Classical Gas: CTCRC

Added more Snetterton Pictures

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:36:54 GMT

Alistair's Post Historic and Group 1 Pictures added. Click Here to see them

Snetterton Report Finished

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:06:30 GMT

Click here for Snetterton Report

Snetterton Pictures

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:02:07 GMT

Click Here

Draft Snetterton Group 1 Report

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:48:14 GMT

Brian makes it Two

Brian Stevens won a rain influenced Group 1 race from Roger Stanford’s BMW after challengers Jim McLouglin, Mark Fowler and David Howard fell out or fell back. Neil was the only starter in his class, finishing seventh overall after overtaking faster cars when the rain came down.

There was rain in the air as Group 1 gathered in the assembly area. Neverless it was still dry when the lights went out and Jim McLoughlin stormed into the lead from his second row slot. It wasn’t too last as Jim’s Capri first slowed, then pulled off, at The Esses. So it was the two mighty Jaguar XJ12’s of Brian Stevens and David Howard that thundered past the line at the end of the first lap. Doubtless both hoping they could avoid contact this time! They were followed by Mark Fowler, his Capri flying as usual; Roger Stanford, back in his 2 litre BMW and Adrian Fuller, returning to the circuits after a break with a real tiger in his Capri’s tank.

The Capri’s of David’s Weir and Margalies had both started at the back of the grid. David Margalies after problems during qualifying and David Weir as he had too work on Saturday. They were both flying and carving their way through the field, David Margalies getting up to seventh at the end of the first lap, just in front of Neil.

It was clear that Brian Stevens’ XJ12 was faster in a straight line than David Howard’s, but the man from Newbury managed to get by under braking and take the lead on the second lap. This made the order Howard (XJ12) - Stevens (XJ12) - Fowler (Capri) - Stanford (BMW 2002) - Fuller (Capri) - Hickton (Opel Asona) - Margalies (Capri) - Roper (Rover Vitesse) - Weir (Capri) - Bray (Fiesta) - Jenkins (BMW CSL).

Neil had slipped further back and was now in tenth as first David Weir’s Capri, then Alan Ropers Rover Vitessse powered past the Fiesta. By lap five David Margalies had pulled into the pits to retire and William Jenkins had slipped his BMW CSL by Neil. Up at the front Mark Fowler had briefly taken over in second place, but only for a lap before Brian Stevens retook the place.

Then half way trough the race it started to spit with rain and lap times started to slow. The slippery conditions allowed Neil to pass both Alan Roper and David Weir and he gained another place when William spun his beautiful BMW. He wasn’t the only one who couldn’t keep it on the island. David Howard gave way to Brian Stevens pressure and spun at the Russell chicane. The slippery conditions also played into the hands of Roger Stanford who passed Mark Folwer to take second place. David Howard regained the circuit to cross the line in fourth place. Then came Adrian Fuller, who had dropped back when the rain came. David Hickton bought his Opel Ascona home on sixth after a lonely race. Neil ended up in seventh. If only it had rained sooner as he was the second fastest car on the track once the rain came down!

Draft Snetterton PHTC report

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:41:50 GMT

Pole sitter Brian Stevens had a narrow win in a closely fought PHTC race, coming over the line just in front of Nigel Garrett. David Howard had dominated the early stages of the race, despite a poor start. However, Brian slowly closed the gap until they had a coming together at the chicane, resulting in David spinning off. Neil finished seventh, dropping back a couple of places after he to spun at the chicane.

David Howard didn’t get away from the grid very well, but still took the lead during the first lap. David’s XJ12 was going much better, after he found a rag that he had put into the carbs to keep the water out at the Jet Wash! At the end of the first lap the order was David Howard (Jaguar XJ12), Brian Stevens (Jaguar XJ12), Nigel Garrett (Dolomite Sprint), Tony Crudgington (Dolomite Sprint), Steve Primett (Escort RS2000), Neil Bray (Ford Capri), Mark Lucock (RS 2000), Roger Stanford (Lotus Cortina), Len Allgood (Escort RS2000), Mark Osborne (Dolomote Sprint).

Steve Primett was fortunate to be there, as he had lost 3rd and 4th gear in practice. Steve was pretty annoyed about this as he had just paid for an expensive rebuild to the box after Lydden. However, Jason Christie lent him his spare so Steve could take his place on the grid. It was nice to see Jason back on the circuit, debuting his very smart silver and blue RS2000, more or less a new car after his accident at Donnington back in 2006. Brother James wasn’t so lucky, as his Avengers head gasket went in qualifying. The same fate befell Tony Crates’ Lotus Cortina and neither started.

By lap five Brian Stevens was right on David Howards tail. Coming into the chicane they were side by side. They touched and David ended up sideways across the track, restarting behind Roger Stanford.

The order was now Stevens, Garrett, Primett (who had passed Tony Crudgington on lap 4), Crudgington, Bray, Lucock, Stanford, Howard, Allgood, Jenkins. Things didn’t stay that way for long, as the next lap Neil went wide at the chicane and went on the grass. This allowed Mark Lucock past but suddenly he was out when a new clutch cable parted.

David Howard was wound up again, passing Roger Stanford and then catching both Neil and Jason Christie to finish fifth. Up front Brian Stevens won, but only just, as the neat and tidy Nigel Garrett had started to pull alongside as they crossed the line. Steve Primett was third, happy his borrowed box had stayed together. Steve was only just ahead of Tony Crudgington, another whose mechanical luck hasn't been good lately. Then came David Howard in 5th, Jason Christie 6th, Neil 7th Roger Stanford 8th, Len Allgood 9th, William Jenkins 10th.

Brıan Stevens takes another wın ın Group 1

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:01:30 GMT

1. Brıan Stevens XJ12
2. Roger Stanford BMW
3. Mark Fowler Caprı
4. Davıd Howard XJ12
5. Adrıan Fuller Caprı
6. Davıd Hıckton Opel Ascona
7. Neıl Bray Fıesta
8. Davıd Weır Caprı
9. Alan Roper Rover
10. Tım SA Rover

PHTC Results

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:44:48 GMT

1. Brıan Stevens XJ12
2. Nıgel Garrett Dolomıte
3. Steve PRIMETT RS2000
4. Tony Crudgıngton Dolomıte
5. Davıd Howard XJ12
6. Jason Chrıstıe RS2000
7. Neıl Bray Caprı
8. Roger Stanford Lotus Cortına
9. len Allgood RS2000
10. Wıllıam Jenkıns BMW

Brıan Stevens wıns PHTC

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:33:32 GMT

Could have been dıfferent had Davıd Howard not gone off when Brıan Stevens came past at the chıcane and the two had a comıng together. A few laps later and Neıl went grass trackıg at the same place loosıng a posıtıon, droppıng a place to fınısh 7th overall but takıng the class wın. Nıgel Garrett had an excellent race and was almost alongsıde Brıan when the flag fell.

Snetterton Group 1 Qualifying

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:30:44 GMT

Classic Touring Car Racing Club, CTCRC, BARC Race Meeting

Posn	Class	Driver/car	Time
1	A	Brian Stevens (Jaguar XJ12)	1.25.036
2	B	Mark Fowler (Ford Capri)	1.25.788
3	B	Jim McLouglin (Ford Capri)	1.26.160
4	A	David Howard (Jaguar XJ12)	1.26.198
5	C	Roger Stanford (BMW)	1.26.242
6	B	Adrian Fuller (Ford Capri)	1.27.052
7	C	David Hickton (Opel Ascona)	1.27.125
8	B	Alan Roper (Rover Vitesse)	1.28.350
9	D	Neil Bray (Ford Fiesta)	1.28.666
10	B	William Jenkins (BMW 3.0 CSL)	1.30.119
11	B	Tim Scott-Andrews (Rover)	1.31.780
12	C	Matt Irons (BMW 323)	1.32.065
13	G	Andy Gill (Alfa Romeo)	1.35.519
14	C	Richard Langeveld (Escort)	1.36.004
15	E	Brian Goodwin (1300 Fiesta)	1.37.094
16	B	David Margalies (Ford Capri) Note 1	1.38.651
17	E	Robert Wheeler (Renault 5)	1.40.635
18	C	Bob Kett (Dolomite)	1.44.321

Notes

David Margalies only did 1 lap in Qualifying
David Weir did not qualify but is expected to start his Ford Capri from the back of the grid tomorrow.

Click here for on the spot race reports and new from Snetterton tomorrow

Click here for full reports, detailed results and pictures on Monday

Snetterton Post Historic Qualifying

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:11:19 GMT

Classic Touring Car Racing Club, CTCRC, BARC Race Meeting

Posn	Class	Driver/car	Time
1	A	Brian Stevens (Jaguar XJ12)	1.25.144
2	A	David Howard (Jaguar XJ12)	1.25.264
3	C	Nigel Garrett (Dolomite)	1.25.378
4	C	Tony Crudgington (Dolomite)	1.25.742
5	C	Mark Lucock (Escort RS2000)	1.26.474
6	C	Steve Primett (Escort RS2000) Note 1	1.26.568
7	C	Jason Christie (Escort RS2000)	1.26.824
8	B	Neil Bray (Ford Capri)	1.27.175
9	D	Roger Stanford (Lotus Cortina Mk1)	1.27.683
10	B	William Jenkins (BMW 3.0 CSL)	1.28.822
11	C	Len Allgood (Escort RS2000)	1.28.964
12	C	Mark Osborne (Dolomite)	1.30.405
13	C	Ken Selfe (Dolomite)	1.32.460
14	E	Keith Calver (Mini)	1.32.544
15	B	Jim Utting (Alfa Romeo)	1.32.913
16	D	Tony Crates (Lotus Cortina Mk2) Note 2	1.33.277
17	C	Bob Kett (Dolomite)	1.34.466
18	D	Phil Waller (Avenger)	1.35.894
19	D	James Christie (Avenger) Note 3	1.47.386

Notes

Steve Primett lost 3rd and 4th Gear. He has borrowed a gearbox from Jason Christie and gone home to Bedford to change it. Steve hopes to start tomorrow.
Tony Crates has blown a head gasket and is a doubtful starter.
James Christie had engine problems. Don't know if he will be able to start.

Click here for on the spot race reports and new from Snetterton tomorrow

Click here for full reports, detailed results and pictures on Monday

Lydden Report Finished

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:09:35 GMT

Click Here

Full Lydden Results

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:47:10 GMT

Click here

Draft Lydden Report

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:15:31 GMT

An excellent meeting, organised by Rod Birley (usually seen behind the wheel of a WRC Escort) under the auspices of BARC South East. The CTCRC had five of the seven races on this wonderful clubmans day. Neil did well, finishing 5th in Post Historic but an excursion onto the grass and a blown exhaust gasket took away his chances in Group 1.

Post Historic

It all happened on the start. Pole sitter Nigel Garrett (Dolomite Sprint) was overtaken by Steve Primett’s Escort on the line. Behind them, Mark Lucock tried to make up places in his Escort and became the meat in a Tony Crudgington - David Howard sandwich. Mark ended up with a dented passengers door while David journeyed across the grass on the inside of the circuit.

Steve Primett soon started to pull away, followed by Nigel Garrett and Steve Young (Mini). They were ahead of Mark Lucock (Escort) and a side by side Tony Crudgingtpon (Dolomite) - Neil Bray (Capri). This changed when Tony went wide descending Hairy Hill, leaving Neil no option but to take to the grass. Neil quickly recovered and the pair soon passed Steve Young who rapidly dropped back down the field.

Steve continued to increase his lead over Nigel Garrett, who now had Mark Lucock in close attendance. Behind them Neil could keep pace with Tony Crudgington, and even stick his nose alongside at the hairpin, but he could not quite get past.

Brian Stevens (Jaguar XJ12) was not far behind these two, having passed Steve Young, who was now being pressed by David Howard who had slipped to the back of the field, having wisely decided to wait until the field had gone by before regaining the track after his start line excursion.

By half way David Howard really had the bit between his teeth, passed the Mini and the other XJ12 and was closing on the Tony Crudgington/Neil Bray battle. By now this was for fifth place as Mark Lucock was dropping back with suspected diff failure. David was soon past Neil and Tony, while up at the front all was not well with Steve Primett’s car which sounded decidedly rough. The problem was that Steve’s 3rd gear had completely disappeared and he was having to manage with 2nd and 4th, two gears that Mark Aistrup could have done with as they had disappeared on his Escort. Not a good day for Ford transmissions!

Nigel passed Steve just before the checkered flag to win a fascinating race. Steve kept going to come second, eight seconds ahead of David Howard with Tony Crudgington and Neil just behind him.

Group 1

Jim McLoughlin (Capri) headed the group 1 field round Chessons Drift, closely followed by pole man David Howard (Jaguar XJ12), Mark Fowler (Capri) and David Hickton (Opel Ascona). Neil was in the Fiesta for this race and had passed Henry Manns Capri at the start However, he fell behind after going onto the gravel exiting Paddock Bend, allowing Matt Irons and Tim Scott-Andrews past as well.

One of the best battles of the day was taking place up at the front. David Howard left the black stuff at the hairpin, allowing Mark Fowler past into second. David resuming in 3rd ahead if David Hickton who had fallen behind the leading trio.

Once he was past David, Mark started to press Jim McLoughlin hard. Trying to stay in front Jim went onto the gravel at Paddock Bend and Mark went past into the lead. Behind them Neil had overtaken Tim Scott-Andrews and Matt Irons just as it started to rain. For a while it looked as if rain-master Bray would use this to come up to the leaders, but a few laps later and it was dry again. However, while the track was damp Tim Scott-Andrews spun on the Devils Elbow while up at the front the leaders closed-up as Mark Fowler eased right off.

Meanwhile Jim McLoughlin had passed David Howard again, but only for a short time as he went wide at Paddock again. David re-passed Jim and took off after Mark Fowler, passing him just before the flag to win an enthralling race

Pre 93

Andy Davies had a flag to flag victory in pre-93, maintaing a narrow gap on Anthony Wright for he whole race.

Behind them David Margalies was having a great race, keeping Nigel Garrett, David Hickton and David Howard at bay until a half shaft went at the hairpin just before the end..

Neil had a good race, finishing sixth behind Henry Mann’s Capri.

Will the Beetles come back?

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:32:10 GMT

I had an interesting mail from David Alderson, who raced in The Beetle Cup, saying that their is a move to bring the Beetles back http://www.beetlechallenge.com/

The photo was taken at Snetterton before the 1993 Birkett Six Hour relay and is of 'Team Beetle Mania 2', we'd actually won the race the year before, the drivers L to R David Alderson, Rich Welsh, Les Goble, Mark Saines, Andy Greenslade. The handicapper made sure that we didn't repeat our 1992 success!

CTCRC Hot News

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:18:08 GMT

Click Here for the latest issue It's a 32 page PDF but its interesting!

Neil Bray Racing

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:52:02 GMT

Published links to the final championship tables for 2007 and Neil's 2008 Race Dates at Neil Bray Racing

2008 Dates are as follows:-

24 March - Castle Coombe
12 April - Lydden Hill
26 & 27 April - Snetterton
18 May - Mallory Park
21 June - Oulton Park
19 & 20 July - Croft
2 & 3 August - Donnington Park
24 & 25 August - Brands Hatch
13 & 14 Sept - Pembrey
4 & 5 October - Silverstone

Have put these on the Calendar over on the mains sites Home Page.

"...We race, we have a laugh, and we win a bit too"

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:36:14 GMT

The latest from Stacy can be found at Odd Ball Racing | News Not so sure about the dates as I look in to have my laugh most days and I have only seen these today, but "hey, ho", I'm getting old and senile so maybe they were there and I missed them.

14th November – CTCRC About-Turn

The CTCRC have announced that they have secured championship status for the Pre-93 Touring Car Series from the MSA. It immediately looked like great news, suggesting an agreement with BMW’s had been reached, but apparently not. This is a strange turn of events not least because we all thought, and they previously believed, that the vast majority of cars that would enter would be transferring over to the BMW’s now they have broken away from the club.. On an internet forum Stacy asked whether the CTCRC version would have enough cars to stand alone and warrant the decision, and it seems nobody knows. Cue a great deal of noise and vitriol. Ooops!

Thus, as in all good divorces the originally well mannered break up has now descended into acrimony – from one side at least - with the club now suggesting the BMW’s are setting up a ‘rival’ series to their new Pre-93 championship. Seemingly the motor racing equivalent of visiting a friend for dinner, and not being allowed to put your coat back on when you leave.. Sensitivities are high at the moment, and in the absence of any formal announcement from the new series organizer(s), in the void it was even suggested Stacy was “setting the series up” in a “Dick Dastardly” like manner.. Latterly they then shied away from this.

Stacy explained his interest lies in joining the competitive drivers at the front of Pre-93 this year, and that these guys were expected to move with the BMW’s where the substance of the grid is likely to be. He also explained he’s been asked for his opinion on a number of things, but incepting and organizing is a leap of credibility made possible only by the current high emotions, put politely.

The clubs friendly inclusive veneer certainly appears to be wearing a smidgen thin. A far cry from the calm days of Hugh Poston, which duly returned healthy growing grids for the CTCRC.

All very exciting, and a wonderful bit of off season soap opera. We understand both BMW series and their calendar/regulations are expected soon so we’ll be able to plan next year pretty soon. In the interim we are hoping to get involved in the Britcar 24hr again in 2008, as well as adding a couple of foreign races to the calendar (courtesy of the CSCC).

19th November – The CTCRC Divorce

The CTCRC have put out a communiqué to their members about their 2008 plans. On page 3 it starts to go wrong, citing their committee members leaving with the BMW’s and expressing ire at the new BMW run Pre-93 series (if it is a 93 series of course). It goes on to suggest that Stacy purchased the pre93touringcars.co.uk domain as part of this break up. Fascinating and we believe libellous so watch this space. The truth is Stacy owns a lot of Classic Racing domains, including www.classictouringcars.com which he passed to the club free of charge some years ago. Quite a display of sad emotional instability, and one member has already replied on the private club forum saying: “in what appears to be an unedited five page rant, it does not give any credit to the author or the club, and in fact makes you look small minded and rather mean. Please take it down and re-edit it when you have had time to calm down. “. The power(s) that be don’t appear to be listening however. One things for sure, they are certainly creating a situation where our man is unlikely to want to assist them in the slightest through 2008. So a self fulfilling prophecy perhaps.

CTCRCC Back

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:29:37 GMT

You can get back to the wisdom of Al and the crap from 750

CTCRC Site is Down

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:06:02 GMT

The problem is on their ISP's Server. No news of when it will be back up.

What series?

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:57:11 GMT

"Would be great to see you out in the series next year, if you haven't already just PM your email address to JW or myself and we'll add you to the dist list for regs/dates."

With JW no longer involved with the CTCRC committee does this mean a rival pre-93 series or a VM series?

Production BMW Breakaway

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:24:07 GMT

Over on another forum John Wilcocks has indicated that there will be an update on the BMW (and by implication pre-93) breakaway later this week. Interesting that JW is the spokesman on this.

Wonderful what you can read on the Internet

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:52:13 GMT

Further to my post when I reported that the Production BMW's were going to leave the CTCRC it appears from reading posts on a certain Internet forum that they are attempting to either take the CTCRC's Pre-93 with them or establish one of their own. This is how I come to this conclusion.

Post by Martin Dower on 16th October "What about our mates in Pre-93?"
Post by Craig J (who I believe is Pre-93 racer Craig Jamieson) on 16 October - "......... On a personal note, I will definitely be racing in the same place and weekend as the PBMW next season, but still not sure in what car....."
Post by Andrew Partridge on 17 October "The sole issue above I would like to respond to at this time is the connection with P93. We all recognise we would not be where we are now without the assistance of John Willcocks. John will be with PBMW next year and P93 will never be far away."

The latter post implies that John Willcocks is leaving the CTCRC with the Production BMW's and could even be involved in either attempting to take pre 93 with him or setting up a rival series. Keen followers of the 750 Racer saga will know that our cowardly anonymous forum poster revealed his identity to JW. So do we presume our beloved 750 Racer will be slinging his hook as well?

Production BMW's Jump CTCRC Ship

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:38:24 GMT

Posted over on the forum they chat on:-

"After having raced alongside the CTCRC for the last two seasons, your committee have decided to part company.

The reason is that alignment with CTCRC was impeding our stated aim of providing cheaper racing with a better calendar. Simply put, there are many more opportunities to fit one grid into a race meeting (PBMW) than to fit six(CTCRC).

I have written to Richard Langeveld, the Chairman of the CTCRC, thanking him for the support and guidance we have received over the last two years.

I am only announcing this now as a question has been asked upon the open forum. Speaking personally, I want nothing less than total organisational transparency of PBMW. That said, the committee have embarked upon a marathon and it is impractical to report each and every step.

I hope we will have 2008 wrapped up before Christmas, so sit tight and await the big news."

Nice Write up on Don Hughes in The Andover Advertiser

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:26:38 GMT

Link to Final Day First In Class For Don (from Andover Advertiser)

Oulton Park Photo Galleries

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:09:23 GMT

Added Photo Gallery Links links to the Oulton Park report Link to Oulton Park to:-

You can add comments to these galleries!

Oulton Report and CTCRC Site

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:25:38 GMT

The CTCRC Site wasn't down. I restarted the router and its back so the issue was at this end so I can catch up with Al's wisdom again.

Better day today so I am working on the Oulton Report which I am publishing as I go so you can catch up with the latest version here http://www.classictrials.co.uk/nb07101.htm

Nigel has published the official (provisional) final championship posns at http://www.classictouringcars.com/

Group 1 Championship - Michael's Un-Official Results

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 07:53:46 GMT

Overall Champion - Stacy Vickers 99 Points

Class A

Brian Stevens 61
David Howard 39
Pete Halford 32

Class B

David Thomas 84
Jim McLoughlin 74
Martin West 48

Class C

Stacy Vickers 99
Roger Stanford 34
David Hickton 32

Class D

Neil Bray 73
Don Jughes 59
Steve Barber 29

Class E

Brian Goodwin 60
James Sobey 1

CTCRC Website appears to be down

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:32:26 GMT

No news yet.

btw - had a bad day today. Should be able to do more of the Oulton stuff tomorrow.

Oulton race reports at The Grid

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:13:51 GMT

Link to The Grid

Draft Group 1 Race Report

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:08:18 GMT

Oulton Park, Classic Touring Car Racing Club meeting organised by the BARC North Western Centre on 29th September 2007.

David Thomas Secures Second Class Win in the Championship

Stacy Vickers headed pole sitter Brian Stevens into the first corner. Brian stayed tucked in behind and by lap three was in front and started to pull away. As the race progressed the heavy car took its toll on the tyres and the handling went. This allowed Stacy Vickers to outbrake Brian into Old Hall on lap 7. For a while Brian was able to retake the lead around the back of the circuit but towards the end he couldn't manage this when the tyres deteriorated even further, handing the victory to the Mazda.

Mark Fowler has Don Hughes right behind them as they lap Graham Hope in his SD1. In the background you can see the leaders have been around the Island hairpin and are on the back straight.

Behind the leading duo came the three battling class C cars of Roger Stanford (BMW 2002), Steve Primett, making a rare Group 1 appearance with his Mk1 Escort RS2000, and Steve Cripps in his Mk2 Escort. David Thomas was next, sixth overall but more importantly first in class B, securing the Grp1/PHTC class double. Both Dave and class challenger Jim McLouglin gave it everything, each spinning off and continuing during the race. At the end they both had smiles on their faces and Jim was the first to warmly congratulate Dave on his achievement.

Neil had a an uneventful race. He made a good start, getting past the Capri's of David Margalies and Martin West on the line and holding them off for most of the first lap until they swept past. The Fiesta handled much better than in qualifying after Jade spotted the bolts holding the strut to the back-plate were loose! Even so Neil wasn't able to match the pace of Don Hughes. Steve Barber wasn't able to start when a drive shaft let go on the way to the grid. Not a great day for Steve as the XR3 had gone onto two in qualifying when a stud came out of the manifold.

David Margalies, Jim McLoughlin, Martin West, Mark Fowler and Roger Stanford relax in Parc Ferme.

You can comment here on this draft report so everyone can read it or email classictrials@googlemail.com if you would like to drop a private note to Michael. Either way I would love to hear from you. Comments, Grammer Correction, Praise, Criticism its all welcome. The final version should appear over at www.classictrials.co.uk later today or tomorrow.

Post Historic Championship - Michael's Unofficial Results

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:58:24 GMT

Overall Champion - David Thomas 95 Points

Class A

David Howard 33
Pete Halford 28
Al Weyman 22

Class B

David Thomas 95
Neil Bray 60
Ian Clark 19

Class C

Stephen Primett 82
Roger Stanford 57
Tony Crudgington 38

Class D

James Christie 83
Tony Crates 65
Nick Jones 16

Class E

Keith Calver 49
Richard Postins 8
Steve Young 2

Draft Post Historic Race Report

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:38:06 GMT

Oulton Park, Classic Touring Car Racing Club meeting organised by the BARC North Western Centre on 29th September 2007.

Double Top for Roger. Great Race for Neil

Roger Stanford was in invincible form at Oulton, winning Post Historic in his BMW 2002 after a great drive in Group 1. Finishing his day with a Classic and Historic victory in his favourite Lotus Cortina. Neil was delighted with fourth overall in the Ric Wood powered No 1 Capri, back on the track for the first time since Brands Hatch.

With the championship already secured there was no David Thomas, as he was concentrating on his fight for the class win in Group 1. Roger Stanford and Dave Nixon were on the front row, but it was David Howard, in his Escort RS2000 rather than Jaguar XJ12, who got the best start, heading the field into Old Hall. David held his lead through Cascades while behind him the field was sorting itself out. Roger Stanford was two car lengths behind in second, then Dave Nixon (Mazda RX3) with Neil glued to his boot lid having come up from the fifth row.

Unusually Steve Primett (Escort RS2000) hadn't got away very well, slipping back and then getting squeezed onto the grass at Cascades, suffering damage to his front wing. By the time Steve had everything sorted out John Wright, Mark Lucock, Tony Crudgington and Simon Kinsey had all gone by. Simon had started from the back of the grid after gearbox problems, going back home, which was close by, to change the unit in order to race.

It's the first lap - David Howard heads Roger Stanford and the field around Cascades after a great start. Neil got away well to and sits right behind Dave Nixons Mazda RX3. Behind Neil Steve Primett is on the grass and making contact with John Wright. they are followed by Mark Lucock, Tony Crudgington and Tony Crates. Neither Tony would finish.

Up at the front David's glory was short lived. Roger out accelerated the Escort out of the Island Hairpin, powering the BMW by just before he slowed for the chicane. Then Dave Nixon got past at Old Hall at the start of the second lap and they went down the hill in the order Stanford - Nixon - Howard - Bray. This is the way it stayed to the end. Neil first loosing touch with David but pulling very close on the last lap when the hard worked Escort started a misfire.

Behind the leading quartet came the other battling foursome, with Steve Primett just behind them. Initially headed by John Wright (Escort RS2000), with Mark Lucock (Escort RS2000), Tony Crudgington (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) and a fast recovering Simon Kinsey (Escort RS2000) in close attendance. Tony soon passed Mark, then they both got by John at Cascades around the third lap. They were followed by Steve who had overtaken Simon, who was slipping back with engine problems.

Tony had some issues about half way through the race, allowing Mark and John to pass him before pulling in to retire with collapsed front suspension. Earlier we had lost Steven Young whose Mini went back on the trailer after qualifying eleventh; Ian Clark, who couldn't start in his Capri after dropping a valve in qualifying; Mark Osborne who stopped his Triumph Dolomite Sprint just after the start and Roger Bowman who retired his Jaguar Mk1 on the second lap.

Tony Crates was another retirement when he nudged the barrier at Old Hall to the detriment of his front end. Tony had been leading James Christie in class D. Although James had already secured the class win in the championship. James finished behind Keith Calver who had a spectacular race, drifting his Mini through the corners in fine style.

"Mummy why has that man got a hook in his hand?" Neil gives Alistair a wave on the slowing down lap.

Post Historic

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:15:31 GMT

Roger Stanford won, followed by Dave Nixon (Mazda RX3), David Howard (In his Escort not the Jag). Neil finished 4th, a great result in no 1 Capri.

No more from me tonight. I can't read my notes as is too dark in the back of the truck.

more tomorrow...

Even more grp 1 stuff

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:56:11 GMT

Neil had a an uneventful race. The Fiesta handled much better than in quali after Jade spotted the bolts holding the strut to the back-plate were loose! Even so Neil wasn't able to match the pace of Don Hughes

Group 1 continued

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:42:56 GMT

Behind the leading duo came the three battling class C cars of Roger Stanford (BMW 2002), Steve Primett, making a rare appearance wuth his Mk1 Escort RS2000 in grp 1, and Steve Cripps in his Mk2 Escort. David Thomas was next, sixth overall but more importantly first in class B, securing the Grp1 PHTC class double. Both Dave and class challenger Jim McLouglin gave it everything, each spinning off and continuing during the race. At the end they both had smiles on their faces and Jim was the first to warmly congratulate Dave on his achievement.

cont.....

Group 1

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:21:41 GMT

Stacy Vickers headed pole sitter Brian Stevens into the first corner. Brian stayed tucked in behind and by lap 3 was in front and stated to pull away. As the race progressed the heavy car took its toll on the tyres and the handling went. This allowed Stacy Vickers to outbrake Brian into Old Hall on lap 7. For a while Brian was able to retake the lead around the back of the circuit but towards the end he couldn't manage this when the tyres deteriorated even further, handing the victory to the Mazda.

More......

Oulton Update 3 continued

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:06:56 GMT

The stud could really only be accessed from underneath the car and to see the stud while you were working meant it was a right handed job. This meant it was a problem for Neil so for once we managed to prize the spanners out of his hands and sent him to the drivers meeting.

It took the best part of an hour to fix the problem and Steve was happy, until a drive shaft let go on the way to the grid!

Oulton Update 3

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:56:08 GMT

It was a hectic day for me. As well as helping Neil with his two cars I spent the best part of an hour under Steve Barbers Escort (which is owned by Neil's son Chris). It had gone onto two during Quali as the lower stud holding one of the (completely legal sunshine) split Webers had fallen out causing a massive air leak

more......

Oulton Update 2

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:45:25 GMT

First a big thanks to two of the senior statesmen in the CTCRC for their appreciation of Classical Gas and their support of our editorial line.

Oulton Update

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:40:16 GMT

Sorry there weren't too many posts but it was a busy day. I'm sitting in the back of Neil's truck coming down the M6 so its time to catch up. If I can stay awake after getting up at 2.15 this morning.

Post Historic Quali

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:58:38 GMT

Ian Clark had terminal engine problems, probably a dropped valve. Simon Kinsey had gearbox problems and has taken the car home to change it before the race.

Grp 1 quali has been red flagged

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 08:40:56 GMT

Martin Doherty's Mk3 Cortina had stopped over the brow of a hill. The cars are out again now. David Margalies is driving the Hammerite Capri. David Howard is in the Escort not the Jag.

Post Historic and Group 1 Championship Situation

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:51:27 GMT

Unlike last year, when the Post Historic Championship was decided on the last lap of the last race, most of the championship results are decided. Overall neither David Thomas and Stacy Vickers can be beaten in their respective championships and David Thomas will take his Capri to Oulton in full Group 1 spec (thus making it ineligible for Post Historic) to try to cement a double class win.

Post Historic

A - David Howard heads the table with 33 points, despite driving his Escort after problems with his Jaguar's engine at Croft. Pete Halford (Camaro) is just behind on 28 so theoretically Pete could win. However, I am not sure if he has entered!

B - David Thomas (Capri) has secured his win with 95 and will not race at Oulton as his Capri will be in full Group 1 spec to go for the double class win. Neil has a certain second in class but will have an interesting race, with three competitors at Oulton. William Jenkins (BMW), Martin Doherty (Cortina) and Roger Bowman (Jaguar). Neil will be giving his Ric Wood engined no1 Capri its first outing since its Brands Hatch blow up as a shake down for next year.

C - Steve Primett has this wrapped up with 91 points. Steve would have been challenging Dave Thomas for the overall win had Roger Stanford not joined the Post Historic fray half way though the season. Neverless, Steve has done well in this fiercely competitive class, having to contend with Nigel Garrett in his rapid Dolomite (who can forget him at Silverstone) as well as a host of others.

D - The current situation is James Christie on 74 and Tony Crates on 70. However, according to my maths James cannot be beaten as he only has to drop one point at the end of the season, while Tony has to drop ten.

E - Keith Calver has secured this class in his Mini.

Group 1

A - Brian Stevens has won with his Jaguar XJS as David Howard is 14 points behind and neither has to drop scores.

B - Another complicated one with the maths. Dave Thomas has 85 points, but has to drop his two lowest scores which at the moment brings him down to 73. Jim McLoughlin has 74. Dropping his two lowest brings him down to 70. So its all down to Oulton. If Dave wins he takes the class. If Jim wins and Dave comes second it will be Dave 80, Jim 80 so the class will go to the one who gets fastest lap. If neither do then I think it comes to most class wins and they have four each at the moment!*** This ranks with Class C in Post Historic as the most competitive class in the club as we also have Mark Fowler, Martin West and David Margalies challenging every race.

C - Stacy Vickers has a clear win for the class and is unassailable as overall champion, despite missing two races at the height of his gearbox controversy.

D - Neil cannot be beaten for the class win, despite Don Hughes string of victories, and record breaking fastest laps, in the last four races. Has Don done a full season he would have stood a good chance of retaining his championship.

E - After James Sobey destroyed his car at Brands James Sobey has been the only competitor.

*** According to The Blue Book championship ties are resolved as follows:-

(a) By considering in the best scoring events of the competitors concerned, the number of first places or class wins.

(b) By considering the number of class or outright second places where there are no classes, and so on in the best scoring events.

It's Oulton Park this Saturday

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 08:06:55 GMT

All being well I will post live reports here. It's a busy shedule though, with only one other race between Grp 1 and Post Historic where No1 Capri will be making its first apperanve since it disgraced itself by holing a piston at Brands. There's nothing wrong with No2, the idea is to give No1 a run to make sure its OK for next year. The Ric Wood engine in No1 is much faster than the motor in No2 but Neil prefers the handling of No2. Also although less powerful no2's motor has a wider power band. This means less gearchanging, very important if you only have one arm!

Back to the box with the Quaife diff in the Fiesta. Neil finds this easier to get round the corners.

Completed the Thruxton Report

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:05:56 GMT

Link to Thruxton

Thruxton Pictures - Group 1

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:34:23 GMT

Posted some Group 1 Pictures here Link to Michael Leete (classicalgas) : photos : Thruxton Group 1 16 September 2007 - powered by SmugMug

Draft Thruxton Post Historic Race Report

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:05:12 GMT

Steve Primett wins epic battle. Neil fourth overall.

It was an all two litre front row, with Tony Crudgington on pole in his Triumph Dolomite with Steve Primett alongside with his Escort RS2000. There were two Capri's behind them on the second row. David Thomas was third quickest with Neil Bray beside him in his number two machine.

When the flag dropped Tony Crudgington got away first followed by David Thomas. Neil got alongside Steve Primett but they went wide in the process and both Mark Lucock and David Howard passed him in their Escort RS2000's. Next came Al Weyman in his Camaro after nursing the big car away with a dodgy clutch.

It all happened on the second lap. Neil passed David Howard in the Campbell-Cobb-Seagrave complex to move into fifth place. Up at the front both David Thomas and Steve Primett got by Tony Crudgington and the three of them were nose to tail as they crossed the line. However, Tony couldn't quite hang onto the two leaders as they disappeared round the back of the circuit. Steve was right on David's tail as they climbed the hill to the chicane. Steve was braver on the brakes to slip by David to lead across the line. David clung on until just before the end, allowing Steve to cross the line five seconds ahead.

Despite briefly loosing his place to Mark Lucock after a moment on lap three Tony held onto the flying twosome until the very last lap when he spun entering the complex at Campbell, narrowly avoiding Mark Lucock's Escort as he rejoined but letting both Mark and Neil past in the process elevating them to third and fourth overall at the checkered flag.

Mark and Neil had been battling for most of the race. Neil's Capri was very stable around the fast sweeps at the back of the circuit, nosing ahead as they exited Church but loosing out when the No 2 Capri's rev limiter cut in at 6500 around the long uphill sweep of Brooklands.

In the midfield there was a major class D battle between class championship contenders James Christie (Avenger) and Tony Crates (Lotus Cortina) until Tony's Lotus pulled into the pits on the last lap. Mark Aistrup spun his Escort on the second lap, restarting way behind the field in last place but clawed his way back up to pass Gregor Marshall's Droop Snoot Firenza before the flag.

Al Weyman slipped back a bit behind Mark Osborne after his temporarily repaired clutch refused to disengage. Al's glorious yellow Camaro and the wail from Keith Calver's straight cut Mini gearbox delighting the spectators gathered at the chicane.

Draft Thruxton Group 1 Race Report

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:03:02 GMT

Fowler Flies through the Field

Mark Fowler had to wait until the field had gone before he was released from the pit lane.

This was a real thriller, especially the battle for 2nd place. It went to Jim McLoughlin (Capri) but either David Hickton (Opel Ascona) or Steve Cripps (Escort Mk2) could have taken the place. However, Mark Fowler was the star of the show, starting from the pit lane exit after his throttle cable became disconnected in the assembly area.

Mark carved his way through the field, getting up to fifth and nearly latching onto the battling trio before having a moment and loosing the place to David Thomas.

Neil didn't get away from the line very well and was swallowed up by most of the cars behind. He fought back but later on the first lap made contact with Jeremy Knight's Capri at the chicane, both cars suffering panel damage. Neverless Neil finished 2nd in class, the win going to Don Hughes who circulated near the front. Fellow class D man had a replacement engine fitted after his Donnington problems. This offered torque rather than revs so wasn't suited to Britain's fastest circuit and Steve dropped back at the end when it went onto three cylinders with electrical issues.

Thruxton Reports

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:58:54 GMT

Will post reports here during the day

Post Historic Race

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:35:12 GMT

Neil had a great race, finishing 4th overall. It looked like David Thomas was going to have a run away win, setting off round the back of the circuit ahead of pole sitter Tony Crudgington and Steve Primett.

However, Steve wanted that laurel wreath, passed David at the chicane on the 2nd lap and held onto his gain. Behind them Tony Crudgington, Mark Lucock, Neil and David Howard fought for 3rd. After Tony spun towards the end Mark was 3rd and Neil 4th