HSA SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP - REPORT ARCHIVE

WET WEATHER - HOT COMPETITION

Event 33 at Curborough on 14/10/2018

The HSA reverted to Curborough's 1-lap course for the traditional end-of-year meeting, which culminated in the traditional Alan Payne Memorial Trophy class winners' run-off. Unfortunately, unlike the previous day on the figure-8 course, the weather gods failed to smile on the event and persistent rain put a bit of a damper on proceedings as well as on the commentator's PA system, which failed to function. Competition was as fierce as ever, though, and the previous day's winner, David Tatham, had another good day with a class win, second FTD and victory in the Alan Payne run-off with a 35.41, a massive 1.66s improvement over his class winning time aboard his OMS Hornet.

The previous day's third FTD man, Alan Mugglestone, was trying out his effective Pirelli wets in anger for the first time and splashed through the puddles to set the outright pace in 35.33s, almost two seconds clear of Tatham. As we've seen, the OMS driver closed to within eight hundredths of that time in marginally better conditions during the run-off, when Mugglestone spun at Fradley Hairpin, recovering to set a time that, not surprisingly, put him well out of the running.

There were only two Mazda MX5 class runners this time, but after Ken Morris had taken the win to consolidate his Championship class win and sixth place in the overall standings, he found another eight tenths or so to finish runner-up in the run-off. With just under threequarters of a second improvement, Roadgoing class winner (by fifteen hundredths from Dean Cubitt's MX5) and motorsport all-rounder Gordon Hick took third place in the run-off in his Ford Focus RS.

Elsewhere in the classes, Rob Thomson took another class win to end his Championship year with the class victory and fifth overall. After finishing third the previous day in a competitive ModProd Specialist class, HSA chairman Chris Howard-Harris slumped to fifth place in the wet but still ended his season ninth on the overall table and second in the class championship aboard his Caterham-K Superlight, one place ahead of John Loudon who spun out of the reckoning on his second run. Winning the class championship and finishing one place ahead of CH-H on the overall table was Adam Phelps who finished second in class, less than two seconds behind FTD man Mugglestone, to take third FTD in his Megabusa.

The top two Championship finishers had a real set-to in Class U2. 2018 champion elect Geoff Stallard's early lead in the Vixen was overturned in this final class of the day when series runner-up Andrew Webber stormed past in the Europa V8 to snatch the win by just twelve hundredths of a second.

A full report and pictures will appear in Speedscene 201.

Alan Mugglestone splashes to FTD (Steve Wilkinson)


Andrew Webber sneaked past new champion Geoff Stalllerd on his last run in the Championship (Steve Wilkinson)


New Welsh Sprint and Hillclimb champion Rob Thomson took his second class win of the weekend (Steve Wilkinson)

TATHAM SETS FIGURE-8 PACE

Event 32 at Curborough on 13/10/2018

The HSA's first venture on to Curborough's figure-8 course as an organising club proved a great success. After early rain for practice had given way to fine weather for the competition runs, no less than five HSA class records were reset. At the start of a successful weekend for the OMS Hornet-Suzuki driver, David Tatham took a clear FTD on 52.35s from 1100cc racing classmate Richard Arrowsmith's Force-Suzuki PC. Third overall was Alan Mugglestone, on his first outing of the year in the Raw Fulcrum and demonstrating the effectiveness of his new Pirelli slicks to win a well supported Modified Specialist Production class from Adam Phelps' Megabusa by threequarters of a second, with Phelps on HSA record pace with a 56.43.

The first driver to post a new entry in the HSA record books was Rob Thomson. Fresh from his outright victory in the 2018 Welsh Sprint and Hillclimb Championship, in which he was runner-up last year, the Renault Clio 172 Cup driver won the opening class of the day' for Standard Roadgoing cars, taking just a single 70.90s run. Despite having to settle for second place behind Nick Lear, Mazda MX5 driver Ken Morris carved over half a second off his own record for Class 2.1, leaving it at 70.30s. Although the non-registered Stuart Hill won the combined Roadgoing Specialist class in his Westfield, HSA Championship class leader Lee Gavins was also a record-breaker on 68.45s in his Tiger R6.

With his son Alex away contesting the FIA Hillclimb Masters in Italy, the non-registered Richard Summers had stayed at home to contest the HSA Curborough sprint weekend in his elderly Formula Ford Van Diemen and took the win, but two drivers ran inside the HSA record in a hard fought division. Despite being three seconds adrift of the winner, Curborough newcomer Charlie Reilly snatched fifth overall with a 65.76, a hundredth of a second clear of former record-holder Russell Haynes' Zeus.

Simon Bainbridge established a new HSA Sports Libre record not in his SBR Chrono V8, but in his Audi S3. Although not competing the following day, this would be enough to edge out Fyrth Crosse on the Championship table and end the season in third place overall. With the top two Championship placings already confirmed, both drivers came from the U2 classic car class and duly finished in the appropriate order, Geoff Stallard out in his newly fuel injected TVR Vixen-Ford for a change and taking a four tenths win from Andrew Webber's fearsome Rover V8 powered Lotus Europa 47D/62.

A full report and pictures will appear in Speedscene 201.

Geoff Stallard and Andrew Webber (in car) - already confirmed as the Championship one/two (Chris Bennett)


David Tatham set the outright pace on the figure-8 course (Steve Wilkinson)


Class winner Adam Phelps set fourth FTD (Steve Wilkinson)

Stallard (provisionally) takes Championship and Bickley takes FTD at Shelsley

Event 31 at Shelsley Walsh on 15/09/2018

On the first day oft Shelsley Walsh's Auntumn Finale meeting Geoff Stallard provisionally became the 2018 SBD HSA Speed Champion by winning his class and setting a new HSA Class record, achieving an unbeatable 9 perfect scores. After competing in the HSA Championship for many years before taking a break, Geoff returned this year without any major designs on the Championship. After a few good early season results he realised his calendar was going to take in many HSA rounds so decided to mount a serious challenge. With Nick Stephens' 34.49s record as his target Geoff put in a 34.44s run on T1 to secure the title.

Stuart Biclkey in his rapid Jedi took a surprising but entirely merited FTD. With some of the larger cars having to withdraw including Tina Hawkes Force PC (with a troublesome ECU) and the new Simon Andrews/Bernie Kevill OMS 28/TKD V8 having its inaugural outing (loose front wing mount) there were still plenty of rapid cars left to contest FTD. Finally it was down to a shoot out between Bickley, Chris Jones' Force TA and Chris Green's OMS 28. After T1 they were separated by a couple of tenths and on T2 Stuart (still running his MIRA gearing) threw the little Jedi into Bottom Ess, brushing the bank on the outside but still improved to a 27.08s and then Chris Jones, well up on the split, understeered wide in Top Ess and crossed the line 8 hundredths back on 27.16s. Then Chris Green stormed up the hill to record a 27.15s for second FTD. More than one driver of a larger/more modern car was heard to say "I've been beaten by a Jedi!"

Elsewhere Ben Wilamowski having his first season had fitted quicker tyres (Toyos) to his BMW and was finding it much faster and even more enjoyable. Carole Nicholls, running her Father's Nike FF, had set an objective of PBs at every venue this yearr. At an earlier Shelsley meeting that didn't happen so a return was decided upon with eventual success in the Formula Ford Class won by Russell Haynes Zeus (33.96s).

Colin and Sarah Davies, having swapped their Roadgoing Production BMW for a Standard Class Civic Type R, continued to have a good season becoming more accustomed to FWD and the Hoda's revvy (9,000 rpm) engine. Martin Rutter had finally got the Colotti gearbox fitted and working in his X1/9 but was still experiencing problems geting from fourth to fifth.

In the absence of Andrew Cottrill's Impreza (blown engine) it was left to Chris Berrisford to take a straighforward win in the Series Production class with his similar car on 31.46s. John Bradswaw is realling getting to grips with his 'new' Westfield and was very pleased with his 30.43s and 30.44s runs to easily win the Kit Car Class.

Stuart Bickley took an excellent FTD (A Mitchelmore)


Russell Haynes' Zeus won the FF Class (A Mitchelmore)


Philip Jones' delightful Fiat Abarth 1000TC (Rob MacDonald)


Geoff Stallard's Elan on fine form (Rob Maconald)

MAC MIRA Sprint on 8 September - A second report

Event 30 at MIRA on 08/09/2018

 

MIRA has been in the national news over its plans to build a new autonomous-vehicle test facility close to the site of the Battle of Bosworth, but enthusiastic drivers were in charge on the Dunlop Handling Circuit. MAC had attracted only 45 starters, no doubt affected by a clashing event at Curborough. 17 HSA contenders gathered, on an Autumnal morning with rain threatening.

1100cc racing cars set the outright pace. Derek Sweeney was adapting to a change of performance, having competed in a Riley Brooklands the previous weekend at Bo’ness. At the lunch break after two runs he was fastest overall, and having secured maximum points in the MAC Sunrise Sprint Championship he put the OMS 2000M on the trailer, saying the car was undergeared for such a fast venue and wanting to save the engine. On his third timed run Stuart Bickley improved by over a second to snatch FTD on 43.30 in the Jedi TDF. Richard Arrowsmith (Force PC) took the unofficial honour of fastest through the speed trap at 133 mph.

Road going saloons up to 2000cc was won by Nigel Trundle (VW Scirocco), less than three tenths ahead of Shane Dyson (Renault 5 GT Turbo). Running in this class Rob Thomson added handsomely to his HSA points score, going almost 3 seconds under the record in his Clio Cup. Sports cars up to 2000cc was won by HSA contender Michael Henney (Elan S3), just 0.02 ahead of Dean Cubitt (MX5). In the over 2 litre roadgoing production class late entry James Hunt took a comfortable win in the E30 BMW. The Class B1 Road Going cars was won by former HSA champion John Palmer. The combined B2 and Class D modified specialist production class was almost exclusively populated by Westfields, apart from David Bickley’s Sylva Striker. HSA contender Adam Phelps took the combined class in his howling Megabusa Westfield. Steve Barnard in the Audi TT Spaceframe dominated the next class, of modified series production and sports libre cars, while Andrew Webber’s Lotus Europa 62R continued to attract much interest.

Mark Schlanker won the over 1100cc racing car class in his OMS 2000M, leading home ex MIRA supremo John Wood (Dallara F397/8), and Kerry Wayne in the Magnum 843. Class M1 for classics was run on handicap, with Callum Barney (MG Midget) getting closest to his target, only 0.29 secs away. Despite his best efforts HSA contender Graeme Williamson (Hillman Imp) had to settle for third in class, 1.99 seconds off his handicap time.

With only 45 starters and no significant incidents the day’s action was over by 1:30.

David Oldridge

Webber inches closer

Event 30 at MIRA on 08/09/2018

Of the top three contenders for the 2018 SBD HSA Speed Championship only Andrew Webber (in the Europa 62R for this event) made the trip to MIRA for Round 30 of the Championship. Although Andrew managed to break the exisitng Class record he was pipped for the Class win by Mike Henney's Elan S3 (a fine 58.38s) and the lost point could prove crucial at season's end.

Rob Thompson again proved the suitability of the Clio 172 in the Standard Class by breaking the HSA class record and scoring well. Competitors in the other classes were some way off the pace, conditions playing their part.

FTD went to Derek Sweeney in his OMS 2000M on 43.91s.

Andrew Webber's Lotus 62R while under development (Mike Stokes)

GURSTON ROUND ABANDONED

Event 29 at Gurston Down on 26/08/2018

Round 29 at Gurston did not take place as the meeting was abandoned following heavy rain, which made track conditions unsafe.

Goulding's FTD at Hethel

Event 28 at Hethel on 05/08/2018

Pete Goulding took FTD at Hethel on August 5th with his highly developed Mygale M13 Ecoboost (61.64s) at the Borough 19 organised Sprint held over 1.7 laps of Hethel's South circuit.

Only 7 HSA competitors made the trip but four of them (Stephen Laing, Adam Phelps, Tonly Beesley and Pete Goulding) all won their classes - some by very narrow margins.

FTD for Pete Goulding at Hethel (taken at Pembrey earlier by Kim Broughton)

Stallard ahead as Hawkes takes FTD at Loton

Event 27 at Loton Park on 04/08/2018

Saturday 4th August was the season's second visit to Loton Park Hillclimb – the weather team had predicted another glorious day and no one was disappointed. A slightly slippy hill due to the preceding weeks rain showers was warming up by second practice and by timed runs there was plenty of grip and competition was fierce.

Geoff Stallard in his TVR Vixen this week was the only one of 19 HSA competitors to set a new record and, by so doing, moved further ahead in the HSA Championship. Tina Hawkes took FTD in her Force PC (49.13s) from Graham Wynn's Gould GR55 (49.59s) and Jack Cottrill's Force PT (50.20s).

In class A2 it was great to see Dean Cubitt make a return after his horticultural expedition at Wiscombe. Dean was on good form although his trusty MX5 had a few scars that are yet to be polished out! The class was won by Martin Ellis with a 62.51s with Nigel Trundle second, Dean Cubitt third and Alastair Clark fourth. Ken Morris was the only contender in class A2.1 posting a 65.96s against a class record of 65.51s before making the long cross country dash to Hethel. In class B1 it was Zoe Shearman's first time up the hill– father Anthony achieved second in Class. Martin Rutter was the sole HSA competitor in class C1.

A very competitive class D saw 4 current competitors challenged by a previous championship competitor – Tim Pennington made a welcome return to the hills and has promised to return to the championship next year. Tim won the class with 54.36s but the leading HSA competitor was Chris Howard-Harris 55.15s closely followed by Martyn Turner 55.52s, Lynn Gilbert 56.6s1 and then James Robertson on 57.61s.

Steven Potter in class I posted 54.05s, with Mark Schlanker in Class J on a best time of 53.34s. Poor Mark cooked on the start line for so long whilst a red flag incident was resolved that he may be reconsidering his all black wardrobe for next season.

Last but not least Russell Haynes day did not end well with a fail in the first timed run followed by an early bath – we hope to see Russell out again soon.

Martin Rutter's X 1/9 leaves the line (Rob MacDonald)


Another off track excursion for Dean Cubbitt (Rob MacDonald)


Lesley Bool's Z Cars Mini (Rob MacDonald)

WET WISCOMBE 2 !

Event 26 at Wiscombe Park on 29/07/2018

Well, if we'd thought Saturday was wet then nothing had prepared competitors for the Sunday monsoon. Overnight rain continued almost unabated for the whole of Sunday which, combined with high winds, made the whole day challenging. Sunday saw seven hardy HSA competitors brave the atrocious conditions and needless to say there were no records broken, rather more a case of keeping everything safe ready to compete another day. Again the HSA members were placed in a class of their own.

In class S1 Sarah and Colin Davies survived their first visit to Wiscombe with times of 56.92 and 55.77 respectively. Ken Morris in his MX5 (class A2.1) posted a 54.84 on his first timed run before significantly worrying himself with indecision at Martini on his second timed run. Enough said! Martin Ellis in the very nicely turned out Escort (class A2) posted a very creditable 51.90 and second in the HSA class. Paul Meadows in the lovely Renault Clio (class C2) posted 52.32 despite significant condensation issues on the inside of the side windows, which meant he couldn't see around the hairpins! Adam Pemble in the Toyota (class A3) managed 54.46 in very trying conditions. Finally Chris Howard-Harris took the class win with a 50.26 in the Caterham Superlight (class D).

Despite the conditions, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and al left for home with cars and pride intact.

Martin Ellis in the Escort MK2 (N Cole)


Adam Pemble's Celica GT4 (N Cole)

WET WISCOMBE 1

Event 25 at Wiscombe Park on 28/07/2018

After many weeks of glorious weather, the weather decided to change for the worse just ahead of the July Wiscombe meeting. Friday saw the first rain in East Devon for many weeks leaving the track damp for the first practice runs on Saturday. Ten HSA members made the trek to Wiscombe and were placed in a class of their own – this saw an interesting range of cars from single seaters through to an MX5. During the morning, hope that the track might dry were dashed when showers came through, but thankfully after lunch the track started to dry and the second timed runs saw some reasonable times being set.

Mark Schlanker, Ben Waine and Kerry Waine had a good competition in class J – Mark achieved 41.45, Ben 43.36 and Kerry 46.40 – the class record is 38.66 which is a mighty achievement on this technical hill. Dean Cubitt had entered A2 in his lovely MX5 but sadly practice 1 saw him disappear into the greenery. Dean was fine but the MX5 is a little worse for wear – hopefully both will be back out soon. James Robertson and Chris Howard-Harris had a good battle in class D where the record was 47.03. Both broke that record, James with a 44.62 and Chris with a 43.40; both good times in the testing conditions. Ken Morris in class A2.1 recorded a 51.62, Adam Pemble in class A3 a 49.02, Martin Ellis in class A2 recorded 48.55, Paul Meadows in class C2 a 48.16. Mark took the HSA class win closely followed by Ben and Chris.

Everyone agreed it had been an interesting day's motorsport with changing conditions throughout the day and no two runs in similar track conditions. Fingers were crossed and seaweed consulted, hoping that Sunday's weather would be better...

James Robertson with the Striker (N Cole)


The Magnum 843 of Kerry Waine (N Cole)

Tatham's day at Blyton

Event 24 at Blyton Park on 15/07/2018

Day two of the Westfield SCC Blyton Sprint week-end took place on Blyton's Eastern course and David Tatham continued his good form by taking FTD with a 64.40s run (on his first timed run) in the OMS Hornet from the previous day's first and third fastest competitors Simon Bainbridge and Glyn Sketchley.

Only Leslie Wilson, Adam Phelps, Russell Haynes and Fyrth Crosse were able to set new HSA Class records with the latter's efforts being good enough to move him to within 8 points of championship leader, Geoff Stallard.

Elsewhere the results largely mirrored performances from the day before.

Fyrth Crosse in the Ensign LNF3 (Derek Partridge)


Chris Berrisford had a good week-end in the Impreza (Derek Partridge)


Two class wins for Adam Phelps' Westfield (Derek Partridge)

The Championship hots up at Blyton

Event 23 at Blyton Park on 14/07/2018

The 2018 SBD HSA Speed championship has begun to get very exciting. At the Westfield SCC Sprint week-end on the 15/15 July Geoff Stallard overtook Andrew Webber at the head of the standings and Fyrth Crosse closed up on the pair to make it a three way fight for the Championship.................for now.

The Saturday event was held on the outer circuit and saw Simon Bainbridge (getting in some practice for the British Sprint round in September perhaps?) take FTD in the mighty SBR Crono with a 59.01s run. He was followed by a very impressive and on form David Tatham in a 999cc OMS Hornet with a 60.08s and perennial FTD contender, Glyn Sketchley, with 60.80s.

Leslie Wilson got proceedings under way with his Renault Clio and was the only Standard Class runner but still set a new HSA record.

Not all competitors took up the option of the four timed runs on offer including HSA competitors, Chris Berrisford, Geoff Stallard and Fyrth Cross who did enough on their first two runs to set new HSA records - the former two also winning their classes. Both John Loudon and Adam Phelps (new HSA record) won their classes in their Westfields while Martin Pickles was back in his Jedi and trying to keep the flying Tatham in sight in the 1100cc racing car class.

Geoff Ward (not unusually) dominated the six strong Formula Ford class with his Swift SC93 with only Russell Haynes (Zeus) getting close to finish second and take a new HSA class record.

Simon Bainbridge took FTD in the SBR Chrono (Derek Partridge)


David Tatham was in fine form with the OMS Hornet (Derek Partridge)


Leslie Wilson having fun in the Clio (Derek Partridge)


Duncan Fraser meets the Blyton kerb (Derek Partridge)

No change in the Championship at Lydden

Event 22 at Lydden Hill on 14/07/2018

The SBD HSA Speed Championship joined the British Sprint Championship for a Borough 19 organised full day Sprint at Lydden Hill.

In fact most of the HSA competitors were also entered in the BSC and the only drivers to set new HSA records were Matt Hillam and Steve Broughton in their Dallara and also finished one two in the Run Off. Most of the the HSA Championship front runners had decided to give Lydden a miss so there was no change at the top of the table.

Some of the closest battles on the day were in the ''Kit car'' classes where Dave Rayner''s Caterham just edged out David Hussey's Striker in the smaller class while Mark Cheevers'' Fury did the same to Stephen Laing''s Caterham (scoring good HSA points) in the larger one.

Steve Broughton in the Dallara (Kim Broughton)


Daive Hussey's Striker (Kim Broughton)


Stephen Laing scored well in his Caterham (Kim Broughton)


Tony Beesley won the 1100cc class in the Jedi (Kim Broughton)

BLISTERING BARBON!

Event 21 at Barbon Manor on 07/07/2018

A small but select gathering of HSA Championship contenders, seven in all, made their way to Barbon Manor to run alongside the British Hillclimb competitors on what turned out to be the hottest day of hillclimbing at the picturesque Cumbrian venue for many a long year. It's hard to say why the event has never drawn a particularly large HSA entry except perhaps that it's perceived to be a relatively far-flung venue. It is however very easy to get to, being not far from J36 on the M6 and once there, the journey is well worthwhile, even from West Sussex, as our chairman Chris Howard-Harris and his co-driver Lynn Gilbert would show! That it was such a hot day was ironic, as Liverpool MC had spent a lot of effort on extensive drainage facilities to combat the problems caused by a waterlogged paddock that had in the past caused not only the abandonment of so many events there, but even the last-minute cancellation of last year's BHC event. However it did mean that most of the HSA records, established in somewhat indifferent conditions on the relatively few previous visits by our Championship, were reset.

Running in the 'B' licence section of the meeting Nigel Trundle, a relatively local driver from Preston, was first into the HSA record books with 17 points in his VW Scirocco in Class A2, where he also took the win in the Barbon class for 2-litre saloons. Another Northern-based driver, Shane Dyson, ran third in the class behind John Pinder's Fiesta ST and picked up 16 points. Ken Morris was pleased to knock more than a second and a half of his own record in A2.1 driving his unfamiliar MX5 Merlot - it isn't a Merlot colour anymore!

The remaining HSA contenders were in the 'A' licence event and defending champion Justin Andrews was out in his Impreza, reshelled after the Gurston incident earlier in the year and now in a sombre shade of black, to collect another HSA record on his first run. His second ended in the outfield at Lafone Hairpin, fortunately without damage. Fellow Impreza driver Chris Berrisford, who was sharing his car with Steven Darley, was awarded the Barbon Roadgoing class win ahead of Andrews, although as he established an HSA C3 record for Modified cars and Darley, chasing Leaders points, ran the car in the Modified class anyway this writer is puzzled as to why the same car should run in two different Barbon classes!

Long distance traveller Chris Howard-Harris ran his Caterham-K series in the Roadgoing Specialist class when at Barbon three years ago. Now in the Modified class, he demolished Graham Mintram's Class D record by almost eight seconds although his time was no match for that of the flying Andy Griffiths, who set a new Barbon class record and retrieved his place at the head of the Hillclimb Leaders table after his damaging accident at Doune a fortnight earlier. Chris's co-driver Lynn Gilbert enjoyed her first visit to the venue, particularly as she was almost six seconds inside the old record! Finally, on this day of records at a sun-baked Barbon, Mark Schlanker and his OMS-Suzuki carved well over four seconds off Nick Scott's Class J record as he ran second to Guernseyman Andy Bougourd in the 1600cc racing class.

Justin Andrews was the first HSA record-breaker at Barbon (whitedogphotography.co.uk)


Lynn Gilbert has little time to look at the Barbon scenery (whitedogphotography.co.uk)


Mark Schlanker was another of the four HSA record-breakers (whitedogphotography.co.uk)


No longer Merlot! A new record for Ken Morris (whitedogphotography.co.uk)

Records targeted at Aintree

Event 20 at Aintree on 30/06/2018

A number of competitors arrived at Aintree intent on establishing new championship and course records. Some were successful and some weren't.

HSA Championship leader, Andrew Webber in his Elan +2, is already dropping scores so in order to extend his lead he needed to set a new record which he duly did. He was joined by Andrew Till, making the long journey up from Melksham, with his MG, Andrew Cottrill who is slowly getting the Impreza going the way he wants it and John Loudon in the Westfield.

John Graham was aiming to break the outright course record in his Gould and in the cooler and still morning conditions this was looking a strong possibility. In the end, though, and despite making one run with a 'no time recorded', he fell just short but took FTD all the same. Chris Jones was in a similar position in the 1100cc class and after morning practice Gary Thomas' long standing (course and championship) record looked to be under threat. However, hotter and windier conditions in the afternoon meant he fell short by a few tenths.

The meeting was well organised and slickly run by the Liverpool Motor Club and four timed runs were on the cards until an unfortunate incident where a Caterham had its steering wheel become disconnected at Bechers and visited the scenery, fortunately without harm to the driver, but causing the meeting to be suspended for a while.

FTD went to John Graham's Gould (Richard O'Reilly)


John Loudon in the Westfield (Brian Taylor)


Shane Dyson's smart Renault 5 GT Turbo (Brian Taylor)


Craig Powers, OMS 2000M (Richard O'Reilly)

The heat is on at Snetterton as Stallard closes the gap

Event 19 at Snetterton on 24/06/2018

The second day of the Borough 19 Snetterton sprint week-end proved to be even hotter than the day before and by the time that timed runs came around most competitors were finding that the conditions had taken the best out of their tyres. Only Simon Bainbridge (SBR Crono), Geoff Stallard (Elan) and Paul Wells (still having problems with the Jedi but with only his Saturday time to beat) managed to set new HSA records.

Championship leader, Andrew Webber was present in his Elan +2 (having spent Saturday taking his daughter to the school prom in the first public outing of his Lotus 62) but Geoff Stallard was able to build on his Saturday win to keep ahead on the day and close to within 3 points of Andrew (dropping points now) in the Championship.

John Loudon (Westfield) and Stephen Laing (Caterham) again won their classes but this time John Palmer had Chris Hussey (in Father David's Striker) to contend with and fell short by just under a second.

Pete Goulding again won the Mygale battle but Graham Blackwell closed the gap from the day before and finished only just behind (and made the Top 12 Run Off). Finally, well done to Tony Beesley who took the B meeting FTD in his Jedi.

The Mygale Ecoboosts of Goulding & Blackwell (C Bennett)


John Loudon took a class win in his Westfield (Heritage Snapper)


Tony Beesley (Jedi) took the B meeting FTD (Heritage Snapper)

PRESCOTT IN THE SUN - PART 2

Event 18 at Prescott on 24/06/2018

For the second day of the June Prescott double-header, 23 SBD-HSA Championship contenders gathered in even warmer weather than they'd enjoyed the previous day to run alongside Midland Hillclimb Championship competitors. Such were the conditions that three of them bettered the HSA records they'd set the previous day. The 2-litre Roadgoing Production class was the most popular division for our competitors, who fielded six out of the 19-strong entry, with three of them in the overall awards at close of play. Top Midland series contenders James Kerr and Richard Brant battled it out for the win in 205 and Clio respectively, but Michael Henney chased them hard to bag a close third place and 15 HSA points in his Elan S3, while the intrepid Martin Ellis in his Escort ran just eight hundredths shy of Henney to not only take the fourth place award but lower his previous day's HSA record. Having established a Prescott S1 record the previous day in his standard Clio, Rob Thomson promptly reset it for another 17-point score and at the end of a busy HSA weekend, which also included a double-header sprint at Snetterton, found himself sixth overall on the Championship table. Not surprisingly, Midlands big-hitters Roy Standley and Paul Harris took the top over 2-litre awards in their Mitsubishi Evos, but HSA man Adam Pemble took fifth in his Celica GT4, a tenth clear of Mike Andrews' burly Nissan GTR, for 8 HSA points.

There were two Imp engines in the opening ModProd class, winner Andy Russell's Ginetta and also HSA contender Graeme Williamson's Hillman Imp saloon, but the top SBD-HSA runner was Martin Rutter's Bertone Fiat X19, third in the overalll lineup. Out in his A35 today, Philip Stader consolidated that fifth place on the table in the 2-litre class, but the large capacity division saw more HSA record-breaking, Jason Tunnicliffe lowering his previous day's mark in the Peugeot to take not only another 17 points but the top class award as he overcame defending Midland champion Mike Turpin's supercharged VX220, pressurising the 5-times series winner into a rare second run spin. Third and fourth, Tunnicliffe's co-driver Tom Reeves and Lotus Esprit driver Nicholas Olson bagged 11 HSA points apiece.

With Ash Mason on record form to reset David Kimberley's Modified Specialist mark, which had stood for an amazing 16 years, and pursued by fellow National level contenders Simon Jenks and Steve Day, Chris Howard-Harris also found himself in the awards with fourth place and a 13-point HSA score aboard his Caterham Superlight K-Series, which left him in the overall HSA top ten. Simon McBeath headed the three HSA points scorers in a 7-strong Formula Ford class, but his Swift had to give best to class winner Simon Andrews' Van Diemen. Driving the sole car-engined machine amid a horde of bike-engined machinery, Championship third place man Fyrth Crosse was top HSA scorer in the 1600cc single-seater class in his classic Ensign F3.

Class winner Jason Tunnicliffe was on HSA record form for the second day running (Derek Hibbert)


Rob Thomson reset his previous day's Class S1 record in the Clio (Derek Hibbert)


Martin Ellis - another to lower his previous day's record (Derek Hibbert)

Hot & sunny at Snetterton

Event 17 at Snetterton on 23/06/2018

The first day of the Borough 19 Snetterton sprint week-end was hot and sunny with the bulk of the SBD HSA Championship competitors also competing in the British Sprint.

With championship leader, Andrew Webber, not due to arrive until the Sunday, Geoff Stallard was keen to set a new HSA Class record in his Elan to keep up the pressure on Andrew. He succeeded and was joined by Simon Bainbridge (SBR Crono), Chris Jones (Force TA) and Matt Hillam (Dallara) who also set new HSA records.

Paul Wells was having a difficult day in the Peter Roberts' Jedi with electrical problems and the team even went to the length of converting from paddle to manual shift over the lunch break. Another Jedi experiencing problems was Nick Houston with his MK2.

Jeff Wiltshire made an appearance in his Zeus Challenger EVO 2. This is the same Zeus that produced the Formula Fords seen on the hills and the car is powered by a turbo 1500cc engine built around a Gen 1 Busa head, a custom block and Hewland transaxle. Needless to say it produces a fair bit of power and it proved to be competitive.

Former HSA champion, John Palmer (Westfield) and B19 committee member, Stephen Laing (Caterham) both won their classes while Ben Wilamowski was out for his third event (following Pembrey & Shelsley) and already looking into ways of making his BMW quicker. It doesn't take long!

Pete Goulding was ahead of Graham Blackwell in the Mygale battle, a reversal of fortunes from Pembrey. Although both cars are the same model the two drivers have gone different ways on set up with Graham opting for the stiffly sprung option.

Jeff Wiltshire's Zeus (C Bennett)


Geoff Stallard set a new HSA record in the Elan (Heritage Snapper)


The Channel Islands sand racers provided variety. This is Scott Rayson (Heritage Snapper)

PRESCOTT IN THE SUN - PART 1

Event 16 at Prescott on 23/06/2018

No fewer than 37 HSA Championship contenders turned out among the cherry trees in a sunny Prescott paddock for the first day of the Cotswold venue's popular June double-header. This 'Midsummer Melange' meeting had a unique range of classes, the biggest being that for the HSA contenders, four of which, however, opted to compete in the MAC Sunrise Speed Championship class. Of these, Phil Stader, opting to bring his Midget out of his extensive collection and share it with the MAC's David Nursey, was the top scorer. With more points in his A35 the following day, he would finish the weekend lying in a Championship fifth place. Top scorers in the massive, 35-strong HSA class, all of whom collared the 17 points by breaking their respective HSA records, were Andrew Cottrill, his corner-cutting Impreza leading home Tim Richardson's Elise in A3; Martin Ellis in his Mk2 Escort, who outpaced his fellow A2 runner, the now Honda S2000-mounted Dean Cubitt, by over two seconds; Andrew Till's distinctive MG Rover ZR105 and Jason Tunnicliffe, the Peugeot driver managing to steal four tenths over Chris Berrisford's Impreza in A3. Fyrth Crosse and Rob Thomson were the next highest scorers, both on 15 points. A tenth of a second outside his own HSA class record, F3 Ensign driver Crosse would add to his score the following day to end the weekend third overall on the series table, while Thomson established a new Prescott Class S1 record, having got both himself and his absolutely standard Clio well warmed up after a series of 'red flag' re-runs!

It was single-seaters versus 'Locaterfields' to the fore on scratch in the dedicated HSA class. Stephen Potter set the outright pace in his OMS with a 42.58 while experienced National campaigner Simon Jenks, although not registered for the Championship, closed to within half a second in his Caterham-Suzuki. Despite a problematic first run, Mark Schlanker carved through the field for third place in his OMS-Honda to edge out the flame-spitting Westfield-Vauxhall of 2007 HSA champion John Bradshaw. Bradshaw in turn headed HSA chairman Chris Howard-Harris as top scorer in the Modified Specialist Production group, Class D enjoying the biggest support with six cars. Simon McBeath led the way in the 4-car Formula Ford scrap, almost a second clear of Charlie Reilly in a Swift/Van Diemen duel.

Stephen Potter set the outright pace among the HSA competitors (Derek Hibbert)


John Bradshaw's flame-spitting Westfield headed the Class D runners (Derek Hibbert)


Andrew Cottrill cuts Ettore's fine on his way to an HSA record (Derek Hibbert)

Debbie Dunbar first lady to take FTD at Shelsely

Event 15 at Shelsley Walsh on 17/06/2018

The track was dry and after five days of use in as many weeks, it should have been in good fettle, but times proved to be slower than expected. At about 3pm there were just a few spots of rain, although these were so few and light that they could not be detected on the bonnets or windscreens of the cars in the paddock.

In the standard car (up to 1400cc) class, HSA drivers filled the top 4 places, Leslie Wilson winning in his Clio and reducing the HSA class record by almost 2 seconds! Colin Davies (Honda CivicType R) was also below the old HSA class record one and a quarter seconds behind. HSA man Martin Ellis won the 1400 to 2000cc class in his Escort Mk 2, half a second ahead of Adrian Read’s Elise. Andrew Cottrill made it hat-trick for HSA by easily winning the over 2-litre class in his Impreza (by more than 5 seconds!!) and also broke his own 2013 HSA class record so gaining him 17 championship points and 5^th place overall in the championship.

Anthony Shearman (Caterham 310R with ‘standard’ 150bhp Ford engine) continued HSA’s winning streak in class B1/B2 for road-going specialist production cars by a tenth from the Tiger R6 of Lee Gavins. Lee had been leading the class after the first runs, but a ‘clean’ (no damage) spin in the Esses on his second run let Shearman get ahead.

In the Modified Prod cars upto 2 litres, the impressive Sarah Bosworth (Elise, of course) yet again showed the men how to do it - winning the class by almost a second – pity she is not an HSA member! In the over 2-litre class Chris Berrisford’s Impreza was fastest of the day at 31.28s – until the single-seater boys and girls did their stuff. But Chris won the class with a full one-second advantage over runner-up Keith Bristow (Exige V6). In class D for Modified Specialist Production Cars, the 1-litre Raw Striker of HSA driver James Robertson took a narrow win over Chris Goodreds’ 2-litre Caterham. Paul Batey (HSA - 1000cc Rawlson Space-frame Stiletto) won his class by almost three seconds over 2-litre opposition.

The only real drama of the day was provided by Karl Schollar in his amazing 6-wheeled Spectre in the up to 1100cc racing car class. In practice he had an intermittent loss of power which he thought was likely to be an electrical/wiring fault or perhaps spark plugs. Unfortunately the plugs are easily accessible in that car, so it was unlikely that things would be any better on the timed runs. Actually they got much worse. On the approach to kennel bend the go-kart inspired machine visited first the left-hand bank and then nosed into the right-hand bank to its detriment – had the engine suddenly found full power again? Fortunately, no injury to the driver – except his wallet perhaps. Clive Austin (Empire Wraith) took the class win in 28.67, with HSA driver Steven Potter (OMS 2000M) just 0.6 seconds down.

In the over-1100cc racing car class, the women were the sensation of the meeting. First, Lindsay Summers (HSA) shot up the hill in her 2.5 litre DJ Firestorm in 28.34s to record the fastest time so far, only for her co-driver Debbie Dunbar to post an amazing 26.88s. Both ladies went quicker still on their second runs with Lindsay posting a 28.08s followed soon after by Debbie setting FTD in a terrific 26.46s run – it looked ever-so quick!

In the classic and one-make classes, Geoff Stallard (HSA) was fastest in his highly modified Elan (35.24s) but Bill Drysdale’s Porsche 904 (38.99s) won on handicap. Sarah Thorne in her Lotus 61/69 special won the classic racing car class on handicap (34.64s) with Keith Harris (Chevron B25) recording the best time in the class in just under 30 seconds.

Tom Whittaker in his glorious Aston GT4 won his AMOC Championship class.In the Morgan 8 class, Peter Garland had difficulties on the start line. He aborted his first start when the traffic lights went from green to red just as he set off, so he was given a second attempt. Then the car stumbled as it left the line and stopped before the rear wheels had crossed the start line – so a false start and he was given a third attempt! That was no better – worse in fact, as again the engine bogged down and he stopped again, but this time his rear wheels had crossed the start line by about 1 inch, so he was given a failed run. At the 2^nd timed runs, there were no problems for him, the Morgan rushing up the hill in a most impressive way to record 32.11s and the class win.

In the Welsh Association of Motor Clubs Trident Championship class there were just three entries with the win going to the supercharged Elise driven by Ben Burggraaf. Tim Pennington won the Westfield SCC class in 31.36s. The meeting concluded with 13 Triumph cars of TR3/TR4/ Dolly Sprint/Vitesse/GT6/TR6/TR7/TR8 varieties. Unsurprisingly, Steve Small’s 4.6 TR7V8 won in 34.67s, more than 4 seconds quicker than runner-up Nick Smith (TR6).

Of the 18 classes run by MAC, six were won by HSA drivers and one was 2^nd FTD.

The new record at Shelsley? In a 113-years, Debbie Dunbar became the first lady to win Shelsley outright – congratulations Debbie – your name will, for ever, be in the list of Shelsley FTD winners.

Debbie Dunbar set an historic FTD in the DJ Firestorm (R McDonald)


Ben Wilamowski guides his BMW through the Esses (R McDonald)


Anthony Shearman, class winner in the Caterham 310R (R McDonald)

Records tumble at Curborough

Event 14 at Curborough on 10/06/2018

HSA Speed Championship enjoyed a successful day at the Owen Motoring Club's traditional Graham Hill Sprint held on the Corborough Fig 8 course.

Leslie Wilson, Nick Tearle (both in Clios), Andrew Cottrill (Impreza), Geoff Stallard (TVR), Andrew Webber (Elan +2), Mike Henney (Elan), Philip Stader (Alfa), Steven Potter (OMS) and Pete Goulding (Mygale) all broke the existing class records.

Chris Green took FTD in his OMS 28 with a 53.11s run from Pete Goulding's Mygale and Steven Potter's OMS.

Chris Green lifts a wheel on his way to FTD (Melvyn Cox)


Mark Williams tries to lift 2 wheels in the Clio (Melvyn Cox)


Marin Parkes' immaculate Imp (Melvyn Cox)

Stallard halts Webber's charge at Pembrey

Event 13 at Pembrey on 03/06/2018

By completing a Pembrey maximum score double Geoff Stallard halted Andrew Webber's increasing lead in the SBD HSA Speed Championship. In the battle of the Lotus Elans Geoff came out on top again on the Sunday leaving Andrew (who is already dropping scores) unable to increase his Championship lead.

The same 28 HSA stayed on for Day 2 of the Pembrey Sprint week-end and enjoyed even warmer weather which caused many competitors to 'plateau' andstruggle to improve their times. One such was Adam Phelps (Westfield Busa) who was frustrated after recording indentical practice and T1 times and go slower on T2 - but he still came out on top of all the HSA Class D competitors including former champions Howard-Harris and Bradshaw and John Loudon who was second. Elen Worthington overcame thie problem by putting on slicks for T2 in her Elise and found 3.5 secs! Also going quicker was Ben Wilamowski having his first ever Sprint week-end (and lots of fun) in his perfectly standard BMW 318is - it would have eligible for the Standard Class except for its age.

Also setting new HSA Class records were Simon Bainbridge (SBR Chrono) and Robert Thomson (Clio).

Anthony Shear an used his extensive racing experience to get his Caterham commendably close to Mike Smith’s Striker while in the 1100cc Racing Car class Chris Jones continued to dominate but Martin Pickles reversed the order from Saturday to finish second ahead of Chris Bennett. In the battle of the. Mygales Pete Goulding closed to within half a second of Graham Blackwell

Carole Nicholls enjoying Pembrey in her Nike (Kim Broughton)


John Bradshaw is still getting to grips with his new Westfield (Kim Broughton)

Too hot in Wales?

Event 12 at Pembrey on 02/06/2018

It was great to catch up with fellow HSA Members whilst sitting outside the circuit gates on the Friday afternoon before the Pembrey Double Header, but that was all that was good about it. Once in to the venue we all settled down to a good weekend’s competition.

A large entry, problems with timing equipment, and limited track visibility from the control tower, lead to a slow day on the Saturday, with entrants in the Paul Matty series once again concerned about whether they would get their second timed runs before the curfew. Happily everyone got their runs and times improved throughout the day on a warm dry track. However despite the good conditions, with the exception of Robert Thomson in S1, Geoff Stallard in U2 ,and Chris Jones in Class I, none of the HSA competitors could beat the existing Class records.

Rob Thomson won his Class on the Saturday moving the S1 Class record on and Geoff Stallard beat his own longstanding U2 record on the Saturday to earn maximum points and hold back Andy Webber, who is currently leading the championship.

Chris Jones also won his Class, with dual drive partner Chris Bennett making it a one two on the Saturday. Chris Jones also set a new Class I record of 97.07s after his main competition, Ian Parr, was sidelined following a spin in his Jedi which destroyed his starter (replaceable) and his clutch (a bigger problem)

Competitors on the Sunday paid the price for the slow running on the Saturday and practice was curtailed to one run, whilst the organisers caught up with the top 12 run offs from the previous day. Generally, due to the heat, times were slower on the Sunday and this was particularly noticeable on the majority of last timed runs.

Nevertheless a good weekend of competition, albeit there were a few organisational issues which marred the weekend for some.

Paul Meadows in C2 won his class on both days, but was left chasing the 115.04 set by Colin Satchell in his very rapid Peugeot 205. Similarly Adam Phelps in Class D drove well all weekend and was consistently in the 107’s, but he still couldn’t quite get to Matt Hillam’s record of 105.42. It was good to see Matt and the SBD Westfield back out on track for the weekend.

Steve Broughton in Class K was second in Class on the Saturday with dual driver Matt Hillam taking 3^rd behind him

Zoe Kingham's first event in the SBD Westfield


Dual drive duo Zoe & Anthony Shearman


John Bradshaw,Carole Nicholls and Spanner (Hazel), John Loudon and Paul Meadows

Warm Wales assists front runners

Event 11 at Llandow on 12/05/2018

16 HSA members made the journey to Llandow in South Wales and the weather was kind to them – even though it rained the previous evening, the day dawned with sunshine to dry the circuit, although some would no doubt claim that first practice was damp, but at the point where it counts the timed runs were dry with occasional burst of sunshine. With such a wet start to the season we have all become a bit obsessed with the weather.

In class A1 we had Bob Ridge-Stearn in his new Fiat Panda and Andrew Till in the MG ZR105 94.30 competing against a very quick class record of 90.02.

In class B1 Anthony Sherman recently moved to B1 and dual driving his Caterham with daughter Zoe, ended on an 87.24, but Mike Smith took first in class on 86.43.

In the highly competitive class D, Adams Phelps won with an excellent 73.91, which goes to show how amazing the long-standing class record set by Matt Hillam of 72.54 really is. Adam was 4^th overall on the day. Also in class were Chris Howard-Harris 77.36, Charlotte Phelps 79.44, James Robertson 79.86 and Lynn Gilbert 79.89. All 5 competitors finished in the top 12.

In class F Luke Trotman was first in class, and 5^th overall, with his run of 75.48, which was agonisingly close to the class record of 75.38.

In U2 Geoff Stallard, Andrew Webber and Callum Barney all beat the existing class record of 101.6 – Geoff by over 12 seconds!

In class W Fyrth Crosse also moved the HSA record with his run of 80.69 against the Llandow record of 82.57

At this early point in the season Andrew Webber and Fyrth Crosse are leading the overall championship and their performances at Llandow have strengthened their position – however there is still a long way to go.

The championship moves on to Pembrey on the 2^nd and 3^rd June – lets hope Wales can deliver another weekend of fair weather.

Andrew Webber breaking for Bus Stop


Bob Ridge-Stearn explores the limits of the Panda


Mike Smith's Westfield through Bus Stop

Wheeler again at Werrington

Event 10 at Werrington on 06/05/2018

Ben Wheeler repeated his FTD performance from the Saturday on the second day of Plymouth Motor Club's May Werrington week-end with a 33.19s run in his Empire Evo 2. He was again followed by Andrew Forsyth (OMS CF04) and Mike Lee (OMS 3000M).

Martin Ellis (Escort MK2) and Andrew Webber (Elan +2) were both able to put their Saturday runs to good use by setting new HSA records on the Sunday. In fact the 1800cc Roadgoing Series Production Class saw one of the tightest finishesimaginable. Tony Wiltshire won in his Elise with a 41.72s followed by Saturday winner, James Hudson's Golf on 41.73s (set on T1) and Martin Ellis also on a 41.73s but set on T2.

Fyrth Crosse was unable to improve on his Saturday time but got close to score well. With Adam Steel not present on the Sunday it was left to Ben Bonfield to take the 1100cc Racing Car Class in his Jedi MK4.

Andrew Dinner reversed his Saturday position by taking a close win (0.10s) from Dave Gardner in the battle of the Pilbeams.

A class win for Andrew Dinner's Pilbeam (Howie Fowler)


Fyrt Crosse had a successful week-end in the Ensign (Howie Fowler)

Wheeler's Empire on top at Werrington

Event 9 at Werrington on 05/05/2018

Ben Wheeler took his 1600 Busa engined Empire Evo 2 to FTD (33.50s) on the first day of Plymouth Motor Club's May Werrington week-end. He was followed by Andrew Forsyth's OMS CF04 (34.59s) and regular Wiscombe front runner, Mike Lee's 'new' OMS 3000M on 35.16s.

The very competitive 1800cc Roadgoing Series Production class saw the Class win go to James Hudson's Golf followed by Tony Wiltshire's Elise and a maximum HSA points scoring (new record) Martin Ellis' Escort who had it all to do on his second run after a fail on the first. Andrew Webber was in the same Class and again scored well to keep him well up in the HSA Championship.

Elsewhere, Adam Steel predictably won the 1100cc Racing Car Class in the very rapid Martlet AS1 while in the 1600cc Class Fyrth Crosse set a new HSA record in his Ensign LNF3 and in the 2000cc Class Speedscene columnist, Andrew Dinner (Pilbeam MP82), was narrowly beaten (by 0.08s) by Dave Gardner's earlier (MP62) model.

FTD went to Ben Wheeler in the Emoire (Howie Fowler)


Martin Ellis was going well in the MK2 Escort (Howie Fowler)

Webber extends lead at Goodwood

Event 7 at Goodwood on 28/04/2018

Andrew Webber may only have been able to take a single run at Goodwood on April 28th but it was good enough for third in Class on the day and break the HSA Class record by seven seconds to secure maximum points and move even further ahead in the SBD HSA Speed Championship.

Ten HSA Speed Series entrants made it as far as a chilly south coast for the seasons 7^th round at Goodwood to enjoy the sprint organised by Bognor Regis Motor Club. The event was full with a field of 100 cars filling the neat paddock bays. The season’s weather continues to be unpredictable but fortunately torrential rain on Friday night was replaced with grey but dry skies on Saturday.

Andrew Till in a competitive class, took 3^rd with his first timed run, beating his own A1 HSA record by 0.6 seconds for a maximum score. Mike Smith was sadly on his own in B1, valiantly battling his own class record, set before the recent Road Going tyre rule changes, but ended up 0.8 seconds off.

There was no existing record for Class D, so this was set by Chris Howard-Harris at 90.69s, Chris also took the class win, and 9^th overall on the day. Clive Wooster was on his own in Class F and so was left battling with the single seaters for overall position. Malcolm Boorman in his OMS 2000M took FTD with a very rapid 80.01s, with the HSA’s Bill Gouldthorpe in second with another maximum score; Bill beating his own existing Class record by nearly 2 seconds. Clive was 4^th overall.

Behind the single seaters in the top 5 places came the Caterhams, who took up the remaining top ten spots, led by Rob Margel in his Caterham Hayabusa.

Clive Wooster readies the Radical for another run (Sean Barriskill)

Spring at last at Loton

Event 5 at Loton Park on 14/04/2018

The weather gods offered their first slight smile of the season at Loton, and despite the damp week before, Saturday dawned dry. The hill was inevitably and typically slippy for first practice, but in the afternoon the sun came out and actually started to put some heat in to the tarmac.

The entry list of 160 competitors and the green track led to a slow morning and a late lunch, with the event only rescued from an even later finish by the arrival of the sun. The pheasants at last learnt that motorsport can be dangerous and stopped wandering across the track.

Jamie Yapp, the sole HSA competitor in A1 was battling his own class record, eventually taking two seconds off it, and taking first in class.

The HSA S1 Class, competed in a large and competitive 1B class on the day, and although they could not trouble the front runners in 1B, Rob Thomson and Leslie Wilson beat the existing S1 class record in their Renault Clios, Rob moving it by over 3.5 seconds. Also in the same Class were Colin and Sarah Davies with their Civic Type R after a couple of seasons in a BMW.

Andrew Cottrill continued his run of moving his own A3 class records just south of their previous time, and also took the overall 1C Class win on the day.

Modified Specialist Production Cars saw a good battle between former HSA Champions, John Bradshaw and Chris Howard-Harris, with John taking the Class win, but it will take more practice, and a warmer day before Andy Dunbar’s 52.44s class record is beaten.

In Classic Saloons and Sports cars Andrew Webber (Elan +2) and Phillip Stader (a very lovely Austin A35) both scored well and took over the top 2 spots in the HSA Championship.

It was a Summers day in single seaters with Felix Summers taking the merged Racing Cars Up To 600cc and Up To 1100cc Class in the DJ Firehawk with a 49.84s - good enough for second FTD and the only other driver to break 50s. Alex and Richard Summers, in the Van Diemen RF80, took first and second respectively in a massive, 15 strong Class 9A of Formula Fords, which included the HSA J1 Class. Alex's time was particularly impressive as it was only a few tenths off the FF record on what was a 'slow' day and in an older car.

FTD went to Will Hall with a 47.16s in the Force WH.

Top marks for entertainment goes to the Sidecars, not only do you have to think about you, the vehicle and the track, there has to be total trust and understanding between driver and co-pilot. Great as always to watch.

Phillip Stader's Classic Austin A35 (Rob McDonald)


Sidecar entertainment at Loton (Geoff Robinson)


Will Hall took FTD in the Force WH (Ian Dowding)


Andrew Cottrill was in fime form in the Impreza (Rob McDonald)

Sketchley Cleans Up Again at Anglesey International Circuit Sprint

Event 4 at Anglesey on 08/04/2018

Round 4 of the SBD HSA Speed Championship was held on 8 April 2018, using the longer International circuit, again organised by Longton and District MC. The conditions were warm and dry for the seven HSA contenders, and again up to six timed runs were on offer for those who wished to take them. This time only one runner appeared in (HSA) class A2, namely Alistair Clark ( Lotus Elise S1) on 117.27.

John Loudon again ran solo in Class D, setting a time of 91.61 seconds, (although he then improved to a very rapid 88.98 on T5).

The 5 HSA classic car class U2 runners all stayed for day two. This time, Geoff Stallard in the TVR came out on top with a time of 104.57, setting a new class record and edging out Andrew Webber ( Elan +2) on 105.89 and Philip Stader (Alfa Berlina) on 109.11. Mike Henney (Elan S3) recorded 109.18 and Callum Barney (Cortina GT) 120.73.

Glyn Sketchley scored another fine FTD with his 1298 cc Force PT, recording 84.00 seconds at an average speed of 82.79mph on his third timed run, and passing through the speed trap at an impressive 134.2mph.

Callum Barney's Cortina (Neil Lambert)


Alistair Clark's Elise S1 (Neil Lambert)


Two more FTDs for Glyn Sketchley

Cold and Wet Anglesey National Circuit Sprint

Event 3 at Anglesey on 07/04/2018

The National circuit at Anglesey was the venue for round 3 of the SBD HSA Speed Championship on 7 April 2018, although only one lap of the circuit was used on this occasion. The conditions were cold and wet for the nine HSA contenders, and up to six timed runs were on offer for those with sufficient stamina, although only the first two counted for championship points. Three of these runners appeared in (HSA) class A2, led by Neil Trundle (VW Scirocco) on 71.50 seconds, followed by Shane Dyson ( Renault 5 GT turbo ) on 75.10 and then Alistair Clark ( Lotus Elise S1) on 78.42.

John Loudon ran solo in Class D, setting a time of 67.64 seconds.

The classic car class U2 is staging a comeback this year, with no fewer than 5 HSA runners spread across several event classes. Of these, the top three were extremely close, with Andrew Webber (Lotus Elan +2) on top with 73.01, then Philip Stader (Alfa Romeo Berlina) 73.18 and Geoff Stallard (TVR Vixen) on 73.34 seconds. Mike Henney (Elan S3) recorded 76.87 and Callum Barney (Ford Cortina GT) 84.81.

Glyn Sketchley scored a fine FTD with his 1298 cc Force PT, recording 60.91seconds at an average speed of 61.0 on his third timed run.

Nigel Trundle's Scirocco (Neil Lambert)


Mike Henney's Elan S3 (Neil Lambert)

Records tumble at Rockingham

Event 2 at Rockingham on 25/03/2018

The second day of the season’s opening weekend dawned damp and cool over a somewhat bleak looking Rockingham circuit. The overnight rain combined with the detritus of the previous days track day to produce a circuit fit for Torvill and Dean. Early runners in first practice tiptoed and pirouetted around the track, conditions were so slippery that when conditions improved, a number of drivers improved by over 21 seconds between their first and second practice runs.

24 HSA competitors arrived at Rockingham, 7 of whom had been at Castle Coombe the previous day – a great turn out for so early in the year. When the sun came out, times tumbled and class records that had at first looked unachievable started to fall – in fact 6 HSA class records were broken at Rockingham. Not bad for a cool day in mid March.

Firstly, in class A1, it was Andrew Till posting a creditable 92.19s, against the previous HSA class record of 94.26s, who began the record breaking; though his class was won on the day with a very quick 88.00s.

Andrew Cottrill in A3 was on excellent form in the Subaru Impreza, winning his class, and beating his own class record by 0.18s.

In Classic Modified Specialist Saloon and Sports Cars (pre‘76) Philip Stader, Andrew Webber and Mike Henney all beat Mike’s existing HSA class record, Andrew coming out on top in the Lotus Elan with an excellent 86.30s – bettering the class record by nearly 4 seconds.

Simon Bainbridge competing in his SBR Chrono V8, against Matt Carter’s 68.16s class record, beat it with a 67.85s on his final run. Steve Miles took FTD with a 67.96s in his Van Diemen on his own in the up to 2000cc Racing Car class.

And lastly, Class L saw a two way battle between Pete Goulding and Graham Blackwell, Pete winning with a new class record of 68.35s, over a second ahead of the previous time.

Elsewhere, George Haynes took the class win but will be ruing that his 81.34s was just 0.12s short of a new class record in J1, and in Class I, Racing Cars over 600cc and up to 1100cc, the three HSA competitors Tony Beesley, Stuart Bickley and Martin Pickles took the top three places in their Jedi’s– Tony winning with a 69.97s.

Well done to all the class winners – it already looks like it will be a very competitive season – those winter upgrades are paying dividends already.

Graham Blackwell, class winner and 4th overall (S Santos-Wing)


Steve Miles took FTD in the Van Diemen (S Santos-Wing)


A new HSA record for Andrew Webber's Elan (S Santos-Wing)


Graham Mintram has swapped his Phoenix for a Delta HF (S Santos-Wing)

Crosse, Webber & Gouldthorpe front runners at Combe

Event 1 at Castle Combe on 24/03/2018

The SBD HSA Speed Championship's traditional Castle Combe opener on March 24th welcomed competitors with typical early Spring weather. Cold and damp. For the single practice run on this 1 3/4 lap configuration there was plenty of standing water and even a couple of small piles of snow at the side of the track. Spins were numerous along with early season glitches including Pete Goulding's Mygale which suffered ECU problems which were only really resolved in time for his final Top 12 Run Off run but left him with a poor HSA score.

The capacity entry included 20 HSA competitors starting with ex Motorcycle racer Charles White in his Elise in 2000cc Series Production. Late arrival (!) Tim Richardson found 12 seconds on his second run in his Elise 250 to tie for third in 2600cc Series Production class with Dave Greenslade's Lancer. They were only three tenths behind Simon Clemow (sharing the Greenslade Lancer) but some way behined the class winning and very rapid Fiesta of Pete Goodman.

There was a good turnout of MX5s in the Bristol MX5 Challenge class with only a few seconds covering the top half dozen drivers and Tom Caldecourt taking the win. Across the classes there were 18 MX5s entered but sadly none from the HSA owing to the heavy oversubscription.

Striker driver, Mike Smith, won his Specialist Production class but was a little short of his own HSA record while similarly mounted local man, James Robertson, was up against Bob Bellerby's very fast Riot in the Modified class. Following some winter work including attention to the cooling system James wasn't able to match the Riot's pace but still scored decent HSA points.

With Andrew Webber, joining the swelling ranks in the Saloon and Sports car class there is going to be some good competition this year. At Combe Andrew's Elan finished just ahead of Philip Stader's Alfa to take a maximum points score as did Bill Gouldthorpe (OMS ) and Fyrth Crosse (Mallock).

Carole Nicholls brought along her Nike MK4 which is co owned with her sister. The car was the second FF Nike built by their Father, Ken Nicholls and was recently re-patriated from France. Special mention goes to Luke Trotman in his Mallock MK18B who, after a fail on T1, set an impressive 136.16s on T2 which would have qualified him for the British Sprint Run Off.

Luke Trotman was in fine form in the Mallock (A Mitchelmore)


Philip Stader's Alfa (A Mitchelmore)


Carole Nicholls in the Nike MK4 (A Mitchelmore)