course awards and presentations as appropriate, should make for a delicious and entertaining evening.
Please choose from the menus below, and relay your order and payment to our Chairman, Chris Pratt, as has become traditional.
Please note that the prices shown are subject to a 10% service charge, and that all drinks and extras are exclusive, and to be paid for on the night.
Send your orders to Chris Pratt - [email protected] -
Payment is required before the night by cash or cheque, either at a club night or by post. Contact Chris directly if paying by BACS.
What the future holds
23rd August 2019
So here we go again! After a normally uneventful August, the 2019/20 season starts in September, and by 'eck are you going to be busy. BMC has ensured that once again you have the cream of the South's best Club Motorsport at your disposal.
The first event on the list is the last of the summer series of grass autotests. 'The Grasshopper Autotest and Production Autotest' takes place at Popham Airfield on the First of September. Entries are now flooding in, and after some early concerns we can confirm that the event will run.
The next BMC event is the Papyrus, a 100 mile 12 Car navigational rally on the 13th September, but before that, members have a Clubnight and a choice of a Navigational 12 Car, a Regularity 'Daytime' 12 Car, and an AutoSolo run by other clubs, but to which BMC members are eligible to enter.
The following weekend sees the Mercian Rally. For the purist Road Rally enthusiasts amongst us, this is not one to miss. A classic event offering all the ingredients for a really good night out.
23rd August 2019
So here we go again! After a normally uneventful August, the 2019/20 season starts in September, and by 'eck are you going to be busy. BMC has ensured that once again you have the cream of the South's best Club Motorsport at your disposal.
The first event on the list is the last of the summer series of grass autotests. 'The Grasshopper Autotest and Production Autotest' takes place at Popham Airfield on the First of September. Entries are now flooding in, and after some early concerns we can confirm that the event will run.
The next BMC event is the Papyrus, a 100 mile 12 Car navigational rally on the 13th September, but before that, members have a Clubnight and a choice of a Navigational 12 Car, a Regularity 'Daytime' 12 Car, and an AutoSolo run by other clubs, but to which BMC members are eligible to enter.
The following weekend sees the Mercian Rally. For the purist Road Rally enthusiasts amongst us, this is not one to miss. A classic event offering all the ingredients for a really good night out.
A busy weekend the 21st/22nd with Rally Day on the 21st, and the Andover Festival of Motoring the following day. BMC will be present with display stands at both.
Also on the 22nd is the inaugural running of the 'Dates Rally', run by the newly formed 'MiRally Club', this event will be trialling (with MSUK sanction) a new type of timing/marshalling a rally using cell phone and GPS technology. Could be interesting.
Finally, September offers the Autumn AutoSolo and PCA at Kemble Airfield, run by Devizes District Car Club. A few BMC members already entered on this one.
October and November are just as busy. Check out Wosson and see for yourselves.
Also on the 22nd is the inaugural running of the 'Dates Rally', run by the newly formed 'MiRally Club', this event will be trialling (with MSUK sanction) a new type of timing/marshalling a rally using cell phone and GPS technology. Could be interesting.
Finally, September offers the Autumn AutoSolo and PCA at Kemble Airfield, run by Devizes District Car Club. A few BMC members already entered on this one.
October and November are just as busy. Check out Wosson and see for yourselves.
Liège-Brescia-Liège Rally (continued)
23rd July 2019
Showing off the silverware, Karl Boulton (Left) and Dave Hankin.
23rd July 2019
Showing off the silverware, Karl Boulton (Left) and Dave Hankin.
We are very pleased to report that our intrepid duo, Dave Hankin and Karl Boulton, successfully finished the Liège-Brescia-Liège Rally last Sunday in a very well earned 5th place. Having dropped to almost last place, the challenge of climbing the leader board over the remaining ten days was taken up with a vengeance, and despite a troublesome gearbox in the trusty TR4, a top five result was achieved. As if that wasn't enough, our amazing duo also took their class award and the best team award (Hope you have enough boot space in the TR for all the silverware – Ed).
Now back in Blighty, we assume the pair will enjoy a well earned rest before getting back out on the rallying scene. Karl has a Mini to finish. Just a few little finishing touches and it will be out on events, whilst Dave has a Triumph TR4 gearbox to fettle (and a VW Beetle requiring some major re-assembling).
Very well done fellas. What's next?
Now back in Blighty, we assume the pair will enjoy a well earned rest before getting back out on the rallying scene. Karl has a Mini to finish. Just a few little finishing touches and it will be out on events, whilst Dave has a Triumph TR4 gearbox to fettle (and a VW Beetle requiring some major re-assembling).
Very well done fellas. What's next?
Liège-Brescia-Liège Rally
19th July 2019
19th July 2019
On July 11th, BMC members Dave Hankin and Karl Boulton were in Liège, Belgium, for the start of the 2019, Triumph TR Register, Liège-Brescia-Liège Rally, with Dave's lovely red Triumph TR4 historic Rally Car. The route for Liège-Brescia-Liège 2019 runs from Liège, back to Liège via Karlsruhe, Misurina, Ljubljana, Carezza, Brescia, Merano, Bernried and Bretten, with lots of navigational challenges, interesting visits and fun circuit tests along the way.
The latest news from our intrepid duo is that after a “mare of a first day”, dropping them way down the leader board, they are now back on track so to speak, and have managed to climb back to a very respectable 9th overall. However, with some way yet to go, our crew are nursing a few issues with the car. The overdrive has failed and the gearbox has started jumping out of gear. A strict daily oil top up is now just another maintenance chore.
Crossing the Rhine A Roadside stop A brief halt by an Italian lake
The latest news from our intrepid duo is that after a “mare of a first day”, dropping them way down the leader board, they are now back on track so to speak, and have managed to climb back to a very respectable 9th overall. However, with some way yet to go, our crew are nursing a few issues with the car. The overdrive has failed and the gearbox has started jumping out of gear. A strict daily oil top up is now just another maintenance chore.
Crossing the Rhine A Roadside stop A brief halt by an Italian lake
So far, the event has been what can only be described as 'Full on'. Much tougher on car and crew than first anticipated. Averaging over 350km per day over some fantastic roads, including some gravel sections, and passing over both the Gavia and Stelvio Passes at over 2600m twice, our boys have passed through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy and into Slovenia. They are now on the return leg, but despite nursing the errant gearbox, there is still some way to go.
Scheduled to finish on Sunday 21st July, the event is a replica of a classic 1950s rally, following the same route, and using the same hotels wherever possible. With tough 50s style navigation, and driving challenges all the way, it is a very hard but rewarding ten days of nostalgia. We look forward to further reports from our dynamic duo.
On parade at the start in Liège
Scheduled to finish on Sunday 21st July, the event is a replica of a classic 1950s rally, following the same route, and using the same hotels wherever possible. With tough 50s style navigation, and driving challenges all the way, it is a very hard but rewarding ten days of nostalgia. We look forward to further reports from our dynamic duo.
On parade at the start in Liège
Pasture Blaster 2019
14th July 2019
Go Joe, go! Joe Dalgarno on his way to a superb FTD!
14th July 2019
Go Joe, go! Joe Dalgarno on his way to a superb FTD!
Pictures by courtesy of Tristram Reed - Oakley Camera Club
After initial cloudiness, sunshine and blue sky was the eventual setting at Popham Airfield last Sunday (7th July) for the 2019 Pasture Blaster Grass Autotest. An ideal entry, in the low 20s provided a varied but very capable field of competitors over the two events (Autotest and Production Autotest).
With drivers running in allocated groups, and consequently starting on different tests, the openers, as always had the unenviable job of cleaning the course. The dew and freshly crushed grass on the first set of tests had a serious effect as grip was sought. But with varying test lengths there was a distinct advantage for some, and handicaps for others (as a glance at the scoresheet shows). However, after the first set of tests had been run and the surface began to dry, grip was found and the game was definitely on.
Joe Dalgarno was flying from the start, as were Roy Cuthbert, Rod Shaw and the Bell brothers, Aston and Taron. Aston's little black Puma was a delight to watch, as the lads made full use of the newly fitted LSD unit. Roy Cuthbert, in a last minute change of car, was sharing Lee McCoy's 2 litre Focus with great success and enjoying a very closely faught battle with Australian Rod Shaw, who was mercilessly swapping the class lead with Roy in his Focus ST. However, streaking away into the overall lead was Joe Dalgarno, showing us all how it should be done in that now familiar rapid little red ZR.
Aston Bell (or is it Taron)? Roy Cuthbert Rod Shaw
After initial cloudiness, sunshine and blue sky was the eventual setting at Popham Airfield last Sunday (7th July) for the 2019 Pasture Blaster Grass Autotest. An ideal entry, in the low 20s provided a varied but very capable field of competitors over the two events (Autotest and Production Autotest).
With drivers running in allocated groups, and consequently starting on different tests, the openers, as always had the unenviable job of cleaning the course. The dew and freshly crushed grass on the first set of tests had a serious effect as grip was sought. But with varying test lengths there was a distinct advantage for some, and handicaps for others (as a glance at the scoresheet shows). However, after the first set of tests had been run and the surface began to dry, grip was found and the game was definitely on.
Joe Dalgarno was flying from the start, as were Roy Cuthbert, Rod Shaw and the Bell brothers, Aston and Taron. Aston's little black Puma was a delight to watch, as the lads made full use of the newly fitted LSD unit. Roy Cuthbert, in a last minute change of car, was sharing Lee McCoy's 2 litre Focus with great success and enjoying a very closely faught battle with Australian Rod Shaw, who was mercilessly swapping the class lead with Roy in his Focus ST. However, streaking away into the overall lead was Joe Dalgarno, showing us all how it should be done in that now familiar rapid little red ZR.
Aston Bell (or is it Taron)? Roy Cuthbert Rod Shaw
With the distinct lack of rain, and the relentless sunshine, dust was to be a big issue. For those in open sports cars, breathing apparatus would have been desirable and a hose down between tests a luxury. However, the tests required quite a few 360 pirouettes, and by the time drivers came off such a turn, the next cone could often not be seen through the murk, adding further to their confusion. Disorientation then was another issue for drivers to contend with, all adding to the challenge and making a more interesting day.
Welcome back Dominic Duell, this time in a partially built Nissan NSX. You may remember Dom's first forray last year in the blue MX5. The big Nissan was not in it's element, struggling to get around some of the tighter turns, but overall the huge power, so deftly handled got Dominic round. Another rare outing was Steve Garside in his very tidy little blue Peugeot 106. Steve is usually found marshalling on these events, and so it was really good to see him out playing instead.
As the afternoon tests began there was not much change in the running order. Adie Collins' 'Salmon Pink' Mk2 Escort, shared with Jason Pillar was constantly throwing up the dust. The LSD'd rear doing most of that deed. Also there or thereabouts was Jem Mead's white MX5, kicking up the dust and going like a train. Roy Cuthbert and Rod Shaw were still neck and neck, and not yet coming to blows, whilst Aston and Taron Bell were really getting to grips with the new Quaife.
Jem Mead Adie Collins (or is it Jason Pillar)? Steve Garside .... grinning!
Welcome back Dominic Duell, this time in a partially built Nissan NSX. You may remember Dom's first forray last year in the blue MX5. The big Nissan was not in it's element, struggling to get around some of the tighter turns, but overall the huge power, so deftly handled got Dominic round. Another rare outing was Steve Garside in his very tidy little blue Peugeot 106. Steve is usually found marshalling on these events, and so it was really good to see him out playing instead.
As the afternoon tests began there was not much change in the running order. Adie Collins' 'Salmon Pink' Mk2 Escort, shared with Jason Pillar was constantly throwing up the dust. The LSD'd rear doing most of that deed. Also there or thereabouts was Jem Mead's white MX5, kicking up the dust and going like a train. Roy Cuthbert and Rod Shaw were still neck and neck, and not yet coming to blows, whilst Aston and Taron Bell were really getting to grips with the new Quaife.
Jem Mead Adie Collins (or is it Jason Pillar)? Steve Garside .... grinning!
The results team, Jane Pratt and Karen Mead had really been on the ball all day. Updated results after each batch of three tests had competitors well informed and 'quiet'. Needless to say that end results came out very soon after the last test.
The Autotest section was eventually won by Roy Cuthbert, (Ford Focus 2.0), just pushing Rod Shaw (Focus ST) into second place. Aston Bell (Puma 1.7) took the 'Production' event whilst brother Taron Bell took second place. FTD, unsurprisingly went to a hard charging Joe Dalgarno in his little red MGZR, who was out ahead nearly all day. Very well done all!
Many many thanks to the organising team, Tim Pratt (CoC), Chris Pratt (Assistant CoC) and to Jane Pratt and Karen Mead, who did an excellent job of admin and results.
The next Grass Autotest in the BMC series will be the GrassHopper, scheduled for 1st September. Popham is again the venue, and this time the event will be run by Jem and Karen Mead. You just know it will be good. Regs avalable HERE or from 'Wosson' as always. See you all there.
More of Tristram's pictures can be found at https://imgur.com/a/435jxlr
Lee McCoy - giving it beanzzzzz!
The Autotest section was eventually won by Roy Cuthbert, (Ford Focus 2.0), just pushing Rod Shaw (Focus ST) into second place. Aston Bell (Puma 1.7) took the 'Production' event whilst brother Taron Bell took second place. FTD, unsurprisingly went to a hard charging Joe Dalgarno in his little red MGZR, who was out ahead nearly all day. Very well done all!
Many many thanks to the organising team, Tim Pratt (CoC), Chris Pratt (Assistant CoC) and to Jane Pratt and Karen Mead, who did an excellent job of admin and results.
The next Grass Autotest in the BMC series will be the GrassHopper, scheduled for 1st September. Popham is again the venue, and this time the event will be run by Jem and Karen Mead. You just know it will be good. Regs avalable HERE or from 'Wosson' as always. See you all there.
More of Tristram's pictures can be found at https://imgur.com/a/435jxlr
Lee McCoy - giving it beanzzzzz!
Scotty Totty
2nd July 2019
Wow! What a cracker of an event that was. The long awaited 'Scotty Totty' finally ran on Friday the 21st June. Originally planned as a winter event, Jem and Karen Mead really pulled the stops out, re-arranging the format, to cope with the dry smooth tarmac expected in June.
At the Start (Sutton Scotney Services), crews were given safety, quiet and black spots to plot, together with a run out to MTC1, under the A34 bridge at Whitchurch. Dirty Corner then was the first junction, about 30 seconds out from the rally start proper. Not all crews had it on the map by then, and a few novices were found neatly parked up and madly plotting just before the junction. A swift run across Egbury, to TC2 just outside StMarybourne, and the fun started again. Tulips directed a 'short quickie' via Smannel and Enham Alemein, followed by some more testing rallying, heading unsurprisingly to the infamous 'Chute Causeway' (Yeahaaaa). From there on the route criss crossed the edge of the maps, changing frequently and really keeping the navigators on their toes. With the pressure on mistakes were being made, and steadily the leaders emerged.
Clearly the Novice Navigation was erring towards the easy side, whist the Expert was about right. As the pressure increased, crews were beginning to make silly mistakes. Concentration, especially the experts was lacking in the second half. The challenging Navigation, together with the late hours were the main catalysts here, but also many crews were caught out booking in early on the easy sections.
At Tot Hill Services, when the dust had settled and the Big Macs were ordered, Colin Woodhouse and Mark Appleton emerged as the only crew with no Fails, and congratulations go to them.
The event was very well organised. The route and navigation were simply fabulous, and with everyone on their best behaviour, no problems to deal with. Very well done Jem and Karen. We're all looking forward to next year's event.
2nd July 2019
Wow! What a cracker of an event that was. The long awaited 'Scotty Totty' finally ran on Friday the 21st June. Originally planned as a winter event, Jem and Karen Mead really pulled the stops out, re-arranging the format, to cope with the dry smooth tarmac expected in June.
At the Start (Sutton Scotney Services), crews were given safety, quiet and black spots to plot, together with a run out to MTC1, under the A34 bridge at Whitchurch. Dirty Corner then was the first junction, about 30 seconds out from the rally start proper. Not all crews had it on the map by then, and a few novices were found neatly parked up and madly plotting just before the junction. A swift run across Egbury, to TC2 just outside StMarybourne, and the fun started again. Tulips directed a 'short quickie' via Smannel and Enham Alemein, followed by some more testing rallying, heading unsurprisingly to the infamous 'Chute Causeway' (Yeahaaaa). From there on the route criss crossed the edge of the maps, changing frequently and really keeping the navigators on their toes. With the pressure on mistakes were being made, and steadily the leaders emerged.
Clearly the Novice Navigation was erring towards the easy side, whist the Expert was about right. As the pressure increased, crews were beginning to make silly mistakes. Concentration, especially the experts was lacking in the second half. The challenging Navigation, together with the late hours were the main catalysts here, but also many crews were caught out booking in early on the easy sections.
At Tot Hill Services, when the dust had settled and the Big Macs were ordered, Colin Woodhouse and Mark Appleton emerged as the only crew with no Fails, and congratulations go to them.
The event was very well organised. The route and navigation were simply fabulous, and with everyone on their best behaviour, no problems to deal with. Very well done Jem and Karen. We're all looking forward to next year's event.
Popped into Popham
7th May 2019
7th May 2019
BMC 'Classic Car' owners had a chance to show off yesterday, at the Popham Classic Car Show. Some tidy 'working' Ford Escorts were supplied by Adie Collins, Ian Martingale and Mike Hall, and together with a few old favourites the Club made a good showing. Jeff Brown's Chevette and Jem Meads Mazda MX5 attracted a lot of interest, whilst on the 'Concourse' side, Emma Telfer's Subaru and Karl Boulton's Triumph TR6 collected a few new watermarks due to excess drooling!
This is the first time BMC attended a 'Classic' car show. the intention being to demonstrate that there are far more uses for a classic car than just show it and polish it. Club members met a lot of people at the show, both old friends and new. Many of whom, now enlightened, we may see again soon, particularly at the Monster Mulch Grass Autotest in two weeks time.
Next weekend is the Festival of Transport at The War Memorial Park in Basingstoke, and a chance to do it all again. This time there is no age restriction, so if it you want the world to see your motor, talk to Jeff Brown.
This is the first time BMC attended a 'Classic' car show. the intention being to demonstrate that there are far more uses for a classic car than just show it and polish it. Club members met a lot of people at the show, both old friends and new. Many of whom, now enlightened, we may see again soon, particularly at the Monster Mulch Grass Autotest in two weeks time.
Next weekend is the Festival of Transport at The War Memorial Park in Basingstoke, and a chance to do it all again. This time there is no age restriction, so if it you want the world to see your motor, talk to Jeff Brown.
It's Showtime
14th April 2019
With the Marksman 12 car run and finished, we move into 'Showtime'. May is the catalyst that spawns a myriad of Springtime car shows all over the country, and our region is no exception. The first of the May Bank holidays, Monday 6th, will see the Popham Classic Car show at Popham Airfield. With the recognition that BMC fields many 'modern' Classics in their regular competitions, it was a logical decision to show some of them off whilst enlightening more of the public about low cost motorsport.
The display will be divided into two areas, one showing 'Concourse and loved' originals, and the other as an assembly of 'Competition and competing' classics. Currently confirmed on the 'Posh side' are Karl Boulton's tidy Triumph TR6, and Adie Collins' Salmon Pink Mk2 Escort. On the 'used in competition' side, Chairman Chris Pratt's Peugeot 205GTi and Jem Mead's Mazda MX5 are confirmed. Of course there are many more yet to be confirmed, despite the beautiful Triumph TR4s of David Hankin and Chris Harding both unable to make it.
All below could be at Popham for the Classic Car Show
14th April 2019
With the Marksman 12 car run and finished, we move into 'Showtime'. May is the catalyst that spawns a myriad of Springtime car shows all over the country, and our region is no exception. The first of the May Bank holidays, Monday 6th, will see the Popham Classic Car show at Popham Airfield. With the recognition that BMC fields many 'modern' Classics in their regular competitions, it was a logical decision to show some of them off whilst enlightening more of the public about low cost motorsport.
The display will be divided into two areas, one showing 'Concourse and loved' originals, and the other as an assembly of 'Competition and competing' classics. Currently confirmed on the 'Posh side' are Karl Boulton's tidy Triumph TR6, and Adie Collins' Salmon Pink Mk2 Escort. On the 'used in competition' side, Chairman Chris Pratt's Peugeot 205GTi and Jem Mead's Mazda MX5 are confirmed. Of course there are many more yet to be confirmed, despite the beautiful Triumph TR4s of David Hankin and Chris Harding both unable to make it.
All below could be at Popham for the Classic Car Show
The following weekend sees the annual 'Thornycroft Festival of Transport' at the War Memorial Park in Basingstoke. Again BMC will be showing a range of members' competition cars, but this time there is not an age limit on the vehicles. Hopefully a good cross section of both classic and modern vehicles will be on display. Whether you are showing your car or just visiting, all offers of help to 'man the stands' will be gratefully received.
2018 was a good year at the Festival of Transport
2018 was a good year at the Festival of Transport
May is a busy month for BMC. Apart from the two Car Shows, the 19th May is the date for the first of the grass autotest 'triple' at Popham. The 'Grasshopper' kicks off at 10:15 with the now popular 3 x 3 x 3 and 2 event format. 27 tests each in just one day is definitely not to be missed. For details and regs check out 'Wosson'.
Previous 'Popham Grass Action'.
Previous 'Popham Grass Action'.
Maybe Baby - Or are we all going Micro?
1st April 2019
1st April 2019
The French influence on Europe is immense, and despite 'Brexit', it seems that we are to remain, for some time at least, kowtowing to edicts from Brussells and Strasbourg. Motorsport is no exception, and keeping in line with directives from the FIA, it appears to be the prime course of action here in the UK too.
As most of you know, France produces many 'Micro-Cars', and to drive these 'Dinky' little cars in France, your only qualification is to be over 14 years of age (No license required). Here in UK the minimum age is 16, and you have to have a license. Obviously, to drive on the public highway either here or there you will also require insurance.
So how does this affect us I hear you ask. Well, with a max speed of 50kph (or 30mph) they don't appeal much to hard core racers, but with very low fuel consumption from the tiny twin cylinder diesel engines, and a serious 'green issue' to deal with, the FIA, bowing to commercial and environmental pressure is considering bringing in legislation that bridles all forms of 'Internal Combustion' motorsport to be restricted to a very low carbon footprint, and these Microcars or 'Quadracycles' fit the bill admirably. It is anticipated that engines will remain standard, otherwise the object is defeated. However, freedom with regard to chassis development and braking is likely.
Aixam Coupe (Standard) Aixam Coupe GTi (Ripe for development)
As most of you know, France produces many 'Micro-Cars', and to drive these 'Dinky' little cars in France, your only qualification is to be over 14 years of age (No license required). Here in UK the minimum age is 16, and you have to have a license. Obviously, to drive on the public highway either here or there you will also require insurance.
So how does this affect us I hear you ask. Well, with a max speed of 50kph (or 30mph) they don't appeal much to hard core racers, but with very low fuel consumption from the tiny twin cylinder diesel engines, and a serious 'green issue' to deal with, the FIA, bowing to commercial and environmental pressure is considering bringing in legislation that bridles all forms of 'Internal Combustion' motorsport to be restricted to a very low carbon footprint, and these Microcars or 'Quadracycles' fit the bill admirably. It is anticipated that engines will remain standard, otherwise the object is defeated. However, freedom with regard to chassis development and braking is likely.
Aixam Coupe (Standard) Aixam Coupe GTi (Ripe for development)
The French micro manufacturers have a headstart already with their range of microcars. Companys such as Aixam and Ligier have been in production for decades, and each are currently planning their assault on the various Championships. Both companies are talking to experienced top flight race and rally prep companies in the UK and Europe, and each are seeking drivers and teams who can really screw those extra seconds from their performance, without high budget engine developments to give them an advantage. Ligier of course are current favourites, with a huge history of F1 and endurance racing experience to fall back on, but the Microcar industry is as incestuous as its big brother, and technical secrets are being exchanged under the euro counter faster than British passports. Aixam is surprisingly well advanced in this 'new to them' arena too, and the development race really is on.
Early Chassis development from the Zed Shed Chris Meeke's initial run didn't go well
Early Chassis development from the Zed Shed Chris Meeke's initial run didn't go well
With the anticipation that the new rulings will be implemented here too, and consequently effective from as early as next year, it comes as no surprise that UK Competition Car developers and builders are getting on the wagon. There will be a mad scramble for well developed cars for top teams to compete with next year, and lets face it, with the likes of Ford, Citroen and Peugeot concentrating on electric vehicles, it is unlikely that they will enter the fray. It is likely then that we will have to endure French dominance for the next few years. Already we have seen experimental developments from UK power houses, and clearly, as market leaders in this field, there will be more.
It is anticipated that some developments will need to be extreme:
So it looks like the future is all about handling. No more reliance on excessive horsepower. Still, no matter how sad you are to say goodbye to your established and current competition cars, you will at least be able to park two new ones on the same place as just one of the old. Or as they say in France 'Deux valent mieux qu'un' or Two is better than one!
The Tenderfoot – Are you experienced?
24th March 2019
Last Friday (15th) saw the long awaited 'Tenderfoot Novices 12 Car', run as a Novices only entry, with priority given to participants of the 'BMC Plotters Bash' navigator training course. All but two were registered 'Plotters', with the remaining pair from Southsea and Dolphin Motor Clubs.
Harry and John Nicholls in car one left MTC1 (Under the bridge opposite the Sun Inn) at 8:01 leading the pack over a compact forty mile route, to finish within a mile of the start. The envelope from MTC1 revealed a set of grid lines to cross, taking crews eastwards and away from the start, through Dummer and Farleigh Wallop. Most of the Plotters managed this one without difficulty, and TC2 was busy for a short while.
Map references with approach and departs was the medium for the next handout, and classic old favourite 'Polecat Corner to Tunworth' via two loops is where the troubles began. Five crews sorted it quickly and easily, collecting both boards and just dropping a minute or two. However, five other crews clearly had difficulty. Interestingly they all collected the first board from the first loop, but all missed the second, immediately afterwards, collecting their first fail in the process. Times varied from one to twenty two minutes down.
TC3 revealed a short string of spot heights to cross the busy A339 at Herriard, and a flood warning from marshal Simon Taylor of FDMC fame (thanks for your help Simon). Not surprisingly this short sharp quickie hardly caught anyone out. However, TC4, dispensing another 'map references with approach and departs' really put the cat amongst the pigeons, and the 'Tee left' hint from Marshal Rob Willshire was mostly ignored. Shame this cos Tee left was the way to go, taking in the board as crews passed Moundsmere Manor's eastern entrance. More fails ensued en route to TC five, where Dolphin MC's very own Derek Looker was on the clocks and filling in the time sheets.
From Derek's control under the bridge, opposite the Wheatsheaf, crews were given another string of spot heights. This time though with approach and/or departs. A black spot between the Wheatsheaf and North Waltham village should have compelled crews to go via the loop to approach the village via The Fox. Only a few got it. Most failed and headed straight over the A30 and into the black spot. More fails ensued.
Chris and Margaret White, marshalling TC6 witnessed the opening of 'The Herringbone'. Panic ensued at TC6, leaving the organiser puzzled. It was one of the simplest herringbones on record. Still, most of the crews not OTL made it through North Oakley and Hannington to Jeff Brown at TC7 in the 'Works' entrance at Clarken Green. The envelope here revealed the final clue …. Tulips.
The tulips worked well, and those that made it that far cruised into MTC8 where timecards were collected. A quick chat with Marshal Rob Willshire and MSUK's very own Andrew Bisping, and then on to the finish back at The Sun Inn to await results.
Congratulations and top honours to Aeron Stout from Guildford Motor Club, taking the top honours and winning the event just 4 minutes down. 4 minutes ahead of second placed Dave Hankin (BMC), 0 fails and 8 minutes. Full results below:
24th March 2019
Last Friday (15th) saw the long awaited 'Tenderfoot Novices 12 Car', run as a Novices only entry, with priority given to participants of the 'BMC Plotters Bash' navigator training course. All but two were registered 'Plotters', with the remaining pair from Southsea and Dolphin Motor Clubs.
Harry and John Nicholls in car one left MTC1 (Under the bridge opposite the Sun Inn) at 8:01 leading the pack over a compact forty mile route, to finish within a mile of the start. The envelope from MTC1 revealed a set of grid lines to cross, taking crews eastwards and away from the start, through Dummer and Farleigh Wallop. Most of the Plotters managed this one without difficulty, and TC2 was busy for a short while.
Map references with approach and departs was the medium for the next handout, and classic old favourite 'Polecat Corner to Tunworth' via two loops is where the troubles began. Five crews sorted it quickly and easily, collecting both boards and just dropping a minute or two. However, five other crews clearly had difficulty. Interestingly they all collected the first board from the first loop, but all missed the second, immediately afterwards, collecting their first fail in the process. Times varied from one to twenty two minutes down.
TC3 revealed a short string of spot heights to cross the busy A339 at Herriard, and a flood warning from marshal Simon Taylor of FDMC fame (thanks for your help Simon). Not surprisingly this short sharp quickie hardly caught anyone out. However, TC4, dispensing another 'map references with approach and departs' really put the cat amongst the pigeons, and the 'Tee left' hint from Marshal Rob Willshire was mostly ignored. Shame this cos Tee left was the way to go, taking in the board as crews passed Moundsmere Manor's eastern entrance. More fails ensued en route to TC five, where Dolphin MC's very own Derek Looker was on the clocks and filling in the time sheets.
From Derek's control under the bridge, opposite the Wheatsheaf, crews were given another string of spot heights. This time though with approach and/or departs. A black spot between the Wheatsheaf and North Waltham village should have compelled crews to go via the loop to approach the village via The Fox. Only a few got it. Most failed and headed straight over the A30 and into the black spot. More fails ensued.
Chris and Margaret White, marshalling TC6 witnessed the opening of 'The Herringbone'. Panic ensued at TC6, leaving the organiser puzzled. It was one of the simplest herringbones on record. Still, most of the crews not OTL made it through North Oakley and Hannington to Jeff Brown at TC7 in the 'Works' entrance at Clarken Green. The envelope here revealed the final clue …. Tulips.
The tulips worked well, and those that made it that far cruised into MTC8 where timecards were collected. A quick chat with Marshal Rob Willshire and MSUK's very own Andrew Bisping, and then on to the finish back at The Sun Inn to await results.
Congratulations and top honours to Aeron Stout from Guildford Motor Club, taking the top honours and winning the event just 4 minutes down. 4 minutes ahead of second placed Dave Hankin (BMC), 0 fails and 8 minutes. Full results below:
The Tenderfoot and the Plotters
24th March 2019
Wow! What more is there to say? The 'Plotters Bash' Navigator training course and it's inclusive dedicated Novices only rally, the 'Tenderfoot' went off far better than anyone expected. With fourteen registered participants, both the club and the trainees were delighted with the uptake.
The course kicked off in January with a 2 hour session, presented in 20 – 25 minute increments by three 'tutors', namely Steve Partridge, Richard (Pash) Pashley, and Jeff Brown, covering timing, plotting map references, and how tulips work. Jace Shawley also explained the navigator's role and discussed various specialist types of equipment and their uses.
February saw the second installment with another 2 hour classroom session. This time our gallant trio presented the principle of Herringbones, Grid lines and their variant uses, together with spot heights and other map features. Jace Shawley ran a 'flash table top' which tested participants progress appropriately, followed by a look at 'cabin management', and 'what can be stowed where'.
Pics: Plotters Bash co-ordinator Jace Shawley presenting certificates to:
Tracy Hooper (BMC) Richard Murray (Oxford Motor Club) Toni Dwornik (Oxford Motor Club)
24th March 2019
Wow! What more is there to say? The 'Plotters Bash' Navigator training course and it's inclusive dedicated Novices only rally, the 'Tenderfoot' went off far better than anyone expected. With fourteen registered participants, both the club and the trainees were delighted with the uptake.
The course kicked off in January with a 2 hour session, presented in 20 – 25 minute increments by three 'tutors', namely Steve Partridge, Richard (Pash) Pashley, and Jeff Brown, covering timing, plotting map references, and how tulips work. Jace Shawley also explained the navigator's role and discussed various specialist types of equipment and their uses.
February saw the second installment with another 2 hour classroom session. This time our gallant trio presented the principle of Herringbones, Grid lines and their variant uses, together with spot heights and other map features. Jace Shawley ran a 'flash table top' which tested participants progress appropriately, followed by a look at 'cabin management', and 'what can be stowed where'.
Pics: Plotters Bash co-ordinator Jace Shawley presenting certificates to:
Tracy Hooper (BMC) Richard Murray (Oxford Motor Club) Toni Dwornik (Oxford Motor Club)
Steve Wren (FDMC) Dave Hankin (BMC) Aeron Stout (Guildford MC)
1st overall Tenderfoot
The first event in March was the much awaited Tenderfoot Novices Rally. A full entry comprising plotters and volunteer drivers, together with one or two novice crews who were not on the course. The club was also pleased to note help on the night from Andrew Bisping, our regional 'Club Developement Officer' from Go Motorsport and MSUK. Needless to say, the event went off very well, and despite three crews going OTL, all were happy at the end.
The final session the following Wednesday was essentially a de-brief of the Tenderfoot, covering the correct workings of the navigation, and followed by a presentation of the '100 years of Motorsport' book to the Tenderfoot winner, Aeron Stout, from Guildford Motor Club. Finally all Plotters were presented individually with their course completion certificates.
So that is the 'Plotters' all finished for now. It has been mooted that the club may run another one, which is not out of the question. So, if you have an interest in participating in a future course, or even an advanced version, please let any committee member know – Thankyou
1st overall Tenderfoot
The first event in March was the much awaited Tenderfoot Novices Rally. A full entry comprising plotters and volunteer drivers, together with one or two novice crews who were not on the course. The club was also pleased to note help on the night from Andrew Bisping, our regional 'Club Developement Officer' from Go Motorsport and MSUK. Needless to say, the event went off very well, and despite three crews going OTL, all were happy at the end.
The final session the following Wednesday was essentially a de-brief of the Tenderfoot, covering the correct workings of the navigation, and followed by a presentation of the '100 years of Motorsport' book to the Tenderfoot winner, Aeron Stout, from Guildford Motor Club. Finally all Plotters were presented individually with their course completion certificates.
So that is the 'Plotters' all finished for now. It has been mooted that the club may run another one, which is not out of the question. So, if you have an interest in participating in a future course, or even an advanced version, please let any committee member know – Thankyou
Editor's note: It was really pleasing to see the enthusiastic uptake for this course, with a larger than anticipated entry, which came from four different local motor clubs. I was also impressed with the support and actions from our local clubs too. BMC in general, but particularly the usual dedicated 'doers' performed as expected, and to them I am grateful as always, but also to members of Dolphin Motor Club, Southsea Motor Club, Oxford Motor Club, and of course not forgetting Farnborough District Motor Club, your help was very gratefully and genuinely appreciated. It is good to know that we can all sing off the same song sheet when the melody is good.
I would also like to thank Andrew Bisping from Go Motorsport and MSUK Limited, who's attendance added a wider recognition of the importance of this type of initiative. With luck we will see other clubs following this example.
Finally, I would really like to thank Jeff Brown, Richard (Pash) Pashley and Steve Partridge, our erstwhile presenters. The amount of work and preparation they had to do to bring this, in a presentable form to the classroom was immense. Thank you fellas, we couldn't have done it without you.
I would also like to thank Andrew Bisping from Go Motorsport and MSUK Limited, who's attendance added a wider recognition of the importance of this type of initiative. With luck we will see other clubs following this example.
Finally, I would really like to thank Jeff Brown, Richard (Pash) Pashley and Steve Partridge, our erstwhile presenters. The amount of work and preparation they had to do to bring this, in a presentable form to the classroom was immense. Thank you fellas, we couldn't have done it without you.
Plotters success
21st February 2019
21st February 2019
14 new and much needed Navigators will soon be on the local rally scene, as we witnessed another full house at the Sun Inn last night. The second session of the 'Plotters Bash Navigator Training' course got under way as an assortment of beginner navigators from Basingstoke, Farnborough District, Guildford and Oxford Motor Clubs filled the classroom to capacity.
Session two covered navigational techniques, continuing on from session one, and included Herringbones, Spot heights and Grid Lines/Squares, and many derivatives thereof. Explanation followed by exercise was the format, followed by questions, and we are pleased to report that all the right questions were asked and answered.
A brief look at cabin management and equipment stowage finished the session, but not before a quick check on entries for 'The Tenderfoot Novices Rally', which is session three of the course and a real 40 mile 12 Car road rally. Scheduled for the 15th March, the 'Tenderfoot starts and finishes at The Sun Inn. Regs and details at 'Wosson' as usual!
Dave Hankin and Karl Boulton Tracy Hooper and Richard Murray Mike and Joe Dalgarno
Session two covered navigational techniques, continuing on from session one, and included Herringbones, Spot heights and Grid Lines/Squares, and many derivatives thereof. Explanation followed by exercise was the format, followed by questions, and we are pleased to report that all the right questions were asked and answered.
A brief look at cabin management and equipment stowage finished the session, but not before a quick check on entries for 'The Tenderfoot Novices Rally', which is session three of the course and a real 40 mile 12 Car road rally. Scheduled for the 15th March, the 'Tenderfoot starts and finishes at The Sun Inn. Regs and details at 'Wosson' as usual!
Dave Hankin and Karl Boulton Tracy Hooper and Richard Murray Mike and Joe Dalgarno
Two Presenters Pash and Steve Lee McCoy and Roy Cuthbert John and Harry Nicholls
The next round of the Plotters Bash Navigator Training Course is The Tenderfoot Novices 12 Car Rally.
The next round of the Plotters Bash Navigator Training Course is The Tenderfoot Novices 12 Car Rally.
Snow Go for the 'Totty'
13th February 2019
So that was January. Gone in a flash, and the only event other than clubnight was the first round of the 'Plotters Bash' Navigator Training Course, which enjoyed an excellent turnout with 14 registered trainees in the classroom for their first 2 hour session. After a basic introduction to the role and responsibility for modern Road Rally Navigators, Steve Partridge, Jeff Brown and Richard (Pash) Pashley drilled participants on 'Timekeeping', how to plot various forms of 'map references', and how to get the best out of 'Tulips'. On quizzing participants after the course, it seemed that everyone had learned a lot and were eager to move on to the next lesson. The next session will be on the 20th February.
The weather played it's hand again, and the long awaited first BMC 12 Car for 2019, The 'Scotty Totty', had to be postponed due to excessive snow falls the night before the event. Although disappointed, organisers Karen and Jem Mead are determined that the event will run. A new date of June 21st has been set. The 'Scotty' will run in place of the 'Norseman', which will now not run this year.
The next rally on the BMC timetable is the Tenderfoot, scheduled for 15th March. The Tenderfoot is a Novices only event, with priority entries from the 'Plotters' training course. It is likely that the Tenderfoot will fill quickly, but marshals and volunteer drivers will be required. Please contact Jace Shawley if you can help.
13th February 2019
So that was January. Gone in a flash, and the only event other than clubnight was the first round of the 'Plotters Bash' Navigator Training Course, which enjoyed an excellent turnout with 14 registered trainees in the classroom for their first 2 hour session. After a basic introduction to the role and responsibility for modern Road Rally Navigators, Steve Partridge, Jeff Brown and Richard (Pash) Pashley drilled participants on 'Timekeeping', how to plot various forms of 'map references', and how to get the best out of 'Tulips'. On quizzing participants after the course, it seemed that everyone had learned a lot and were eager to move on to the next lesson. The next session will be on the 20th February.
The weather played it's hand again, and the long awaited first BMC 12 Car for 2019, The 'Scotty Totty', had to be postponed due to excessive snow falls the night before the event. Although disappointed, organisers Karen and Jem Mead are determined that the event will run. A new date of June 21st has been set. The 'Scotty' will run in place of the 'Norseman', which will now not run this year.
The next rally on the BMC timetable is the Tenderfoot, scheduled for 15th March. The Tenderfoot is a Novices only event, with priority entries from the 'Plotters' training course. It is likely that the Tenderfoot will fill quickly, but marshals and volunteer drivers will be required. Please contact Jace Shawley if you can help.
Show Us Your Car Night, "SUYCN" 2019
13th February 2019
Here BMC club member Rod Shaw reports on events from his 'local' Car Club, The 'North Eastern Car Club', down in Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia:
The weather was a hot 35deg Centigrade, and club room was set with food and drink. The first few cars there were owned by club members, but from 5pm to 7.15pm, the rest of the exhibitor's cars rolled in! What an eclectic mix! Hot Rods with rumbling V8's, a gaggle of Holdens, HT, HQ, HZ, Premiers to Monaros, Commodores, FJs, Torana, Chevs, a Corvette Stingray, Fords in what seemed to be the whole Falcon range, from standard to red hot race cars. Also a Zephyr Ute, a Fairlane, Cortinas, a Mk2 Escort and a few Mustangs. Then there was a Datsun 1600, a bunch of Austin/Morris Minis, a Toyota MR2, a lone Rolls Royce, an early Audi Quattro, a Porsche 911 and a Proton rally car. They just kept on coming with early and late model BMW's, some early US Pickups, a Valiant Ute, a Mitsubishi Scorpion? A Volksrarri, Volkswagon, even a SMART Car, and a couple of older Mercedes, all with their owner's twists, love and attention!! More club plates than you could poke a stick at, with cars travelling from Stanley, Albury Wodonga, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Bright, Corowa, Rutherglen, Benalla, Wangaratta and a lot of places in between. I counted 164 cars and 22 Motorbikes.
The Motorbikes were also an eclectic mix from very old and rare, modern and iconic from light and nimble trail types, topped off with a Rabid V8 bike strapped to a trailer!
The raffle was run and won, and I'm still not sure how the heavy tool kit got home, as it was won by a guy on a Bike! I did offer to take it home for him!
The food and beverage area was buzzing all night with a steady flow of patrons. Not many long queues and I believe there was little of either wasted! The loud speakers worked a treat and were easily heard across the ground. The feedback I received was all positive and suggest's the club has the format sorted for the benefit of both ehibitors and viewers. Club members pitched in to clear up as normal, and got the job done with most of us gone by 9.00pm. SUYCN 19 done, dusted and a delight for us car Folk!
ROD SHAW
13th February 2019
Here BMC club member Rod Shaw reports on events from his 'local' Car Club, The 'North Eastern Car Club', down in Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia:
The weather was a hot 35deg Centigrade, and club room was set with food and drink. The first few cars there were owned by club members, but from 5pm to 7.15pm, the rest of the exhibitor's cars rolled in! What an eclectic mix! Hot Rods with rumbling V8's, a gaggle of Holdens, HT, HQ, HZ, Premiers to Monaros, Commodores, FJs, Torana, Chevs, a Corvette Stingray, Fords in what seemed to be the whole Falcon range, from standard to red hot race cars. Also a Zephyr Ute, a Fairlane, Cortinas, a Mk2 Escort and a few Mustangs. Then there was a Datsun 1600, a bunch of Austin/Morris Minis, a Toyota MR2, a lone Rolls Royce, an early Audi Quattro, a Porsche 911 and a Proton rally car. They just kept on coming with early and late model BMW's, some early US Pickups, a Valiant Ute, a Mitsubishi Scorpion? A Volksrarri, Volkswagon, even a SMART Car, and a couple of older Mercedes, all with their owner's twists, love and attention!! More club plates than you could poke a stick at, with cars travelling from Stanley, Albury Wodonga, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Bright, Corowa, Rutherglen, Benalla, Wangaratta and a lot of places in between. I counted 164 cars and 22 Motorbikes.
The Motorbikes were also an eclectic mix from very old and rare, modern and iconic from light and nimble trail types, topped off with a Rabid V8 bike strapped to a trailer!
The raffle was run and won, and I'm still not sure how the heavy tool kit got home, as it was won by a guy on a Bike! I did offer to take it home for him!
The food and beverage area was buzzing all night with a steady flow of patrons. Not many long queues and I believe there was little of either wasted! The loud speakers worked a treat and were easily heard across the ground. The feedback I received was all positive and suggest's the club has the format sorted for the benefit of both ehibitors and viewers. Club members pitched in to clear up as normal, and got the job done with most of us gone by 9.00pm. SUYCN 19 done, dusted and a delight for us car Folk!
ROD SHAW
Wow! Some unfamiliar looking motors there Rod. I bet you can name them all though!
What the future holds
4th January 2019
4th January 2019
On hearing again the immortal and now seasonal lyrics from John Lennon, 'And so this is Christmas', one is prompted to think back and reflect on another fabulous year with Basingstoke Motor Club. A year of growth and consolidation. More events for members to play or compete on. An influx of new members and a membership/participation ratio envied by all our neighbouring clubs. Well done all of you. You made 2018 another significant year for your club.
We are living in a time of great change in UK Motorsport. The new laws, finally allowing closed roads, will change the face of Asphalt Rallying in the UK, hopefully for the better, allowing British Stage Rallying Clubs to compete in terms of mileage and quality with the best that the rest of the world can offer. Tendring was the pioneer event, run so well by Chelmsford MC, and has set a fine example for other event organisers to follow.
However, with this comes a change in Road Rallying, and with the advent of Targa Rallying we are seeing a serious displacement of the more traditional Navigational Road Rallies. For the first time since the 1950s (the exception being 'Foot and Mouth' in 1968), there will be no ASWMC Navigational Road Rally Championship, but a new Targa Championship replaces it in 2019. (The King is dead. Long live the King)? In fact there are many more Targa events taking place, and also more new Targa Championships. Member interest in both Targa and AutoSolo has been noted. So much so, that at a recent BMC committee meeting, it was decided that the club would apply to renew membership of the Cotswolds Motorsport Group, enabling members access to the new CMSG Targa and AutoSolo Championships. This in addition to all the ASWMC and the ACSMC events already on offer (BMC is already a member of ASWMC and ACSMC Associations).
But this has been a long time coming, and to be frank, the writing was on the wall way back in the days when Endurance Rallying was flavour of the moment. So what does the future hold for the army of traditional navigators who are now hard pressed to find the challenge they relish? Clearly without an ASWMC or ACSMC Navigational Championship on which to focus their attention, their only recourse is the good old 12 Car, 20/20 Rallies and the occasional Navigational Road Rally, and as regular organisers of 12 Car Rallies, that's where we come in.
BMC have again increased the number of 12 Car rallies on the calendar. For 2019, there are now seven. To accommodate these extra events has meant that new organisers had to be found, and a rescheduling of traditional dates was necessary. Consequently the program has changed somewhat from the norm. Thanks to Jem and Karen Mead, who have stepped up to the plate and will be running the first 'new' event on the calendar, the 'Scotty Totty 12 Car', on the first of February. Originally called something else, the realisation that the start at Sutton SCOTney Services, and the finish at TOT Hill Services, the new title of the Scotty Totty was a no brainer. This open brevity should go some way to impart the character of the impending event.
Thanks also to Paul and Vicci Vaughan who will be running another renamed 12 Car. The originally titled 'No Name Rally', will run in April as 'The Marksman'. The 'Norseman' will run again in 2019, but has been moved to June, and will run as a summertime 12 Car event with a later start (a healthy break in the barren rally season). Jeff Brown will once again run the Papyrus in the September slot, and Glynn Hayward will be back on track to run the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car in October. Big thanks too to Rob Willshire who will now run the 'Cross Border 12 Car', in his first CoC role in November.
Now that makes six events, and no doubt you are asking 'What is the seventh'? Well the seventh 12 Car will be 'The Tenderfoot', running in early March. The Tenderfoot is a new event which will run alongside the (also new) Plotter's Bash Navigator Training Course. Entry priority for the Tenderfoot will go to registered participants of the 'Plotters', but open to 'Novices only' should there be any spaces not filled.
The Plotter's Bash is a brand new initiative, aimed at training new Navigators to a level where they can compete competently at Novice level on road events. Open to other clubs too, we were delighted to see that the uptake for this was greater than we ever imagined. Currently starting the course (later this month) we have eleven registered participants ready to learn. Hopefully we will be able to field substantial entries on a wider range of events as a result.
We are living in a time of great change in UK Motorsport. The new laws, finally allowing closed roads, will change the face of Asphalt Rallying in the UK, hopefully for the better, allowing British Stage Rallying Clubs to compete in terms of mileage and quality with the best that the rest of the world can offer. Tendring was the pioneer event, run so well by Chelmsford MC, and has set a fine example for other event organisers to follow.
However, with this comes a change in Road Rallying, and with the advent of Targa Rallying we are seeing a serious displacement of the more traditional Navigational Road Rallies. For the first time since the 1950s (the exception being 'Foot and Mouth' in 1968), there will be no ASWMC Navigational Road Rally Championship, but a new Targa Championship replaces it in 2019. (The King is dead. Long live the King)? In fact there are many more Targa events taking place, and also more new Targa Championships. Member interest in both Targa and AutoSolo has been noted. So much so, that at a recent BMC committee meeting, it was decided that the club would apply to renew membership of the Cotswolds Motorsport Group, enabling members access to the new CMSG Targa and AutoSolo Championships. This in addition to all the ASWMC and the ACSMC events already on offer (BMC is already a member of ASWMC and ACSMC Associations).
But this has been a long time coming, and to be frank, the writing was on the wall way back in the days when Endurance Rallying was flavour of the moment. So what does the future hold for the army of traditional navigators who are now hard pressed to find the challenge they relish? Clearly without an ASWMC or ACSMC Navigational Championship on which to focus their attention, their only recourse is the good old 12 Car, 20/20 Rallies and the occasional Navigational Road Rally, and as regular organisers of 12 Car Rallies, that's where we come in.
BMC have again increased the number of 12 Car rallies on the calendar. For 2019, there are now seven. To accommodate these extra events has meant that new organisers had to be found, and a rescheduling of traditional dates was necessary. Consequently the program has changed somewhat from the norm. Thanks to Jem and Karen Mead, who have stepped up to the plate and will be running the first 'new' event on the calendar, the 'Scotty Totty 12 Car', on the first of February. Originally called something else, the realisation that the start at Sutton SCOTney Services, and the finish at TOT Hill Services, the new title of the Scotty Totty was a no brainer. This open brevity should go some way to impart the character of the impending event.
Thanks also to Paul and Vicci Vaughan who will be running another renamed 12 Car. The originally titled 'No Name Rally', will run in April as 'The Marksman'. The 'Norseman' will run again in 2019, but has been moved to June, and will run as a summertime 12 Car event with a later start (a healthy break in the barren rally season). Jeff Brown will once again run the Papyrus in the September slot, and Glynn Hayward will be back on track to run the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car in October. Big thanks too to Rob Willshire who will now run the 'Cross Border 12 Car', in his first CoC role in November.
Now that makes six events, and no doubt you are asking 'What is the seventh'? Well the seventh 12 Car will be 'The Tenderfoot', running in early March. The Tenderfoot is a new event which will run alongside the (also new) Plotter's Bash Navigator Training Course. Entry priority for the Tenderfoot will go to registered participants of the 'Plotters', but open to 'Novices only' should there be any spaces not filled.
The Plotter's Bash is a brand new initiative, aimed at training new Navigators to a level where they can compete competently at Novice level on road events. Open to other clubs too, we were delighted to see that the uptake for this was greater than we ever imagined. Currently starting the course (later this month) we have eleven registered participants ready to learn. Hopefully we will be able to field substantial entries on a wider range of events as a result.
The Auto-testing scene is another success story. The hallowed fields at Popham took a bit of a pounding last year, so the committee took the initiative, and with the aid of a substantial BMC volunteer working party, de-burmed and re-seeded a large area of grass. This not only served to improve and protect the surface, but went a long way to cementing our relationship further with the Popham management. We now have the full three event Grass Autotest series running again in 2019. The Monster Mulch in May, the Pasture Blaster in July, and as usual, the Grasshopper in early September. You lucky people!
Of course this is not all. As we foster further relationships with our neighbouring clubs, we find ourselves evermore welcome, with BMC appearing on most invite lists in the area. This gives you a far wider range of events to do than just that which we can offer. Also with the additional membership of the Cotswolds Group, and developments within South Western and Central Southern Associations, a BMC membership card really does go further!
Of course this is not all. As we foster further relationships with our neighbouring clubs, we find ourselves evermore welcome, with BMC appearing on most invite lists in the area. This gives you a far wider range of events to do than just that which we can offer. Also with the additional membership of the Cotswolds Group, and developments within South Western and Central Southern Associations, a BMC membership card really does go further!
A look ahead to 2019
17th October 2018
With just the one 12 Car Rally (The Nick Ardern Memorial) left to run this year, and of course the Christmas Dinner and Awards evening, we thought it was time to have a look at what's on offer to BMC members for 2019. With a couple of new events, and the loss of a couple, the calendar looks a little different from past years. However, it still looks like excellent value for money, with enough variation to keep everyone busy:
17th October 2018
With just the one 12 Car Rally (The Nick Ardern Memorial) left to run this year, and of course the Christmas Dinner and Awards evening, we thought it was time to have a look at what's on offer to BMC members for 2019. With a couple of new events, and the loss of a couple, the calendar looks a little different from past years. However, it still looks like excellent value for money, with enough variation to keep everyone busy:
The 12 Car season kicks off on 1st February with a new name to the BMC Calendar, the 'Scotty Totty', to be run by Jem and Karen Mead. Exploring some new territory to the North and West of Basingstoke, expect a good 100 miles of proper rallying in (hopefully) adverse and challenging conditions.
Shortly after that, Rob Willshire and Jace Shawley will run the 'Tenderfoot Run', a 'Novices Only' 12 car on the 15th March. This will be a short 30 – 40 mile run with easy timing, and designed to work as part of an overall Novice Training Initiative, in conjunction with Navigational training on Clubnights. It is hoped that experts in the club will come out and help to marshal and guide our newbies on to success. More on that as it hatches.
The 5th April brings us 'The Marksman' 12 Car. Another new name you may note, but aptly titled as a replacement for the previously listed 'No Name Rally'. 60 miles of joy and challenge, presented again by Paul and Vicci Vaughan.
The Merry Month of May sees a momentary departure from Rallying, as the Autotesting Season begins. Popham, as usual, is the venue for Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire's opener, 'The Monster Mulch'. This should be the first event on our 'newly seeded' turf. We'll see if the effort has paid off.
The 21st June sees a return to Rallying, as once again, the Norseman cometh. Yes a change of season for Jace Shawley's Norseman, this one starting late and running into the early hours of the weekend. Just 60 miles long this time, but don't necessarily expect grippy dry tarmac all night. Some tight and trickey sections, with straight forward but acute navigation, is as ever the Norseman trademark.
Autotesting again in July, as Tim and Chris Pratt bring you the 'Pasture Blaster' on the 7th. No doubt we can expect a repeat of last years excellent organisation and test design, so you're all in for another treat.
August is holiday, rest and fettle your car time, as no events are planned, however, September more than compensates, with a double whammy. The 1st Sep will see the 'Grasshopper Autotest', to be run by Jem and Karen Mead (their second event as organisers this year), and will be the last Grass Autotest of the Summer season.
The first traditional 12 car of the Autumn, the 'Papyrus', will be run as usual by Jeff Brown, on the 13th September. Friday the 13th may alarm a few, but we are betting the offer of 100 miles of quality rallying will more than counter any superstition.
The 4th October brings us 'The Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car', and with Glynn Hayward back 'Clerking' next year, the 60 mile event should return to it's traditional character.
And finally, now occupying the 15th November slot, Rob Willshire will 'Clerk' his first BMC event, the 'Cross Border 12 Car', the final event of the year, and offering 60 miles of whatever November throws at us.
Shortly after that, Rob Willshire and Jace Shawley will run the 'Tenderfoot Run', a 'Novices Only' 12 car on the 15th March. This will be a short 30 – 40 mile run with easy timing, and designed to work as part of an overall Novice Training Initiative, in conjunction with Navigational training on Clubnights. It is hoped that experts in the club will come out and help to marshal and guide our newbies on to success. More on that as it hatches.
The 5th April brings us 'The Marksman' 12 Car. Another new name you may note, but aptly titled as a replacement for the previously listed 'No Name Rally'. 60 miles of joy and challenge, presented again by Paul and Vicci Vaughan.
The Merry Month of May sees a momentary departure from Rallying, as the Autotesting Season begins. Popham, as usual, is the venue for Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire's opener, 'The Monster Mulch'. This should be the first event on our 'newly seeded' turf. We'll see if the effort has paid off.
The 21st June sees a return to Rallying, as once again, the Norseman cometh. Yes a change of season for Jace Shawley's Norseman, this one starting late and running into the early hours of the weekend. Just 60 miles long this time, but don't necessarily expect grippy dry tarmac all night. Some tight and trickey sections, with straight forward but acute navigation, is as ever the Norseman trademark.
Autotesting again in July, as Tim and Chris Pratt bring you the 'Pasture Blaster' on the 7th. No doubt we can expect a repeat of last years excellent organisation and test design, so you're all in for another treat.
August is holiday, rest and fettle your car time, as no events are planned, however, September more than compensates, with a double whammy. The 1st Sep will see the 'Grasshopper Autotest', to be run by Jem and Karen Mead (their second event as organisers this year), and will be the last Grass Autotest of the Summer season.
The first traditional 12 car of the Autumn, the 'Papyrus', will be run as usual by Jeff Brown, on the 13th September. Friday the 13th may alarm a few, but we are betting the offer of 100 miles of quality rallying will more than counter any superstition.
The 4th October brings us 'The Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car', and with Glynn Hayward back 'Clerking' next year, the 60 mile event should return to it's traditional character.
And finally, now occupying the 15th November slot, Rob Willshire will 'Clerk' his first BMC event, the 'Cross Border 12 Car', the final event of the year, and offering 60 miles of whatever November throws at us.
So there you have it. In summary you have three Grass Autotests, Six BMC quality 12 Car Rallies, One Novices only training event and (hopefuly and to be confirmed) three evening Navigation Training Sessions. What's not to like? Add to that of course all the invited events run by our neighbouring clubs and associations, with two clubnights per month, and you really have got value for money. Roll on 2019!
AGM (or All Gone Mad)
4th October 2018
4th October 2018
The Sun Inn at Dummer was the venue for the 2018 BMC AGM last night. The meeting was very well attended, and those present voted as required to ensure that the club continues in it's current and successful format.
Last years minutes were read and approved. The Chairman, the Treasurer, The Competition Secretary and the Membership Secretary all gave their reports, and then it was on to the real business of the meeting.
The committee stepped down 'en masse', and was re-elected 'en masse'. Every-one stayed in their previous positions with no changes. Although the one new addition Steve Partridge, swelled the ranks of the committee, bringing the wealth of his team management experience to bolster the club's know how. A very welcome addition.
Next for discussion and a vote was the club's charity donations. Or more to the point, who would be the future beneficiary. With only one nomination, The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was voted in.
All business concluded and the date was set at 2nd October 2019 for the next AGM.
Follow the links below for individual reports.
Chairman's Report Competition Secretary's Report Membership Secretary's Report
Last years minutes were read and approved. The Chairman, the Treasurer, The Competition Secretary and the Membership Secretary all gave their reports, and then it was on to the real business of the meeting.
The committee stepped down 'en masse', and was re-elected 'en masse'. Every-one stayed in their previous positions with no changes. Although the one new addition Steve Partridge, swelled the ranks of the committee, bringing the wealth of his team management experience to bolster the club's know how. A very welcome addition.
Next for discussion and a vote was the club's charity donations. Or more to the point, who would be the future beneficiary. With only one nomination, The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was voted in.
All business concluded and the date was set at 2nd October 2019 for the next AGM.
Follow the links below for individual reports.
Chairman's Report Competition Secretary's Report Membership Secretary's Report
The Grasshopper
6th September 2018
Jem Mead and 'Ethel' doing the biz.
6th September 2018
Jem Mead and 'Ethel' doing the biz.
Last Sunday saw the third and final BMC Grass Autotest at Popham Airfield for this year, and what a great event it was. A now traditional BMC format of three runs at each of three sets of three tests (27 runs each), and all were happy with a full day of motorsport.
With the entries divided into three groups, battle commenced on a dewy and gripless surface, and with some tests twice the length of others, advantage was had by some. However battle was raging from the off and with the dew clearing and grip improving, competition hotted up. For the first time in a few years, reversing was included, to the delight of some and the disgust of others. Soon though all got to grips with going backwards and competitors settled in to the task ahead.
For once class A1 in the Autotest category was the smallest group. Led by Emma Perret in her (still new) Peugeot 206GTi, with Roy and Joe Cuthbert sharing the little green Rover25, and Paul Vaughan pedalling the Suzuki 'Swiftly' as her main competition.
Jem Mead - 1st Autotest Joe Cuthbert Emma Perret
With the entries divided into three groups, battle commenced on a dewy and gripless surface, and with some tests twice the length of others, advantage was had by some. However battle was raging from the off and with the dew clearing and grip improving, competition hotted up. For the first time in a few years, reversing was included, to the delight of some and the disgust of others. Soon though all got to grips with going backwards and competitors settled in to the task ahead.
For once class A1 in the Autotest category was the smallest group. Led by Emma Perret in her (still new) Peugeot 206GTi, with Roy and Joe Cuthbert sharing the little green Rover25, and Paul Vaughan pedalling the Suzuki 'Swiftly' as her main competition.
Jem Mead - 1st Autotest Joe Cuthbert Emma Perret
A3, the Rear wheel drivers, had a few more. Jem Mead, Philip May and Rae Tugwell having their own duel of the Mazda MX5s, together with father and son team Peter and Andrew Robinson (Toyota MR2), and Steve Wren, first time out in his newly acquired BMW compact.
Over in the 'Production event', just four cars provided steeds for seven competitors. Jason Pillar and Adie Collins threw Adie's Salmon Pink Mk2 Escort around. Chris Shackleton urged his tidy black Peugeot 206GTi along, whilst Ben and Jace Shawley took the now familiar 'little red Rover 200' for another airing. Steve Brown in his BL Mini made up the seven.
Ben Shawley - FTD Chris Shackleton Jace Shawley - 1st 'Production'
Over in the 'Production event', just four cars provided steeds for seven competitors. Jason Pillar and Adie Collins threw Adie's Salmon Pink Mk2 Escort around. Chris Shackleton urged his tidy black Peugeot 206GTi along, whilst Ben and Jace Shawley took the now familiar 'little red Rover 200' for another airing. Steve Brown in his BL Mini made up the seven.
Ben Shawley - FTD Chris Shackleton Jace Shawley - 1st 'Production'
The action was fast and furious, with the dry conditions causing dust clouds to rival the Sahara, still the grip offered meant that the power could be put down appropriately, leading to excellent performances all round. From the Start the leaders were Ben and Jace Shawley, Jem Mead and Roy Cuthbert. Very close behind was Adie Collins, the Escort proving to be just a bit too big. Very well driven either way. With close times most of the day, the pressure began to tell in the final three, and the gaps began to increase.
Hard charging Paul Vaughan
Hard charging Paul Vaughan
Congratulations to Ben Shawley for a well rewarded FTD. To Jem Mead for taking 1st Autotest, closely followed into 2nd by Roy Cuthbert. The 'Production' event was won by Jace Shawley, with Adie Collins in 2nd place.
Many thanks to Karl Boulton and Glynn Hayward for organising yet another great event, and to Dave Hora for the excellent photographs.
For full final results, click HERE
Many thanks to Karl Boulton and Glynn Hayward for organising yet another great event, and to Dave Hora for the excellent photographs.
For full final results, click HERE
Pasture Blaster, or 'Summer Fog'.
25th July 2018
And so, to echo the words of our 'stand in' Pasture Blaster CoC and Club Chairman Chris Pratt, the Pasture Blaster is now 'well and truly done and dusted'. Dusted being the operative word here as at times the dust was so intense that contestants could hardly see the course. The dry weather of late left the test area very dry, and the subsequent pounding from 23 hard charging 'testers' launched most of it into the air. Special thanks must go to the group of marshals, who really did us proud, coping with the heat and the dust the way they did deserves some serious thanks.
Below - Dominic Duell - First event and drove like a Demon Pic courtesy Tristram Reed
25th July 2018
And so, to echo the words of our 'stand in' Pasture Blaster CoC and Club Chairman Chris Pratt, the Pasture Blaster is now 'well and truly done and dusted'. Dusted being the operative word here as at times the dust was so intense that contestants could hardly see the course. The dry weather of late left the test area very dry, and the subsequent pounding from 23 hard charging 'testers' launched most of it into the air. Special thanks must go to the group of marshals, who really did us proud, coping with the heat and the dust the way they did deserves some serious thanks.
Below - Dominic Duell - First event and drove like a Demon Pic courtesy Tristram Reed
However, a terrific day's fun was had by all, and, to everyones delight, some fast and close competition ensued. As mentioned above, 23 starters comprising a varied mix of newbies, regulars and old hands set about the first three tests, in their designated groups. Newbies included Nick Vaughan, running his Fiat Panda in the Production event, and freshman club member, Dominic Duell, piloting his blue Mazda MX5 for the first time ever in motorsport, this one in the Autotest (another future star in the making do we hear?) Also out playing was Joe Dalgarno and his trusty red MGZR in the Autotest event.
Ladies were well represented too. Vicci Vaughan, sharing the Suzuki with husband Paul, both in the 'Production' event, and Emma Perret, competing in her 'new' Peugeot 206GTi, her first outing at a BMC event.
Top seeds for this years 'Blaster' included Jem Mead in the now familiar white MX5, Roy Cuthbert in his green Rover 25 (Wendy), and Jace Shawley, this time dragging out the little red Rover 200 for his first competitive outing in the car.
Pics: Courtesy of Tristram Reed.
Vicci Vaughan and Suzuki Nick Vaughan and Fiat Panda Emma Perret and Peugeot 206
Ladies were well represented too. Vicci Vaughan, sharing the Suzuki with husband Paul, both in the 'Production' event, and Emma Perret, competing in her 'new' Peugeot 206GTi, her first outing at a BMC event.
Top seeds for this years 'Blaster' included Jem Mead in the now familiar white MX5, Roy Cuthbert in his green Rover 25 (Wendy), and Jace Shawley, this time dragging out the little red Rover 200 for his first competitive outing in the car.
Pics: Courtesy of Tristram Reed.
Vicci Vaughan and Suzuki Nick Vaughan and Fiat Panda Emma Perret and Peugeot 206
Fastest on test one was Jace Shawley, with Paul Vaughan's Suzuki and Luke Allies' Escort just .1 and .2 of a sec behind. That's what we call close. Hard on their heels were Ian Martingale (Escort) and the two dicing Mazda MX5s of Jem Mead and Dominic Duell just 2.5 seconds behind. Tests two and three though showed some good old BMC tenacity, with Roy Cuthbert and Jem Mead pulling a couple of blinders, putting them both back in the frame.
This dicing back and forth was to continue, indeed it set the flavour of the event and the game was definitely on, with the lead changing back and forth all day.
Nice to see Tim and Toby Warburton out playing in the yellow ZR, and newbie Chris Walton (sharing the Warburton War Machine), put up a really good performance on his first time out. Sadly the yellow Zed started to misbehave due to the heat, and retirement was prudent.
Another newbie, Peter Robinson, pedalling a borrowed MX5 was enjoying himself, although slightly off the pace, but the closeness of the competition belied how well he really did. Come back Peter!
Pic - Jace Shawley in 'Lil Red', on his way to FTD. Pic courtesy of Tristram Reed
This dicing back and forth was to continue, indeed it set the flavour of the event and the game was definitely on, with the lead changing back and forth all day.
Nice to see Tim and Toby Warburton out playing in the yellow ZR, and newbie Chris Walton (sharing the Warburton War Machine), put up a really good performance on his first time out. Sadly the yellow Zed started to misbehave due to the heat, and retirement was prudent.
Another newbie, Peter Robinson, pedalling a borrowed MX5 was enjoying himself, although slightly off the pace, but the closeness of the competition belied how well he really did. Come back Peter!
Pic - Jace Shawley in 'Lil Red', on his way to FTD. Pic courtesy of Tristram Reed
The 'yoyo'ing leader board continued to change all day, but as the final three tests began, Jace Shawley began to ease ahead and eventually finished just over 14 seconds ahead of the field to take FTD. Jem Mead expertly brought the Mazda into 2nd overall and was awarded 1st Autotest. Roy Cuthbert brought his Rover into third overall, just one tenth of a second ahead of a hard charging Joe Dalgarno, and taking the 2nd Autotest award. Meanwhile, in the Production camp, Paul Vaughan's Suzuki held fast to take the class, closely followed into second by Ian Martingale's Mk1 Escort. Emma Perret proved to be fastest lady on the day, and well deserved.
All in all a good quality and well run event. Chris Pratt has imparted that he will happily run the Blaster again next year too. Three cheers for that. Hip hip!
Full results and times:
All in all a good quality and well run event. Chris Pratt has imparted that he will happily run the Blaster again next year too. Three cheers for that. Hip hip!
Full results and times:
Monster Mulched
26th May 2018
26th May 2018
Pic - Jem Mead in 'Ethel' braving the 1st run on new turf. Slippy slidey concentration time! A lack of a decent handbrake cost him dearly.
With the morning sun shining for BMC in proper Autotesting fashion, over 30 drivers could be found walking the course over Popham Airfield's hallowed turf last Sunday. After a short delay the action began, as the four groups descended onto the tests. As always the grass was very slippery to begin with, but as the sun did it's thing, and the openers had their effect, drivers started to find grip. Clearly Roy Cuthbert Snr came out of the box with his Rover 25 firing on all four cylinders, recording both fastest and second fastest on test one. Test two was more suited to the two man crews in the Production event, with the best time scored by Ben Towers pedalling CofC Mark Hissey's new Toyota and closely followed by Roy Cuthbert Jnr, piloting his brother Tim's (Also newly aquired) MGZR.
Test three produced the goods for Derek Looker, placing his Peugeot fastest, with the Ford Puma of Aston Bell, just point six of a second behind him. Meanwhile, over on test four, Bill Anderson's Caterham was fastest, recorded a scorching 22.28 with Jace Shawley's MGZR snapping at his heels just .03 of a second behind.
With the morning sun shining for BMC in proper Autotesting fashion, over 30 drivers could be found walking the course over Popham Airfield's hallowed turf last Sunday. After a short delay the action began, as the four groups descended onto the tests. As always the grass was very slippery to begin with, but as the sun did it's thing, and the openers had their effect, drivers started to find grip. Clearly Roy Cuthbert Snr came out of the box with his Rover 25 firing on all four cylinders, recording both fastest and second fastest on test one. Test two was more suited to the two man crews in the Production event, with the best time scored by Ben Towers pedalling CofC Mark Hissey's new Toyota and closely followed by Roy Cuthbert Jnr, piloting his brother Tim's (Also newly aquired) MGZR.
Test three produced the goods for Derek Looker, placing his Peugeot fastest, with the Ford Puma of Aston Bell, just point six of a second behind him. Meanwhile, over on test four, Bill Anderson's Caterham was fastest, recorded a scorching 22.28 with Jace Shawley's MGZR snapping at his heels just .03 of a second behind.
Jace Shawley's ZR and Aston Bell's Puma. Both cars in close proximity all day
So with the first wave of tests run, it was with great determination that drivers assaulted the afternoon. Roy Cuthbert Snr repeated his earlier stunt, and set fastest on test 5, but this time very closely followed by Ben Towers in the Toyota with just point two of a second in it. Eventual winner Tim Cuthbert, revelling in his new ZR finally set a fastest time on test 7, albeit with Aston Bell less than a second behind, and the last test sealed it as Ben Towers took yet another fastest with Jace Shawley screaming in behind, again less than a second in it.
Some very good performances were recorded, and consistency was the name of the game. We have to congratulate Ben Towers for attaining two fastest tests, but also a second, and all this in a borrowed car. However, matching this feat, was very slick Roy Cuthbert Snr in the little green Rover 25. Aston Bell pulled a fastest test, and no less than three second fastests. Jace Shawley meanwhile managed to drag the ZR into two second fastests. At the end of the day, when all had been sorted, a very fine FTD went to Tim Cuthbert. Brothers Aston and Taron Bell finished first and second in the Production event, Whilst Jace Shawley and Glynn Hayward claimed the pots for the Autotest.
An excellent day of Autotesting, and thanks must go to new organising team, Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire. With a bit of luck they'll do it again next year.
The next Grass event at Popham is the Pasture Blaster, set for July 22nd. Regs are out already.
So with the first wave of tests run, it was with great determination that drivers assaulted the afternoon. Roy Cuthbert Snr repeated his earlier stunt, and set fastest on test 5, but this time very closely followed by Ben Towers in the Toyota with just point two of a second in it. Eventual winner Tim Cuthbert, revelling in his new ZR finally set a fastest time on test 7, albeit with Aston Bell less than a second behind, and the last test sealed it as Ben Towers took yet another fastest with Jace Shawley screaming in behind, again less than a second in it.
Some very good performances were recorded, and consistency was the name of the game. We have to congratulate Ben Towers for attaining two fastest tests, but also a second, and all this in a borrowed car. However, matching this feat, was very slick Roy Cuthbert Snr in the little green Rover 25. Aston Bell pulled a fastest test, and no less than three second fastests. Jace Shawley meanwhile managed to drag the ZR into two second fastests. At the end of the day, when all had been sorted, a very fine FTD went to Tim Cuthbert. Brothers Aston and Taron Bell finished first and second in the Production event, Whilst Jace Shawley and Glynn Hayward claimed the pots for the Autotest.
An excellent day of Autotesting, and thanks must go to new organising team, Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire. With a bit of luck they'll do it again next year.
The next Grass event at Popham is the Pasture Blaster, set for July 22nd. Regs are out already.
Go Joe, Go!
1st May 2018
1st May 2018
A good performance at Brands Hatch last weekend did nothing to flatten Joe Dalgarno's learning curve, in the MG/ZR Trophy Championship. Qualifying 2nd for the first race, and POLE for the second, a good fast effort in the new 160 (Race number 93) was rewarded with a 4th and 3rd respectively.
Going well Joe. Keep it on the black stuff!
Pics: Joe giving it beans in the pack, and breaking out.
Going well Joe. Keep it on the black stuff!
Pics: Joe giving it beans in the pack, and breaking out.
The Un-Named Rally 2018 A report by Paul Vaughan.
11th April 2018
Last Friday evening, 11 teams set off into the night from the lay by near the Tot-Hill A34 roundabout. The first section of 4.5 miles was spot heights for both novices and experts. The experts got the spot digits summed up, hence 129 = 1+2+9 = 12 -> 1+2 = 3. Most got the first one and the code board on the Clere Wood lane. The next board was on the lane forking off at the 129 near Highclere Farm. This was missed by all but three, with everyone except Ian and Tony dropping some time into TC2. Eddie/Nick and Roy/Lee tying for 1st novice.
TC2 - TC3 was not much trouble for the novices with Jem and Richard missing one code board. The experts had snippets of the map to avoid. A mixed bag here with 5 getting both boards, but all dropped some time as the route took in the first climb of the night, with Ian and Peter taking the lead. Eddie and Nick cleaning that section.
TC3 - TC4 Tulips, normal for novices with Eddie and Nick cleaning it, and the other two dropping a minute or two. Headless out of order tulips for the experts were cleaned by three teams, with David and Simon nipping into the class lead by a minute from Colin and Chris.
TC4 - TC5 Spot heights again, with a decent climb at the end. Out of order for the novices with all three missing the code board at the 202 triangle. Jem and Richard were fastest though, only dropping a minute. The experts had the spots in roman numerals, with a little calculation for some heights. However, a sign error in the notes causing a bit of confusion, Chris and Glynn taking over top spot with Ian and Tony into 2nd.
TC5 - TC6 Grid/road crossings for the experts mainly causing little problem, however Ian and Peter gained 2nd as Ian and Tony missed a board and lost some minutes. The novices had little trouble with the missed left and rights. A puncture for Roy and Lee on a pothole was soon replaced and they lost little time. All picked up the board at the Combe hairpin.
TC6 - TC7 Grid exit directions. Compass for novices with a mix of Top, Left etc. added for the experts, was cleaned by four teams, however Ian & Tony and David & Simon missed the Buttermere loop and the two boards, dropping them down the leader board.
TC7 - TC8 Symbols or words touching the route on the map, the same for both classes with all three boards collected by everyone except Jem and Richard, with only few minutes lost by most.
TC8 - TC9 Grid references. Vias for the novices and avoids for the experts. All dropped some time with a few boards missed.
TC9 - MTC10 Clock hands. Normal for the novices, with a time error to factor in for the experts. Eddie and Nick consolidated their first in class with a clean run, Jem and Richard dropping 5 minutes for second in class. The experts had a tougher time, with just three teams getting all three boards, Chris and Glynn arriving with a couple of minutes to spare sealed top spot, with Ian and Peter dropping less time but having suffered an additional fail, leaving them in second place.
Thanks to all that competed and marshalled. The club now look forward to the Cross Border Rally in June.
The final scores.
11th April 2018
Last Friday evening, 11 teams set off into the night from the lay by near the Tot-Hill A34 roundabout. The first section of 4.5 miles was spot heights for both novices and experts. The experts got the spot digits summed up, hence 129 = 1+2+9 = 12 -> 1+2 = 3. Most got the first one and the code board on the Clere Wood lane. The next board was on the lane forking off at the 129 near Highclere Farm. This was missed by all but three, with everyone except Ian and Tony dropping some time into TC2. Eddie/Nick and Roy/Lee tying for 1st novice.
TC2 - TC3 was not much trouble for the novices with Jem and Richard missing one code board. The experts had snippets of the map to avoid. A mixed bag here with 5 getting both boards, but all dropped some time as the route took in the first climb of the night, with Ian and Peter taking the lead. Eddie and Nick cleaning that section.
TC3 - TC4 Tulips, normal for novices with Eddie and Nick cleaning it, and the other two dropping a minute or two. Headless out of order tulips for the experts were cleaned by three teams, with David and Simon nipping into the class lead by a minute from Colin and Chris.
TC4 - TC5 Spot heights again, with a decent climb at the end. Out of order for the novices with all three missing the code board at the 202 triangle. Jem and Richard were fastest though, only dropping a minute. The experts had the spots in roman numerals, with a little calculation for some heights. However, a sign error in the notes causing a bit of confusion, Chris and Glynn taking over top spot with Ian and Tony into 2nd.
TC5 - TC6 Grid/road crossings for the experts mainly causing little problem, however Ian and Peter gained 2nd as Ian and Tony missed a board and lost some minutes. The novices had little trouble with the missed left and rights. A puncture for Roy and Lee on a pothole was soon replaced and they lost little time. All picked up the board at the Combe hairpin.
TC6 - TC7 Grid exit directions. Compass for novices with a mix of Top, Left etc. added for the experts, was cleaned by four teams, however Ian & Tony and David & Simon missed the Buttermere loop and the two boards, dropping them down the leader board.
TC7 - TC8 Symbols or words touching the route on the map, the same for both classes with all three boards collected by everyone except Jem and Richard, with only few minutes lost by most.
TC8 - TC9 Grid references. Vias for the novices and avoids for the experts. All dropped some time with a few boards missed.
TC9 - MTC10 Clock hands. Normal for the novices, with a time error to factor in for the experts. Eddie and Nick consolidated their first in class with a clean run, Jem and Richard dropping 5 minutes for second in class. The experts had a tougher time, with just three teams getting all three boards, Chris and Glynn arriving with a couple of minutes to spare sealed top spot, with Ian and Peter dropping less time but having suffered an additional fail, leaving them in second place.
Thanks to all that competed and marshalled. The club now look forward to the Cross Border Rally in June.
The final scores.
Thoroughly Splattered
4th April 2018
Congratulations to Colin and Dawn Woodhouse with Peter Rushforth on the Maps, on winning the 2018 'Splatter Scatter' starting from the Club's favourite Lay-by, close to The Sun Inn at Dummer last March. This triple handed crew managed to visit 22 locations within the time frame, four of which yielded the coveted 'Corner Bonus Points'. They were however the only crew to drop time at the finish, but the carefully calculated time loss won them extra benefits on points.
In second place were visitors Sarah Lacey and Tom Campbell, from the Jaguar Apprentices Motor Club, visiting 19 locations and also attaining the bonus points for all four corner locations.
Location number 15 proved the most popular to visit, with all but 1 crew visiting, whilst the loneliest place was a deserted 14, slap bang in the centre of the search area with no one bothering to visit. The organiser noting that if a couple of crews had picked up the clue at this location, it would of completed a line of answers for the bonus points given, which no crew acheived.
Navigational Scatters are a unique form of Rallying, and without doubt the practise gained here by crews optimising their own route for speed and efficiency, will aid further efforts on some tough future events.
A huge thank you to Glynn Hayward (CoC) and to Steve Garside the event Marshal, and to all the crews who competed, making the event the success it was!
4th April 2018
Congratulations to Colin and Dawn Woodhouse with Peter Rushforth on the Maps, on winning the 2018 'Splatter Scatter' starting from the Club's favourite Lay-by, close to The Sun Inn at Dummer last March. This triple handed crew managed to visit 22 locations within the time frame, four of which yielded the coveted 'Corner Bonus Points'. They were however the only crew to drop time at the finish, but the carefully calculated time loss won them extra benefits on points.
In second place were visitors Sarah Lacey and Tom Campbell, from the Jaguar Apprentices Motor Club, visiting 19 locations and also attaining the bonus points for all four corner locations.
Location number 15 proved the most popular to visit, with all but 1 crew visiting, whilst the loneliest place was a deserted 14, slap bang in the centre of the search area with no one bothering to visit. The organiser noting that if a couple of crews had picked up the clue at this location, it would of completed a line of answers for the bonus points given, which no crew acheived.
Navigational Scatters are a unique form of Rallying, and without doubt the practise gained here by crews optimising their own route for speed and efficiency, will aid further efforts on some tough future events.
A huge thank you to Glynn Hayward (CoC) and to Steve Garside the event Marshal, and to all the crews who competed, making the event the success it was!
For the finer details and who scored what:
Dress to impress – The latest look, at BMC
1st April 2018
BMC is pleased to announce the new 2018 Spring and Summer Collection, a range of club liveried summer clothing. This exciting new collection has been compiled so that our ever increasing and diverse membership, together with all it's geographical and cultural implications are addressed. Complimenting the current range of polo shirts and baseball caps, the new additions add flair, style and a modern outlook. Of course, with summer coming, our members will be able to exploit the benefits of our cool new summer sensations, whilst simultaneously promoting the club.
1st April 2018
BMC is pleased to announce the new 2018 Spring and Summer Collection, a range of club liveried summer clothing. This exciting new collection has been compiled so that our ever increasing and diverse membership, together with all it's geographical and cultural implications are addressed. Complimenting the current range of polo shirts and baseball caps, the new additions add flair, style and a modern outlook. Of course, with summer coming, our members will be able to exploit the benefits of our cool new summer sensations, whilst simultaneously promoting the club.
Keep your cool with a bit of Airflow:
Yes folks, there's nothing quite like the feeling of cool air flowing around your loins to help keep you cool, and what then could be better than this hardy Scots look. Yes, this fully badged and properly pleated Highlander Kilt, in BMC Navy will set you apart from the usual Sasanach masses. With fashion firmly in mind, the garment is supplied 'Sporran free', but with a useful 'combat style' pocket for holding your time card, and romer, the BMC kilt set offers both practicality and comfort.
Top it off with the 'Scotch Bonnet' (Shown below) in blue Tartan and you would definitely be the Big Yin.
If it's good enough for Becks:
If you want to maintain the benefits of 'Airflow', but you're worried about those 'knobbly knees', then this, from the new range could be just the ticket. Highly fashionable and cool too. Stepping out at a BMC Autotest would be all the more glamourous in this Orientally inspired BMC Gentleman's Sarong. Never again would you have to suffer the indignity of sunburn on your lilly white legs, from having to wear shorts on those hot summer days. Another benefit gained from this Sarong, with it's built in modesty, is that the the calf length hem line allows the wearer to keep cooler still by going totally commando!
Enhance this outfit with the latest BMC Sikh style Turban (Modelled so elegantly below). 10 yards of BMC Navy fabric, carefully stitched and fashioned to present the Club's logo at a jaunty angle on the front of this exotic headpiece.
If you must
Of course there are those die hards amongst the membership who just want to wear shorts anyway. Why not indulge yourselves then with this full set of blue leather Lederhosen? Imagine feeling just like Nikki Lauda or Gerhard Berger, dancing away atop the Austrian hillsides singing 'The hills are alive ........ with the sound of music'. This Lederhosen comes with a prominent BMC logo on the chest brace, and is finished in BMC navy.
Tops and tails:
Plain 'Short' shorts 'Scotch Bonnet' 'Sikh Turban'
Don't delay .... Order today! We don't expect stocks to last for long, so get yours ordered by mid-day today!
The Bramley Targa
1st April 2018
1st April 2018
Chris Pratt/Jeff Brown - in the 205 - Pic courtesy MandHphotography.co.uk
The 18th March dawned to far more snow than anyone had imagined, and although the organisers had confirmed the previous evening that the event would go ahead, it was with great trepidation that crews skidded and slithered to Bramley Camp, expecting that the event would be cancelled. However, FDMC took the gamble and the first Targa event ever at Bramley Camp went ahead.
Out of six BMC crews entered, only four made it to the start. Emma Perrat and Chris Shackleton decided that their Peugeot was ill equipped to cope with the conditions, and reluctantly elected to stay at home. Meanwhile, country dwellers Vicci and Paul Vaughan were unable to get to the end of their road, and consequently had to miss it too.
The remaining BMC crews, comprising Chris Pratt/Jeff Brown in Chris' tidy little Peugeot 205 Gti. Roy Cuthbert/Steve Partridge and Martin House/Dawn Woodhouse in a brace of Rover 25s, and Jace Shawley/Glynn Hayward in Jaces MG ZR, assembled in the paddock. After some gentle persuasion, Chris agreed not to go home in view of the conditions, particularly as Jeff had driven all the way from Somerset to be there.
The 18th March dawned to far more snow than anyone had imagined, and although the organisers had confirmed the previous evening that the event would go ahead, it was with great trepidation that crews skidded and slithered to Bramley Camp, expecting that the event would be cancelled. However, FDMC took the gamble and the first Targa event ever at Bramley Camp went ahead.
Out of six BMC crews entered, only four made it to the start. Emma Perrat and Chris Shackleton decided that their Peugeot was ill equipped to cope with the conditions, and reluctantly elected to stay at home. Meanwhile, country dwellers Vicci and Paul Vaughan were unable to get to the end of their road, and consequently had to miss it too.
The remaining BMC crews, comprising Chris Pratt/Jeff Brown in Chris' tidy little Peugeot 205 Gti. Roy Cuthbert/Steve Partridge and Martin House/Dawn Woodhouse in a brace of Rover 25s, and Jace Shawley/Glynn Hayward in Jaces MG ZR, assembled in the paddock. After some gentle persuasion, Chris agreed not to go home in view of the conditions, particularly as Jeff had driven all the way from Somerset to be there.
Jace Shawley/Glynn Hayward in the MG ZR - Pic courtesy MandHphotography.co.uk
Test one revealed that there was actually some grip available, despite an uncleared and 6in of snow covered course. Poor old Alan Wakeman running first car on the road acted as a snow plough to everyone else's benefit. The further down the field the better the opening tests, and so the event began. Chris Pratt came in from the opener with a big grin and a change of mind, much to Jeff's relief.
Times improved with every new test and as the thaw began, the course changed from snow and ice to just plain wet. Tyre choice then was crucial, and Jace Shawley's original choice of Michelin PS3s, although diabolical in the snow, began to function very well. Chris Pratt's choice of Avon Turbospeeds also fared very well.
Test one revealed that there was actually some grip available, despite an uncleared and 6in of snow covered course. Poor old Alan Wakeman running first car on the road acted as a snow plough to everyone else's benefit. The further down the field the better the opening tests, and so the event began. Chris Pratt came in from the opener with a big grin and a change of mind, much to Jeff's relief.
Times improved with every new test and as the thaw began, the course changed from snow and ice to just plain wet. Tyre choice then was crucial, and Jace Shawley's original choice of Michelin PS3s, although diabolical in the snow, began to function very well. Chris Pratt's choice of Avon Turbospeeds also fared very well.
Pleased to report that all the BMC cars performed without incident, and a good day of motorsport was had by all, including a fair contingent of BMC marshals. There's nothing quite like seeing your fellow club members cheering you along at the side of the course. Congratulations must go to FDMC for making the call to run it, and for producing over 75 marshals in the cold and snowy conditions. With so many Targa events cancelled because of the weather recently, it was a brave decision which paid off. A fantastic and good value for money event, which we all hope will be repeated again soon.
Thank you Kirstie!
April 1st 2018
BMC would like to say a proper thank you to Kirstie Brown, who has served this club so well for at least the last decade. As Club Treasurer and regular marshal and supporter, Kirstie's committee input and common sense will be greatly missed. Her 'Treasurer' and 'Child Protection' duties will be taken on, for the near future at least, by current Vice Chairman and Husband Jeff Brown.
Kirstie will not be leaving the club, just stepping down from the committee so that she can devote more of her time to new pursuits. BMC wish her every success in her new activities and look forward to seeing her at BMC events in the future.
April 1st 2018
BMC would like to say a proper thank you to Kirstie Brown, who has served this club so well for at least the last decade. As Club Treasurer and regular marshal and supporter, Kirstie's committee input and common sense will be greatly missed. Her 'Treasurer' and 'Child Protection' duties will be taken on, for the near future at least, by current Vice Chairman and Husband Jeff Brown.
Kirstie will not be leaving the club, just stepping down from the committee so that she can devote more of her time to new pursuits. BMC wish her every success in her new activities and look forward to seeing her at BMC events in the future.
Go Joe, go!
5th February 2018
After a visit to the Autosports Show at the NEC last month, Joe Dalgarno and his father Mike, bought a Race prepared MG ZR 160, and will be campaigning it in the very competitive MG Trophy Championship this year. The first round of the series will be at Silverstone National Circuit on the 7th of April, however they will be going to a track day to get some mileage in on the 16th Feb at Brands Hatch, and maybe one at Castle Combe earlier.
At 15 years old, Joe's talent as a driver became obvious when he entered the BMC Grass Autotest series. His car control in the little red MG ZR was clearly in evidence as he rapidly improved, and soon took some top results.
We are assured that Joe will be keeping the 'little red machine' and that he will be doing the Autotests whenever possible.
Good luck Joe. BMC wish you well in your venture.
Pics: The new and the Old
5th February 2018
After a visit to the Autosports Show at the NEC last month, Joe Dalgarno and his father Mike, bought a Race prepared MG ZR 160, and will be campaigning it in the very competitive MG Trophy Championship this year. The first round of the series will be at Silverstone National Circuit on the 7th of April, however they will be going to a track day to get some mileage in on the 16th Feb at Brands Hatch, and maybe one at Castle Combe earlier.
At 15 years old, Joe's talent as a driver became obvious when he entered the BMC Grass Autotest series. His car control in the little red MG ZR was clearly in evidence as he rapidly improved, and soon took some top results.
We are assured that Joe will be keeping the 'little red machine' and that he will be doing the Autotests whenever possible.
Good luck Joe. BMC wish you well in your venture.
Pics: The new and the Old
The Norseman – Done and dusted:
4th February 2018
The first BMC event of 2018, the Norseman Rally, ran last Friday with a full entry, but for once the competing crews were outnumbered by the marshals. A superb job of organising and recruiting the marshals was seemlessly executed by Chief Marshal Chris Shackleton. Well done Chris, and many many thanks to you and all the marshals who turned out to support us. Thankyou!
12 crews followed the first two course cars (Chief Marshal checking the marshals, and Clerk of the Course, checking the course) straight into the countryside and most cleaning the section to TC2 at Deane. An unannounced and secretive TC3 was found on the route to TC4, where we are pleased to announce that ALL crews passed the test and approached the control on the triangle with the correct 'Short way round' approach. TC4 to TC5 was where the next trap was set, and many novice crews were caught out, gathering the first fails of the evening for missing the board on the loop at Litchfield Grange, demanded by the 'approach' detail on the map references given.
TC5, and there were some unhappy experts trying to plot their way to TC6. Sadly, due to the massive re-route required, the navigation was chopped too soon leaving TC6 undefined. However, all the expert crews reasoned out where it should be (Albeit some faster than others), and so it was decided to let the outcome stand.
A late marshal at TC7 meant that most early crews arrived with no marshal to process them and opening the envelope was their only option, whereas later crews were given times. Hence the Clerk of the Course had no option but to order that all time penalties for TC7 be negated. However, TC6 to TC7 contained the second 'approach and depart' trap on map references, and more Novices fell foul (You really have to concentrate guys).
Some choice lanes led the crews on to the finish for coffee, burgers and chit chat at the Sutton Scotney Services, where Course Closers Colin Woodhouse and Andy Lees, tidying up at the back and closing the controls along the way finally caught up.
With two 'clean sheets' shared by Chris Pratt/Glynn Hayward and Eddie Gale/Rhys Williams, the tie break came into play, and Eddie's Rover beating Chris' Peugeot by being a mere 100cc smaller gave the win to Eddie and Rhys.
All in all a good Rally. Apart from one minor navigational 'faux pas', the fabulous and challenging route was well received by all.
Final Entry list and Results below:
4th February 2018
The first BMC event of 2018, the Norseman Rally, ran last Friday with a full entry, but for once the competing crews were outnumbered by the marshals. A superb job of organising and recruiting the marshals was seemlessly executed by Chief Marshal Chris Shackleton. Well done Chris, and many many thanks to you and all the marshals who turned out to support us. Thankyou!
12 crews followed the first two course cars (Chief Marshal checking the marshals, and Clerk of the Course, checking the course) straight into the countryside and most cleaning the section to TC2 at Deane. An unannounced and secretive TC3 was found on the route to TC4, where we are pleased to announce that ALL crews passed the test and approached the control on the triangle with the correct 'Short way round' approach. TC4 to TC5 was where the next trap was set, and many novice crews were caught out, gathering the first fails of the evening for missing the board on the loop at Litchfield Grange, demanded by the 'approach' detail on the map references given.
TC5, and there were some unhappy experts trying to plot their way to TC6. Sadly, due to the massive re-route required, the navigation was chopped too soon leaving TC6 undefined. However, all the expert crews reasoned out where it should be (Albeit some faster than others), and so it was decided to let the outcome stand.
A late marshal at TC7 meant that most early crews arrived with no marshal to process them and opening the envelope was their only option, whereas later crews were given times. Hence the Clerk of the Course had no option but to order that all time penalties for TC7 be negated. However, TC6 to TC7 contained the second 'approach and depart' trap on map references, and more Novices fell foul (You really have to concentrate guys).
Some choice lanes led the crews on to the finish for coffee, burgers and chit chat at the Sutton Scotney Services, where Course Closers Colin Woodhouse and Andy Lees, tidying up at the back and closing the controls along the way finally caught up.
With two 'clean sheets' shared by Chris Pratt/Glynn Hayward and Eddie Gale/Rhys Williams, the tie break came into play, and Eddie's Rover beating Chris' Peugeot by being a mere 100cc smaller gave the win to Eddie and Rhys.
All in all a good Rally. Apart from one minor navigational 'faux pas', the fabulous and challenging route was well received by all.
Final Entry list and Results below:
It's been a Good Year
December 2017
It's that time of year when we look back over the last 12 months and recollect events that shaped the year, and wow, this is another one to remember. After adjusting to our new surroundings at The Sun Inn, a routine was rapidly set. What can we say but a huge 'Thank You' to Gordon, Suze and the girls. You really have looked after us. We feel welcome, comfortable and well watered (Some of us feel well fed too, and the Christmas Dinner was very tasty).
On the competition front we had a ball too. We were 'one short' on the 12 Cars this year, but gained a Scatter. The 'Norseman', 100 mile 12 Car, which usually runs in September, had to be shelved to make way for the ill fated 'Tour of Hampshire', a co-promoted Road Rally scheduled for September, which sadly, after a lot of hard work and labour didn't run. Don't worry though 'cos the Norseman is back, and ready to run in February 2018, having switched places with the other 100 miler, the Papyrus.
December 2017
It's that time of year when we look back over the last 12 months and recollect events that shaped the year, and wow, this is another one to remember. After adjusting to our new surroundings at The Sun Inn, a routine was rapidly set. What can we say but a huge 'Thank You' to Gordon, Suze and the girls. You really have looked after us. We feel welcome, comfortable and well watered (Some of us feel well fed too, and the Christmas Dinner was very tasty).
On the competition front we had a ball too. We were 'one short' on the 12 Cars this year, but gained a Scatter. The 'Norseman', 100 mile 12 Car, which usually runs in September, had to be shelved to make way for the ill fated 'Tour of Hampshire', a co-promoted Road Rally scheduled for September, which sadly, after a lot of hard work and labour didn't run. Don't worry though 'cos the Norseman is back, and ready to run in February 2018, having switched places with the other 100 miler, the Papyrus.
The 2017 Papyrus was BMC's opening gambit for the year, and Jeff Brown put on a superb event, with a full entry starting from the 'Whitchurch Leisure Centre'. The Western start allowed the route to explore some unfamiliar territory (at least new to newcomers) and a very interesting and exciting event was to follow.
Next was a new event on the list. Very much a 'toe in the water' type experiment, but with a resurgence of interest in navigational events, the 'Splatter Scatter' hit the BMC scene. Scatters are not to everyone's taste, but nonetheless the event was well contested and very well received. Needless to say that it's popularity has led to it running again in 2018.
Another 12 Car, the 'No Name Rally' ran in April. Open to Experts and Novices, but with the emphasis on getting novices all the way around, it was a rip roaring success with yet another full entry.
May was soon upon us and as the 12 Car season withered, so the Autotest, and daytime entertainment began. Popham was the venue as usual, and the first of three top quality events, 'The Monster Mulch' bit into the turf. This one attracted a good handful of new members. Some we havn't seen for many years and were welcomed back to the fold. The weather held out and the 'Monster Mulchers' were happy.
Next was a new event on the list. Very much a 'toe in the water' type experiment, but with a resurgence of interest in navigational events, the 'Splatter Scatter' hit the BMC scene. Scatters are not to everyone's taste, but nonetheless the event was well contested and very well received. Needless to say that it's popularity has led to it running again in 2018.
Another 12 Car, the 'No Name Rally' ran in April. Open to Experts and Novices, but with the emphasis on getting novices all the way around, it was a rip roaring success with yet another full entry.
May was soon upon us and as the 12 Car season withered, so the Autotest, and daytime entertainment began. Popham was the venue as usual, and the first of three top quality events, 'The Monster Mulch' bit into the turf. This one attracted a good handful of new members. Some we havn't seen for many years and were welcomed back to the fold. The weather held out and the 'Monster Mulchers' were happy.
Next came another BMC classic, as Roy Cuthbert's 'Cross Border' Summer 12 Car started from the 'Left Hand Drive Place's premises in Basingstoke. Many thanks to Colin Woodhouse and the team for facilitating us so well. With a run out from Basingstoke to the A339 Newbury road, another full entry took off into the night for a 50 mile run to finish at Sutton Scotney services in the small hours. This 'Summer' event is now fixed on the BMC Calendar, and offers a welcome release in the 'dry season'.
July saw the second of the Autotest trio. This one being the 'Pasture Blaster'. With a classy 40 car entry this one needed some special attention to the running order. CoC Jace Shawley implemented a colour coded grouping system, which together with running 4 tests simultaneously got all forty through without too much queueing, and within the usual timeframe. The usual 'all forwards' short sharp tests provided close competition and fun all day. Just what was needed.
September arrived all too soon, and with the absence of the Norseman, all eyes were on the 'Grasshopper', the last of the Autotest trio. Lessons learned at the 'Pasture Blaster' led to an entries cap, and 30 was the limit. Needless to say 30 entries came in very quickly and the event was on. Sadly the weather became somewhat 'inclement' and very soon the tests became more like a trial course, as competitors slithered and slid all over the now hallowed Popham turf (Love the picture of Joe Cuthbert sitting in his open 'Special' with an umbrella firmly raised to the elements). As usual all was taken in good humour, even after the event had been cut short to minimise damage.
July saw the second of the Autotest trio. This one being the 'Pasture Blaster'. With a classy 40 car entry this one needed some special attention to the running order. CoC Jace Shawley implemented a colour coded grouping system, which together with running 4 tests simultaneously got all forty through without too much queueing, and within the usual timeframe. The usual 'all forwards' short sharp tests provided close competition and fun all day. Just what was needed.
September arrived all too soon, and with the absence of the Norseman, all eyes were on the 'Grasshopper', the last of the Autotest trio. Lessons learned at the 'Pasture Blaster' led to an entries cap, and 30 was the limit. Needless to say 30 entries came in very quickly and the event was on. Sadly the weather became somewhat 'inclement' and very soon the tests became more like a trial course, as competitors slithered and slid all over the now hallowed Popham turf (Love the picture of Joe Cuthbert sitting in his open 'Special' with an umbrella firmly raised to the elements). As usual all was taken in good humour, even after the event had been cut short to minimise damage.
With the final event of the year, the 'Nick Ardern Memorial' 12 Car Rally producing yet another 'full' entry, the season closed. All points had been allocated, and Steve Garside produced the category winners for 2017.
One event however which didn't attract points, was the 'Heart of Hampshire', a co-promoted 'Fun Day' with 2017 MSA Club of the Year, Southsea Motor Club (Yes really well done Southsea. A well deserved accolade). The Heart of Hampshire came about as a way of utilising facilities and bookings surplus from the cancelled 'Tour of Hampshire' Road Rally. As it turned out a lot of fun was had in a day packed with a Table Top Rally, a Wheel Change Competition, and a tasty Buffet lunch. Followed by a scenic tour and Gymkhana games. The event was well attended and received by both clubs, and there is a possibility that we will do it again in '18'.
No doubt you are all making plans for your assault on next year's championships, and with no further ado, we would like to wish you Good Luck with those endeavours, but also a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
One event however which didn't attract points, was the 'Heart of Hampshire', a co-promoted 'Fun Day' with 2017 MSA Club of the Year, Southsea Motor Club (Yes really well done Southsea. A well deserved accolade). The Heart of Hampshire came about as a way of utilising facilities and bookings surplus from the cancelled 'Tour of Hampshire' Road Rally. As it turned out a lot of fun was had in a day packed with a Table Top Rally, a Wheel Change Competition, and a tasty Buffet lunch. Followed by a scenic tour and Gymkhana games. The event was well attended and received by both clubs, and there is a possibility that we will do it again in '18'.
No doubt you are all making plans for your assault on next year's championships, and with no further ado, we would like to wish you Good Luck with those endeavours, but also a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Goodnight from me, and it's goodnight from him
21st November 2017
Yes, the final BMC Rally of 2017, the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car last Friday proved to be a 'Good Night' all round. But then with Glynn Hayward as Clerk of the Course, what else could we expect:
With a quality entry list representing no less than 7 Motor Clubs, which had filled to bursting point long before the closing date, there was clearly not going to be room for any errors no matter how small. Game on!
After the usual signing on and drivers briefing at the A30 Lay-by, crews departed on time straight into the first 'result generator' of the evening. With some expert crews caught out here, their game was up already (You got to be 'on it straight out of the trap' – Ed). So with the men sorted from the boys, and right from the start, only two Expert crews (Ian Donaldson/Peter Rushforth and Eddie Gale/Rowan Corney) remained clean. This was later to prove decisive at the finish. Also worth noting here, is that all the Novices were also clean, but were using less challenging 'Novice' navigation.
The next few sections saw generally good performances all round, the exception being Eddie Gale/Rowan Corney, who after doing so well on the opener, threw it all away with a wrong slot before TC4, and a subsequent but impossible game of catchup! Also here, Looker/Duff and Oatley/Smith added some 'tens' by missing codeboards.
Finally at TC7, the so far clean team of Donaldson/Rushforth dropped 2 minutes. Now all crews had lost time, but the only other one on just two was East/Davison. Game on … Clio versus Rover!
Eventually, after some more fabulous Hampshire lanes, the finish loomed, and with our leading duo still on 2 minutes apiece, the Tie Decider kicked in, and a very popular win was given to Ian Donaldson and Peter Rushforth under the 'Furthest/Cleanest' rule. An excellent win, but we can't take anything away from Mike East/Roger Davison, who's performance was really equally as good as the winners.
Hailed by all as another 'excellent' route by Glynn, this one will be remembered for a long time.
Final Results HERE
21st November 2017
Yes, the final BMC Rally of 2017, the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car last Friday proved to be a 'Good Night' all round. But then with Glynn Hayward as Clerk of the Course, what else could we expect:
With a quality entry list representing no less than 7 Motor Clubs, which had filled to bursting point long before the closing date, there was clearly not going to be room for any errors no matter how small. Game on!
After the usual signing on and drivers briefing at the A30 Lay-by, crews departed on time straight into the first 'result generator' of the evening. With some expert crews caught out here, their game was up already (You got to be 'on it straight out of the trap' – Ed). So with the men sorted from the boys, and right from the start, only two Expert crews (Ian Donaldson/Peter Rushforth and Eddie Gale/Rowan Corney) remained clean. This was later to prove decisive at the finish. Also worth noting here, is that all the Novices were also clean, but were using less challenging 'Novice' navigation.
The next few sections saw generally good performances all round, the exception being Eddie Gale/Rowan Corney, who after doing so well on the opener, threw it all away with a wrong slot before TC4, and a subsequent but impossible game of catchup! Also here, Looker/Duff and Oatley/Smith added some 'tens' by missing codeboards.
Finally at TC7, the so far clean team of Donaldson/Rushforth dropped 2 minutes. Now all crews had lost time, but the only other one on just two was East/Davison. Game on … Clio versus Rover!
Eventually, after some more fabulous Hampshire lanes, the finish loomed, and with our leading duo still on 2 minutes apiece, the Tie Decider kicked in, and a very popular win was given to Ian Donaldson and Peter Rushforth under the 'Furthest/Cleanest' rule. An excellent win, but we can't take anything away from Mike East/Roger Davison, who's performance was really equally as good as the winners.
Hailed by all as another 'excellent' route by Glynn, this one will be remembered for a long time.
Final Results HERE
The Sundance Shuffle
5th October 2017
Another excellent turnout confirmed the membership's commitment to the club last night, at the 2017 Basingstoke Motor Club Annual General Meeting, held at The Sun Inn, Dummer. It was a pleasure to enjoy the niceties of a private room, without having to endure the noise and hubbub from last year's crowded and noisey environment. Vice Chairman Jeff Brown presided in Chris Pratt's vacational absence and all was very civilised.
Apologies and last years minutes were done and dusted quickly, with no queries or complaints, and reports were heard from the Chairman, The Treasurer, The Membership Secretary and The Competition Secretary, all confirming what a good year it had been.
Welcome 'New Boys' Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire - and a big 'Thankyou' to 'Old Boy' Roy Cuthbert.
5th October 2017
Another excellent turnout confirmed the membership's commitment to the club last night, at the 2017 Basingstoke Motor Club Annual General Meeting, held at The Sun Inn, Dummer. It was a pleasure to enjoy the niceties of a private room, without having to endure the noise and hubbub from last year's crowded and noisey environment. Vice Chairman Jeff Brown presided in Chris Pratt's vacational absence and all was very civilised.
Apologies and last years minutes were done and dusted quickly, with no queries or complaints, and reports were heard from the Chairman, The Treasurer, The Membership Secretary and The Competition Secretary, all confirming what a good year it had been.
Welcome 'New Boys' Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire - and a big 'Thankyou' to 'Old Boy' Roy Cuthbert.
All committee members stood down and were thanked for their services over the past year. Special thanks went to Roy Cuthbert, who after many years serving on the committee, finally threw in the towel and stood down without seeking re-election. Roy has been (and still is) a staunch supporter of the club. He will of course still be around as a clubmember, but as a committee member, he will be sorely missed. Good luck Roy.
Two more Committee members not seeking re-election to their roles, were outgoing Secretary, Glynn Hayward, and Competition Secretary, John Considine. Both long term and committed members, who have also served as club officials for many years. Although happy to stay on the team, both were seeking alternative roles for the immediate future.
With vacant roles apparent, a new committee was elected, and volunteer candidates were put forward and elected. Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire were welcomed to the committee, and after a brief debate your new committee was elected as follows:
Chairman Chris Pratt (No change)
Vice Chairman Jeff Brown (No change)
Secretary Mark Hissey (New Committee Member)
Competition Secretary Glynn Hayward (Changed role ex Secretary)
Treasurer Kirstie Brown (No change)
External Events Co-ordinator Mike Hall (No change)
Equipment Officer Rob Willshire (New Committee member)
Championship Co-ordinator Steve Garside (No change)
Media and Publicity Jace Shawley (No change)
General Committee John Considine (Changed role ex Comp Sec)
With no 'Other business', and the 3rd October 2018 set as the date for the next BMC AGM, the meeting concluded amid many nods of approval. Role on 2017/18.
Two more Committee members not seeking re-election to their roles, were outgoing Secretary, Glynn Hayward, and Competition Secretary, John Considine. Both long term and committed members, who have also served as club officials for many years. Although happy to stay on the team, both were seeking alternative roles for the immediate future.
With vacant roles apparent, a new committee was elected, and volunteer candidates were put forward and elected. Mark Hissey and Rob Willshire were welcomed to the committee, and after a brief debate your new committee was elected as follows:
Chairman Chris Pratt (No change)
Vice Chairman Jeff Brown (No change)
Secretary Mark Hissey (New Committee Member)
Competition Secretary Glynn Hayward (Changed role ex Secretary)
Treasurer Kirstie Brown (No change)
External Events Co-ordinator Mike Hall (No change)
Equipment Officer Rob Willshire (New Committee member)
Championship Co-ordinator Steve Garside (No change)
Media and Publicity Jace Shawley (No change)
General Committee John Considine (Changed role ex Comp Sec)
With no 'Other business', and the 3rd October 2018 set as the date for the next BMC AGM, the meeting concluded amid many nods of approval. Role on 2017/18.
Summer Lull officially over
15th September 2017
So to all our Road Rallyists out there, the new 2017/18 season has begun. After the summer lull the Rally Calendar has burst into life, and there really is plenty out there to do. BMC has just the one event left this year, and you are urged not to miss it. However the serious players will be out just about every weekend between now and Christmas. Here's a list, extracted from BMC's very own 'Wosson' to really keep you busy:
15th September 2017
So to all our Road Rallyists out there, the new 2017/18 season has begun. After the summer lull the Rally Calendar has burst into life, and there really is plenty out there to do. BMC has just the one event left this year, and you are urged not to miss it. However the serious players will be out just about every weekend between now and Christmas. Here's a list, extracted from BMC's very own 'Wosson' to really keep you busy:
Above: Some regular BMC Road Rally contenders
Discounting Solos and 'Rally Day' at Castle Combe, the fun begins on the 29th September, with Southsea's 'Pari 12Kar' Navigational 12 Car Rally. 55 miles of Southern Hampshire lanes. Sounds like a good start.
Next up, the following Friday is Oxford MC's 'October Outing', a 12 Car Navigational Rally offering 62 miles of Oxfordshire lanes on map165. What's to not like?
Just a week later, and you're spoiled for choice. Devizes and District MC are running their 'Driveshaft 20/20 Rally, starting from Wooten Bassett Rugby Football Club (Near Swindon), whilst on the same evening, BAMA (British Army Motoring Association) offer the 'Lowland Gunner' 20/20 Rally in Surrey. The former offering 100 miles of classic 'ALL TARMAC' Wiltshire lanes, whilst the 'Gunner' will include white roads over 120 miles.
Next up is the 'Harvest Rally' by South Hams Motor Club on the 21st/22nd October - A round of the ASWMC Navigational Road Rally Championship presenting 120 miles of challenging but 'white free tarmac only' rallying on map 202. You just got to love those Devon lanes, especially map 202. Unique.
You now have two weeks to wait for FDMC's Harlequin 12 Car Rally on Friday 3rd November and then another fortnight for BMC's final event, the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car, scheduled for Friday 17th Nov.
Another week to wait then, and it's the Barbara Carter Rally from Exmouth Motor Club on the 25th/26th. Yes back to Devon again but why not?
Into December and we kick off with the Gwynn Jones Memorial 12 Car from FDMC on the 1st. Then just another week to prepare for the Ilfracombe Rally, North Devon Motor Club's ASWMC round on the 9th/10th. Yes Devon again, but what a way to finish the year.
So there you have it! Eight do-able events between now and Christmas. What more can we say? Have fun Y'all!
Discounting Solos and 'Rally Day' at Castle Combe, the fun begins on the 29th September, with Southsea's 'Pari 12Kar' Navigational 12 Car Rally. 55 miles of Southern Hampshire lanes. Sounds like a good start.
Next up, the following Friday is Oxford MC's 'October Outing', a 12 Car Navigational Rally offering 62 miles of Oxfordshire lanes on map165. What's to not like?
Just a week later, and you're spoiled for choice. Devizes and District MC are running their 'Driveshaft 20/20 Rally, starting from Wooten Bassett Rugby Football Club (Near Swindon), whilst on the same evening, BAMA (British Army Motoring Association) offer the 'Lowland Gunner' 20/20 Rally in Surrey. The former offering 100 miles of classic 'ALL TARMAC' Wiltshire lanes, whilst the 'Gunner' will include white roads over 120 miles.
Next up is the 'Harvest Rally' by South Hams Motor Club on the 21st/22nd October - A round of the ASWMC Navigational Road Rally Championship presenting 120 miles of challenging but 'white free tarmac only' rallying on map 202. You just got to love those Devon lanes, especially map 202. Unique.
You now have two weeks to wait for FDMC's Harlequin 12 Car Rally on Friday 3rd November and then another fortnight for BMC's final event, the Nick Ardern Memorial 12 Car, scheduled for Friday 17th Nov.
Another week to wait then, and it's the Barbara Carter Rally from Exmouth Motor Club on the 25th/26th. Yes back to Devon again but why not?
Into December and we kick off with the Gwynn Jones Memorial 12 Car from FDMC on the 1st. Then just another week to prepare for the Ilfracombe Rally, North Devon Motor Club's ASWMC round on the 9th/10th. Yes Devon again, but what a way to finish the year.
So there you have it! Eight do-able events between now and Christmas. What more can we say? Have fun Y'all!
Lees wins Boatrace
6th September 2017
6th September 2017
Last Sunday's Grasshopper Autotest at Popham was the first for many years to be held in inclement weather. But despite the wet and slithery conditions a good day of motorsport was had by all. In this case, a very special thanks has to be extended to the marshals, who despite their soaking, managed to keep the tests running on time and efficiently.
The grass very rapidly became an ice rink, and speed became just a distant memory. Those who tried a fast approach found themselves careering away from their chosen path with very little hope of recovery. 'Softly softly' was clearly the way to go and even then traction was the lottery prize. It soon became apparent that experience would have a lot of influence, and indeed, whilst our younger regulars were struggling to get round, some of our older, more practiced gentry were benefitting.
From the very start, Andy Lees in his famous white Nova pulled steadily away from the rest of the field, the car and driver combination absolutely ideal for the conditions. Another senior driver to excell here was Karl Boulton in his Honda Civic TypeR. Not the logical choice for this event you may think, but piloted with skill and know how, Karl produced the goods.
Below - A very soggy Joe Cuthbert facing the elements.
The grass very rapidly became an ice rink, and speed became just a distant memory. Those who tried a fast approach found themselves careering away from their chosen path with very little hope of recovery. 'Softly softly' was clearly the way to go and even then traction was the lottery prize. It soon became apparent that experience would have a lot of influence, and indeed, whilst our younger regulars were struggling to get round, some of our older, more practiced gentry were benefitting.
From the very start, Andy Lees in his famous white Nova pulled steadily away from the rest of the field, the car and driver combination absolutely ideal for the conditions. Another senior driver to excell here was Karl Boulton in his Honda Civic TypeR. Not the logical choice for this event you may think, but piloted with skill and know how, Karl produced the goods.
Below - A very soggy Joe Cuthbert facing the elements.
Pic courtesy of Karen Mead
Interupting this grey haired gathering however was newbie junior, Joe Dalgarno in his very rapid little red MG/ZR. On only his second outing ever, Joe managed to adapt his driving style from the very fast and 'Power on' attitude he displayed on the Pasture Blaster earlier in the year, to the carefully executed 'Softly softly' approach, which paid dividends.
Also progressing well was long time absentee from competing, Glynn Hayward. This time out in the Mitsubishi Colt. A car ideally suited to the conditions, and again with a lifetime of driver skill to draw on.
Meanwhile, Ben Shawley, Nick Piper and Tom Radbourne were slowly adapting and the 'catch up' game began. Even with their skill levels improving, and their times getting closer, the 'Old Greys' and Joe Delgarno were just too far in front.
With the rain intensifying in the afternoon, CofC Jace Shawley allowed 2 runs only for the last set of tests, with both scores to count. Clearly shortening the competition but allowing everyone some respite from the elements.
Stirling work again from the now regular results crew Karen and Sue, and provisional results were posted just ten minutes after the final run.
Awards were presented to Joe Dalgarno for 1st Production and 'Best Junior'. To Dave Hora in his borrowed Peugeot 206GTi for 2nd Production. Glynn Hayward reaped 1st Autotest with a well deserved 2nd going to Karl Boulton. Olivia Slee, on her first ever outing took the 'Best Lady' award, and FTD was won by a mile, by Andy Lees.
At the end of the day, BMC managed to run a quality and competitive event despite the weather. Testimony to the determination and durability of the competitors and marshals who endured for the benefit of all. Well done All.
Results below:
Interupting this grey haired gathering however was newbie junior, Joe Dalgarno in his very rapid little red MG/ZR. On only his second outing ever, Joe managed to adapt his driving style from the very fast and 'Power on' attitude he displayed on the Pasture Blaster earlier in the year, to the carefully executed 'Softly softly' approach, which paid dividends.
Also progressing well was long time absentee from competing, Glynn Hayward. This time out in the Mitsubishi Colt. A car ideally suited to the conditions, and again with a lifetime of driver skill to draw on.
Meanwhile, Ben Shawley, Nick Piper and Tom Radbourne were slowly adapting and the 'catch up' game began. Even with their skill levels improving, and their times getting closer, the 'Old Greys' and Joe Delgarno were just too far in front.
With the rain intensifying in the afternoon, CofC Jace Shawley allowed 2 runs only for the last set of tests, with both scores to count. Clearly shortening the competition but allowing everyone some respite from the elements.
Stirling work again from the now regular results crew Karen and Sue, and provisional results were posted just ten minutes after the final run.
Awards were presented to Joe Dalgarno for 1st Production and 'Best Junior'. To Dave Hora in his borrowed Peugeot 206GTi for 2nd Production. Glynn Hayward reaped 1st Autotest with a well deserved 2nd going to Karl Boulton. Olivia Slee, on her first ever outing took the 'Best Lady' award, and FTD was won by a mile, by Andy Lees.
At the end of the day, BMC managed to run a quality and competitive event despite the weather. Testimony to the determination and durability of the competitors and marshals who endured for the benefit of all. Well done All.
Results below:
Pasture Blasted
19th July 2017
19th July 2017
Top BMC driver Ben Shawley, in 'Perfect Pose'.
Wow, what an event it turned out to be. Basingstoke Motor Club's 'The Pasture Blaster Grass Autotest' at Popham Airfield last Sunday took place in fine weather, with a record 38 contestants. And what a class entry it was too. Top local drivers Aston Bell and Ben Shawley were present, together with 'Monster Mulch' FTD winner Jem Mead. with a very quick but on form Father and son pair, Andy and Tom Radbourne, closely matched by John Austin and his rapid little Micra. Also playing, all the way from Australia, was Rod Shaw, this time sharing the Ford Focus ST with John Cross. Appearing for the first time in many many years, was quick old hand Nick Piper. What promise the event held. Clerk of the Course, Jace Shawley declined this time to venture a forecast, 'This one is far too close to hazard guess' he said.
With all looking good, a last minute entry from Kevin and Zach Lower, in their very well used Mazda MX5, put the moggy firmly into the dovecote, and the game was on.
With the ammended format of 4 tests running simultaneously, and the entry divided into four groups, all the marshals were in place and competition commenced.
'Green Group' a mix of both Autotest and Production cars, mostly made up of MG Zrs and Rover 25/200s, but with the little black Puma, double driven by Aston and newbie brother Taron Bell, launched into Test 1 (A re-run of the now famous 'Bandit'). 'Red Group' an eclectic mix of more front wheel drivers, Citroen Saxos, Peugeot 205s, Suzuki Swifts and Jamie Duff's Citroen C1 attacked Test 2 (The Butterfly). Meanwhile, 'Blue Group' comprising more front wheel drive cars and a pair of Toyota MR2s descended onto Test 3 (The Square Dance). Finally, Test 4 (Fleur de Lis) played host to 'Yellow Group', a cotchel of Mazda MX5s and a couple of Escorts.
Wow, what an event it turned out to be. Basingstoke Motor Club's 'The Pasture Blaster Grass Autotest' at Popham Airfield last Sunday took place in fine weather, with a record 38 contestants. And what a class entry it was too. Top local drivers Aston Bell and Ben Shawley were present, together with 'Monster Mulch' FTD winner Jem Mead. with a very quick but on form Father and son pair, Andy and Tom Radbourne, closely matched by John Austin and his rapid little Micra. Also playing, all the way from Australia, was Rod Shaw, this time sharing the Ford Focus ST with John Cross. Appearing for the first time in many many years, was quick old hand Nick Piper. What promise the event held. Clerk of the Course, Jace Shawley declined this time to venture a forecast, 'This one is far too close to hazard guess' he said.
With all looking good, a last minute entry from Kevin and Zach Lower, in their very well used Mazda MX5, put the moggy firmly into the dovecote, and the game was on.
With the ammended format of 4 tests running simultaneously, and the entry divided into four groups, all the marshals were in place and competition commenced.
'Green Group' a mix of both Autotest and Production cars, mostly made up of MG Zrs and Rover 25/200s, but with the little black Puma, double driven by Aston and newbie brother Taron Bell, launched into Test 1 (A re-run of the now famous 'Bandit'). 'Red Group' an eclectic mix of more front wheel drivers, Citroen Saxos, Peugeot 205s, Suzuki Swifts and Jamie Duff's Citroen C1 attacked Test 2 (The Butterfly). Meanwhile, 'Blue Group' comprising more front wheel drive cars and a pair of Toyota MR2s descended onto Test 3 (The Square Dance). Finally, Test 4 (Fleur de Lis) played host to 'Yellow Group', a cotchel of Mazda MX5s and a couple of Escorts.
Fastest Production, Jamie Duff in 'That C1 Fastest BMC MX5, Tim Pratt doing it right - again!
Competition was close and some good battles were fought, but it soon became evident that we had a future star in our midst. The little red MG ZR of 1st timer beginner (Never done it before) Joe Dalgarno was flying well and definitely on the pace from the start. 'Is this another Tom Fletcher-Ames'? we asked.
The day pressed on well and the new system worked as anticipated. The tests were all very well received, and all was done and dusted by 4 o'clock.
In the final analysis, FTD went to Kevin Lower. The 'Autotest award was presented to Zach Lower, and the 'Best Production Award went to a very deserving Jamie Duff, piloting his very rapid Citroen C1.
Results below:
Competition was close and some good battles were fought, but it soon became evident that we had a future star in our midst. The little red MG ZR of 1st timer beginner (Never done it before) Joe Dalgarno was flying well and definitely on the pace from the start. 'Is this another Tom Fletcher-Ames'? we asked.
The day pressed on well and the new system worked as anticipated. The tests were all very well received, and all was done and dusted by 4 o'clock.
In the final analysis, FTD went to Kevin Lower. The 'Autotest award was presented to Zach Lower, and the 'Best Production Award went to a very deserving Jamie Duff, piloting his very rapid Citroen C1.
Results below:
Mead Mulches it!
9th May 2017
9th May 2017
Pic - Jem Mead in the Tarcus ZR on his way to Victory
22 starters lined up for the 'Monster Mulch', BMC's Spring Grass Autotest at Popham Airfield on Sunday. As usual, the 'Production Car' element was well supported, with some last minute entries swelling the ranks. The same could be said for the 'Autotest' section, although some disappointment as Jakub Joswiakowski and Charles Martin failed to start.
The competition began in dismal overcast conditions, and it even rained just before the start. However, as the wheels started turning, the clouds cleared and the sun shone brilliantly for the rest of the day.
Initial tests proved slippery, and cars were often spotted slithering into cones and scenery at pace. Not all however were so boystrous, and the leaders emerged from the beginning. The first three tests showed where the experience laid and from the carnage a few respectable performances emerged. It appeared that front wheel drive was not to be so much an advantage this time, with an even match between Steven Brown and Luke Allies in their Escort Mexicos, opposed to Aston Bell, Richard Elwell, Andy Radbourne (back from a long long sabatical away from motorsport) and Jem Mead, all within a second and setting the pace.
Below - Rear wheel drive - looking good but No Cigar.
22 starters lined up for the 'Monster Mulch', BMC's Spring Grass Autotest at Popham Airfield on Sunday. As usual, the 'Production Car' element was well supported, with some last minute entries swelling the ranks. The same could be said for the 'Autotest' section, although some disappointment as Jakub Joswiakowski and Charles Martin failed to start.
The competition began in dismal overcast conditions, and it even rained just before the start. However, as the wheels started turning, the clouds cleared and the sun shone brilliantly for the rest of the day.
Initial tests proved slippery, and cars were often spotted slithering into cones and scenery at pace. Not all however were so boystrous, and the leaders emerged from the beginning. The first three tests showed where the experience laid and from the carnage a few respectable performances emerged. It appeared that front wheel drive was not to be so much an advantage this time, with an even match between Steven Brown and Luke Allies in their Escort Mexicos, opposed to Aston Bell, Richard Elwell, Andy Radbourne (back from a long long sabatical away from motorsport) and Jem Mead, all within a second and setting the pace.
Below - Rear wheel drive - looking good but No Cigar.
After the first three tests had run, the weather had changed, along with the nature of the tests. The sun began to shine and the tests became a little more technical. The sun had it's effect, and the ground began to dry out, offering more traction for acceleration, and a guaranteed 'Turn in'. Oversteer became the order of the day and the neat tight turning FWDs began to outpace the far more flamboyant Escorts (A spectacle to behold though it was – Ed). Settling down after his initial Demolition Derby, was Tom Radbourne on his first ever Autotest. Tom now had the Saxo VTR by the horns and was proving to be both tidy and quick. However, his initial over exuberance had quashed any aspirations of a podium finish, as the leaders were by now too far ahead (One to watch in the future though – Ed).
Below - One to Watch: Tom Radbourne. Richard Elwell - In front for now.
Below - One to Watch: Tom Radbourne. Richard Elwell - In front for now.
Two more 'first timers', Ben Towers and Dan May were both getting into the groove. Dan's first time driving, and in competition too, was not the easiest way to start, but by the end of the day he was proving very adept in the little white Pug 205.
Ben Towers, sharing Mark Hissey's 1600 Rover 25 had really got the hang of it, and after a cautious start, soon found the joy and the pace. Sadly it was not to be Ben's day, the little Rover cried enough and submitted to electrical Gremlins, curtailing their hopes for the day.
Having recently come into motorsport, Emma Perratt's first ever autotest was clearly not to be her last. Having had her Pug 206GTi out on Targa Rallys, her experience showed and although just off the pace, she was clearly enjoying herself. Not so much could be said for her little furry friend who could clearly be seen trying to escape through the O/S rear window.
Ben Towers, sharing Mark Hissey's 1600 Rover 25 had really got the hang of it, and after a cautious start, soon found the joy and the pace. Sadly it was not to be Ben's day, the little Rover cried enough and submitted to electrical Gremlins, curtailing their hopes for the day.
Having recently come into motorsport, Emma Perratt's first ever autotest was clearly not to be her last. Having had her Pug 206GTi out on Targa Rallys, her experience showed and although just off the pace, she was clearly enjoying herself. Not so much could be said for her little furry friend who could clearly be seen trying to escape through the O/S rear window.
Above - Emma's cat trying to escape Dusty conditions? ... challenging!
With the final three tests layed out and ready, it was clear who the leaders were. Aston Bell, Jem Mead and Richard Elwell were virtually neck and neck. The course had now become very dusty and with the surface more like tarmac, the competition between these three was intensifying. The spectators got what they came for and the trio clearly turned it on for the final effort. Jem Mead in the Tarcus MG/ZR now pulled out the stops and eased ahead. Aston's Ford Puma running neat and tidy, but deceptively fast was locked in battle with Richard's hard charging Micra bouncing through the tests. At the end of the day Jem took a very well deserved FTD, with Aston claiming the Autotest award and Richard taking the 'Production' event.
Thanks due to Rob Wilshire, who not only marshalled all day, provided his van and generator to provide power and tea, but also added some delightful little Castrol oil Jugs and tool rolls to the awards.
All in all, another crackin good autotest. Tests well received and 27 tests, per car in a day. Next one is the Pasture Blaster on the 16th July. Regs out soon.
Autotest winner Aston Bell FTD Jem Mead Production Autotest winner Richard Elwell
With the final three tests layed out and ready, it was clear who the leaders were. Aston Bell, Jem Mead and Richard Elwell were virtually neck and neck. The course had now become very dusty and with the surface more like tarmac, the competition between these three was intensifying. The spectators got what they came for and the trio clearly turned it on for the final effort. Jem Mead in the Tarcus MG/ZR now pulled out the stops and eased ahead. Aston's Ford Puma running neat and tidy, but deceptively fast was locked in battle with Richard's hard charging Micra bouncing through the tests. At the end of the day Jem took a very well deserved FTD, with Aston claiming the Autotest award and Richard taking the 'Production' event.
Thanks due to Rob Wilshire, who not only marshalled all day, provided his van and generator to provide power and tea, but also added some delightful little Castrol oil Jugs and tool rolls to the awards.
All in all, another crackin good autotest. Tests well received and 27 tests, per car in a day. Next one is the Pasture Blaster on the 16th July. Regs out soon.
Autotest winner Aston Bell FTD Jem Mead Production Autotest winner Richard Elwell
For full results, click HERE
Nameless ..... but faultless
25th April 2017
Last Friday (21st May) saw the first running of Glynn Hayward's Novice Rally, 'The No-Name Novice 12 Car Rally'. All novice and beginner crews fully entered into the spirit of the event, and It appears that the mix of roads and navigation levels were set just right. With all 9 novices dropping no more than 8 minutes in time penalties, missed codeboards at 10 minutes per board had a serious effect on the result.
Congratulations to the winners David Roper/Simon Fuidge in their mighty Pajero, who's only penalty of the evening was due to a solitary dropped minute on the short section to TC3. It just goes to show that all that practice and travelling to compete nearly every week has paid off.
A well-earned second place went to the new pairing of Dan Burridge and Steve Garside, who ably guided Dans Nova accurately, via all the boards for a loss of only 6 minutes.
Below: Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire, eventually finishing ninth.
25th April 2017
Last Friday (21st May) saw the first running of Glynn Hayward's Novice Rally, 'The No-Name Novice 12 Car Rally'. All novice and beginner crews fully entered into the spirit of the event, and It appears that the mix of roads and navigation levels were set just right. With all 9 novices dropping no more than 8 minutes in time penalties, missed codeboards at 10 minutes per board had a serious effect on the result.
Congratulations to the winners David Roper/Simon Fuidge in their mighty Pajero, who's only penalty of the evening was due to a solitary dropped minute on the short section to TC3. It just goes to show that all that practice and travelling to compete nearly every week has paid off.
A well-earned second place went to the new pairing of Dan Burridge and Steve Garside, who ably guided Dans Nova accurately, via all the boards for a loss of only 6 minutes.
Below: Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire, eventually finishing ninth.
Tying on 8 minutes, but with all the boards collected were car 5 (Tony Mytton/Steve Partridge) and Car 7 (Andrew Thompson/Simon Taylor). A result that might have been different had Mytton/Partridge not dropped 3 minutes on the very first section. This was due to them missing the slot left out of the start, and hence necessitating a detour East along the A30 dual carriageway and back. Thompson/Taylor however, dropped an unexpected 3 minutes on the very next section, a short 3 miler via just 6 tulips.
Joint fifth went to two crews who although clean on time, missed different boards, giving them a score of 10 minutes apiece. Car 11, piloted by Graham Skeggs/John Murdoch (John being a returnee navigator after a long layoff), missed the 'long-way round triangle' at the Ford Farm junction, whilst the Southsea pairing of Ashley Aslett/Rhys Williams in car 12 overshot another 'long-way round' shortly after TC4, incurring their penalty.
Amazingly, this event yielded yet another tie, this time for seventh place, and on just 15 minutes. Again two crews evenly matched by missing different boards on the same section between TC6 and TC7. Driving on her first ever Rally, Dawn Woodhouse drove her new Rover superbly, guided by husband Colin on the maps. Colin, as a very accomplished driver, clearly had his head down too much, and missed the board at Roke Farm. The other seventh placed Novices, Derek Looker/Nick Taylor, missed their board at the 'long-way round' at spot height 104.
Also falling foul of the board at SH 104, was the ninth placed crew of Mark Hissey/Rob Wilshire, scoring 17 minutes. Nearly half their lost time due to difficulty with the '3 map section' picture handout to TC5.
Meanwhile, the rapid crew of Eddie Gale/Darren Davies' were going well, having dropped only 1 minute at the final MTC. However, with the emergence of 2 missing codeboards they saw their placing slide from the front of the field, to 10th place.
Second beginner and eleventh overall finisher, top seeds Lee McCoy and Roy Cuthbert Snr dropped nearly all their time by mistakenly following the course opener to TC3. Unfortunately the course opener was lost and just trying to get back on route. This indiscretion, along with 3 missed boards gave them a final total of 46 penalties. However, Lee’s first go at driving on an event in the Focus proved immensly enjoyable for him.
Bringing up the rear in twelfth place, was third beginner crew, brothers Tim and Joe Cuthbert, pedalling the now familiar 1 litre Peugeot 205. The boys missed a large portion of route but persevered to get to the finish with only 14 minutes dropped plus a few boards.
It was very refreshing to see a full contingent of marshals. Having all TCs individually manned meant that it was possible to maintain a full 30 mins to OTL on all sections. Also Course openers and closers made a difference to the logistics of the event, and thanks to Takashi Takeuchi and first time navigator Alyssa Heaney (openers) and course closers Vicci and Paul Vaughan, using it as a shakedown run for their freshly purchased Suzuki Swift.
Many thanks Glynn for a slick and very well run event. Nothing but happy faces at the finish, and clear evidence that further events of this type would be very well received.
Full scores and results HERE
Joint fifth went to two crews who although clean on time, missed different boards, giving them a score of 10 minutes apiece. Car 11, piloted by Graham Skeggs/John Murdoch (John being a returnee navigator after a long layoff), missed the 'long-way round triangle' at the Ford Farm junction, whilst the Southsea pairing of Ashley Aslett/Rhys Williams in car 12 overshot another 'long-way round' shortly after TC4, incurring their penalty.
Amazingly, this event yielded yet another tie, this time for seventh place, and on just 15 minutes. Again two crews evenly matched by missing different boards on the same section between TC6 and TC7. Driving on her first ever Rally, Dawn Woodhouse drove her new Rover superbly, guided by husband Colin on the maps. Colin, as a very accomplished driver, clearly had his head down too much, and missed the board at Roke Farm. The other seventh placed Novices, Derek Looker/Nick Taylor, missed their board at the 'long-way round' at spot height 104.
Also falling foul of the board at SH 104, was the ninth placed crew of Mark Hissey/Rob Wilshire, scoring 17 minutes. Nearly half their lost time due to difficulty with the '3 map section' picture handout to TC5.
Meanwhile, the rapid crew of Eddie Gale/Darren Davies' were going well, having dropped only 1 minute at the final MTC. However, with the emergence of 2 missing codeboards they saw their placing slide from the front of the field, to 10th place.
Second beginner and eleventh overall finisher, top seeds Lee McCoy and Roy Cuthbert Snr dropped nearly all their time by mistakenly following the course opener to TC3. Unfortunately the course opener was lost and just trying to get back on route. This indiscretion, along with 3 missed boards gave them a final total of 46 penalties. However, Lee’s first go at driving on an event in the Focus proved immensly enjoyable for him.
Bringing up the rear in twelfth place, was third beginner crew, brothers Tim and Joe Cuthbert, pedalling the now familiar 1 litre Peugeot 205. The boys missed a large portion of route but persevered to get to the finish with only 14 minutes dropped plus a few boards.
It was very refreshing to see a full contingent of marshals. Having all TCs individually manned meant that it was possible to maintain a full 30 mins to OTL on all sections. Also Course openers and closers made a difference to the logistics of the event, and thanks to Takashi Takeuchi and first time navigator Alyssa Heaney (openers) and course closers Vicci and Paul Vaughan, using it as a shakedown run for their freshly purchased Suzuki Swift.
Many thanks Glynn for a slick and very well run event. Nothing but happy faces at the finish, and clear evidence that further events of this type would be very well received.
Full scores and results HERE
No fields ploughed
1st April 2017
But Scatter they did! 10 crews left The Sun Inn at Dummer last night, to do battle in the 'Splatter Scatter', a BMC 12 Car Navigational Scatter event. With two and a half hours to visit 75% of twenty locations, fun was the order of the day. As far as we know, BMC hasn't run a Scatter for around twenty years, so for most of the younger and newbie members, this was to be a new adventure.
The start brought the usual intense chaos, with a number of crews not knowing quite what to do. Nice to see everyone diving in to help with useful pointers.
Pic: Typical Code Board Deployment on a Scatter - You got to go and find em!
1st April 2017
But Scatter they did! 10 crews left The Sun Inn at Dummer last night, to do battle in the 'Splatter Scatter', a BMC 12 Car Navigational Scatter event. With two and a half hours to visit 75% of twenty locations, fun was the order of the day. As far as we know, BMC hasn't run a Scatter for around twenty years, so for most of the younger and newbie members, this was to be a new adventure.
The start brought the usual intense chaos, with a number of crews not knowing quite what to do. Nice to see everyone diving in to help with useful pointers.
Pic: Typical Code Board Deployment on a Scatter - You got to go and find em!
7:30 was the off, and all competitors were given their start details and marching orders. It was only now that they found the three controls with double points available, through deployment of roving marshals. With a potential 20 points available at each of these (provided they were there to meet the marshal at the right time). These then, in most cases formed the basis from which to plan their routes.
The first 'RM' in action was David Morgan, at Micheldever Wood. A popular destination it seems, as all but two crews visited the site. Not all however made the best of the available points, as some crews failed to find both boards.
Lee McCoy was looking for a peaceful time as roving marshal at Ash Triangle, but his dreams were scuppered as seven crews all arrived to claim his signature. Again the boards were proving illusive and many failed to fully capitalise.
Steve Garside, our final RM, did duty at Lasham Nature Reserve. However some crews by now were concerned about the ten O'clock finish time, and the penalties applied for lateness. Consequently visitors here were sparse.
Further board deployment - in the coldlight of day!
The first 'RM' in action was David Morgan, at Micheldever Wood. A popular destination it seems, as all but two crews visited the site. Not all however made the best of the available points, as some crews failed to find both boards.
Lee McCoy was looking for a peaceful time as roving marshal at Ash Triangle, but his dreams were scuppered as seven crews all arrived to claim his signature. Again the boards were proving illusive and many failed to fully capitalise.
Steve Garside, our final RM, did duty at Lasham Nature Reserve. However some crews by now were concerned about the ten O'clock finish time, and the penalties applied for lateness. Consequently visitors here were sparse.
Further board deployment - in the coldlight of day!
A quick reckoning and the results were announced. In third place with 83 points were Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire. Their total tally reduced by 7 minutes, for being late by 7 minutes. Second place went to Glen Tuffnell and Martin Street, amassing 100 points, but losing 4 due to lateness. Top score of the evening was a very well earned 105 points, with no penalties, which went to the intrepid 'flying' Mondeo crew, consisting of Adie Collins pedalling, whilst being ably navigated by Nick Taylor and Ian Martingale.
As a first time Scatter for many, and the first for many years for BMC, it was a delight to see so much enthusiasm and support for the event. Organiser Jace Shawley asked gathered crews if they wanted more, and was answered with a resounding YES PLEASE!
Final results HERE
As a first time Scatter for many, and the first for many years for BMC, it was a delight to see so much enthusiasm and support for the event. Organiser Jace Shawley asked gathered crews if they wanted more, and was answered with a resounding YES PLEASE!
Final results HERE
BMC - Hands Across the Pond
April 1st 2017
After months of covert board room negotiations, Michigan based Motorsport giant 'Blazing Trails of America Inc', has announced it's successful merger with Hampshire based 'Basingstoke Motor Club'. The first step in it's quest to provide glitzy US styled motorsporting spectaculars to the British public. Having now gained a substantial foothold in the UK Motorsports scene, Blazing Trails' lawyers are exploring loopholes in the MSA charter, with which they hope to commence further actions (at Board level) to aquire other leading Hampshire based clubs. A Blazing Trails spokesman said 'It's about time you Brits got to know Real Motorsport, and you guys are sure gonna get the message. Uncle Sam is coming, and by golly, you're all gonna get to know the sound of a Supercharged V8'.
Pic - Is this the shape of things to come at Popham?
April 1st 2017
After months of covert board room negotiations, Michigan based Motorsport giant 'Blazing Trails of America Inc', has announced it's successful merger with Hampshire based 'Basingstoke Motor Club'. The first step in it's quest to provide glitzy US styled motorsporting spectaculars to the British public. Having now gained a substantial foothold in the UK Motorsports scene, Blazing Trails' lawyers are exploring loopholes in the MSA charter, with which they hope to commence further actions (at Board level) to aquire other leading Hampshire based clubs. A Blazing Trails spokesman said 'It's about time you Brits got to know Real Motorsport, and you guys are sure gonna get the message. Uncle Sam is coming, and by golly, you're all gonna get to know the sound of a Supercharged V8'.
Pic - Is this the shape of things to come at Popham?
In what some refer to as 'An underhanded and covert deal', the incumbent committee of BMC, are now on the 'Blazing Trails UK' board, and commanding 'substantial' salaries. An unofficial statement released this morning quoted 'It was our club anyway and hey, we did all the work so we earned it yeah?' Whilst a spokesman for the new partnership stated 'We are looking forward to 'Blazing a Trail' with our new found American colleagues. Together we will instil a carnival atmosphere into a new and exciting UK Motor Sporting scene'. Sadly, attempts to quiz individual members of the committee have been met with a unanimous 'No Comment'.
So with the prospect of TV cameras and shorter tests at Popham (apparently to make time for numerous commercial breaks), we had all better get prepared for the new regime. An official statement from the New Group is expected this afternoon.
Pic - Can Popham turf take the pressure?
So with the prospect of TV cameras and shorter tests at Popham (apparently to make time for numerous commercial breaks), we had all better get prepared for the new regime. An official statement from the New Group is expected this afternoon.
Pic - Can Popham turf take the pressure?
Papyrus Rally
2nd March 2017
The Papyrus Rally, BMC's first event of 2017 ran on the 17th Feb. 12 crews left the Whitchurch Sports Centre with good intent, heading through the town, and out to TC2 via a slot hairpin right at 'Dirty Corner' and taking in the first passage check to find the control on the bridge over the A34. All crews collected the board, but six cars dropped time on the first section.
The first board dropped, RC4, was missed by Tim and Joe Cuthbert. Barry Shurman and Nick Revels dropped this one too, and also the next one, RC5 on the same road. TC3, and three more crews lost time before falling under the DSO's watchful eyes in the quiet Give Way at Ashmansworth. He reported that there was a lot of confusion, but no transgressors (Well done guys – keep it up). TC4 at Faccombe Wood sorted a few leaders from the also rans, with Graham Skeggs/Darren Davies, Mark Hissey/Paul Vaughan and John Taylor/Richard (Pash) Pashley being the only crews to clean the section. With traditionally faster crews dropping time, it was clear that the navigation was having an effect (Nice to see both crew members tested – Ed).
As the route meandered ever more Westward, our teams fared differently, with nothing major happening until RC13 near Tangley, where 4 crews missed the board. It was here that John Taylor and Pash, clean to this point, lost their lead chalking up 10 points.
TC7 at Enham clearly revealed the front runners. Dropping 1 minute into TC7, 1st time pairing Mark Hissey and Paul Vaughan were in front with 7 marks. Close behind them, and dropping 3 minutes into TC7 were Chris Pratt and Glynn Hayward, pushing the little Peugeot through the fog having collecting 15 marks.
The route now progressed South West around Andover to TC10 near Abbot's Anne, and proved uneventful with the only penalty going to Hissey/Vaughan's Rover 25, losing 2 minutes into TC10. This however didn't change positions and Pratt/Hayward were still playing catch up.
So, clear leaders at the end of the first time card were Hissey/Vaughan, in front of Pratt/Hayward by 6 minutes. Next was Derek Looker and Paul Hardy in their Ford Puma on 20 points, closely followed into fourth place by Colin Woodhouse/Mark Appleton with 21. However, all was about to change.
Onto the second time sheet and RC26 caught out three crews. The 10 point penalty put an end to Woodhouse/Appleton's aspirations, with the top three pulling further ahead.
TC11 took time out of all but two. Eddie Gale/Rhys Williams cleaned the section perfectly. The big Mitsubishi of David Roper/Simon Fuidge dropped no time here, but sadly missed RC26 en route.
With Hissey/Vaughan leading the event, Pratt/Hayward were slowly catching up. With the Rover dropping another minute into TC13, however all that effort was wasted, when at TC14 Hissey/Vaughan dropped 2 mins to Pratt/Hayward's 5.
The pressure finally told when Hissey/Vaughan missed RC37, adding 10 points to their tally, and giving an unassailable lead to Pratt/Hayward.
A tough rally with foggy conditions and tricky navigation tested both crew members in this 100+ miles event. With 73 controls (TCs and RCs), all manned and/or boarded took a lot of organising, and well organised it was. Most crews enjoyed the challenge, and all were at the finish at Sutton Scotney Services. Nice one Jeff!
Results HERE.
2nd March 2017
The Papyrus Rally, BMC's first event of 2017 ran on the 17th Feb. 12 crews left the Whitchurch Sports Centre with good intent, heading through the town, and out to TC2 via a slot hairpin right at 'Dirty Corner' and taking in the first passage check to find the control on the bridge over the A34. All crews collected the board, but six cars dropped time on the first section.
The first board dropped, RC4, was missed by Tim and Joe Cuthbert. Barry Shurman and Nick Revels dropped this one too, and also the next one, RC5 on the same road. TC3, and three more crews lost time before falling under the DSO's watchful eyes in the quiet Give Way at Ashmansworth. He reported that there was a lot of confusion, but no transgressors (Well done guys – keep it up). TC4 at Faccombe Wood sorted a few leaders from the also rans, with Graham Skeggs/Darren Davies, Mark Hissey/Paul Vaughan and John Taylor/Richard (Pash) Pashley being the only crews to clean the section. With traditionally faster crews dropping time, it was clear that the navigation was having an effect (Nice to see both crew members tested – Ed).
As the route meandered ever more Westward, our teams fared differently, with nothing major happening until RC13 near Tangley, where 4 crews missed the board. It was here that John Taylor and Pash, clean to this point, lost their lead chalking up 10 points.
TC7 at Enham clearly revealed the front runners. Dropping 1 minute into TC7, 1st time pairing Mark Hissey and Paul Vaughan were in front with 7 marks. Close behind them, and dropping 3 minutes into TC7 were Chris Pratt and Glynn Hayward, pushing the little Peugeot through the fog having collecting 15 marks.
The route now progressed South West around Andover to TC10 near Abbot's Anne, and proved uneventful with the only penalty going to Hissey/Vaughan's Rover 25, losing 2 minutes into TC10. This however didn't change positions and Pratt/Hayward were still playing catch up.
So, clear leaders at the end of the first time card were Hissey/Vaughan, in front of Pratt/Hayward by 6 minutes. Next was Derek Looker and Paul Hardy in their Ford Puma on 20 points, closely followed into fourth place by Colin Woodhouse/Mark Appleton with 21. However, all was about to change.
Onto the second time sheet and RC26 caught out three crews. The 10 point penalty put an end to Woodhouse/Appleton's aspirations, with the top three pulling further ahead.
TC11 took time out of all but two. Eddie Gale/Rhys Williams cleaned the section perfectly. The big Mitsubishi of David Roper/Simon Fuidge dropped no time here, but sadly missed RC26 en route.
With Hissey/Vaughan leading the event, Pratt/Hayward were slowly catching up. With the Rover dropping another minute into TC13, however all that effort was wasted, when at TC14 Hissey/Vaughan dropped 2 mins to Pratt/Hayward's 5.
The pressure finally told when Hissey/Vaughan missed RC37, adding 10 points to their tally, and giving an unassailable lead to Pratt/Hayward.
A tough rally with foggy conditions and tricky navigation tested both crew members in this 100+ miles event. With 73 controls (TCs and RCs), all manned and/or boarded took a lot of organising, and well organised it was. Most crews enjoyed the challenge, and all were at the finish at Sutton Scotney Services. Nice one Jeff!
Results HERE.
And now .... The end is near:
20th December 2016
20th December 2016
As we approach another Christmas and New Year, it is time to look back at, what can only be described as an event and fun filled trip around the sun. 2016 apparently passed with minimal disasters and challenges. The committee seemed to waft through the year as serenely as a swan drifting through calm waters. However, under the waves their busy little feet were flapping like the clappers. Consider all the events that you have had the opportunity to enjoy this year. Five top quality and fully attended 12 Car Rallies. Three fabulous Grass Autotests and a really cool Scenic Tour, complete with Gymkhana games. Think for a moment longer, this time about all the cash raised for Naomi House & Jack's Place, and consider how so much good has come out of your enjoyment. Even a sudden, though very necessary move to a new meeting place, The Sun Inn at Dummer, was effected smoothly without drama. And yet despite everything, the club still surges on strongly on a very sound financial and solid footing. BMC has become one of the best and most stable Motor Clubs in the Central Southern region, and for that we have some folk to thank.
Of course, all this doesn't happen without experienced and passionate management. BMC is lucky to currently have one of the strongest comittees ever to grace this motor club. These guys work tirelessly to bring you the quality you enjoy and it doesn't stop with what you see. 2017 will witness even more quality added, with the inclusion of the Tour of Hampshire in September. It will be a full scale Road Event, which will hopefully be a round of the ASWMC Championship. It is hoped that you will all join in appreciation to thank them for their sacrifices and efforts which go to make your club what it is. They deserve it!
As the club grows so does the membership, and BMC has seen a healthy influx of new members this year. Both new and experienced competitors have joined the Club to engage in their own particular disciplines. Newbie Adam Rock, who joined to do the Grass Autotests, famously produced a 'You Tube' video of his first foray on the Grasshopper (If you havn't seen it, click HERE), but don't panic because he assures us that there will be more. Meanwhile, old hand Adie Collins returned to motorsport, still with his old Salmon Pink Mk2 Escort, and seeing Ian Martingale's old red Mk1 Escort back in action was epic.
But BMC's old regulars have also been heavily in action through the past year. Colin Woodhouse and Chris Moore reaped the benefit of consistent top performance by taking the BMC honours for best competitors of 2016. Also, many new partnerships have been formed. Good to see Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire paired up to win the Norseman in September. Will they do more events together we hear you ask?
But BMC's old regulars have also been heavily in action through the past year. Colin Woodhouse and Chris Moore reaped the benefit of consistent top performance by taking the BMC honours for best competitors of 2016. Also, many new partnerships have been formed. Good to see Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire paired up to win the Norseman in September. Will they do more events together we hear you ask?
Well it's the end of the old, and the beginning of the new. You are all looking forward, and no doubt planning your assault on next year's championships. So with no further ado, BMC would like to wish you Good Luck with those endeavours, but also a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
BMC Heads West
21st October 2016
21st October 2016
After experiencing 'incompatibilities' with the new regime at the Hatch, the BMC committee wasted no time, and after a lot of testing/tasting, have found their new home at The Sun Inn at Dummer. The Sun Inn is run by Award winning chef, Gordon Stott. Gordon joined The Sun Inn as a sous chef in 2010, having trained at Tante Marie Culinary Academy and worked at top restaurants, The Carnarvon Arms near Newbury and the 5-star Vineyard at Stockcross. Gordon was recently a finalist in the Craft Guild Chef of the Year Award 2015 and the first UK Parliamentary Young Pub Chef of the Year 2016.
The first meeting will take place on the 2nd November, then every 1st and 3rd Wednesday thereafter, and with the Christmas Dinner and Awards evening already booked, the future bodes well.
Standing Room Only
6th October 2016
Wow. Another year has flown by, and last night saw the 2016 BMC Annual General Meeting hosted at 'The Hatch' at Hatch. Best described as a 'Full house with members standing' the meeting passed quickly. Written reports from the Chairman (Chris Pratt), The Competition Secretary (John Considine), The Membership Secretary (David Morgan) and Treasurer (Kirstie Brown) were all acknowleged, and with the past committee standing down, and being re-elected en-masse, the meeting continued briskly.
All reports were extremely positive. The club had grown again. Had put on more events this year than previously. Had made a profit again, and managed to donate a substantial sum to it's nominated charity, Naomi House. Also, it was announced that BMC, in co-operation with Southsea MC will promote the first full Navigational Road Rally to run in Hampshire for ten years. The 'Tour of Hampshire' will run in September of 2017 and it is hoped will be a part of the ASWMC Championship.
Reports can be found below:
Chairman's Report HERE Comp Sec's Report HERE Membership Sec's Report HERE
'Members left standing' however, was not due to a mis-calculation of numbers, but due to the room being occupied by other parties enjoying a night out. It seems that the new management of the Hatch, although fully aware of BMC's regular booking, had decided to change policy and implement a 'First come first served' rule. BMC would like to apologise to it's inconvenienced members, although explaining that this was not intimated to them by the pub management, until the morning of the meeting. Sadly, this left no opportunity for alternative arrangements to be made.
6th October 2016
Wow. Another year has flown by, and last night saw the 2016 BMC Annual General Meeting hosted at 'The Hatch' at Hatch. Best described as a 'Full house with members standing' the meeting passed quickly. Written reports from the Chairman (Chris Pratt), The Competition Secretary (John Considine), The Membership Secretary (David Morgan) and Treasurer (Kirstie Brown) were all acknowleged, and with the past committee standing down, and being re-elected en-masse, the meeting continued briskly.
All reports were extremely positive. The club had grown again. Had put on more events this year than previously. Had made a profit again, and managed to donate a substantial sum to it's nominated charity, Naomi House. Also, it was announced that BMC, in co-operation with Southsea MC will promote the first full Navigational Road Rally to run in Hampshire for ten years. The 'Tour of Hampshire' will run in September of 2017 and it is hoped will be a part of the ASWMC Championship.
Reports can be found below:
Chairman's Report HERE Comp Sec's Report HERE Membership Sec's Report HERE
'Members left standing' however, was not due to a mis-calculation of numbers, but due to the room being occupied by other parties enjoying a night out. It seems that the new management of the Hatch, although fully aware of BMC's regular booking, had decided to change policy and implement a 'First come first served' rule. BMC would like to apologise to it's inconvenienced members, although explaining that this was not intimated to them by the pub management, until the morning of the meeting. Sadly, this left no opportunity for alternative arrangements to be made.
The Norseman 2016 … or Odin's revenge
25th Sep 2016
25th Sep 2016
Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire tackling Ashe Hairpin
Last Friday saw the 2016 Norseman Rally, starting from the Beech Arms, Oakley. A full entry tackled the 95 mile event, the first of the new Winter series of twelve Car Rallies by BMC, running until the Spring of 2017. Clerk of the Course Jace Shawley set the event to be 'brisk but challenging'. Straight forward and precise navigation, together with dry gravelly lanes supplied both, and a ten minute delay at the start, didn't hamper the event greatly. Although two missing marshals had the team running around before the start. However, with the Course Car finally under way, the event began.
The first section went off very well, with minimal penalties incurred. This to be expected as the 'opener' was designed to get the field quickly and easily away from the start. Sadly though, the first crew was lost here. Glen Tuffnell/Martin Street were forced to retire their Rover 25, which had inexplicably killed it's alternator.
Penalties were applied to David Roper/Simon Fuidge, as they brought their Mitsubish in 2 minutes down. Out of character for this pair, although the scene was set for a troubled evening for them.
The drama continued elsewhere, as Southsea Motor Club pairing, Barry Shurman/Rhys Williams stumbled out of TC2. Missing the 'approach' detail on the next reference, cost them a board and a wrong approach into the 'Photo Shoot' at the infamous Ashe Triangle. The confusion continued and they then missed the second board on the same section, putting them out of contention (barring a lot of luck).
TC2 also spelt the end of Ian Donaldson/Peter Rushforth's hopes, as their first missed board and 4 minutes accrued before TC3. A rapid drive from Ian, benefitting through the ¾ rule to get back on schedule was however dashed, as another board was missed after TC4. Game over for a win, but a spotless performance from that point on.
Last Friday saw the 2016 Norseman Rally, starting from the Beech Arms, Oakley. A full entry tackled the 95 mile event, the first of the new Winter series of twelve Car Rallies by BMC, running until the Spring of 2017. Clerk of the Course Jace Shawley set the event to be 'brisk but challenging'. Straight forward and precise navigation, together with dry gravelly lanes supplied both, and a ten minute delay at the start, didn't hamper the event greatly. Although two missing marshals had the team running around before the start. However, with the Course Car finally under way, the event began.
The first section went off very well, with minimal penalties incurred. This to be expected as the 'opener' was designed to get the field quickly and easily away from the start. Sadly though, the first crew was lost here. Glen Tuffnell/Martin Street were forced to retire their Rover 25, which had inexplicably killed it's alternator.
Penalties were applied to David Roper/Simon Fuidge, as they brought their Mitsubish in 2 minutes down. Out of character for this pair, although the scene was set for a troubled evening for them.
The drama continued elsewhere, as Southsea Motor Club pairing, Barry Shurman/Rhys Williams stumbled out of TC2. Missing the 'approach' detail on the next reference, cost them a board and a wrong approach into the 'Photo Shoot' at the infamous Ashe Triangle. The confusion continued and they then missed the second board on the same section, putting them out of contention (barring a lot of luck).
TC2 also spelt the end of Ian Donaldson/Peter Rushforth's hopes, as their first missed board and 4 minutes accrued before TC3. A rapid drive from Ian, benefitting through the ¾ rule to get back on schedule was however dashed, as another board was missed after TC4. Game over for a win, but a spotless performance from that point on.
More from Ashe Hairpin - Joint winners Darren Davies/Paul Vaughan in their Citroen - Glen Tuffnell/Martin Street before alternator failure and Colin Woodhouse/Chris Moore doing what they do.
Pics courtesy of Mark Knight
TC3 became a further decider for some 'clean so far' crews. After difficulties locating fuel at the start, Martyn Roberts and Alan Sheppard had to break away from the route in the Toyota to detour via Sainsbury's Petrol Station. A stirling drive back into the event completed the section well and cruised into TC4 just three minutes down. A fabulous, although not recommended antic did cost them a top finish as this was their only penalty of the evening.
Some Novice crews, benefitting from simpler navigation were doing very well. 'Clean and Green' status could have been applied to both first time pairings of Darren Davies/Paul Vaughan and Mark Hissey/Rob Wilshire. Darren's Citroen C2 and Mark's Rover 25 sitting neck and neck, neither with any penalties. Sharing this 'Clean' status were various Expert crews. Cars 10, 11 and 12 were all clean, although not for long. The first to succumb was Eddy Gale/Glynn Hayward in the pretty little red Rover 200 Vi. A missed plot after TC4 led to a missed board, and the resulting fail blotted their sheet. Not to be out done, Graham Skeggs/Nick Clarke succumbed to a similar fate after TC7 in their MG ZR.
With only three crews now penalty free, it was with great surprise that Colin Woodhouse/Chris Moore collected a 3 minute penalty into TC10, dropping their Rover 25 to level with Martyn Roberts/Alan Sheppard's Toyota.
A fast and clear run to the final control proved uneventful and Davies/Vaughan and Hissey/Wilshire brought their cars into TC11 both with unassailable clean sheets.
11 finishers assembled at Sutton Scotney Services for refreshments and results.
Congratulations and honours went to 'first time pairing' Darren Davies and Paul Vaughan in their Citroen, together with 'also first time pairing' Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire in the Rover 25. With each crew finishing on clean sheets, and both with 1600cc motors, it was impossible to prize them apart, hence a tie has been declared.
Full results HERE
Pics courtesy of Mark Knight
TC3 became a further decider for some 'clean so far' crews. After difficulties locating fuel at the start, Martyn Roberts and Alan Sheppard had to break away from the route in the Toyota to detour via Sainsbury's Petrol Station. A stirling drive back into the event completed the section well and cruised into TC4 just three minutes down. A fabulous, although not recommended antic did cost them a top finish as this was their only penalty of the evening.
Some Novice crews, benefitting from simpler navigation were doing very well. 'Clean and Green' status could have been applied to both first time pairings of Darren Davies/Paul Vaughan and Mark Hissey/Rob Wilshire. Darren's Citroen C2 and Mark's Rover 25 sitting neck and neck, neither with any penalties. Sharing this 'Clean' status were various Expert crews. Cars 10, 11 and 12 were all clean, although not for long. The first to succumb was Eddy Gale/Glynn Hayward in the pretty little red Rover 200 Vi. A missed plot after TC4 led to a missed board, and the resulting fail blotted their sheet. Not to be out done, Graham Skeggs/Nick Clarke succumbed to a similar fate after TC7 in their MG ZR.
With only three crews now penalty free, it was with great surprise that Colin Woodhouse/Chris Moore collected a 3 minute penalty into TC10, dropping their Rover 25 to level with Martyn Roberts/Alan Sheppard's Toyota.
A fast and clear run to the final control proved uneventful and Davies/Vaughan and Hissey/Wilshire brought their cars into TC11 both with unassailable clean sheets.
11 finishers assembled at Sutton Scotney Services for refreshments and results.
Congratulations and honours went to 'first time pairing' Darren Davies and Paul Vaughan in their Citroen, together with 'also first time pairing' Mark Hissey and Rob Wilshire in the Rover 25. With each crew finishing on clean sheets, and both with 1600cc motors, it was impossible to prize them apart, hence a tie has been declared.
Full results HERE
The Grasshopper
15th September 2016
15th September 2016
The Cuthbert's little red Peugeot - pathfinding.
Wow, what a great time was had by all last Sunday, at the BMC 'Grasshopper Autotest'. A quality entry started to play on the now hallowed Popham turf, and thanks again to Popham Airfield for the use of this superb venue.
As contestants lined up for the first group of three tests, it became clear that the previous days constant rain was not going to go un-noticed. However, with the sun blazing there was hope.
First away on test one (The Bandit), was the intrepid duo of Tim and Roy Cuthbert. A regular pairing in the 'Production' event, and the little red Peugeot was in for a rough ride. Another BMC crew, contesting the 'Production' event in a red car, was another regular duo, Dave Hora and Mark Hissey. Second time out in Marks Rover 25 now, and with a bit of power to play with, things were looking up.
Over in the 'Autotest' camp, the competition began in earnest. John Austin and Alan Wakeman battling their Nissan Micras against a fully class amalgamated field. Newby Jakub Joswiakowski, in his enormous Subaru Legacy 3 litre, was having a fun time. Initially the power, despite the four wheel drive was an embarrassment, but as the day wore on, Jakub got the measure of the big flat four, and began to get competitive. Watch out at the 'Monster Mulch' in May next year, cos he's coming back.
Meahwhile back in the Production camp, a cotchel of Escorts (MK1 and MK2) were proving to be quite adept at coping with the conditions. Adie Collins putting up some very respectable times in his 'Salmon Pink' MK2 (Original colour I'm told - Ed).
Wow, what a great time was had by all last Sunday, at the BMC 'Grasshopper Autotest'. A quality entry started to play on the now hallowed Popham turf, and thanks again to Popham Airfield for the use of this superb venue.
As contestants lined up for the first group of three tests, it became clear that the previous days constant rain was not going to go un-noticed. However, with the sun blazing there was hope.
First away on test one (The Bandit), was the intrepid duo of Tim and Roy Cuthbert. A regular pairing in the 'Production' event, and the little red Peugeot was in for a rough ride. Another BMC crew, contesting the 'Production' event in a red car, was another regular duo, Dave Hora and Mark Hissey. Second time out in Marks Rover 25 now, and with a bit of power to play with, things were looking up.
Over in the 'Autotest' camp, the competition began in earnest. John Austin and Alan Wakeman battling their Nissan Micras against a fully class amalgamated field. Newby Jakub Joswiakowski, in his enormous Subaru Legacy 3 litre, was having a fun time. Initially the power, despite the four wheel drive was an embarrassment, but as the day wore on, Jakub got the measure of the big flat four, and began to get competitive. Watch out at the 'Monster Mulch' in May next year, cos he's coming back.
Meahwhile back in the Production camp, a cotchel of Escorts (MK1 and MK2) were proving to be quite adept at coping with the conditions. Adie Collins putting up some very respectable times in his 'Salmon Pink' MK2 (Original colour I'm told - Ed).
Cuthberts Galore, and that quick little Peugeot
Clerk of the Course, Jace Shawley's selection of tests, taken from South Australian 'Motorkhana' layouts, proved popular with the field. Simple and non brain taxing 'All forwards' tests allowed each contestant 27 tests on the day, and by laying out three at a time, queueing was minimised too.
Nice to see a good bunch of Mazda MX5s chasing each other around. Newbie Adam Rock seemed very quick out of the box, really looking good, and Tim Pratt turning in his usual top class effort. Missing from this group was BMC's Karl Boulton. A last minute MOT fail precluding his MX5 from attending. However, a surprise entry in a MG/ZR160, and a good day was had.
As the second set of tests were cleared, and the final three set out, the leaders were becoming evident. Alan Wakeman looking very quick in the Silver Micra, pulling out an unassailable lead. Away from the leader though, a battle was well under way. The fight for second overall was between Tim Pratt's Mazda. Adie Collins' 'Salmon Pink' Escort, and tearing them up from the rear, Dan Burridge's little silver Nova. With just seconds in it, and positions changing test by test, the excitement was getting tense. Eventually the Escort pulled clear of Dan's Nova (just) and Tim Pratt put another one down to experience.
With Alan Wakeman taking FTD, the remainder were in it for the classes. Adie Collins' Escort finishing 1st Production, and very closely followed by Dan Burridge's Nova in second. Top honours in the 'Autotest going to the very close MX5 of Tim Pratt, but second Autotest to the very well driven Toyota MR2 of Andy Robinson.
Clerk of the Course, Jace Shawley's selection of tests, taken from South Australian 'Motorkhana' layouts, proved popular with the field. Simple and non brain taxing 'All forwards' tests allowed each contestant 27 tests on the day, and by laying out three at a time, queueing was minimised too.
Nice to see a good bunch of Mazda MX5s chasing each other around. Newbie Adam Rock seemed very quick out of the box, really looking good, and Tim Pratt turning in his usual top class effort. Missing from this group was BMC's Karl Boulton. A last minute MOT fail precluding his MX5 from attending. However, a surprise entry in a MG/ZR160, and a good day was had.
As the second set of tests were cleared, and the final three set out, the leaders were becoming evident. Alan Wakeman looking very quick in the Silver Micra, pulling out an unassailable lead. Away from the leader though, a battle was well under way. The fight for second overall was between Tim Pratt's Mazda. Adie Collins' 'Salmon Pink' Escort, and tearing them up from the rear, Dan Burridge's little silver Nova. With just seconds in it, and positions changing test by test, the excitement was getting tense. Eventually the Escort pulled clear of Dan's Nova (just) and Tim Pratt put another one down to experience.
With Alan Wakeman taking FTD, the remainder were in it for the classes. Adie Collins' Escort finishing 1st Production, and very closely followed by Dan Burridge's Nova in second. Top honours in the 'Autotest going to the very close MX5 of Tim Pratt, but second Autotest to the very well driven Toyota MR2 of Andy Robinson.
Dan Burridge - 2nd Production Alan Wakeman - FTD Adie Collins - 1st Production
Final Results below:
Final Results below: