BRITISH SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP REPORTS

The sun sets on the 2024 Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship at Combe

Event 22 at Castle Combe on 12/10/2024
Steve Miles reports

There was a distinct end of term party feel to the last meeting of the season as all the places down to 9^th had been decided, but everyone was up for a good day out at the longest and fastest venue in the calendar in Wiltshire.

Steve Broughton was sporting a lovely new Öhlins damper set and was eager to try them out on a circuit he loves. This year’s champion Chris Jones had done nothing to the car since putting it in the trailer at Anglesey and admitted to still being amazed and trying to come to terms with his success. Steve Miles and John Loudon had tweaked the gearing to suit, and Lloyd Bettinson — chasing a permanent number, had stiffened the front springs on his new Jedi.

All week we had been promised a dry sunny day, but overnight rain left the track more than moist, then a 09:00 short shower saw a frantic tyre change before the practice run. Bristol Motor Club ran a slick event over the nearly three miles of 1¾ laps, but with multiple cars on track and slotting in between runners, plus a few crashes, oil spills and offs in the rain, it was into the afternoon before timed runs commenced.

A decision was issued to all that due to the time left, the two afternoon runs were to be scoring runs, not qualifying which made sense and maximised the scoring potential. With a drying track and everyone on slicks, times soon came down.

Outgoing champion Pete Goulding showed the rest how it was done and posted FTD to win the first run-off, despite not having got the message that it was a run-off, had gone out with old tyres on and lifted over the finish line as he was catching someone up! Steve Broughton, with old teammate and 2022 champion Matt Hillam as paddock pup, couldn’t repeat his stunning wet form where in practice he was 15 seconds ahead of Goulding, but took a worthy 2^nd place. John Loudon, in his Laser Tools sponsored Force lived up to his 2024 finishing position with a 3^rd, but confessed that the puddles on the entry to Camp had put him off slightly and he drove the wrong line to avoid them. Chris Jones had his worse finishing position of the season in 4^th, as he elected to drive through the puddles, which resulted in spin at 100mph, but he kept going to post a still acceptable time.

Lloyd Bettison, with new stiffer suspension working well, was very pleased with a 5^th. Telsonic Ultrasonics supported Steve Miles was still suffering from clutch issues and posted an 8.8secs 64ft time after inadvertently triggering the beam and did a double attempted start; apart from that, he declared a good run and was initially at a loss to explain the slow time. Graham Porrett got a bit of a tank-slapper on the fast Quarry approach and nearly left the track but apart from losing time, all was OK. The ex-Bill Gouldthorpe OMS bequeathed to Carole Torkington was getting quicker each run to put her in 8^th.

Ben Bonfield had ‘upgraded’ his Challenge Cup entry status to the ‘full championship’ and wanted to get some run-off points this weekend and posted a great 9^th place on his first attempt, despite an intensive and tiring season. Nick Scott hadn’t driven the venue before, but had cycled it in the opposite direction 20 years ago and each run bought the times down. Newly sponsored by Fix Autos, Ant Brown brought up the last position in his ‘Rowdy Audi’!

Top 12 Run-off: Castle Combe Rd 43
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 118.94 (+0.00)
2. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 120.06 (+1.12)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 123.34 (+4.40)
4. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 126.68 (+7.74)
5. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 128.65 (+9.71)
6. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 129.50 (+10.56)
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 134.39 (+15.45)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 137.07 (+18.13)
9. Ben Bonfield (1.0 OMS 2000M) 137.28 (+18.34)
10. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 150.42 (+31.48)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 177.32 (+58.38)

As the sun began to get low on the horizon, everyone gathered for the final run-off of the season, best tyres deployed, but in the queue, most of the drivers were informed that due to the time and 18:00 curfew, this was not to be the run-off, but a qualifying run.

The biggest qualifying incident was when Goulding’s Mygale shed its engine cover up Avon Rise on the first lap and in doing so, ripped off a union on the high pressure fuel system. Strangely, this didn’t slow him down when the engine was running but he was red flagged and as he came back into the pits, a significant fuel spray was now occurring, luckily without any resulting incidents! The engine cover didn’t fare so well however as was hit full on by the next competitor!

Back in the paddock, not everyone took the run-off as final positions couldn’t be changed, the sun was close to the horizon and at the high speed venue, drivers were happy to put the car away in one piece.  Broughton however was eager for more track tuning time, and Jones wanted to finish the season on a high, which he certainly did! Bonfield made the most of his two-year-old Avons that no longer have wear markers in them to come an excellent 3^rd. Torkington improved further to post her best finish of the season and Nick slipped a few seconds due to driving one handed at one point to shield his eyes from the very low setting sun!

Top 12 Run-off: Castle Combe Rd 44

1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 119.32 (+0.00)

2.   Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 119.87 (+0.55)
3.   Ben Bonfield (1.0 OMS 2000M) 132.59 (+13.27)
4.   Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 138.25 (+18.93)
5.   Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 154.32 (+35.00)

The final positions moved around in the base of the table with Lloyd Bettinson who started the season registered for the Challenge Cup, upgraded to the BSC after the first Anglesey and then switched to a single seater in the summer took the last permanent number for use in 2025. Graham Blackwell only did the first half of the season after a crash at Mallory and dropped to 11^th. Carole’s reward for her performance at this event was to move up to 10^th. All the remaining places stayed unchanged.

In the last five years, there have been five different British Sprint Champions in a wide range of cars. Pete Goulding defended his 2023 title very well against a strong challenge from Graham Blackwell, but the incredible performances, stunning averages and records set by Jones in the 998cc car in the second half of the season have been exemplary. The CCC team — Chris and Christine Bennett — car owners, Chris Price — engineer and data and Chris Jones — driver have stunned all year and the collective paddock warmly congratulated the Droitwich based, graphic design/cutting company owner as the beers were dished out!

2024 Woodford Trailers HSA British Sprint Championship
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 750 points
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 734 points
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 687 points
4. Steve Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 674 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 613 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 540 points
7. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 493 points
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 461 points
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 457 points
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 415 points
11. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
12. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 347 points








 

Jones continues his domination, despite ‘mission complete’

Event 21 at Anglesey on 06/10/2024
John Loudon reports:

Day two of the Anglesey sprint weekend took to the longer International layout for the day. Chris Jones had already been confirmed as the 2024 Woodford Trailers British Sprint champion the previous day after a string of scintillating performances throughout the season, relegating long-term Championship leader and 2023 champion Peter Goulding to second overall. Third place was still up for grabs between John Loudon and Stephen Miles, and other placings were also still liable to change.

No overnight casualties meant that all the previous day’s runners were still in contention. Early morning rain showers had dampened the track, so most opted for wets or for intermediate tyres. Those with sixteen wheels nuts and ride height adjustments to make, opted for slicks. Practice was uneventful apart from Lloyd Bettinson having to resolve a fuel pump issue prior to being able to venture out.  Most reported a slippery track but little else of importance.

Qualifying run one had most, except for Robert Tonge and Bainbridge, back on to slicks, despite the track still not being fully dry. Pete Goulding had a near miss after almost failing to stop at the first corner. Steve Miles went one stage further and took to the grass at the first corner. Chris Jones did the same but one corner later. All survived and regained the track. Nick Scott made a sixteen second improvement by actually using the accelerator. Grahame Harden reported a smile per second, as he seemingly liked driving in the conditions.

Run-off one had Chris Jones showing his dominance once again, but this time just 0.02 seconds ahead of outgoing champion Pete Goulding. John Loudon again outplaced Steve Miles for third, who admitted his launch had been awful whilst trying to nurse his clutch issues from the previous day. Miles was initially fourth, but was later relegated to fifth by a rerun time for Grahame Harden which slotted in between Loudon and Miles. Robert Tonge confessed to needing slicks rather than wets but managed sixth, narrowly fending off the Jedi of Lloyd Bettinson who was happy with his time. Simon Bainbridge admitted that his run was terrible, that he had nearly lost it at the second corner and that his wets were now destroyed. Nick Scott improved by seven seconds and came ninth, ahead of Graham Porrett and Ant Brown who had a moment in sixth gear on the approach to Rocket which made him concentrate and clench somewhat.

Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Int Rd 41
1.Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 79.62 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 79.64 (+0.02)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 82.87 (+3.25)
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 83.05 (+3.43)
5. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 83.83 (+4.21)
6. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 87.20 (+7.58)
7. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 87.68 (+8.06)
8. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 89.13 (+9.51)
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 94.81 (+15.19)
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 95.18 (+15.56)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 110.91 (+31.29)

Run-off two was missing the SBR Crono of Simon Bainbridge who had broken a driveshaft during qualifying. Steve Miles was using amended launch control settings in his MBE ECU in a further attempt to improve his starts while safeguarding his clutch. Pete Goulding said his run felt perfect and reached 150mph on the back straight for the first time, but was disappointed with his time. Chris Jones reported the same but still beat Goulding in the process, continuing his domination. John Loudon again finished third, just 0.06 seconds ahead of Miles which — to his delight — was enough to secure third overall in the Championship. Robert Tonge bagged fifth place whilst hitting the rev limiter on the back straight. Grahame Harden was sixth, with no comment other than that he was happy. Lloyd Bettinson was seventh and extremely happy with another two second improvement to get into the 85 second bracket. Nick Scott was happy to have cracked the 90 second barrier and came eighth ahead of Graham Porrett in ninth who thought he was trying to go too quickly into corners which was costing him. Ant Brown came in tenth and was pleased with his best run of the day.

Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Int Rd 42

1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 78.64 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 78.75 (+0.11)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 81.68 (+3.04)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 81.74 (+3.10)
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 82.64 (+4.00)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 83.82 (+5.18)
7. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 85.81 (+7.17)
8. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 89.95 (+11.31)
9. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 90.98 (+12.34)
10. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 106.87 (+28.23)
11. N/A
12. N/A

Championship standings after round 42
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 747 points
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 732 points
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 685 points
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 674 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 613 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 536 points
7. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 491 points
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 461 points
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 420 points
10. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale Ecoboost) 384 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 375 points
12. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 324 points

FTD went to Peter Goulding (1.6t  Mygale FF 200) with a time of 78.25 seconds.

The final round of the Championship is at Castle Combe circuit on Saturday 12^th October.
 

Jones gets the job done

Event 20 at Anglesey on 05/10/2024
John Loudon reports:

The Saturday event of the penultimate weekend of the 2024 Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship took place at Anglesey’s National Circuit. With many Championship places still up for grabs, eleven competitors made the worthwhile journey to this fabulous venue to partake in the popular event put on by Longton and District Motor Club for rounds 39 and 40 of the 2024 season.

Joining the fray for a late season appearance was the popular Simon Bainbridge and team in his SBR Crono, complete with party bus, fresh from winning the Tin Top Challenge on the hills. Also making a limited appearance for the season was Robert Tonge in his Force TA. Season-long absent driver Mark Anson who is taking a break from driving whilst setting up his new business, joined us to spectate and rejoin the atmosphere.

Several places were up for grabs over the course of the weekend, in particular the battle for the top spot between Pete Goulding and the seemingly unstoppable force in the form of Chris Jones, and the fight for third overall between John Loudon and Steve Miles, along with several other placings that could still be traded.

Practice saw a few noticeable occurrences.  First car out Pete Goulding found the wrong line through Seamans at the bottom of the hill and had an ‘off’. Steve Miles, fresh from his previous day’s track day familiarisation, was having clutch issues due to suspected soft clutch cover plate fingers for the second time this year. Several drivers reported slippery conditions while others were just there for fun and weren’t taking it that seriously.

Qualifying for run-off one still had Pete Goulding struggling for front end grip and Steve Miles joined the understeer brigade. John Loudon was finding the opposite — a replacement front monoshock had returned the delightful handling on his Force TA and had him having to turn away from apexes such was the improvement. Unusually, Grahame Harden was experiencing an intermittent misfire which was suspected to be bad fuel.

Run-off one had the seemingly unstoppable Chris Jones show the way with a new 1100cc single seater class record to win the opening run-off, heaping pressure on Goulding who could only muster fourth and was still ruing lack of grip. John Loudon set a new PB for second, making it a Force TA one/two. Steve Miles was starting without launch control to give his clutch an easier time and managed third. Robert Tonge brought his Force TA home in fifth to make it three Force TAs in the top five positions. The fun seekers of Simon Bainbridge and Grahame Harden followed in sixth and seventh ahead of the hard pushing Lloyd Bettinson in his Jedi, now with newly equipped LSD. Nick Scott set a new PB in ninth and Graham Porrett and Ant brown rounded off the placings, the latter pleased with his first 64 foot time and having no dramas out on track.

Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Nat Rd 39
 

1. Chris Jones (0 Force TA) 47.19 (+0.00)
2. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 48.59 (+1.40)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 48.77 (+1.58)
4. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 49.02 (+1.83)
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 50.13 (+2.94)
6. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 50.52 (+3.33)
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 50.95 (+3.76)
8. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 53.30 (+6.11)
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 54.46 (+7.27)
10. Graham Porret (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 54.67 (+7.48)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 62.07 (+14.88)
12. N/A

Qualifying for run-off two had Pete Goulding don his best slicks to go within 0.3secs of his class record. Steve Miles was adjusting launch settings to match his newly-found rear end grip from the Friday test day, but his clutch was to complain later in the day and they were abandoned. John Loudon was continuing to tumble his times and set new another PB, but still short of the hard-charging Chris Jones in a similar car, although gradually getting closer. Graham Porrett forgot to engage his paddle shift air compressor and Lloyd Bettinson was still learning the track but making steady improvements. Grahame Harden’s intermittent misfire made a brief return but fortunately not enough to hamper proceedings too much.

Run-off two had Pete Goulding set off first, and was over the moon with his time which he hoped would be enough. John Loudon however bettered his own PB by over a second and relegated Golding to second. Later in the running order, championship contender Chris Jones beat both of them with yet another new 1100cc class record and again took the run-off win to jump ahead of the Championship table for the first time during the season, now uncatchable at the top of the score charts. Stephen Miles made a big improvement but to his dismay, ended up in fourth, the top four all extremely close, separated by a mere 0.45 of a second. The rest of the placings were identical to the first run-off, apart from Graham Porrett getting the better of Nick Scott and trading places despite deploying traction control, and Lloyd Bettinson now really getting to grips with the layout, smashing his PB and rounding off a good day.

Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Nat Rd 40
 

1. Chris Jones (0 Force TA) 47.05 (+0.00)
2. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 47.22 (+0.17)
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 47.37 (+0.32)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 47.50 (+0.45)
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 49.17 (+2.12)
6. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 49.76 (+2.71)
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 50.12 (+3.07)
8. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 51.46 (+4.41)
9. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 54.29 (+7.24)
10. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 54.69 (+7.64)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 61.36 (+14.31)
12. N/A

Championship standings after round 40

1. Chris Jones (0 Force TA) 742 points
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 728 points
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 680 points
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 672 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 604 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 532 points
7. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 485 points
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 461 points
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 385 points
10. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 375 points
12. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 301 points

Congratulations to Chris Jones who ended the day as 2024 Woodford Trailers British Sprint Champion for his well-earned exploits throughout the season, with Pete Goulding safely in second and John Loudon still clinging on to third ahead of Steve Miles in fourth.

FTD went to Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) with a time of 47.05 seconds.
 

Jones turns up the championship heat

Event 19 at Pembrey on 15/09/2024
John Loudon reports:

Day two of the BARC Wales organised September visit to Pembrey of the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship took to the Club circuit. Early casualties from the previous day meant no show for Steve Brown, Gary Buckingham and Mike Froggett.

Paddock consensus was that rain would start around lunchtime, so some good planning by the BARC organising team ensured at least three timed runs before lunch.

The main talking point of the morning was a visit by James Hutchings from Waltham Tyres with some MRF branded slicks for Pete Goulding to trial for the morning. With the current supply issues of the favoured Pirelli Ultrasoft tyres, the rest of the paddock gathered to bombard James about their desires and wishes like bees around a honey pot.
Steve Miles had managed to interrupt Steve Broughton’s holiday to obtain car setup modifications in a bid to improve on the previous day’s runs. Nick Scott was left struggling to start his Force TA as his starter motor wiring seemed to be defying logic and not working as expected.

Practice was pretty uneventful for those who made it, but Pete Goulding was trying out the aforementioned MRF test tyres. Unsure how hard he could push immediately, they stayed adjourned for qualifying run one to have a second go, whereafter James from Waltham Tyres was to feed back to the factory for further development. In the meantime, Nick Scott’s car had decided to play and, duly started, he made the qualifying run. Lloyd Bettinson entered the tight left just past paddock crossing a little too aggressively and nearly joined the rallycross circuit.

Run-off one had Chris Jones’s Force TA behaving itself again after unplugging and re-connecting the electric water pump, which enabled him to take his third run-off win of the weekend ahead of Pete Goulding who was now back on Pirelli slicks. Steve Miles took third by just 0.1secs from John Loudon, who had to settle for fourth — much to his annoyance! Grahame Harden again came in fifth; on now bald Pirellis and unable to make any apexes, he was still ahead of the tight battle for sixth between Lloyd Bettinson and Carole Torkington, with Torkington coming out on top by just 0.15secs. Bettinson had made some front damper setting changes to prevent his spins at the tight left hander just past paddock crossing and was gradually chipping away at reducing his times and PBs. Ant Brown rounded off the field in eighth. To his dismay, Nick Scott’s starting gremlins had returned whilst he was in the queue to the line; he was unable to take his run and called it a day.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey Club Round 37

1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 104.98 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 106.95 (+1.97)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 107.35 (+2.37)
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 107.45 (+2.47)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 114.74 (+9.76)
6. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 119.21 (+14.23)
7. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 119.36 (+14.38)
8. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 147.35 (+42.37)
9. N/A
10. N/A
11. N/A
12. N/A

Qualifying for the second run off of the day was squeezed in before lunch, ahead of the threatened rain. A few water droplets landed during the proceedings, but they were just toying with us and the rain shower passed by just north of the circuit. Chris Jones’s Force TA seemed to have caught the electrical gremlin bug and its electric water pump had a hissy fit, quite literally, and is coolant temperature rose way beyond acceptable limits causing concern and had to be limped round. The entire field were bragging that they had ‘beat Chris Jones’ as a result. Carole Torkington’s launch control has joined the electrical gremlin club but she managed to do without. Lloyd Bettinson was now pushing harder and had found a new limit and span at the first hairpin on the flying lap. The consensus was that the grip was not there from the previous day, probably due to slightly lesser air temperature and a light breeze. Steve Miles almost completed a full weekend without adult supervision but let himself down by revering at speed into a fellow competitor’s trailer when returning to the paddock and crumpled his silencer. The trailer was thankfully undamaged.

Lunch was a tense affair with almost all having their wet tyres to hand and an eye on the weather. The old adage of ‘if you make the effort to get them out you wont need them’ proved to be correct again.

Immediately after lunch, the second run off got under way. Chris Jones completed his clean sweep of four run off wins for the weekend and closed the gap on championship leader Goulding who came in second place once again. John Loudon had a point to prove and again traded his first run off fourth place with Steve Miles for a third place in the second run off for the second time of the weekend, leaving them each with two third places and two fourth places. Grahame Harden wrestled his now Hoosier shod Radical home to another firth place and declared that the tyres may now have started to work. Lloyd Bettinson got the better of Carole Torkington for sixth this time around and Ant Brown brought the Audi TT home in eight place.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey Club Round 38

1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 104.86 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 105.61 (+0.75)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 107.88 (+3.02)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 108.39 (+3.53)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 116.11 (+11.25)
6. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 119.94 (+15.08)
7. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 121.74 (+16.88)
8. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 146.13 (+41.27)
9. N/A
10. N/A
11. N/A
12. N/A

Jones has now elevated himself to second in the championship standings, with rounds in hand over Goulding. Loudon slips to third overall as a result with Miles catching in fourth. Ant Brown moved up a place to seventh overall with some steady points scoring over the weekend. Close battles for first and second and third and fourth overall will ensure in the final rounds at Anglesey on October 5^th and 6^th and Castle Combe on 12^th October.

BSC Positions after Pembrey Club Round 38

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 727 points
2. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 691 points
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 672 points
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 667 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 579 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 526 points
7. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 476 points
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 461 points
9. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale Ecoboost) 384 points
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 375 points
11. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 352 points
12. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 301 points

FTD went to Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) with a time of 104.98 seconds.

 

 

 

 

Jones starts to make his move

Event 18 at Pembrey on 14/09/2024
The Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship visited Pembrey circuit for the second time this year, close on the heels of last weekend’s long trip to Knockhill. Several keen and eager contenders made the trip for the now well-organised BARC Wales event, despite the quick succession of long distance travelling on successive weekends. Several placings were still under threat as dropped scores are starting to come into play and change things dramatically.

Notwithstanding the minimal preparation time, some competitors had managed to fettle their cars in between. Steve Miles had stripped and adjusted his locking brake bias bar and tweaked a few suspension settings on his Van Diemen and John Loudon had had faulty injectors diagnosed and replaced all four on his Force TA. Steve Brown had fitted new front brake discs and pads to his Empire and Carole Torkington had had her crank sensor replaced since their last outings at Snetterton. Mike Froggett and Gary Buckingham were driving their newly-acquired OMS CF04 for the first time, having dropped in at Llandow en route for their first ever flirt with the car. A few electrical gremlins related to fuel pump relays and batteries shortened that experience though, and a trip to Halfords en route to Pembrey had procured an assortment of suitable spare items. A late night was spent resolving several issues before play the following day.

Practice had Pete Goulding and Grahame Harden both trying their luck on Hoosier slicks with both alternating between Pirellis and Hoosiers throughout the day. John Loudon’s new injectors had reinvigorated his engine’s performance; he set off from the start line to the first corner like a scalded cat and was unable to brake in time for the looming hairpin and visited the outer apron. The OMS of Froggett and Buckingham managed to shed its front chain drive sprocket due to a loose securing nut. A replacement sprocket and refitted nut had them out for the next run but alas, high engine temperatures called a halt to their weekend early on. Chris Jones was struggling for gears on his Force TA and only completed one lap. The old trick of ‘turning it off and back on again’ came to fruition.
Qualifying for run-off one produced a few dramas. Most were braking related. Steve Brown was bedding in new brakes, but a rear calliper was binding and he returned to the paddock with ‘Eau de friction’ oozing from his left rear wheel. Several were locking up or braking too soon for the first hairpin on either the first, flying or both laps. Lloyd Bettison took it a stage further and was spinning at the said hairpin on each lap in his recently-acquired Jedi. Some fettling time is still needed by the new owner to get it right. Steve Brown aborted his run in his Empire Evo2 as the engine started making horrendous noises, later identified as being a fracture exhaust header. Unable to repair with the engine in situ, his weekend was abandoned too.

Run-off one had Chris Jones come out on top despite a scrappy run and confessing to nearly falling victim of the first hairpin like several others earlier and just fell short of his class record. Pete Goulding came 2^nd and reported a good run and pushed as hard as he could on his deteriorating Pirellis. He was more pleased that an irritating persistent engine oil leak that had plagued him all season seemed now to be resolved. Steve Miles braked deep into the first hairpin but took third, ahead of John Loudon who was on the rev limiter in his Force TA at the end of the pitlane straight and lacking speed. Grahame Harden piloted his Radical around to 5^th and Nick Scott fended off Lloyd Bettinson, Carole Torkington and Ant Brown for 6^th. Torkington had a ‘grassy’ moment at Brooklands Harpin and needed a compost bin when returning to the paddock. Bettinson had set a new PB and was happy. Brown mistakenly thought he had run out of fuel but hadn’t.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey National Round 35.

1. Chris Jones (0 Force TA) 93.50 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF200) 94.34 (+0.84)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 97.49 (+99)
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 99.62 (+6.12)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 104.38 (+10.88)
6. Nichola Scott (1.6 Force TA) 107.67 (+14.17)
7. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 108.43 (+14.93)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 129.04 (+35.54)
9. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 135.49 (+41.99)

Run-off two again saw Jones grab the honours despite again struggling at the first corner and had the back end of his Force TA hanging out — with some expletives uttered from inside his helmet! Successive run-off wins have him climbing the table with rounds in hand. Goulding again followed in second despite a good start confessed to making a few silly mistakes which cost him. A happy John Loudon traded his previous fourth place for third, now with trustworthy front brakes and a functioning clutch pedal which had gone floppy in qualifying.  He finished ahead of Miles, who was now also happy with his brake setup, but their efficiency was leaving him short of corner entry speed. Grahame Harden was pleased to be close to his PB on distinctly less-than-ideal tyres for fifth. Lloyd Bettinson improved again in his Jedi and grabbed sixth place ahead of Nick Scott who had gone slower than qualifying. Carole Torkington had a grass-free run and was getting her confidence back for eighth while Ant Brown rounded off the field and was happy to get the points to get closer to seventh overall.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey National Round 36.

1. Chris Jones (0 Force TA) 94.35 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF200) 95.77 (+1.42)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 96.91 (+2.56)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 97.18 (+2.83)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 103.86 (+9.51)
6. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 107.67 (+13.32)
7. Nichola Scott (1.6 Force TA) 109.30 (+14.95)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 117.47 (+23.12)
9. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 136.04 (+41.69)

BSC Positions after Pembrey National Round 36

1. Peter Goulding (6t Mygale FF200) 721 points
2. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 663 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 653 points
4. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 641 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 537 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF200) 526 points
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 461 points
8. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 459 points
9. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
10. Nichola Scott (1.6 Force TA) 339 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 336 points
12. Steve Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 301 points

FTD went to Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) in a time of 93.50 seconds.
 

Goulding tops the tables but Jones sets the record at clockwise Knockhill

Event 17 at Knockhill on 08/09/2024
Steve Miles reports:

A great feature of a Knockhill weekend is that fact that the Sunday, the circuit is run in the opposite direction, giving new challenges and a fresh start. The fog was even thicker next morning, and the start was delayed until 11:30 as marshal post to marshal post visibility needed to be established. This meant practice and two run-offs only for the sprinters, and several races were shortened.

The Hoosiers were bolted back onto Pete Goulding’s EcoBoost after getting them rebalanced at the circuit; they gave a little understeer but “felt good”. Miles had made a number of modifications to bump settings, roll stiffness and brake balance and generally was running OK, just not near previous PBs.  In fact this was a common situation since everyone is running 2-3 year old Pirelli tyres. Loudon had taken the pads out to clean them, but was still not achieving previous braking potential as all the surface area was not being used for some reason.

The first run-off saw Pete top the tables by half a second over Chris. Miles was benefiting from the SBD consultant support and took third place, quite close to record pace. Loudon was having a big misfire issue and finished a surprising 6^th, allowing Stephen Mallet to take a well-deserved 4^th place in the big bike engine, immaculate-looking Radical. Porrett put his time improvement down to having more bottle over the unsighted leap of faith that is Chicane to take 5^th. Richard found a further 4-5 secs and was pleased to get closer to his son.

This left Ant Brown in 8^th, but he was very pleased to have secured the Foundation Cup for newcomers to the British Sprint Championship and is now fighting to secure a permanent number for next year.

Run-off:  Knockhill Clockwise Round 33

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF200) 94.08
2. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 94.66
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 96.21
4. Stephen Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 101.49
5. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale) 103.99
6. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 107.80
7. Richard Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 114.23
8. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 137.85

For the final run-off of the weekend, almost everyone improved their times and the positions didn’t change, apart from John who traced his misfire issues to poorly-performing injectors after stopping off at Daytuner in Harrogate on the way home.

A really close battle at the top, with Pete’s experience counting for the win at the front, although equal on points as Chris set a new record for the 1100 class — an excellent performance considering the new venue and limited running.

Run-off:  Knockhill Clockwise Round 34

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF200) 93.64
2. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 94.14 (record)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 94.49
4. Stephen Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 99.93 (record)
5. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale) 105.71
6. Richard Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 110.75
7. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 115.29
8. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 132.88

Stewart Robb, hitting close to 180mph over the start finish straight, now on Pirelli tyres for the first time was looking good for a stunning run based on the first lap split and who knows, it could have been an outright record but he suffered a low fuel pressure issue on the second lap and backed off. This was subsequently diagnosed as an insufficient volume of fuel in the tank!

This leaves the fight for the number one spot this year hotting up nicely, as Chris intends to compete at all remaining rounds. Only a few days’ time until the battle recommences at Pembrey.

Jones and Goulding fight for the top spot at Knockhill

Event 16 at Knockhill on 07/09/2024
Steve Miles reports:

Saturday was forecast to get warm and stay dry all weekend, but thick fog greeted the eight runners who had made the journey north of the border to this fantastic track. Nick Scott caught Covid and was unable to make it, but maybe the £375 entry fee on top of a long trip had put others off. The only way the BSC could afford to run at a venue as good as Knockhill was to share the costs with the many other competitors who were racing there all weekend. Influencing the overall cost of entry is the high price that circuits command compared to hills. But those who were there certainly all got to enjoy a fantastic weekend and agreed that it was worth the drive. The Westfield Speed Series made this a round and this allowed five cars to run, all fitting in the famous pitlane garages used by the BTCC.

A delayed start until 10:30 due to thick mist changed the timetable to one practice and one qualifying, and two run-off runs, all in the anticlockwise direction. Current champion Pete Goulding kicked off proceedings shod on experimental Hoosier tyres, but backed off mid run due to extreme vibrations. He subsequently had them rebalanced at the circuit and ran them in practice on the Sunday with “comparable grip” to old Pirelli ultrasoft compound tyres. Steve Miles, now down in third place after missing Snetterton in favour of performing at CarFest, had fitted a new master cylinder to sort out his front/rear brake balance and was also seen adjusting the clutch stop at some point. John Loudon, now up to second overall, was bedding in new front brake pads and found practice launch settings too low. Chris Jones, currently moving up the table to 5^th, was a Knockhill virgin and after studying a few videos and walking the track, posted a very impressive 2nd fastest time in practice behind Miles who had been coming here on and off for 15 years! Chris was amazed and wide-eyed when he returned about how the last 90seconds had been a relentless mix of bends, camber variations and massive elevation changes and could see why everyone loves the circuit. Graham Porrett had travelled the furthest with ‘Taylor’ his Swift-based motorhome and apart from not seeing where he going in the fog, was happy with the car and some SBD upgrades. Another newcomer to Knockhill was Ant Brown in the Audi, aiming to lock out the Foundation Cup this weekend and was equally in awe of the circuit. Finally, locals Richard Mallet and Stephen in their immaculate Radical had entered the BSC and as the first time out since Blyton Park a few years ago. A new engine had been installed and the classic father/son battle could recommence.

Practice saw Pete switching to old Pirellis which were fine, but an issue with the ECU saw all the memory settings lost and not able to give full boost. Knockhill circuit had installed some very aggressive red sausage kerbs at Chicane, Duffas Dip and Clarke. The only major incident in practice was Graham Porrett spinning 180°, turning around before continuing. When asked why his practice time was slow, he confessed sheepishly to ‘rubbing the sausage’ at the downhill Chicane!

Hauling round 1200kgs of Audi, Ant Brown was never going to be in touch with the racing cars, but managed 8^th. Richard Mallet was shaking the rust off in the Radical for 7^th and Graham Porrett put in a tidy run to split the Radical pairing, just a few seconds behind Stephen Mallet. With partially bedded in brakes, John Loudon brought the Laser Tools supported Force home in 4^th, but was not happy and felt the car was lacking ‘oomph’.

The top three were covered by ¾ of a second in an over 92+ second run. Steve Miles set a British Championship historical first by scoring points running on C50 sustainable bio fuel made from agricultural waste products, given to him by Sustain Fuels at CarFest. Pete Goulding was just 0.17secs behind the win, despite 147mph max speed on full boost, leaving newcomer Chris Jones — only maxing at 132mph — to take a record and the first win on only his 3^rd run of the circuit!

Run-off:  Knockhill Anti Clockwise Round 31

1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 92.28 (record)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF200) 92.45
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 93.03
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 94.95
5. Stephen Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 101.25
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale) 105.28
7. Richard Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 115.31
8. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 135.32

The final run of the day was designated the scoring run and so best tyres remained on for all. Conditions were now really hot and sunny, but strangely times were generally a fraction slower for most. Positions three to eight remained unchanged, despite Porrett having a panic with his battery going flat over lunch and not starting. Loudon declared a scrappy run, overshooting the Taylor’s hairpin and touching the kerb at the back of the circuit and got a small wiggle on. Miles’ brakes were better now, but the rears were still locking before the fronts. Jones’ championship charge took a minor setback at coming 2^nd and Goulding was pleased to get back to winning form — put down to a very late brake for Taylor’s hairpin after the launch.

Run-off:  Knockhill Anti Clockwise Round 32

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF200) 91.06
2. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 92.79
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 93.84
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 95.50
5. Stephen Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 97.78 (record)
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale) 105.16
7. Richard Mallet (1.4 Radical PR6) 113.42
8. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 139.98

Not registered for the Championship, Stewart Robb took his 5 litre V10 Pilbeam to FTD in a time of 89.41
 

Jones dominates Snetterton Sunday as Championship gathers pace

Event 15 at Snetterton on 25/08/2024
John Loudon reports:

Having gradually dried out overnight from the previous day’s atrocious weather, and accompanied by the drone of
Citroen 2CV engines competing in their 24-hour race on the outer circuit, the paddock emerged from its slumber and was finally buzzing and feeling optimistic for a good day’s sprinting at Snetterton for rounds 29 and 30 of the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship. Still with dropped scores not coming into play until Knockhill in two weeks’ time, all is still to play for and several places are expected to change before the end of the season with a rapid rise from some who have fewer rounds under their belts, including Chris Jones who looks to be on a run of stunning form in his Force TA.

No overnight casualties from the previous day were reported, other than Chris Jones who was still having lazy gearshift issues. Steve Brown had tensioned his supercharger belt for reliable boost levels, but the main interest was in Pete Goulding sporting a set of trial Hoosier slicks — everyone was keen to see how he got on with them. Steve Miles was still absent, having been enticed away to Chris Evans’ CarFest elsewhere.

Practice had everyone changing from yesterday’s wets to slicks for the entire day. Initial feedback from Pete Goulding’s trial of Hoosiers was inconclusive as he couldn’t continue to use them due to severe wheel wobble due to their being out of balance — watch this space. Steve Broughton was complaining of understeer and locking up of front brakes on the DJ Firehawk. Simon Wallis’s OMS had a coolant pipe fail and was grateful to John Loudon for supplying a spare. Graham Porrett’s Mygale EcoBoost had traction events kicking in between 5^th and 6^th gear changes for reasons unknown. Ant Brown had full traction control on his Audi TT but no launch or anti lag due to the wires mysteriously becoming detached from their switch in the cockpit. Tony Beesley reported that his Jedi seemed loose on the back end and wing adjustments were underway. Justin Andrews’ Subaru Impreza was still misfiring despite a now fully charged battery, so thoughts of that being the cause were eliminated. Everyone else reported that it was a different world to the previous day’s experience, and some even had smiles on their faces!
Qualifying run one had Pete Goulding underestimating how much grip there was, despite having to return to using his well worn Pirellis, his trial of Hoosiers temporarily delayed. Steve Broughton was smiling despite reporting low speed understeer, so all was not as bad as he was making out in reality. When returning to the paddock, John Loudon saw a time displayed in the 79 second bracket which was close to his PB, only to have his bubble burst and find out that the clock had not reset from a previous competitor. Simon Wallis had his exhaust come apart at the collector for the second successive event. Nick Scott was happier and pleased with his first 64ft time, until I pointed out that it was 32ft instead. Graham Porrett was finally coming to the realisation that Pirelli super soft tyres are not as good as ultra soft, as cornering speed was requiring the reactions of a cat every run. Chris Jones’s gear change was having a resurgence and improving on its own. Grahame Harden was enjoying the smell of sun tan lotion for a change. Everyone one else was just getting back to business as usual.

Run-off one had Chris Jones’s good form continue —he took the win, broke the 1100cc single seater class record and proclaimed that there was some more in it as he had been cautious at Hamilton and Palmer.  Pete Goulding claimed second and said that everything was perfect, but his time was not quite as hoped for. Steve Broughton had adjusted front damper and anti-roll bar settings and said that the car felt good to finish third and break the 1100-1600 single seater class record, despite locking the fronts up a couple of times. Steve Brown was getting used to the circuit and improving on every run, bringing the supercharged Empire home in fourth ahead of a perplexed John Loudon who was struggling to match last year’s times in his Force TA. Grahame Harden was clearly enjoying himself and got a time in the area he was hoping for to take sixth place. Nick Scott was growing in confidence and claimed himself a new PB and seventh, just ahead of Simon Wallis who had a poor start and was sideways at Palmer but was enjoying himself. Carole Torkington was a close ninth and was a little dismayed to have been beaten by Nick Scott despite a clean run. Nick Houston came in tenth with a tidy run and growing in confidence with his sights on a sub-90 second run by the end of the day. Graham Porrett was getting faster but was having to turn traction off upon entering Palmer and on again on exit to finish ahead of Ant Brown’s Audi TT in eleventh and twelfth respectively.

Run-off one results (round 29)
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 78.71 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 79.09 (+0.38)
3. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 79.27* (+0.56)
4. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 80.18 (+1.47)
5. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 82.65 (+3.94)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 85.33 (+6.62)
7. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 89.94 (+11.23)
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 90.33 (+11.62)
9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 90.44 (+11.73)
10. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 92.70 (+13.99)
11. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 95.17 (+16.46)
12. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 107.33 (+28.62) 

Run-off two again had Chris Jones come out on top and lowering the 1100cc single seater class record further and still complaining of slow gearshifts. Steve Broughton elevated the DJ Firehawk to second but was unable to better his previous run-off attempt which set him a new class record. Steve Brown continued to improve and finished a fine third on his first visit to Snetterton in his supercharged Empire. Pete Goulding claimed fourth by losing time as he went wide at the hairpin. Grahame Harden managed a fine fifth, ahead of John Loudon in his Force TA who locked up going into the harpin and overshot the turning point, having to take two wheels to the grass to make the corner. Simon Wallis was relatively pleased with seventh having struggled to start his engine with a suspected head gasket issue, narrowly beating Carole Torkington into eighth. Nick Scott came in ninth having gone slower for no apparent reason. Nick Houston couldn’t manage a sub-90 second run but netted himself a tenth place finish. Graham Porrett had changed traction control settings and had made things worse by having it now hamper all gears as opposed to just 5^th and 6^th. Ant Brown rounded off in twelfth with no issues and an improved time. Challenge Cup contender Tony Beesley was mystified as to his lack of pace in the normally quick Jedi. Justin Andrews had decided to retire the ailing Subaru and didn’t take the last run.

Run-off two results (round 30)

1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 78.27* (+0.00)
2. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 79.59 (+1.32)
3. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 79.75 (+1.48)
4. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 79.82 (+1.55)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 86.05 (+7.78)
6. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 87.86 (+9.59)
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 91.69 (+13.42)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 91.88 (+13.61)
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 91.95 (+13.68)
10. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 92.63 (+14.36)
11. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 94.15 (+15.88)
12. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 107.34 (+29.07)
FTD went to Chris Jones in his 1.0 Force TA on 78.27 seconds.

Championship positions at the end of rounds 29 and 30

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 654 points
2. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 580 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 516 points
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 495 points
5. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 492 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 468 points
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 461 points
8. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
9. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 353 points
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 300 points
10=. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 300 points

The next rounds are at Knockhill on September 7^th and 8^th when dropped scores start coming into play, whilst several competitors will still be gaining scores to add to a nail-biting end to the season for some.

Jones and Broughton share the wet spoils

Event 14 at Snetterton on 24/08/2024
 John Loudon reports from rounds 27 and 28 of the British Sprint Championship at Snetterton

The next four rounds of the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship came via a weekend of sprinting at Snetterton which came around quickly on the heels of the previous rounds at Llandow just the weekend prior. Organised by BARC Midlands, and sharing the venue with a Citroen 2CV 24 hour race, over a hundred sprint competitors had joined the fray at the Norfolk motorsport mecca, including 14 BSC competitors. With dropped scores still not coming into play and some competitors having done fewer rounds than others, expect some placings to change and an exciting late surge for the overall championship to be on the cards.

The weather forecast for the weekend had changed from dry and sunny both days to a wet miserable Saturday followed by a dry Sunday. The majority of competitors donned their wet tyres in readiness the previous evening, in the luxury of dry weather. The non-related Browns in the form of Steve and Ant were new visitors to the circuit. A noticeable absentee was regular competitor Steve Miles, currently laying in 2^nd place overall in the Championship, who had opted to accept an invitation to participate in Chris Evans’s CarFest event instead.

With proceedings underway, the vast majority of competitors reported that practice had proved the track to be lethal with no grip, leading to lots of sideways action, full rotation spins and visits to the grass by almost everyone. Nick Houston’s mechanical paddle shift on his OMS was sticking, later traced to his dashboard fouling the mechanism. Ant Brown’s Audi TT’s ABS refused to work into Oggies and he had a ‘near miss’. Steve Broughton was sporting a set of new Avon super-soft wets and yet more suspension changes which strangely resulted in offering him the steering wheel at odd positions on the straights

Timed run 1 had reigning champion Pete Goulding make some adjustments to his setup and sensibly turn down the boost on his Mygale EcoBoost to suit the conditions. The Jones Force TA had developed a mystery lazy gear change issue which was traced to a leaky regulator or onboard pressure vessel outlet. A hurried trip to the nearest Machine Mart to procure a replacement regulator was in vain, and less-than-perfect gear shifts plagued him intermittently for the remainder of the day. Carole Torkington had bigger issues; her OMS refused to start immediately after retuning to the paddock and husband Colin took a soaking replacing the sprag clutch and crank sensor on the Hayabusa engine to remedy the issue just in time for the run-off. The remainder of the field were still complaining about a lack of grip, and some were enduring numerous re-runs due to being baulked by cars after inappropriate start line releases. Justin Andrews’ Subaru Impreza developed a mystery misfire which remained for the entire weekend, despite several attempts to unravel the fault.

Run-off 1 had Pete Goulding’s run baulked by John Loudon who was released from the start as the Mygale driver approached the hairpin for his flying lap. A re-run was given, but a 360° spin at Oggies did him no favours and he finished 5^th. Meanwhile, Steve Broughton in his DJ had posted the fastest time and won the run-off, albeit a bit ‘slidy’, followed by the brace of Force TA drivers Chris Jones and John Loudon just 0.06 seconds apart in 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. Steve Brown claimed 4^th in his supercharged Empire for a good point on his first visit to the circuit. Grahame Harden took his Radical around for 6^th whilst not bothering with the racing line to find some grip. Graham Porrett took it steady in his Mygale for 7^th ahead of Ant Brown in his Audi TT in his first visit and points at the venue. Nick Scott, Nick Houston and Simon Wallis made up the remaining places with a sigh of relief at surviving the slippery ordeal. Carole Torkington was a little meek as she returned to the paddock as she had span at the exit of Hamilton and failed to score, despite the best efforts of poor husband Colin to get her car running in time for the run-off. Tony Beesley performed a pirouette on the exit of Oggies but somehow remained on track. Justin Andrews was still fighting a misfire in his Subaru.

1. Steve Broughton (4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 101.87 (+0.00)
2. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 106.06 (+4.19)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 106.12 (+4.25)
4. Steve Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 107.09 (+5.22)
5. Pete Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 109.29 (+7.42)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 1141 (+14.54)
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF200) 120.01 (+18.14)
8. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 129.93 (+206)
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 131.29 (+242
10. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 134.55 (+32.68)
11. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 134.71 (+32.84)
12. N/A

Run-off 2 was headed by Chris Jones in his Force TA on an FTD clinching time of 99.26 seconds, trading places with Steve Broughton from the earlier run-off, both drivers benefiting from re-runs due to each being baulked yet again. Broughton’s new super soft Avon wets had endured so many re-runs during the day that they were showing signs of melting, despite the water on track to cool them. John Loudon again finished 3^rd in his Force TA to move up to 2^nd overall in the Championship ahead of the absent Steve Miles. Pete Goulding — who claimed he had no lockups, no spins, the right traction control setting, the right boost setting and no excuses — raised himself ahead of Steve Brown who was relegated to 5^th with a much slower time than his previous run-off attempt due to lack of boost, later identified to a slipping supercharger belt getting too wet. Grahame Harden repeated his previous feat of 6^th ahead of Carole Torkington who made amends for her first run-off misadventure to come in 7th. Graham Porrett held off Ant Brown for 8^th without any heroics and both playing it safe. Nick Houston was released as John Loudon rounded the hairpin in front of him on his flying lap and tried to follow his lines but couldn’t keep pace and soon lost sight of him. Despite this, he still managed 10^th. Simon Wallis and Nick Scott rounded off the placings, Wallis admitting that a new much stiffer front spring on his OMS was now causing understeer and Scott claiming to be another victim of water plumes from the rear of Loudon’s Force when he was released from the start and getting a face full of water. Tony Beesley acknowledged another 360° spin, but this time at Palmers. Andrews’ misfire was still not cured and was hampering progress and scoring possibilities in crucial rounds of other championships as well as the BSC Challenge Cup, much to his dismay.

1. Chris Jones (0 Force TA) 99.26 (+0.00)
2. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 100.64 (+1.38)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 106.43 (+7.17)
4. Pete Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF200) 110.62 (+11.36)
5. Steve Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 1118 (+15.92)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 115.63 (+127)
7. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 1154 (+18.28)
8. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF200) 126.69 (+27.43)
9. Anthony Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 127.32 (+28.06)
10. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 132.02 (+32.76)
11. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 135.66 (+36.40)
12. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 138.23 (+38.97)

FTD went to Chris Jones in his Force TA on a time of 99.26 seconds.
Championship positions overnight

1. Pete Goulding (6t Mygale FF200) 608 points
2. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 539 points
3. Steve Miles 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 516 points
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 454 points
5. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 441 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF200) 438 points
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 424 points
8. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
9. Ant Brown (1.8t Audi TT) 325 points
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 265 points
11. Nick Scott (1.6 Force TA) 264 points
12. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 243 points

 

 

Jones dominates on Llandow return

Event 13 at Llandow on 17/08/2024

Steve Miles reports:

The British Sprint Championship had not held a round at the south Wales circuit of Llandow for well over ten years, and the excellently run event by the Bristol and Bristol Pegasus Motor Clubs squeezed everyone into the paddock and gave us a practice and three timed runs, which meant that the final run became a combined qualifying/scoring run, with the first two being traditional qualifying and then scoring.

John Loudon was pleased even to make the event after his trailer A frame severely cracked on the way home from Kirkistown and although the trailer was not supplied by them, the series sponsor Woodford Trailers effected some excellent repairs and all is well again. Also lucky to make it was Steve Miles who after his suspension failure in Northern Ireland, managed to collect the only Van Diemen RF96 suspension swivel pin in the country, conveniently en route home in Clitheroe, along with a new wheel rim inner from Bradford. Simon Wallis had sorted his front wings out and all looked good. Championship leader Pete Goulding had two new suspension brackets machined and delivered at the last minute, and along with a patched up floor, was now good to go. Ant Brown had a new turbo and antilag installed in the Audi and Lloyd Bettinson was debuting his new Jedi.

Running in the BSC Challenge Cup was Ben Bonfield — also in a Jedi while the OMS is being sorted, battling with Mike Froggett and Gary Buckingham in their immaculate and “for sale” 2-litre Reynard Formula Vauxhall.
The qualifying runs went to plan despite an under inflated tyre in the Buckingham/Froggett Reynard, overheating in the Bettinson Jedi and Steve Brown in the RLM Empire who was full of man flu and “Just wanted to go home”. Chris Jones made his intentions clear and set the qualifying pace with an impressive 68.08s, some two seconds inside the ‘up to 1100cc’ class record. Nick Scott however made the journey from Lincolnshire in vain as his starter motor failed and he was unable to run or qualify all day.

Chris Jones continued this form all day, taking both run-off wins, the bonus record point and FTD. New batteries on the Force, a charger and an SBD/MBE software upgrade had obviously done the trick, Oh and not forgetting the driver!

In second place in each run-off was the current leader, feeling some pressure from Jones who is rapidly rising up the table. Pete Goulding, with boost raised to circa 375bhp, was a second or so behind each run. He hadn’t been to the venue for 20 years and found the corners coming up a bit quickly compared to his memory from the Westfield days! A class record breaking bonus point by 8-hundredths was a nice bonus.

Steve Miles shook the car down the previous day to make sure the repair was all good, and benefited from an SBD software upgrade, and other than suffering from a rear brakes locking issue that was adjusted/fudged to get though the meeting, bagged the third spot each time and a PB.  In his similar spec Force to Jones (but running on methanol), John Loudon in his Laser Tools sponsored car took 4^th in the first run-off. On his final run however, he clattered the back chicane, and worried he had broken the front wing, backed off to finish 9^th. No damage was to be found back in the paddock however, although the wing had certainly oscillated at speed.

With a 5^th and a 4^th, Lloyd Bettinson was very pleased with the first outing in the Jedi and improved his times during the meeting, despite some starting and overheating niggles. Steve Brown did similar, each run finding three seconds to chop off, and he ended with a 6^th and a 5^th place, albeit with some engine automatic shut down issues.  Simon Wallis was seen with springs and heat gloves on, reassembling the exhaust manifold and system but again, finding a few seconds each run meant he was pleased to come away with a 7^th and 6^th place and PB.

Graham Porrett in the Mygale EcoBoost had sorted the over-centre locking of the front antiroll bar for 8^th and 7^th, some four seconds faster by the end of the day. 9^th and last in run-off 1 was the big Audi of Ant Brown, eight seconds faster than his first qualifying run as both the driver and the engine management control system for the new turbo self-learnt after repeated runs!

Chris Jones felt the final run was scrappy and slower, but the clocks don’t lie and he accepted his bottle of Prosecco at the FTD speech with grace!

Top 12 Run-off: Llandow Rd 25
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 67.60 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 69.37 (+1.77)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 69.50 (+1.90)
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 70.88 (+3.28)
5. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 73.69 (+6.09)
6. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 76.64 (+9.04)
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 80.27 (+12.67)
8. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 84.56 (+16.96)
9. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 92.87 (+25.27)

Top 12 Run off: Llandow Rd 26
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 67.35*s (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 68.61*s (+1.26)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 70.29s (+2.94)
4. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 Jedi Mk4) 73.04s (+5.69)
5. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 73.38s (+6.03)
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 77.69s (+10.34)
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 82.37s (+15.02)
8. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 91.73s (+24.38)
9. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 92.91s (+25.56)

Approaching the dropped scores zone after next week’s Snetterton will see those who haven’t put a full set of 30 scores potentially changing position rapidly.  Quick calculations show that all positions are up for grabs and that the title fight could be between a Mygale, a pair of Force TAs and a Van Diemen!

2024 British Sprint Championship BSC Positions after Llandow Rd 26
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 565 points
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 516 points
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 493 points
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 412 points
5. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 401 points
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 394 points
7. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 392 points
8. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
9. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 290 points
10. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 241 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 233 points
11=. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 233 points

The BSC Challenge points were distributed to Ben Bonfield who swapped between old and newer Avons and took a PB and a few records. Gary Buckingham had the upper hand over Mike Froggett in the ‘for sale’ Vauxhall Lotus Reynard, and times show the car is clearly working well and a bargain at the price.

Challenge Cup results for Llandow Rd 26
1. Ben Bonfield (1.0 OMS 2000M) 387.84 points
2. Gary Buckingham (2.0 Reynard Formula Vauxhall) 380.99 points
3. Michael Froggett (2.0 Reynard Formula Vauxhall) 371.48 points




 

Loudon takes the top spot at Kirkistown

Event 12 at Kirkistown on 04/08/2024
Steve Miles reports:

To allow for the church services in Northern Ireland on a Sunday morning, the first cars are on track at 12:30, making a leisurely start to the day for all those staying in the paddock or local hotels. The first practice went without incident and the forecast rain for 14:00 was on schedule. Turnaround was fast as the Sunday was not a round of some of the championships that were there the previous day, and the field was about 35 cars. When the rain eventually came, everyone who had got a dry run in packed up — leaving only the remaining British Championship runners to qualify and score in the final wet runs — turnaround was fun and challenging!

1¾ laps of Kirkistown is a sprint of over 2½ miles, so you certainly get track time over the weekend. After his success on Saturday Pete Goulding (Mygale EcoBoost) used his worst set of tyres (with home made repairs to punctures) to take a gentle run. For qualifying however, and with drizzle in the air, the cut slicks were deployed as intermediates. He had no issues apart from a minor oil leak. John Loudon in his Laser Tools supported Force had a comfortable progression just a second behind Goulding, all previous oil overheating and other issues now sorted and the car running well all weekend.

Graham Porrett in another Mygale EcoBoost was running in 3^rd but this was not due to Stephen Miles being an efficient tyre warmer as he hardly troubled the tyres after being offered a shared drive following his suspension failure the previous day and very consciously brought the car home intact each run. Miles eventually got comfortable with the use of two cushions and thoroughly enjoyed his first ever drive in a turbo racing car, qualifying last — but 25 seconds faster than practice!

Qualifying 4^th was the freshly overnight-welded Hornet of Nick Houston, just a few seconds back. He was  followed by Grahame Harden’s Radical and then Nick Scott’s Force. Simon Wallis suffered a failure of the front wing left hand end plate, so removed it and all the front second elements, trimming the rear element to balance out the handling.

The first run-off was held in dry conditions and was a very close affair. Goulding - 1.6 turbo, came out on top just 13 hundredths ahead of Loudon - 998cc.  Next up was a very pleased Harden in the 1.6 Radical and just a few seconds back was the repaired 1.1 OMS of Wallis and then Force 1.6 of Scott — with a PB, then Houston and Porret. These four cars covered by around five seconds in more than two minutes of running! Miles brought up the rear and got the car safely home for a few points!

Top 12 Run-off: Kirkistown Rd 23
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 117.09 (+0.00)
2. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 117.22 (+0.13)
3. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 125.52 (+8.43)
4. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 128.69 (+11.60)
5. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 129.46 (+12.37)
6. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 132.79 (+15.70)
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 133.07 (+15.98)
8. Stephen Miles (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 140.14 (+23.05

With no lunch break, the runs kept coming fast and the rain started. Goulding, now back on inters, put a steady run in but then found a major crack in a critical suspension bracket and decided to withdraw.  This was certainly a wise move as on the journey home, the bracket split in two inside the trailer and the car collapsed.

Full wets were now the order of the day for the final run of the weekend. Nick Scott brought up the rear, struggling with vision issues in the rain. The Chichester-based garage owner Graham Porrett was just a few seconds ahead of his shared driver to record his best result of the season with a 3^rd , and car sharer Steve Miles gained some useful points just behind in 4^th.

Grahame Harden managed to avoid serious damage as he left the circuit and spun onto the grass at Colonial. A crunch with the nose bent the towing eye and some fibreglass,  but the splitter survived as it poked underneath the Armco and he managed to drive back.

Having an even better result was the ‘wounded’ OMS of Simon Wallis who took second place — a best finish of the season. This would have made the long ferry journey from Belfast to Liverpool much more pleasant!

John Loudon put on a confident display in tough conditions, rounding Debtors on full throttle, throwing plumes of spray as high as the control tower and he took his first win of the season. Combined with no work on the car required or any issues, he had a great weekend.

Top 12 Run-off: Kirkistown Rd 24
1. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 144.97 (+0.00)
2. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 155.29 (+10.32)
3. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 157.07 (+12.10)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 159.23 (+14.26)
5. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 202.20 (+57.23)

So, for the Championship, the weekend overall meant the top two places of Goulding and Miles didn’t change, but Loudon moved to 3^rd overall and Harden jumped two places to 4^th. Graham Blackwell, out of action after his Mallory crash dropped to 5^th and Porrett moved up a place as did Wallis. Nick Scott got himself into the 12^th position after his weekend runs. Chris Jones dropped from 5^th to 8^th and will be hoping to move up at Llandow when the BSC reconvenes in two weeks’ time.

BSC Positions after Kirkistown Rd 24 04-Aug
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 516 points
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 470 points
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 454 points
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 412 points
5. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 364 points
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 355 points
8. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 341 points
9. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 255 points
10. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 241 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 233 points
12. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 220 points

 

Goulding leads the pack at Kirkistown

Event 11 at Kirkistown on 03/08/2024
John Loudon reports from Northern Ireland from the British Sprint Championship's rounds 21 and 22

The long trip to Kirkistown circuit just south of Belfast saw several registered competitors compete in the 500 Motor Racing Club organised sprint weekend for rounds 21 and 22 of the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship. Arrival times varied depending upon the choice of ferry route, but all were present when it mattered, and some were even scrutineered and signed on within an hour of arrival by the welcoming and helpful organising team.
Overnight Friday rain cleared up just in time for Saturday morning practice. With over one hundred competitors for the day, everyone needed to be on their toes to get as many runs as possible. After practice, the timekeepers moved the finish line to its usual position as several regular competitors had noticed that it had inadvertently been placed in the wrong position and that it was actually too close to the final hairpin, causing some drama under braking for those who were committed to full power from the last chicane to the finish line.

Nick Houston was visiting ‘home’ turf in his OMS Hornet and had actually looked at his car before the event this time around, having previously had it confined to his trailer for his house move, which was now complete. Nick Scott had new longer harness shoulder straps and a new helmet due to his previous ‘lid’ lower edge having been nibbled by his shoulder strap buckles, which had been noted by previous event scrutineers. Graham Porrett had a new onboard battery to ensure reliable starting when needed, and Steve Miles had recovered from his first bout of Covid just in time to be able to make the trip, albeit that he was feeling tired and needed lots of sleep. Simon Wallis was sporting new coolant hoses on his OMS 3000M to prevent a persistent leak and Grahame Harden confessed under interrogation to having replaced a brake master cylinder on his Radical PR6.

Qualifying had Miles believing he had driven a satisfactory lap but was disappointed with his time — the reason why he was struggling would be revealed on a later run. Pete Goulding was struggling with rear end grip and had tried a bit too hard at Colonial and had his Mygale attempting to nibble the grass, but just about got away with it. Wallis was not having a good day in his OMS3000M, having had his front wing end plate depart company from the main wing element — much as it had at Mallory Park in June. This time, he also had his dash display fall off its mount mid run, and was unable to determine which gear he was in. Houston was braking too early for the chicanes and described his run as ’messy’. John Loudon however was having a good day in his Force TA and qualified fastest. Every time he went to interview Graham Porrett, he reported that he must try harder and was what can only be described as comfort eating in a deck chair to compensate!

Run-off one had Pete Goulding come out on top, ahead of John Loudon. Grahame Harden was happy to have come third and was also pleased that the black cloud threatening rain had departed. Downforce-limited Simon Wallis had held off Graham Porrett for fourth. Steve Miles confessed to having left his ‘lucky pants’ at home by mistake and had a close shave with lady luck. As he entered the permanent chicane, his car’s rear end stepped out, sending his towards the barriers, but luckily he stopped with millimetres to spare. Having had the narrowest of misses, initial inspection looked as if the cause was a rear left puncture, but closer examination revealed that a broken lower suspension bolt had ground a groove in the inner face of his wheel rim, causing the tyre to deflate. Much activity followed as marshals and the recovery crew tried to get suitable recovery machinery from storage to extract his car, but lost keys and a flat vehicle battery ate up time, so the car was left abandoned on the circuit edge, out of harm’s way. The lengthy delay gave enough time for a quick rain shower to dampen the track for Nick Scott and Nick Houston’s reruns, who finished sixth and seventh respectfully, with Miles out of the positions, but at having at least claimed to have found a new pair of ‘lucky pants’ having missed the barriers.

Morning run-off (round 21) results

1. Pete Goulding (Mygale FF200 6T) 114.81
2. John Loudon (Force TA 1.0) 116.59
3. Grahame Harden (Radical PR6 1.6) 121.06
4. Simon Wallis (OMS 3000M 1.1) 129.72
5. Graham Porrett (Mygale FF200 1.6T) 130.25
6. Nick Scott (Force TA 1.6) 1511
7. Nick Houston (OMS Hornet 1.0) 170.02

With the track dry once again from the earlier short sharp shower, the second run-off was minus Miles as a contender. Pete Goulding again came out on top in his Mygale EcoBoost, having finally found some rear end grip, ahead of the hard pushing John Loudon in his 1.0 Force TA who was again close on his heels in second. Grahame Harden again came third in his Radical PR6 and was beaming at the news that he had achieved a PB for circuit. Graham Porrett traded places with Simon Wallis for a reversal of the earlier run-off positions, Simon confessing to still not braking late enough in several places and losing time. Nick Scott and Nick Houston finished in 6^th and 7^th with Houston having nursed his OMS hornet home having earlier discovered some deformed rear suspension mountings and not wanting to risk it. A luck would have it, he was staying with his brother nearby who implemented overnight welding repairs in time for Sunday.

So how did the local experts do? Well, there was one rising star in the form of Ethan Faulkner who was driving the ex-Simon Clemow Force PT Hayabusa. Had he been registered for the BSC, he would have scored two second places in the run-offs. One to think about there Ethan! However,  Alan Cassells in the now turbocharged Honda HRC ex-Will Hall Force and Rob Dwane in his turbocharged Hayabusa OMS 25 didn’t have such great days. Alan visited the grass, causing minor floor damage and then had his turbo work loose. Once repaired and ready to go, the heavens opened and a torrential downpour ensued, so no further meaningful play was to be had. The same downpour had Steve Miles dashing to cover his still trackside stricken car in order to prevent its cockpit becoming flooded. His recent bout of Covid meant that his lungs were nowhere back to full capacity, and he suffered. The Rob Dwane OMS broke a driveshaft on the start line and his spare was too short. Unable to source a suitable spare at the circuit, he made a mercy dash to fellow OMS driver Chris Houston’s workshop in Bangor to collect a potentially suitable part, only to discover that it was too long! Tim Woodside was also on the entry list in what was believed to be the ex-Coley brothers V6 Opel Gould GR55 but it failed to appear, apparently because the car was still away being remapped.

Afternoon run-off (Round 22) results

1. Pete Goulding (Mygale FF200 6T) 114.11
2. John Loudon (Force TA 1.0) 115.47
3. Grahame Harden (Radical PR6 1.6) 120.69
4. Graham Porrett (Mygale FF200 1.6T) 127.91
5. Simon Wallis (OMS 3000M 1.1) 128.22
6. Nick Scott (Force TA 1.6) 15133.34
7. Nick Houston (OMS Hornet 1.0) 1418

FTD went to Pete Goulding with a time of 114.11 seconds

Championship positions after round 22

1. Pete Goulding (Mygale FF200 6T) 478 points
2. Steve Miles (Van Diemen RF96MM 0) 430 points
3. John Loudon (Force TA 1.0) 405 points
4. Graham Blackwell (Mygale EcoBoost 1.6T) 384 points
5. Grahame Harden (Radical PR6 1.6) 376 points
6. Chris Jones (Force TA 1.0) 341 points
7. Graham Porrett (Mygale FF200 1.6T) 322 points
8. Simon Wallis (OMS 3000M 1.1) 309 points
9. Ant Brown (Audi TT 1.8T) 255 points
10. Robert Tonge (Force TA 1.4) 241 points
11. Carole Torkington (OMS CF08 1.5) 233 points
12. Nick Scott (Force TA 1.6) 178 points

Force to the Fore at Lydden

Event 10 at Lydden Hill on 13/07/2024

Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship Rounds 19 & 20 - Lydden Hill Race Circuit

Steve Miles writes:

In the fortnight since Mallory, there had been a fair amount of tinkering and repairs. Current leader Pete Goulding fitted a pair of new brake discs and was sorting some traction control issues. Steve Miles fitted a new radiator as the old one bizarrely leaked when cold, but not when hot! John Loudon had fitted more oil cooling upgrades in preparation for the high frequency of long runs in Northern Ireland in a few weeks. As would be expected, Steve Broughton had changed a large number of things despite winning in Pembrey — stiffer springs, lowered front and increased roll stiffness amongst others! Simon Wallis had repaired the front wing, and we weren’t sure if a mismatch of front wing second elements was a cunning tune on the mainly right hand circuit! Chris Jones had some new software upgrades from MBE/SBD to improve drivability and Ant Brown had fitted a spring-loaded bonnet catch after the Pembrey incident. Graham Porrett was hoping his new lightweight HANS device was going to find four seconds and had also replaced a dodgy battery. Steve Brown got to the bottom of the failed Mallory run, which after changing pumps was found to have been caused by low fuel pressure due to a blocked filter!
Borough 19 always run a slick meeting and five runs for full entry grid were achieved before the rain came at 17:30. Eleven runners made the trip south to the Kent circuit, so qualifying was not really an issue if sensible, but the writing was on the wall when Chris Jones in the Force TA with a stock 998cc engine with lightly flowed head put in a 67 second run to go fastest.  However, the next three cars were covered by 0.09 seconds so it was going to be close! No significant issues were reported but Simon Wallis in his OMS had a heavy tank slapper on launch due to the dusty conditions. Ant Brown in his powerful but heavy Audi went four seconds quicker than practice, but he had never driven here before. The improvement might also have been to pushing the right Wi-Fi buttons to engage four-wheel drive for this run.
The first run-off came just before lunch and Jones posted a stunning class record and FTD time of 66.10secs to take another win. It was extremely close as the next four cars were covered by a smidge over half a second! Brown had the Empire Evo2 singing, and with an Avon / Pirelli mix was 1.08secs behind Jones. Broughton hustled the DJ Firehawk around and confessed to being in too high a gear at Chesson’s Drift and Hairy Hill. Another 2 tenths slower was the Laser Tools sponsored Loudon was also in too low a gear at Devil’s Elbow.  Current champion Goulding reported that there was not much grip and was in an unaccustomed 5^th place. Miles was flummoxed to be a couple of seconds off his PB in 6^th. Grahame Harden, who had done no tinkering to his Radical was pleased with 7^th and his time and getting four-tenths ahead of Carole Torkington. Taking 9^th was Simon Wallis with seven secs taken off his PB and equally pleased was Porret who found a second over his qualifying time. In the Rowdy Audi, Brown made 11^th position with a time the 100^th identical to his Q time!

Top 12 Run-off: Lydden Hill Rd 19
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 66.10* (+0.00)
2. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 67.18 (+1.08)
3. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 67.44 (+1.34)
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 67.66 (+1.56)
5. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 67.70 (+1.60)
6. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 68.63 (+2.53)
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 72.08 (+5.98)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 72.50 (+6.40)
9. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 76.72 (+10.62)
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 77.67 (+11.57)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 88.81 (+22.71)

A lot of tyre swapping and cleaning and qualifying for run-off 2 generally went OK. Goulding sorted some wheel speed sensor issues,  Miles tried harder — and went slower.  Loudon got Chesson’s ‘in’ wrong, which compromised his exit. Broughton nearly didn’t make it as the main manifold blew a 50p-sized hole. This was successfully repaired with a coffee tin and a jubilee clip which was promised to be TIG welded in place after the event! Porret went faster and then tucked into a Red Bull and three cakes seeking speed in preparation for the run off! Harden had nothing to report other than he enjoyed the run immensely.
For the scoring run-off, round 20, Ant Brown’s Audi brought up the rear for 11th, slightly faster than the first one. Porrett was also in 10^th again — maybe it was the cakes as he declared he had run out of excuses! Wallis in 9^th had a massive coolant leak but this was after the finish so didn’t affect his time. A second slower than the first run off was Torkington in 8^th, but in 7^th Hardon went a few tenths quicker again with a PB. Miles dropped ½ second for 6^th with no obvious explanation for being nearly three secs off his PB . Just 1/10^th ahead was Loudon, equally lost for an explanation of pace compared to PBs. Brown dropped down to 4^th 1.3 secs slower this time out after trying a new line at Paddock Bend. Goulding moved up two places over the first run-off and found ½ second and a PB. This left the Firestorm of Broughton earning 2^nd and he declared himself ‘happy’.
Chris Jones however descended Hairy Hill at full throttle. The crowds on the banking took a collective breath of admiration and almost stepped backwards as he turned in at 120mph, still made the apex on full power, then tickled the gravel trap on the way out and disappeared into the distance to take his second run-off win of the day.
Top 12 Run-off: Lydden Hill Rd 20
           
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 66.39 (+0.00)    
2. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 66.80 (+0.41)  
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 67.15 (+0.76)           
4. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 68.40 (+2.01)   
5. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 69.27 (+2.88) 
6. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 69.37 (+2.98) 
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 71.95 (+5.56) 
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 73.39 (+7.00)  
9. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 75.15 (+8.76)      
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 76.65 (+10.26)     
11. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 87.95 (+21.56)

These results changed the overall championship at just over the halfway stage, with Miles moving to 2^nd and Graham Blackwell dropping points here after his Mallory crash. Chris Jones was the big climber after an excellent day and moved to 5^th. And Steve brown started his climb up the score sheet.
The next outing is Kirkistown, Northern Ireland on the 3^rd and 4^th August.

Woodford Trailer British Sprint Championship after 20 rounds (best 30 to count, 20 rounds remaining)
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 428 points   
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 417 points      
3. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 357 points      
5. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 341 points        
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 330 points      
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 279 points  
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 266 points           
9. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 255 points
10. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 241 points   
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 233 points
12. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 159 points

A mid-summer Mallory melter

Event 9 at Mallory Park on 23/06/2024
John Loudon reports

Sunday 23^rd June saw the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship visit Mallory Park for the second time in 2024, for an event organised by Sheffield and Hallamshire Motor Club. In stark contrast to the earlier event in March, the weather was positively tropical and the meeting had a much larger entry list at around 120 competitors.
For those who arrived on Saturday afternoon and slept overnight in the paddock, the tranquil Leicestershire atmosphere was only spoiled by the regular screeching of a local farmer’s pet peacock throughout the night, which if it had continued, would likely have been restrained for someone’s Christmas dinner at the end of the year.
Interviewing the contenders prior to practice about any changes made post Pembrey three weeks prior provided an array of interesting anecdotes, all worthy of a mention. Peter Goulding was sporting a pair of new driveshafts and a set of new split rim alloys, shod with better tyres than previously used after an extensive purchase of any used Pirellis at the end of last season. Graham Blackwell had a new ECU map for extra boost and was also performing some aero testing for an aerodynamics student with wool tufts attached to his car. Steve Miles had been on yet another holiday and despite walking 49 miles had gained weight, but otherwise had made no changes to his car as the Llandow event went well with new zero bump steer layout. John Loudon’s Force TA had a freshly-rebuilt engine thanks to a super quick turnaround curtesy of Daytuner Performance, after an oil pipe had come adrift at Pembrey, causing the previous incarnation’s rapid demise. Steve Broughton had changed just about everything including redesigned and machined hubs, discs, springs and damper settings and was bedding in the brakes in practice. Simon Wallis had fitted his OMS with a new front wishbone and performed surgery on its floor after a visit to the Welsh scenery. Nick Scott had had a suspension setup courtesy of fellow competitor Steve Miles in the scrutineering bay the previous day. Graham Porrett was happy as his best mate and long-time double driving partner Terry Holmes had turned up to paddock for him for the day. He was also sporting new ECU software courtesy of SBD. Steve Brown was feeling confident that his supercharged Empire EVO misfire issues were a thing of the past since the fitment of a new cam sensor. Nick Houston confessed to not having taken his car out of the trailer as his wife had filled the family garage with boxes due to an impending house move. Ant Brown had installed a new bonnet safety catch to his Audi TT to prevent a repetition of it flying up and over as per Pembrey, along with a new tubular front subframe, oil cooler and had also managed to close his turbo waste gate. Long distance traveling Cornishmen Michael Froggett and Gary Buckingham had fitted a new clutch master cylinder and oil pressure switch to their shared Reynard, along with a fifth gear ratio that might actually be of some use to them this time around. Finally, Tony Beesley had repaired, strengthened and braced his Jedi’s rear wing stay after some cracking had been observed.

Practice was trouble free for most, aside from Pete Goulding who was struggling with poor front brakes and Nick Scott’s Force TA which broke a drive chain on the start line, but with fellow competitors coming to his aid and with borrowed tools, he made a speedy recovery and still managed to get out. Simon Wallis had a front wing end plate come adrift and bounce under his car to cause yet more floor damage. A resourceful but compromised repair allowed him to continue. The Buckingham / Froggett Reynard’s non charging alternator had made a miraculous recovery and found a new lease of life. Ant Brown’s Audi TT had a plastic coolant pipe connector fracture, but a repair was implemented with an aluminium version of close enough proportions. Grahame Harden was enjoying his first visit to the circuit in his Radical PR6 and after one lap was professing how fabulous the circuit was and was definitely returning in the future for next year’s summer double header weekend. Tony Beesley echoed what Grahame had said and was also enjoying himself and gushing about how wonderful the circuit was. Steve Broughton was only part way through bedding in his new brake discs and had ‘taken it gently’.

Timed run one eventually began after the huge field of 120 competitors had all ventured around the track for their 1¾  laps which took around two hours. Pete Goulding was still struggling with front brake efficiency and admitted that his start could have been better. Graham Blackwell’s run was trouble free and was fastest overall. Steve Miles was pleased with his run and his Van Diemen Duratec was already inside his class record. John Loudon was pleased to have not only an oil free engine compartment on his Force TA, but also to be under his class record. Then the mayhem started. Steve Broughton was perhaps suffering from a busy rebuild and 05:00 start as whilst concentrating on lines and braking points, took his DJ Firehawk round for an extra lap, causing timing issues for several cars that followed. With Steve Broughton doing an extra lap, Graham Porrett avoided a close encounter on his release with a Steve’s car as it passed the pit lane exit. The Buckingham and Froggett pairing were unbelievably within 0.01secs of each other in their shared Reynard. Tony Beesley was rueing ‘what could have been’ if it wasn’t for his three-year-old tyres and not really knowing where he was going. Ant Brown was complaining of arm ache due to the lack of working power steering. With such a large entry and no time for re-runs, the resourceful BSC coordinator decided to use some practice times for qualifying times for those who didn’t have a time.

The hour lunch break came with timed run one not entirely complete, enhancing that the reality of more than two timed runs was not going to be possible in the available time. This therefore meant that the next timed run was going to be the only run-off for the day.

Pete Goulding set off first and posted what was to be the run-off winning time, albeit just outside his record set in March. Graham Blackwell couldn’t slow the car down enough for Edwina’s chicane, but instead of bailing out, tried to make the left hand apex which he did.  He couldn’t however make the second right hand apex and collected a cone or two, reducing steering and braking and caused his Mygale to plough to the outfield and eventually come to a heavy head-on halt in the tyre wall. Steve Miles was following at speed in his Van Diemen, was red flagged and brought his car to a stop, exited and rushed to help the stricken Blackwell who was clearly in pain and on his hands and knees by the car, in advance of the incoming marshals leaving their posts on foot with extinguishers. Although his front wing was wrecked, thankfully Graham was only heavily bruised/winded and was later able to limp around the paddock and tell the tale. Unable to drive, the Cornish lads loaded up the trailer and Ant Brown took the trailer back and with some shuttling back to the circuit, everyone got home OK.

Eventually with the meeting back underway, John Loudon managed to finish 3^rd and again beat his class record for a bonus. Steve Broughton executed the right number of laps and came in 2^nd, also with a new class record. Steve Miles slipped a little slower for 4^th place on his re-run with the confession that maybe he was a nervous, having seen first hand what had happened to Blackwell on his previous attempt. Grahame Harden finished 5^th and vowed to return. Nick Scott was very pleased with his best finish of the season in 6^th, remarking that his new suspension setup had given him confidence. Simon Wallis limped his sorry OMS home in 7^th. Nick Houston was happy with 8^th. Much to his despair, Steve Brown’s mystery misfire had returned, but he still managed to nurse his car around in 9^th and was pleased to discover later that this was just a failed fuel pump rather than engine related. Graham Porrett who was on a roll earlier in the day had a boost pipe come adrift in 10^th.  meaning the car limped around with minimal power and finally Ant Brown set a new PB and came 11^th in his now behaving Audi TT.

Championship round 17 results

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 64.21 (+0.00)
2. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 66.04* (+1.83)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 67.36* (+3.15)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 68.40 (+4.19)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 70.88* (+6.67)
6. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 73.30 (+9.09)
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 74.28 (+10.07)
8. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 74.64 (+10.43)
9. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 78.32 (+14.11)
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 85.99 (+21.78)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 90.77* (+26.56)

Championship positions after round 18

1=. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 384 points
1=. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 384 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 377 points
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 314 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 292 points
6. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 290 points
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 247 points
8. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 241 points
9. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 232 points
10. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 225 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 197 points
12. John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55b) 145 points

FTD went to Pete Goulding in a time of 64.21

The next round of the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship is at Lydden Hill on Saturday 13^th July


 

Tight at the top at Pembrey Clubmans

Event 8 at Pembrey on 02/06/2024
Martin Pickles reports:

Sunday dawned with yet more bright sunshine and haze. It was going to be another warm day! There was a slight difference to the day in that due to such a high attrition rate on Saturday, qualification for the run off-would be automatic, providing you managed to complete the lap and a half. The track layout also differed from Saturday’s national layout and was now using the Clubman Circuit.

Practice and the first timed runs appeared in quick succession due to overall entry numbers depleted in much the same way as the British Sprint paddock. The layout had now switched to the Clubman's circuit which incorporates the recent loop in-field after the Dibeni corner, featuring a high speed approach tight left-hander leading to re-joining the main track at the entry to Senna.

In the Challenge Cup, Froggett and Buckingham were closely matched in their shared Ralt, with Buckingham edging his co-driver each time for the win.

Back in the BSC, Brown in the Audi TT was granted a rerun, but in the warm conditions this offered no advantage a point he promptly proved by producing a slower time. The irony was that he now qualified for the run-off.
Tonge had switched from his Michelin tyres to the Pirelli and described the difference as 'night and day'. Houston, Torkington and Harden posted competitive times but were full of smiles and praise for such a fantastic venue/weather combination. Porrett reported some ignition issues whilst Blackwell and Goulding provided swift progress in readiness for the run-off. After the excitement of Saturday, Broughton's only concerns were the finer details of set up for the 'new' car with springs being too soft and perhaps more importantly, the brake set up. Miles produced a PB without any apparent difficulty while  Jones mimicked the achievement in slightly grander style by setting a new class record.

In the first of the day's run-off, Buckingham once again pipped Froggett by 0.1secs in the Challenge Cup.
New to the run-off process, Brown had a trouble-free run and entered the Championship score board. Houston however found two oil patches and each time recovered from a spin, to just head Porrett who despite going seconds quicker, only secured 10^th. Harden and Torkington were comfortably ahead of the chasing pack and each other for 7^th and 8^th.

Goulding was now struggling for rear-end grip and slipped to 5^th just ahead of the improving Tonge. Miles’s gentle approach under braking provided no improvement and slotted into 4^th. Blackwell found the same oil that Houston encountered, but recovered a sideways moment to move ahead of Miles by 0.5sec. That left the 1.4DJ Firehawk of Broughton once again to provide continuous improvement to bag 2^nd just 0.25secs ahead. Sunday was turning out to be Groundhog Day for Jones as he once again topped the time sheets 0.5secs ahead of Broughton. The Jones grin reappeared in the paddock and with this continuing form, poses a real threat to the larger capacity cars for the overall Championship.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey Club Rd 15
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 104.08 (+0.00)
2. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 105.49 (+1.41)
3. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 105.72 (+1.64)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 106.48 (+2.40)
5. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 106.88 (+2.80)
6. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 106.97 (+2.89)
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 113.79 (+9.71)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 116.87 (+12.79)
9. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 120.75 (+16.67)
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 120.87 (+16.79)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 145.63 (+41.55)

Qualification for the final run-off of the weekend produced no real issues for the drivers other than the heat, and without Saturday’s light breeze, the track was providing very little grip for the overheating tyres. The one point of note was that Broughton produced a time to qualify in 1^st. Miles conversely produced the slowest qualifying time some 40secs adrift after the engine shut down shortly after launch. Numerous restarts were required to complete the circuit and qualify for the run-off. An errant throttle pot sensor was swiftly diagnosed by Chris Price from MBE, was replaced and engine performance was restored. Broughton's driveshaft let go on the start line, requiring a push back to the paddock and a hasty team effort to replace the shaft and return in time to rejoin the queue.
To help with the conversation on the return journey back to the Cornwall, the Froggett and Buckingham pairing posted identical times and points for the Challenge Cup.

Brown had qualified for the run-off, but his time had slumped in line with his turbo which was now only producing 9psi compared to the normal 20psi. Houston had an incident-free run to 10^th, Torkington improved but remained 9^th. Porrett arrived at the start line after a verbal self-flagellation (which is unrepeatable for this publication) and promptly knocked 4secs off his Q time to shift up to the order to 8^th. Harden continued with a beaming smile despite a slower time on hot tyres to complete a weekend without mechanical issue. Miles was too enthusiastic into the Hatchetts Hairpin and locked up, making full use of the extended track to recover to 6^th. The benefactor of this error was Tonge who was one of few to demonstrate an improvement over their Q time to secure 5^th. Blackwell was another suffering with grip issues and slipped back to 4^th whilst Goulding moved into third after resolving his Wi-Fi gear change issue by unplugging and reconnecting every connector. Jones and Broughton then battled for the top spot with an initial target set by Jones of 104.90 on 'squidgy' tyres, a new class record. Broughton however managed to eclipse this time by 0.6secs to secure his first run-off win of 2024 in the 1.4 DJ Firehawk. Steve was naturally pleased and excited to have won after overcoming the trials and tribulations of the weekend, a truly outstanding performance in the garage and on the track.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey Club Rd 16
1. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 104.32* (+0.00)
2. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 104.90 (+0.58)
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 105.58 (+1.26)
4. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 106.55 (+2.23)
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 107.05 (+2.73)
6. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 108.15 (+3.83)
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 115.72 (+11.40)
8. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 116.24 (+11.92)
9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 117.30 (+12.98)
10. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 119.70 (+15.38)
11. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 146.15 (+41.83)

As the Championship approaches its half way point (best 33 scores from 44 potential rounds) Graham Blackwell moved back into the lead.

Championship top-12 after round 16
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 371 points
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 359 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 354 points
4. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 290 points
4=. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 290 points
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 270 points
7. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 241 points
8. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 231 points
9. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 213 points
10. Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 209 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 197 points
12. John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55b) 145 points
 

It’s Jones’s day at Pembrey

Event 7 at Pembrey on 01/06/2024
Martin Pickles reports:

The forecast for south Wales was warm and sunny for the entire June weekend of sprinting, quite a novelty for anywhere in the UK in 2024. The garages and surrounding paddock area were packed for a weekend of twists and turns of which there were to be plenty.

A bumper turnout for the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship meant that qualification was going to be pressurised for those at the limit or who were experiencing difficulties.

The drivers’ briefing commenced with a moment to remember Clive Wooster, the effervescent and likeable character whose presence in the paddock will be truly missed.

Practice followed around 1½ laps of the National layout, which provides a challenge of fast and high G force bends, long straights into heavy braking zones, left/right sequence of bends — it’s everything a driver could wish for and a definite personal favourite.

What was a blissfully quiet setting was soon transformed with Chris Jones in the 1.0 Force TA who on old tyres, set the pace with an unofficial class record. John Loudon in the same class and chassis was experiencing high oil temperatures and with air temperature set to soar in the next few hours, this was not encouraging. In contrast, front-runner Graham Blackwell in the 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost had repositioned the air intake for the turbo into the side-pod and immediately found improved air intake temperatures.  Meanwhile, Pete Goulding in the similar 1.6t Mygale FF 200 was finding the faded painted apexes difficult to locate in the early morning haze.

The Mygale trio was completed by Graham Porrett in the sister car to Goulding’s who was running a new set of Pirelli SuperSoft, although ‘unused’ might be a more accurate description as they were five years old, but were still performing better than anything else currently available.

Ant Brown gave a frustrated response for the reason behind his slow run as engine temperatures had soared when held on the start line and on launch, the 1.8 Audi TT immediately adopted limp mode. There was a smile though to confirm he was able to take every corner flat, including the two hairpins.

At the sharp end of the current points table, Steve Miles had opted for a radical set up change and opted for toe-out at the front on the 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm. Although this provided a more responsive car, there was recurring power oversteer that now needed to be overcome and very sensitive steering.

SBD consultant, Steve Broughton, was sporting a new engine, suspension, chassis and brakes on the 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004, with only the pilot remaining constant. A minor exhaust issue developed in practice but was swiftly resolved. Similarly, although it interrupted his practice, the failed front wing on Simon Wallis’s 1.1 OMS 3000M was quickly restored.

Timed Run 1, the qualifying run for run-off one arrived swiftly due to the reduced overall entry to the event and thanks to the smooth and seamless organisation from BARC Wales in the paddock and at the start line.
Chris Jones serenely took every corner from one hairpin to the next at full throttle and in doing so reset the 1,100cc record. John Loudon was literally in hot pursuit with the Force struggling with climbing oil temperatures, but still qualified 3rd.

Carole Torkington in the 1.5 OMS CF08 improved on her practice time to qualify, as did Lloyd Bettinson in the 1.0 STM Phoenix. At the other end of the spectrum however was Brown, whose bonnet blew open, covering the screen shortly after the start line launch. Exhibiting determination, Ant negotiated the hairpin before conceding that his run was over. I won't mention that the bonnet pins had not been engaged! In the same vein of unwanted mechanical failure was Simon Wallis, whose repaired front wing shed the second elements — both of them! Sufficient downforce remained, however, for him to qualify 7^th. Graham Porrett moved the evolving Mygale ahead of Lloyd despite a roll bar disconnecting mid-run. Joining in the party and not to be outdone, Steve Broughton managed a spectacular 'rapid unscheduled disassembly', commencing with the brake disc exploding under heavy braking, a section of which punctured the wheel rim with inevitable tyre deflation, spin and grassy termination. At least the new 6-pot callipers worked!

Some competitors were experiencing drama-free qualification, the relaxed Nick Houston in the diminutive 1.0 OMS Hornet, Grahame Harden enjoying life and eschewing positivity for his hard-worked Avons, taking a very credible 7^th in the 1.6 Radical PR6. 

Rob Tonge, although in learn mode for Pembrey, ensured sufficient progress from practice to qualify the 1.4 Force TA 6^th. Towards the pointy end of the grid was Steve Miles, now in 5^th place despite an exuberant entry to Honda (a fabulous corner to test driving talent) and subsequent save on the brakes. 2023 Championship rivals Pete Goulding and Graham Blackwell were still rivals in 2024 but were unequally matched in this instance when Goulding suffered a rear puncture early in the run.

Competing in the Challenge Cup of the BSC were Mike Froggett and Gary Buckingham in the Reynard Formula Vauxhall. Having travelled ten hours to get to the circuit, they provided themselves with some subject matter for the return journey by producing comparable times in the shared Ralt.

Qualification: Pembrey Nat Rd 13
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 93.29s (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 96.04s (+2.75)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 96.59s (+3.30)
4. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 96.62s (+3.33)
5. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 99.03s (+5.74)
6. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 101.64s (+8.35)
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 103.68s (+10.39)
8. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 107.36s (+14.07)
9. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 107.46s (+14.17)
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 109.80s (+16.51)
11. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 STM Phoenix) 111.13s (+17.84)
12. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 111.80s (+18.51)

Those repairing and tweaking were under some pressure in the rising heat (23°C at 11:30) to meet the start line schedule for the run-off.

Wallis however created an increased 'jobs to do' list when he exited the Tarmac before the Brooklands hairpin, destroying the floor and bending the left front suspension to terminate his weekend’s participation.

To set the standard, Torkington extracted three seconds from her qualifying time to set a new PB and a contented 9^th place finish. Bettinson's time went in the other direction, losing two seconds  to a scruffy lap and ultimately 11^th. Porrett had failed to cure the self-detaching roll bar link and also went slower than his Q time. Harden was given a re-run which prevented any meaningful improvement on hot tyres and swapped places with Houston who set a timely PB. Tonge continued his improvement to land 6^th and Miles improved his time, despite using the generous Tarmac beyond the Brooklands Hairpin for 5^th. Loudon marginally improved his time in an issue-free run and narrowly missed out on 3^rd to the Mygale of Goulding, now suffering from understeer but equally close to the second place Mygale of Blackwell, having taken two seconds off his Q time through a tyre swap from Avon to Pirelli, also setting a new 1600T class record. Jones remained peerless and stayed over a second ahead of Blackwell to grab the run-off. A beaming grin in the paddock was testament to his dynamic performance.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey Nat Rd 13
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 93.02* (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 94.17* (+1.15)
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 94.34 (+1.32)
4. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 96.42 (+3.40)
5. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 97.12 (+4.10)
6. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 101.28 (+8.26)
7. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 106.44 (+13.42)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 107.94 (+14.92)
9. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 109.64 (+16.62)
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 110.07 (+17.05)
11. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 STM Phoenix) 113.82 (+20.80)

Due to attrition, the number of competitors eligible for the run-off  was now reduced to 13. John Loudon unfortunately joined that group when an oil pipe blew off the oil cooler and swiftly emptied the engine. Although the engine would restart after a top up, the precautionary decision to withdraw and inspect the engine was understandable.
The track now had a light trail of oil which took nearly an hour to address. However, with qualification now guaranteed, many of the remaining BSC runners took a cautious approach to qualification.

Miles had ditched his previous trial set up and had now returned the car to toe-in at the front. Despite the alternator detaching mid run, a similar time to Q1 was achieved for 4^th. Broughton had replaced the brake disc and wheel that had caused his early spin and promptly took P3, headed by Goulding and Jones. Blackwell had resumed to the tyre-saving policy of Avon qualifying/Pirelli run-off and consequently was further down the order with Harden, also on Avons.

Now the important second run-off for points. Local Bettinson recorded a PB following damper adjustments, 0.24secs ahead of Porrett who continued with his Mygale familiarisation. Bettinson however had returned to the paddock with an unsatisfactory engine note and decided to withdraw from the Sunday event. Houston was clearly frustrated with his run which he declared had been strewn with minor errors. Torkington was similarly discontent despite having improved by two seconds, in contrast to Harden who remained cheery with an overall enjoyable, trouble-free day. Tonge continued to improve and netted 5^th place. Miles slowed by a tenth from qualifying as the afternoon track temperatures climbed, the cars now starting to crab through corners. Goulding had commenced the run-off but a drive shaft on the Mygale let go during the launch from the line and he failed to post a time. Broughton maintained his third spot with a marginal improvement, whilst Blackwell snatched second by a couple of tenths.  Although slower than his morning time, Jones was nearly two seconds ahead of Blackwell, that grin in the paddock just got a bit wider.

Top 12 Run-off: Pembrey Nat Rd 14
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 94.36 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 96.06 (+1.70)
3. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 96.29 (+1.93)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 97.79 (+3.43)
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 101.38 (+7.02)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 103.96 (+9.60)
7. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 108.30 (+13.94)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 110.13 (+15.77)
9. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 STM Phoenix) 110.60 (+16.24)
10. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 110.84 (+16.48)
 

Goulding boosts ahead

Event 6 at Blyton Park on 19/05/2024
John Loudon reports

Sunday’s event of the two-day Longton and District Motor Club run event at Blyton Park had competitors taking to the Outer Circuit.

Having enjoyed glorious weather the previous day, Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship competitors were again to enjoy similar optimal conditions around the Lincolnshire Ginetta test track.

The Saturday night track walk was interesting to say the least, as the land-owning farmer had decided to host an impromptu shooting party on the infield of the circuit, which kept the track walkers on their toes, some with their hands in the air! Firing into the bank at Bishops was mostly halted as walkers went through, but others had live rounds whistling overhead!

Pete Goulding and Steve Brown were the only two casualties from the previous day, both now with fixes applied overnight that the hoped would sustain them through the day. Steve Brown had suffered from random engine cut outs on Saturday and had implemented an improved temporary wiring solution with the help of Audi TT driver Ant Brown, whilst Pete Goulding took advantage of a visiting friend and fellow Westfield Sports Car Club member Dave Cleaver, to make him a new turbo blow off valve piston overnight on his lathe to replace the one which was now presumably trying to grow in one of the circuit’s surrounding fields. The task was made rather more difficult by the lack of access to any accurate measuring equipment. Ant Brown was feeling determined; having lost his 64ft time ice cream challenge to Graham Blackwell the previous day, he was hoping to get one back.

The old adage of ‘practice is for practice’ is all that I could muster from my interviewees after practice. The only points to note were that with full boost restored, Pete Goulding exclaimed that his car felt like a different animal from the previous day and that Steve Brown was rather excitable after having made a full lap of the circuit without the issues from the previous day. John Graham was also pleased to be getting more seat time in his Gould GR55b after having had a few years off since his Championship win. Lloyd Bettinson was enjoying the new challenge of a circuit he had not been to before, after making the seven-and-a-half hour journey from deepest Wales to join the fun. Quote of the day came from OMS driver Nick Houston who asked ‘Have they moved that chicane?’ having nearly turned in on the wrong entry for the Wiggler. Nick Scott had a loose fuel pump union and therefore no fuel pressure and rather less fuel than he would have liked. A speedy remedy by Carole Torkington’s husband Colin soon had him back in action. Simon Wallis was lacking functioning shift lights from the previous day but now had fully tightened suspension bolts.

Timed Run one saw Goulding taking full advantage of his restored boost to post a time just 0.5 seconds outside of his class record. Graham Blackwell improved by three seconds, having swapped from his practice tyres. Miles also sorted his cooling issues with a system that was correctly purged of air. Others were also making steady progress, saving their talent for when it mattered in the run-off. Simon Bainbridge was still in one piece and saving himself, and more importantly the car, for his forthcoming trip to the St Goueno Hillclimb in France in just two weeks. Steve Brown’s overnight fix had sadly not cured his cutting out issues and he took no further part in the day. Graham Porrett had a turbo boost pipe blow off, resulting in a loss of power. Lloyd Bettinson was improving as he learned the track. Chris Jones had a good ‘steady’ run on old tyres, but still lowered the 1,100cc racing car class record with ease, as did John Loudon in his similar Force TA but by a smaller margin. Robert Tonge had an exciting braking lock up on the entry to the Wiggler. Ant Brown was happy to be leading his informal 64ft duel with Graham Blackwell.
Run-off one, round 11 of the Championship, saw Pete Goulding break his class record to top the tables. The quote from the supportive Mrs Goulding was ‘Hallelujah!’, such was the relief that Pete’s repairs were holding up. Graham Blackwell set a new PB and was in the same 55 second bracket as Pete, but dropped one too many gears for the Wiggler chicane. Chris Jones had had a superb drive and placed himself between the aforementioned pair of EcoBoost drivers for second place and a new 1,100cc class record, and again relegating Graham Blackwell to third. In fourth and benefiting from some fresh SBD traction and launch software upgrades emailed overnight was Steve Miles who admitted that he was too comfortable in a few places, but just managed to fend off 1,100cc driver John Loudon by 0.12, with Loudon also breaking the 1100 class record but having to give way to Chris Jones. In 6^th came John Graham who had had a rerun, along with a few others, but admitted that it had done him no favours as the red mist had intervened. Robert Tonge came 7^th despite the distraction of a momentary fuel pressure warning light. In 8^th was Grahame Harden who was a little slower than his qualifying time due to paying respect to the intimidating Wiggler chicane. Simon Wallis took some brave pills and came in 9^th on a 61 second run which had him perplexed as to how he ever did a 59 second run a few years ago. Nick Scott secured 10^th despite braking way too soon for the Bishops left-hander but held off Carole Torkington who said her OMS was washing out at the fastest part of the circuit and found it somewhat challenging. Simon Bainbridge out-braked himself into the Wiggler chicane, despite the fitment of ABS over the winter, and had to bail out and he notched a failed run as a result.

Run-off 1 (round 11) results
1 Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 55.16
2 Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 55.76
3 Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 55.93
4 Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 56.54
5 John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 56.66
6 John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55b) 58.61
7 Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 59.04
8 Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 61.07
9 Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 61.24
10 Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 62.96
11 Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 64.33
12 Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBD Chrono) NTR

Timed Run three had some drama as Pete Goulding suffered a clutch switch issue as he was about to set off from his paddock position. Some frantic investigations as he was about to strap in had him having to start the engine in first gear. It didn’t phase him though, and he still qualified fastest. The only other drama from interviewed competitors was the trauma of a half-eaten pastie as the timed run had come around too quickly for full consumption by Tonge, who had had a rerun for the previous run-off and hence shortened time between outings. Ant Brown was still winning his 64ft bet with Graham Blackwell; Lloyd Bettinson was improving each run and was only 0.5 seconds away from qualifying his STM Phoenix. Chris Jones and John Loudon had again gone inside the old 1,100cc racing car class record with Chris getting the coming out ahead.

The second run-off again had Pete Goulding breaking his class record and taking overall honours and now leads the championship, with Chris Jones separating the EcoBoost pairing of Goulding and Blackwell in his 1.0 Force TA to take 2^nd with yet another class record. Loudon turned the tables on Miles to move ahead this time around into 4^th, on a time that was also inside the old 1,100cc racing car class record, relegating the moleracing machine to 5^th. Bainbridge obeyed instructions and brought his SBR Chrono home in one piece ahead of his French foray. Harden had used his tyre strategy well and finished 7^th to edge Tonge and John Graham in 8^th and 9^th. Wallis, Scott and Torkington rounding off the field in 10^th, 11^th and 12^th. Brown left disappointed as Blackwell pulled one out of the bag to pip him in their private 64ft challenge and robbed him of an ice cream.

Run-off 2 (round 12) results
1 Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 55.09*
2 Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 55.63*
3 Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 55.82
4 John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 56.44
5 Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 56.83
6 Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 58.81
7 Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 59.50
8 Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 59.87
9 John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55b) 59.92
10 Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 61.19
11 Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 64.03
12 Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 65.12
FTD went to Pete Goulding on a 55.09 seconds.

Pete Goulding now leads the Championship ahead of Graham Blackwell with Steve Miles in hot pursuit. 33 rounds to count from 44 possible.

Championship positions after round 12
1 Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 279 points
2 Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 277 points
3 Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 269 points
4 John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 255 points
5 Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 200 points
6 Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 195 points
7 Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 189 points
8 Anthony Brown (1.8 Audi TT) 166 points
9 Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 165 points
10 Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 159 points
11 John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55b) 145 points
12 Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 126 points

The next round of the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship is at Pembrey on June 1^st and 2^nd 2024
 

Blackwell tops the tables at Blyton Eastern

Event 5 at Blyton Park on 18/05/2024
Steve Miles reports

A full five weeks since the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship circus departed the storm-lashed Anglesey weekend and they arrived again in the sunny Lincolnshire circuit of Blyton Park. Longton and District MC organised both days’ meetings which were fully booked as their reputation precedes them!

17 runners were vying for the top twelve scoring places for the all-important run-off, taking place within Timed Runs 2 and 4, with Timed Runs 1 and 3 being the qualifying rounds.

Qualifying for run-off 1 saw the OMS of Carole Torkington taking the final 12th spot with the usual runners and riders above her. The wrong side of the cut was Steve Brown who after a late Thursday night engine installation with help from the builders RLM, unfortunately had some electrical gremlins which meant he failed to qualify, along with Nick Scott who took out the timing beam with an ‘enthusiastic’ final corner. The slick-shod Sports Libre cars of Ant Brown and Lloyd Bettinson also didn’t make the cut in the dry conditions.

Come the points scoring runs, Torkington stayed in the same position, while Graham Porrett in his EcoBoost – now with updated SBD traction control and with the air temperature sensors in the correct place meaning he could use full engine RPM for the first time — could only manage 11^th on his five-year-old Pirellis.

2019 British Champion John Graham in his 2.8l V8 Gould has also had very little seat time over the last few years and despite relatively new Avons tyres came 9^th, but declared himself happy to be getting back into competition. Grahame Harden had a trouble-free day for 9^th. After a series of recent high speed spins, Simon Wallis in his 1100 OMS was benefiting from a full geometry set up on Friday offered by Steve Miles. With his best tyres on and a stable chassis giving the driver confidence, he went two seconds faster than qualifying to take 8^th.

The Middlesborough farmer, Simon Bainbridge was having his first event of the year after being delayed by heat treatment on new transmission parts and having installed a new ABS system for this season. Low boost on the 4.2l Audi was the order of the day to keep the car intact ready for St Goueno in a few weeks’ time and he took 7^th. Michelin-shod Robert Tonge in the Force hadn’t been to this layout for a few years and was pleased to get close to a PB in 6^th. Steve Miles had practiced this layout only six days previously on a Javelin Sprint, and was disappointed not to capitalise on this and took 5^th place; two wheels in the gravel at Wiggler after Curva Grande probably knocked off the time that could have made the difference…

Then at the sharp end, only 0.53secs covered the top four cars, two one litre Forces and two 1.6 turbo EcoBoosts. Chris Jones was in 4^th on exactly the same time that he qualified one; two tenths faster was John Loudon in his methanol-fuelled Laser Tools sponsored Force and he also broke the class record for a bonus point.
Two tenths up the road — that must be a fraction of a car length — was reigning champion Pete Goulding who had some clutch switch problems and a slight boost issue, but he still placed second. And taking the win and FTD by just 0.13 seconds was Graham Blackwell in his EcoBoost. He had made some errors in a map used for qualifying which resulted in lower boost and horsepower, but this was corrected for the important run and he had full beans when it counted!

Top 12 Run-off: Blyton Eastern Circuit Rd 9
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 60.15 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 60.28 (+0.13)
3. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 60.45* (+0.30)
4. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 60.68 (+0.53)
5. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 61.79 (+1.64)
6. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 62.58 (+2.43)
7. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 64.32 (+4.17)
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 64.56 (+4.41)
9. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 64.94 (+4.79)
10. John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55b) 65.14 (+4.99)
11. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 68.31 (+8.16)
12. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 71.94 (+11.79)

The day continued to hot up as tyres were swapped back and forth. Brown managed a run without the electrics cutting out and qualified for the second run-off, but that was as far as his luck went as his car cut out shortly after launching and he was unable to finish. Scott continued improving throughout the day, putting his early accident behind him for 11^th, just a fraction off his PB. Harden reported a few sideways moments, but finished happy with time and position. Wallis was suffering from front wing delamination and a mismatch in tyres, but sneaked ahead of Harden’s Radical. John Graham reported no problems, just that he “needed more seat time to shake the dust off”. Bainbridge was having a drama-free day and getting used to the feel of the ABS and with new Avons on the rear and old fronts, he had plenty of traction and was only two-tenths off the record, which bodes well as he was still on low boost.

Tonge benefited from a rerun as Porrett went off going into Curva Grande and posted a PB for 6^th.  Miles, still with some cooling issues, finished 5^th. The Goulding pit was in frantic but well-managed ‘repair and bodge’ mode, after the turbo dump valve came apart on track during qualifying. Various attempts were tried to effect a repair including fabricating plates/pistons from aluminium sheet, a penny washer and a M5 nut. Something was jammed in and Goulding managed his run just nine-tenths off the winning pace for 4^th.

The two 1,000cc lightweight specials were having a great day and Loudon came out on top of Jones by just over a tenth, both drivers demonstrating exceptional performance. And emerging victorious at a track he enjoys was Graham Blackwell, taking his 6^th FTD here. The only mechanical issue he fixed all day was a broken bulb on the trailer!

Top 12 Run-off: Blyton Eastern Circuit Rd 10
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 60.76 (+0.00)
2. John Loudon (1.0 Force TA) 61.06 (+0.30)
3. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 61.19 (+0.43)
4. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 61.64 (+0.88)
5. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 61.83 (+1.07)
6. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 62.12 (+1.36)
7. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 62.52 (+1.76)
8. John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55b) 64.14 (+3.38)
9. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 65.13 (+4.37)
10. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 65.66 (+4.90)
11. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 67.14 (+6.38)
 

Miles tops the tables at a sodden Anglesey

Event 4 at Anglesey on 07/04/2024
Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship Rounds 7 and 8 -  John Loudon reports:

Rounds 7 and 8 of the @ Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship around the Anglesey International course saw Storm Kathleen continue to lash the circuit overnight with horrendous winds and torrential bursts of rain. Whist the gale force winds continued during the whole day, the rain subsided for at least for the start of play on Sunday morning. All runners from the previous day were present and ready for battle around the International Circuit layout, aside from the unfortunate Steve Brown who was forced to retire his supercharged Hayabusa-powered Empire due to an engine issue that had materialised early on Saturday. Newcomer Lloyd Bettinson also joined the proceedings in his Yamaha R1-engined STM Phoenix kit car and looked to enjoy himself with some fine drives.
Despite running perfectly the day before, Steve Miles’s Van Diemen RF96mm inexplicably had a throttle body linkage bolt work loose but this was quickly fixed after some early attention. Simon Wallis had also adjusted ride heights in an attempt to find better handling. Other competitors were undecided on whether the track was dry enough for slicks or if it was still too damp and needed wets with several making a choice for each. When asked for a comment, Radical PR6 driver Grahame Harden reported that he saw ducks on his track walk. Others saw a large section on the back straight that was covered in sea foam being blown across the track from the waves that were crashing nearby.
Practice underway, the only casualty was Chris Jones, who found no braking cohesion at the entry to the banked hairpin, which resulted in a visit to the scenery. A following competitor under red flag reported that he was ‘well into the grass area’. Plenty of buckets of water and a sponge removed most of the evidence. Other competitors reported the cold damp track to be like a skating rink and had no confidence to give the usual amounts of right foot. John Loudon’s Force TA was inexplicably off his usual pace which continued to get steadily worse during the day. The cause of this issue — a problem with the throttle cable’s attachment to the throttle pedal, which was not allowing full throttle, was alas the only discovered when packing up for the weekend.
Qualifying run one was a steady affair with the only casualties being Simon Wallis in his OMS3000M who was driving on the side of caution due to locking rear brakes and Ant Brown in his Audi TT who was being outgunned on a track he was not particularly familiar with. Later investigations to Simon’s OMS found some brake calliper bolts which had worked loose and the problem was easily remedied. Steve Miles suffered a bird strike and had to remove the gruesome remains from his side pod on the Van Diemen; it didn’t seem to phase him however as he qualified fastest. Chris Jones was braking earlier everywhere to just to make sure no further trips to the scenery were experienced. Robert Tonge mentioned strange aero behaviour due to the high winds.
A lengthy time to complete the first timed runs saw lunch being called earlier than normal and the subsequent run-off one was to be immediately after lunch. The first three cars unknowingly had no time recorded. With the fourth car sat on the line, there was a delay which the issue was rectified. When proceedings resumed, the fourth car off the line was the only car to get a time before it started to rain, which soon became torrential causing some pantomime in the subsequent proceedings as the remaining cars had queued up on unsuitable tyres and the first three cars were due a re-run. Due to these circumstances, over lunch the Championship coordinator and the Longton DMC team agreed to give the BSC class an ‘even conditions’ run-off 1 again before T3. This was relayed to the drivers as they queued for what they thought was qualifying run two!
The subsequent run-off saw the 2021 Champion Steve Miles take the honours in his 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm ahead of 2023 Champion Pete Goulding in his 1.6T Mygale EcoBoost. Chris Jones in his 1.0 Force TA who rounded off the top-three positions. Lloyd Bettinson (1.0 STM Phoenix) scored his first BSC points by finishing a credible 8^th place. Graham Blackwell (1.6T Mygale EcoBoost), Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6), Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) and John Graham (2.8 Gould GR55B) all had an incredibly close battle to come 4th, 5^th, 6th and 7^th respectively with times in the 99 second bracket. Carole Torkington (1.6 OMS CF08) outperformed John Loudon in his stricken 1.0 Force TA, with Graham Porrett (1.6T Mygale EcoBoost) and Nick Scott (1.6 Force TA) rounding off the top 12 placings.
Run off 1 results
1^st Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 91.11 (+0.00)
2^nd Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 93.95 (+2.84)
3^rd Chris Jones (I 1.0 Force TA) 95.62 (+4.51)
4^th Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 99.00 (+7.89)
5^th Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 99.26 (+8.15)
6^th Robert Tonge (J 1.4 Force TA) 99.32 (+8.21)
7^th John Graham (L 2.8 Gould GR55b) 99.96 (+8.85)
8^th Lloyd Bettinson (D 1.0 STM Phoenix) 103.92 (+12.81)
9^th Carole Torkington (J 1.5 OMS CF08) 107.48 (+16.37)
10^th John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 112.43 (+21.32)
11^th Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 113.55 (+22.44)
12^th Nicholas Scott (J 1.6 Force TA) 158.29 (+67.18)


As a result of the earlier torrential rain, several competitors from the rest of the entry list had given up on the day, meaning that subsequent runs came thick and fast, with consequences of rushed paddock duties for those wishing to change wheels, make appropriate adjustments and for engines to cool sufficiently. This and the still marginal conditions saw several competitors remaining on wets for qualifying run two. Ant Brown again didn’t make the run off in his Audi TT mod prod, but gained more experience of the track for future visits, and still occupies 6^th place overall in the Championship.
The quickly turned-around final run-off again saw everyone on wets apart from Miles and Porrett. Goulding went away first, and his eagerness to get on to the power onto the final Peel Straight had him briefly onto the grass causing red flags, so no time for him. As he continued out to get out of harm’s way, the red flags remained out which Miles caught a glimpse of, and duly acknowledged by slowing.  This earned him a re-run and ultimately the run-off win. By just over a second, Jones was runner up, followed by Tonge some four seconds behind. Blackwell, on now rather worn wets, unusually missing out on a podium place, came 4^th. Harden also scored well again in 5^th place in his Radical, just ahead of former champion Graham who was gradually getting back into the swing of things on his now five-year-old tyre shod Gould GR55 in 6^th place. Bettinson again impressing with an improved 7^th place this time around. And Torkington just getting on with things and securing 8^th, ahead of Wallis in whilst throttle limited Loudon came 10^th just ahead of Porrett still sorting issues after the engine cut out when on half revs in 11^th and Scott rounding off the placings with an overly cautious run.



Run off 2 results
1^st Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 81.06 (+0.00)
2^nd Chris Jones (I 1.0 Force TA) 82.25 (+1.19)
3^rd Robert Tonge (J 1.4 Force TA) 86.35 (+5.29)
4^th Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 87.27 (+6.21)
5^th Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 89.89 (+8.83)
6^th John Graham (L 2.8 Gould GR55b) 91.68 (+10.62)
7^th Lloyd Bettinson (D 1.0 STM Phoenix) 92.17 (+11.11)

8^th Carole Torkington (J 1.5 OMS CF08) 92.91 (+11.85)

9^th Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 93.61 (+12.55)

10^th John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 96.21 (+15.15)
11^th Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 96.40 (+15.34)
12^th Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 103.24 (+22.18)
FTD went to Steve Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) on a time of 81.06 seconds.
As a result of two fine run-off wins for the day, Steve Miles elevated himself to lead the Championship as we departed Anglesey. Many competitors were glad to have survived the weather experience and return home safely.
Championship standings post Anglesey rounds 7 and 8
1^st Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 184 points
2^nd Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 182 points
3^rd Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 181 points
4^th John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 164 points
5^th Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 132 points
6^th Anthony Brown (C 1.8 Audi TT) 126 points
7^th Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 125 points
8^th Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 113 points
9^th Chris Jones (I 1.0 Force TA) 95 points
10^th Robert Tonge (J 1.4 Force TA) 82 points
11^th John Graham (L 2.8 Gould GR55b) 74 points
12^th Steven Brown (K 1.3s Empire Evo2) 73 points

The next rounds of the championship are at Blyton Park on May 18^th and 19^th.
 

Competitors battle Storm Kathleen at Anglesey

Event 3 at Anglesey on 06/04/2024
@ Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship Rounds 7 and 8 - Steve Miles reports:

A mere two weeks after the ‘full on’ opening weekend of Cadwell Park and Mallory Park, 16 drivers joined the Longton and District-run event at Anglesey, where the national layout is run on the Saturday and the longer International on the Sunday. Whilst the drivers may have fancied a weekend of steady conditions, Storm Kathleen thought it would be a good idea to liven things up a bit! Storm force gusts, recorded at 56mph only three miles away, certainly gave many drivers some interesting handling issues.
Practice saw a mix of tyres being deployed, from slicks to inters to wets, from Avon to Pirelli and Michelin. The only notable incident was Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS) who somehow arrived backwards into Rocket, swiping the 200 board on the grass. He was pleased to discover the large polystyrene content of the marker board as he made contact! Unfortunately, Steve Brown in the awesome RLM Empire EVO2 had to retire due to some engine issues.
For the T1 run, in which the top 12 to qualify for points is set, Nick Scott in the 1.6 Force TA didn’t make it and also spun at Rocket.  This would have big personal consequences later for the run-off, as he then set a time that could have made the top 3. Competing in the British Challenge Cup was Justin Andrews, who, had he been in the main British Sprint Championship, would have qualified 10^th fastest in a saloon in the dry. Another new driver to the British Challenge Cup was Lloyd Bettinson who was driving a Phoenix and putting in some very quick times. He registered overnight so that he can score points in the main Championship for the Blyton event!
Chris Jones — also in a Force TA and with only a 1-litre engine — qualified fastest on his comeback event after not driving for many months and was understandably in a buoyant mood!
In the Timed run 2 where the top 12 points were scored, the class was called to the holding paddock in number order, with current British Sprint Champion Pete Goulding (1.6 EcoBoost) first away, hedging his bets on the weather by running  intermediate tyres. Everyone else lined up on slicks and thought Pete had pulled a blinder as a short shower doused the front runners. Steve Miles in the SBD 2-litre Duratec emerged fastest of the early runners though and was looking good for the win, however, the strong winds, warm temperature and timing/rerun delays meant that at the final reckoning he only ended 5th, with Graham Blackwell’s 1.6 EcoBoost in 6th ahead of Goulding and Robert Tonge whop was making his comeback event in the 1.4 Force . Tonge described his run as “overly cautious”. Ant Brown in the slick-shod 1.8 Audi TT put in a cracking 9th place ahead of 2019 British Sprint Champion John Graham who was making a local event and did admit to being “a little rusty” in his big 2.8 Gould and still struggling with a recently-reattached severed thumb. Wallis took 11th while Graham Porrett suffered a spin and stall in the 1.6 Mygale to finish 12th. So, back to the sharp end and who could make the most of the conditions? John Loudon, in the Laser Tools backed Force was ‘sort of happy’ with 4^th, to match his 2023 BSC finishing position, but felt the increase in wing was having a detrimental effect.
Less than a tenth ahead was an overjoyed Carole Torkington (1.5 SBD OMS) taking a best ever 3^rd place. Graham Harden was also ecstatic with his best finish of 2^nd in his heavy 1.6 Radical PR6. This just left Chris Jones, who deserved this top spot after qualifying fastest in the dry and improving the time further when it counted. Considering Chris hadn’t driven for almost a year, it was a very impressive performance.
Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Nat Rd 5
1. Chris Jones (I 1.0 Force TA) 49.40 (+0.00)
2. Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 53.23 (+3.83)
3. Carole Torkington (J 1.5 OMS CF08) 57.06 (+7.66)
4. John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 57.13 (+7.73)
5. Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 57.24 (+7.84)
6. Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 59.02 (+9.62)
7. Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 59.54 (+10.14)
8. Robert Tonge (J 1.4 Force TA) 62.21 (+12.81)
9. Anthony Brown (C 1.8 Audi TT) 64.35 (+14.95)
10. John Graham (L 2.8 Gould GR55b) 65.69 (+16.29)
11. Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 66.48 (+17.08)
12. Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 83.86 (+34.46)

The day stayed very windy but dry for the next qualification and run-off. For qualifying, Miles stated his intentions and moved to current FTD and fastest spot ahead of Goulding and Jones. But when it counted, many positions changed. In 12^th was Brown in the Audi, just behind Porrett who was having full throttle issues due to wheel speed sensors telling the ECU strange things. Wallis had an ‘almost PB’ run to 11^th but was pipped by Torkington with a PB run a few tenths faster in 10^th despite a heavy clattering of the exit kerbs at the finish — or was it a PB run because of that commitment?
Nick Scott set a PB and was very pleased to have cured some battery and launch issues to be two seconds up the road and take 9^th. Harden was another three seconds faster, and then easing into the 2024 season was Graham in 7^th. Loudon had his best run of the day but was disappointed with 6^th. A very pleased Robert Tonge (1.4 Force) was happy with 5^th, but despite his best time of day and 140mph into the final hairpin, Blackwell was a little disappointed with 4^th. Jones found six-tenths over his run-off win time earlier for 3^rd and just two tenths faster, Miles was pleased to take his best finish of the year so far for 2^nd. This left current BSC champion Pete Goulding to top off the time sheets, six tenths up the road and with FTD
There followed much fettling and sorting as everyone packed away in the garage and got ready for whatever the weather could throw at them tomorrow!
Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Nat Rd 6
1. Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 48.02 (+0.00)
2. Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 48.64 (+0.62)
3. Chris Jones (I 1.0 Force TA) 48.81 (+0.79)
4. Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 49.01 (+0.99)
5. Robert Tonge (J 1.4 Force TA) 50.69 (+2.67)
6. John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 51.22 (+3.20)
7. John Graham (L 2.8 Gould GR55b) 51.78 (+3.76)
8. Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 51.95 (+3.93)
9. Nicholas Scott (J 1.6 Force TA) 54.72 (+6.70)
10. Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 55.05 (+7.03)
11. Carole Torkington (J 1.5 OMS CF08) 56.43 (+8.41)
12. Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 58.99 (+10.97)
 

A new venue for the new season at Mallory

Event 2 at Mallory Park on 24/03/2024
Steve Miles reports from the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship at Mallory Park on 24th March 2024

Overnight rain cleared to a bright, promising day of competition at this Leicestershire venue which had not used for sprinting for well over a decade. Sheffield and Hallamshire Motor Club ran a friendly, efficient meeting and fitted a practice and three timed runs on 1.5 laps of the course, which included the Edwina’s Chicane at the end of the back straight. It was a fast and challenging course (with reported speeds up to 155mph) that was well received and left everyone looking forward to returning to the track in June, when Sheffield and Hallamshire organise another meeting.

Practice went smoothly, with the two EcoBoost-powered cars of Peter Goulding and Graham Blackwell significantly ahead of the other BSC runners. Steve Brown in his RLM Empire Evo had a faulty ignition switch that kept shutting the engine down and Steve Miles in the 28-year-old, heavily-modified Formula Ford would have been quicker had he not decided to do a chicane that wasn’t part of the designated track!

Qualifying runs saw the same pattern — Goulding and Blackwell leading within a tenth of each other in the 65s, then three drivers all in the 72 second bracket, covered by just four-hundredths — these were Steve Miles (now driving the correct course and having sorted some low-speed running issues with the help of SBD dial in support), Laser Tools sponsored John Loudon — 1.0 Force TA and Steve Brown in his new for ‘24 1.3T RLM Empire Evo2. Making the long journey from Cornwall and share driving a 2 litre Vauxhall Reynard were Mike Froggett and Gary Buckingham. This dynamic duo were also in the 72s, but competing in the new British Sprint Challenge Cup, so not scoring in the run-offs but just on selected events; it was going to be close. Then, a few seconds back, a tight trio of bike engine cars of Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS), Nick Scott (1.6 Force TA) and Marcus Lindsay (1 litre Jedi mk4) who was competing in the BSC for the first time and back driving after a nine-month break. Having his rear wing drop 90° wasn’t an ideal start, but it was repaired and ran OK for the rest of the day. Graham Porrett in the new EcoBoost was getting his eye in a bit further back and wrestling with a strange car issue: whenever he turned left, the car upchanged two gears. This was traced to a crimp on the wiring loom and the steering column! Last qualifier was another newcomer to the ‘fold’, Ant Brown in the Pirelli slick-shod 1.8 Audi TT.

For the all-important first opportunity to score BSC points from Timed Run 2, Goulding was first away on his best Pirelli slicks and chopped well over a second off his qualifying time. In a very close chase, Blackwell had found a better balance by removing the front wing second element gurney flaps, but stopped the clocks 0.06secs slower than Goulding for 2^nd place. Miles was running in the paddock after a fashion, but on track the engine was fine and came in four seconds further back for 3^rd. The tight battle between Loudon and Brown was settled after the Ricardo director overshot the chicane with excessive entry speed, leaving Loudon to come in 4^th place a further second or so behind Miles. This allowed Scott to take a good finish of 6^th on his first run-off of the year.

Just over 1.5 secs behind was Lindsay, pleased to score his first BSC points and take 7^th. A DNF was Wallis, who also ‘did a Brown’ and drove passed the chicane, as he got his post-finish route mixed up and applied it on lap one! Porrett must have been having a few issues still as the laptop was out, but he managed 8^th in the EcoBoost.  Last scorer was Ant Brown who had a no drama run, four secs slower than Porrett, but impressive considering he was in a saloon!

Top 12 Run-off: Mallory Park Rd 3
 

1. Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200)                          63.95 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)                64.01 (+0.06)
3. Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)                 68.08 (+4.13)
4. John Loudon (I 1 Force TA)                                                69.30 (+5.35)
5. Nicholas Scott (J 1.6 Force TA)                                          74.56 (+10.61)
6. Marcus Lindsay (I 1.0 Jedi Mk4)                                        76.50 (+12.55)
7. Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200)                        86.71 (+22.76)
8. Anthony Brown (C 1.8 Audi TT)                                        90.91 (+26.96)

The 89 runners in the field were taking about 2.5 hours to clear and there were four hours available after the lunch curfew and the 6pm finish, so it was clear that the next run was going to be the scoring run as there was not enough time to fit in two runs.

The Audi of Brown managed a steady run for 8^th again, but Porrett — despite charging and using another battery to get to the line — couldn’t start when it counted and had to be pushed back. Scott posted his fastest time of the day for 7^th and one-and-a-bit seconds faster was Wallis who got the course correct, had no issues and was pleased with a 6^th. Squeezing him out by 13 hundredths was Lindsay, thoroughly enjoying his day at BSC level throwing the 295kg Jedi around. A close battle between Loudon and Miles saw Miles on top by just 8 hundredths, leaving car no 4 John in 4^th and car number 3 Miles taking another 3^rd.

This left the big power cars at the front. Pete Goulding’s additional oomph from extra injectors and Newman race cams is clearly working, but this time he was relegated to 2^nd place by 0.26secs by Graham Blackwell, despite Blackwell locking up at Edwina’s and down-changing two gears into Gerrards on the second lap.

Top 12 Run-off: Mallory Park Rd 4
 

1. Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 64.77 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 65.03 (+0.26)
3. Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 68.28 (+3.51)
4. John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 68.36 (+3.59)
5. Marcus Lindsay (I 1.0 Jedi Mk4) 72.62 (+7.85)
6. Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 72.75 (+7.98)
7. Nicholas Scott (J 1.6 Force TA) 74.06 (+9.29)
8. Anthony Brown (C 1.8 Audi TT) 93.77 (+29.00)

All in all, a brave gamble to put on a meeting at Mallory from Sheffield and Hallamshire Motor Club that paid off and everyone went home happy. There is good video on YouTube if you search for Pescara Productions. Lots of checking and tweaks before Anglesey on the 6^th  and 7^th April.

Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship top-12 after round 4
 

1. Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 99 points
2. Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 95 points
3. John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 89 points
4. Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 88 points
5. Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 71 points
6. Anthony Brown (C 1.8 Audi TT) 70 points
7. Steven Brown (K 1.3s Empire Evo2) 60 points
8. Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 55 points
9. Marcus Lindsay (I 1.0 Jedi Mk4) 41 points
10. Nicholas Scott (J 1.6 Force TA) 40 points

10. Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 40 points





 

Goulding leads the pack at Cadwell

Event 1 at Cadwell Park on 23/03/2024
Goulding leads the pack at Cadwell

Steve Miles reports from the opening rounds of the Woodford Trailers British Sprint Championship at Cadwell Park on 23 March 2024

All the WhatsApp chat of the long off-season was coming to an end as competitors gathered for the first sprint of the season and first round of the British Sprint Championship, supported by new sponsors Woodford Trailers.

The paddock gossip included: could Pete Goulding defend his title, would the EcoBoost of Graham Blackwell or Graham Porrett be any match for the upgraded Goulding EcoBoost engine? Did Steve Miles have more power from the new SBD 2-litre? Had John Loudon’s new Daytuner L7 1,000cc, or the new RLM 1.3 turbo engine in Steve Brown’s Empire have enough to overtake them all?  There were many other tweaks and upgrades throughout the field and a lot of excitement also.

BARC Midlands organised another good event that was well run and everyone got a practice and four timed runs. There were only nine runners after Simon Bainbridge had been inable to get parts for the drivetrain in time and had to withdraw. First car away at 09:00 was ‘unofficial circuit grouse cleaner’ Steve Miles. He had been running in a new engine earlier in the week and all had gone well for over 50 laps, but when returning to the paddock after this practice run, he found some low-speed drivability issues that were worked on all day by remote SBD support. No issues were reported in practice apart from Simon Wallis in the newly-shod Avon 1.1 OMS, who had a full on-the-grass ‘off’ at Gooseneck, but what was particularly impressive was Pete Goulding’s straight out of the box run, some three seconds faster than anyone, despite having a chest infection and an oil leak — not related!

The qualifying Timed run 1 was OK for all, and Blackwell found four seconds by swapping to old Pirelli from used Avons. The meeting progressed between light showers and strong winds and the first scoring run of the season came around quickly. Pete Goulding laid down the 2024 gauntlet and posted the fastest time of the meeting so far, and won the run-off. He came back though with oil over the engine block, the source of which couldn’t be found, as well as a leaking EGR pipe. Three seconds further back was Graham Blackwell, fresh from a Mallory Park test a few days earlier. Just four-tenths behind was the potent RLM Empire Evo2 of Steve Brown, putting out over 300bhp and yet only weighing 350kg. He was running a Pirelli rear, Avon front mix for 3rd. Six-tenths in arrears was Laser Tools sponsored John Loudon who was not sure where to find time as he said he was nearly flat everywhere, but declared himself happy with a 4^th.

Miles was somewhat off the pace during the day in 5^th, sorting out drivability issues perhaps, but Graham Harden in the Radical was pleased with his first visit to his local venue, despite trying to avoid the splitter-damaging pothole and tapping the bodywork on the tight gate entrance to the circuit. Simon Wallis kept it on the track and his new Avons minimised the ‘tank slapper’ through Hall Bends! Graham Porret in the 3^rd EcoBoost was experimenting with boost levels and didn’t think he had it quite right but took 8^th place. New to the BSC this year is Ant Brown driving a Mod Prod class Audi TT and took the final position.

Top 12 Run-off: Cadwell Park Rd 1
 

1. Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 79.46 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 82.55 (+3.09)
3. Steven Brown (K 1.3s Empire Evo2) 82.92 (+3.46)
4. John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 83.59 (+4.13)
5. Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 86.12 (+6.66)
6. Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 87.30 (+7.84)
7. Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 94.42 (+14.96)
8. Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 99.54 (+20.08)
9. Anthony Brown (C 1.8 Audi TT) 111.09 (+31.63)

Again, no drama in Timed Run 3 and everyone qualified. The weather remained windy and the odd shower passed quickly over, but not enough to think about a change to wets at any time.

The final run of the day and the next points opportunity went very similar with a few changes. Ant Brown notched up 9^th with a slight improvement in time. Porrett went slightly slower and Wallis, despite some issues with his new helmet lifting, found four seconds for a strong 7^th. An almost identical time for Harden kept 6^th place, as did Miles in 5^th. The 4^th place was the big change as Blackwell slipped, some two seconds slower than his first run-off. This allowed Loudon to claim  3^rd, but the impressive performance was Steve Brown who jumped to second place and found over two seconds on his final run, but out in front was the smiling (but still coughing) Pete Goulding who took the win again for a good start to his 2024 campaign.

Top 12 Run-off: Cadwell Park Rd 2
 

1. Peter Goulding (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 80.06 (+0.00)
2. Steven Brown (K 1.3s Empire Evo2) 80.84 (+0.78)
3. John Loudon (I 1 Force TA) 83.28 (+3.22)
4. Graham Blackwell (L1 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 84.38 (+4.32)
5. Stephen Miles (K 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 87.40 (+7.34)
6. Grahame Harden (F1 1.6 Radical PR6) 87.52 (+7.46)
7. Simon Wallis (I 1.1 OMS 3000M) 91.58 (+11.52)
8. Graham Porrett (L1 1.6t Mygale FF 200) 102.72 (+22.66)
9. Anthony Brown (C 1.8 Audi TT) 110.00 (+294)

After the awards, the convoy formed and departed to Mallory Park for the next day's competition.  Well, all apart from Miles who was replacing throttle pots into the twilight hours!

Down to the Wire at Castle Combe

Event 21 at Castle Combe on 14/10/2023
Steve Miles reports from the final British Sprint Championship round

At the end of four consecutive weekends of competition, the championship still wasn’t decided as the field travelled to Castle Combe, the fastest and longest circuit on the calendar. Bristol Motor Club were live streaming the event on YouTube and anticipation of a good day ahead was high.

Pete Goulding on 444 points had a single-point lead over Graham Blackwell after 40 rounds, both driving 1.6 turbo EcoBoosts. 3 points were on the table with two wins and a class record as both drivers were dropping second place scores. A tie would mean Goulding would win on countback rules.

Before track action had commenced, the blue SBD DJ Firehawk disappeared in a spectacular cloud of steam when a hose burst after it got too hot warming up, but luckily no damage was done. Practice saw no incidents other than that Steve Broughton learned that the fuel tank was not large enough for a double drive with Zoe Kingham, and this curtailed his practice run early!

Timed run 1 at the meeting served as qualification for the 13 drivers for the 12 scoring places, and this nearly caught out the latter runners, as a heavy shower came down and added significantly to the times as everyone played safe and tried not to spin in the wet whilst shod on slicks. This led to a strange qualification order with the bike-engined cars dominating the top half for a change, and Zoe was elated to be just two seconds slower than Steve who went last. In the end, Robert Tonge — a late entry as he enjoyed the Anglesey event so much — snapped a chain link on the start line, repaired it but then snapped the spare and so didn’t qualify. Simon Bainbridge in the ‘Green Monster’ as the paddock marshal renamed his Crono 4.2 V8, was concerned about a propshaft vibration and hoping it would last the day. Simon Wallis in his Force was pleased with his PB and that was before he put his best tyres on! Another driver with a PB was OMS driver Carole Torkington, perhaps relaxed as her best Championship finish of 9^th overall was already secure and in the bag!

Crunch time…. Timed run 2 became the penultimate scoring round of the 2023 championship and would decide the winner. This time it was dry for everyone.

Nick Houston didn’t manage a top 12 placing in the Championship and so won’t get a hallowed permanent number for next season, but enjoyed his day immensely and will be back for more. Returnee to the fold Graham Porrett, now driving a Mygale EcoBoost is improving with each outing, but did suffer this run as a blanking plug was lost — as was all his boost pressure! Kingham, sharing the DJ Firestorm grew in confidence and chipped off another 7 seconds over qualifying to come 10^th.

Torkington slipped a little over her qualifying time and came an apt 9^th. Four-tenths ahead was Simon Wallis, who also went slightly slower despite putting better tyres on. Grahame Harden in the Radical was very pleased to be within ½ second of the newly-named ‘Green Monster’ of Bainbridge, and reported himself chuffed with coming 7^th overall this year. Simon’s propshaft lasted the day and he had no other ‘mechanicals’ to record his highest ever finishing place in the Championship of 5^th.

Steve Miles pushed the 27-year-old Van Diemen hard, but suffered from bump-steer related handling, which was troublesome enough to cause him to back off and was some eight seconds off his PB. He retired the car playing safe after that run, satisfied to be finishing 3^rd overall in the Championship, a position secured a few events back.

Leading onto the top four scorers, John Loudon was positively ecstatic with a PB, 4^th place in the run-off and 4^th in the Championship aboard his Laser Tools sponsored 1,100cc Force after a close battle with Bainbridge for this spot.

Graham Blackwell, now with fully automatic upchanges to 5^th gear, posted a strong run for Championship points, but was 0.18 secs slower than Pete Goulding’s time, this despite Goulding not putting in sufficient fuel for a complete run and doing some coasting towards the finish!

However, the Championship was not in the bag yet as Steve Broughton, a Combe specialist, was last to run due to the shared drive and all eyes were on the timing apps as he flashed past the pit wall and disappeared up over Avon Rise, flat and committed into Quarry. Despite breaking the class record he recorded an excellent 3^rd, leaving Blackwell 2^nd and his highest Championship finish an excellent 2^nd overall. But this meant that Pete Goulding had won a run-off when it counted most and more importantly, the 2023 SBD British Sprint Championship to many congratulations in the paddock.

Top 12 Run-off: Castle Combe Rd 41
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 116.93 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 117.11 (+0.18)
3. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 121.41* (+4.48)
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 124.20 (+7.27)
5. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 124.41 (+7.48)
6. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 124.46 (+7.53)
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 124.95 (+8.02)
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 129.36 (+12.43)
9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 129.75 (+12.82)
10. Zoe Kingham (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 136.72 (+19.79)
11. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 138.05 (+21.12)
12. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 141.02 (+24.09)

The final run of the day saw just ten runners heading to the holding area; Tonge had retired after his chain incidents, Blackwell had decided to play it safe and withdrew as had Miles who was suffering with handling issues. Drivers were held for a while a circuit timing issue got addressed, during which time a short but heavy shower had soaked the track. First away, Kingham repeated her Pembrey spin, but full marks as she learnt from it and held the clutch down as she went backwards and saved the starter motor from damage. The next spinner was Bainbridge, who after trying to touch the throttle and apply the 650bhp, spun at only 45mph. At this point, with all Championship positions decided, a steady withdrawal from the holding area started and one by one, most returned to the paddock to call it a day.  This left four slick-shod runners brave and bold enough to give it a go!

Torkington kept it on the track and secured her highest ever run off finish of 4^th. 20 or so seconds quicker was Nick Houston and a further 20 secs faster was Wallis, pleased with bagging 24 points. The onlookers were stunned however when Steve Broughton went around over a minute faster and was flat past the pitwall and into Avon rise in 6^th, sending rooster tails high into the Wiltshire countryside to take the win!

Top 12 Run-off: Castle Combe Rd 42
1. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 160.98 (+0.00)
2. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 224.99 (+64.01)
3. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 244.48 (+83.50)
4. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 286.37 (+125.39)

Back in the paddock, to a background of party music from the moleracing trailer sound system, Pete and wife Debbie were handing out bottles of Stella and Krispy Kreme doughnuts to all to make a convivial and enjoyable end to a fantastic, close and friendly British Sprint season.


Final BSC Positions 2023
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 445 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 443 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 432 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 414 points
5. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 404 points
6. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 398 points
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 371 points
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 365 points
9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 339 points
10. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 328 points
11. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 227 points
12. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 195 points



 

Bainbridge and Robb come out top in tricky Knockhill conditions

Event 20 at Knockhill on 08/10/2023
Steve Miles writes

With the BBC national news reporting on the of a month’s worth of rainfall in the previous day and reports of locals being rescued by helicopter after flooding, the assembled drivers were dubious about getting any running at all around the Dunfermline circuit — due to be running clockwise for the day.  It was also 9°C, and colleagues in the south of the UK delighted in pointing out that it was at least 24°C where they were!

The meeting was shared with several Scottish championship races and practice/qualifying/racing slots had been allocated to all the series including BSC. The early practice session for BSC was cancelled however, as conditions were deemed too dangerous for single-seaters after many tin tops were aquaplaning off the circuit, one even barrel rolled. The photos show what they were dealing with, and an industrial pump was brought in to clear a small lake at the bottom of Chicane! By 11:00, we were allowed out for a back-to-back practice run followed by Timed run one to set qualifying for Timed run two that would be the points-scoring morning run-off.

Championship wise, Pete Goulding in his Mygale EcoBoost is one point ahead of Graham Blackwell in his similar engined car. They are both dropping 2^nd place positions. Blackwell needs two points to win the Championship; if they tie, Goulding wins on countback. No records were likely in the wet in Scotland, but that still left two points to be had, and three more at Castle Combe the following Saturday.

The first casualty of T1 was Stewart Robb, with his mighty 800bhp Pilbeam Judd V10.  He hadn’t driven the car since last year, and it refused to start when hot following practice. This meant he didn’t post a T1 time and so was not eligible for scoring points in the run-off 1.  Blackwell pulled off a miraculous turnaround after the previous Sunday in Anglesey, managing to take the engine out, have it fully rebuilt by Area 6 in 48 hours, then reinstalled before driving the seven hours to Scotland. The car ran faultlessly after some minor bolts on the coil packs were found to be loose after T1. Simon Bainbridge gently pushed the big 4.2 Audi Crono around the 1.75 laps, hoping not to break the output flange like the previous weekend and turned the boost right down to ‘just’ give around 600bhp. He’d also purchased three more diffs in the intervening week! Goulding reported some power-on oversteer moments at McIntyre and the exit of the Chicane and was grateful for Miles’s special ‘glasses antifog’ treatment after loosing visibility mid run! John Loudon said he felt intimidated by the wet, especially as he hadn’t driven here more that twice and that was two years ago, but otherwise had no issues. Steve Miles nearly didn’t start when the engine refused to fire up, but that was easily explained when earlier, a battery had come off the onboard camera and nestled in the throttle bodies, thus preventing the SBD safety system from reporting a safe sweep on start up. When the offending battery was found and removed after the rapid removal of the bodywork, all was good and apart from the usual sideways power oversteer moments, a safe run was had. Graham Porrett had the longest journey of all — a 980 mile round trip. His evening was spent fixing a puncture in his 10-year-old circuit racing wets, and a terrible vibration due to the sealant he’d pumped in was the result in practice. A loan of Goulding’s spare ‘trailer transit wheel’ sorted him out!

For the run-off, everyone was still on full wets as the track was still soaked, but the rain had eased and the mist had descended.

Porrett in the third Mygale EcoBoost was getting used to the car, but inappropriate tyres would stop anything more than 6^th place. John Loudon went some 15 seconds faster than his qualifying pace and had all gear upshifts working OK and ‘came home’ in 5^th. Telsonic and Roundworks IT sponsored Miles has secured 3^rd overall in the ’23 championship and cannot make 2^nd place, so was more in ‘don’t bin it’ mode than all out for the win and placed 4^th. Demon Tweaks backed Goulding however was needing to push to defend his lead and improved by 11 seconds over qualifying, but still couldn’t get on top of Blackwell’s time by a few tenths and had to settle for 3^rd. Blackwell was running a low boost mode, but still getting 140mph on the main straight and went 7 secs faster for 2^nd place — unfortunately another dropped score. But topping the time sheet was Simon — with all diffs intact, who made a committed run with the back stepping on at Chicane; rapid steering wheel action from the Stokesley farmer kept it all on the track and he secured his 5^th win of the season.

2023 SBD British Sprint Championship
Top 12 Run-off: Knockhill Clock Rd 39
1. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 107.47 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 109.33 (+1.86)
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 109.93 (+2.46)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 110.72 (+3.25)
5. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 115.49 (+8.02)
6. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 127.53 (+20.06)

Over the lunch break there were five previous British Sprint Champions in the garage at one point — Stewart Robb snr, Heather Calder, Colin Calder (racing a Ginetta very successfully all day), Nick Algar and Steve Miles, along with the current British Hillclimb Champion Wallace Menzies!

The SMRC organising club made way for two more runs in the program by reducing the number of laps in the afternoon races. This would have meant a T3 run for qualifying and a T4 run off. But five minutes before the end of the final race, the heavens opened again with monsoon like conditions, and forced the last race to be stopped short and the meeting to be declared unsafe to continue. This meant that the afternoon’s T3 stood for points.

In 7^th place, Porrett found 4 seconds over his time in the morning run. For 6^th place,  Loudon — in the Laser Racing sponsored Force — also went some 3 seconds faster. Miles recorded a time just 6^th hundredths slower than the first run-off and would have liked to have a 4^th run as SBD had been fine-tuning the traction control settings during the day and the last set up didn’t get to be tried. In 4^th place was Blackwell, with boost turned up to the max for the first time he recorded an identical time to the morning run. Rainmeister Bainbridge had now moved ahead of Steve Broughton in the Championship battle, and perhaps with keeping an eye on the drive chain was a couple of seconds faster to take 3^rd place. Benefitting from a timing error, Goulding was given a rerun and went quickly back to the line after a refuel, this helped a 4 second improvement over the first run off to put him in 2^nd place, but this would be a dropped score. Finally, Stewart Robb snr showed he hadn’t lost his magic touch and car control skills and put all ten of his Judd cylinders to good use to set FTD and take a run-off win.

Top 12 Run-off: Knockhill Clock Rd 40
1. Stewart Robb (5.0 Pilbeam MP88-1 GV5) 103.21 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 105.15 (+1.94)
3. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 105.33 (+2.12)
4. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 109.33 (+6.12)
5. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 110.78 (+7.57)
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 112.52 (+9.31)
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 123.32 (+20.11)

So just like 2022, the British Sprint Championship goes down to the wire at the last event of the season at Castle Combe, organised by Bristol Motor Club on Saturday 14^th October. three points available for the top two drivers to chase. Graham Blackwell currently one point behind Pete Goulding and only a clear win will do.

Follow live timing updates by clicking on this link  - http://bit.ly/BSC23-R42
and a live YouTube commentary and video stream by clicking here https://youtube.com/live/GWmrlkoHefU?feature=share



 

Summers reigns again

Event 19 at Anglesey on 01/10/2023
Day two of the Longton and District Motor Club sprint weekend at Anglesey encountered continued overnight rain from the previous day now accompanied by high winds, which left a track which was wet for practice despite the precipitation having stopped just before the day’s competition began.

Practice didn’t start well for Championship leader Pete Goulding whose car inexplicably cut out at the first corner. Lengthy investigation and plenty of activity in the garage eventually found a broken wire to the fuel pump which was repaired in time for the next run. Steve Miles was still pushing the limit of his traction control setting and span yet again. All others trundled round and stayed out of trouble, confident that their various mobile phone weather apps would later reward them with a dry track.
Qualifying saw moderate improvements for most as the Tarmac was indeed starting to dry out, with Alex Summers yet again showing the rest of the field how it is done by heading the timing charts. Two casualties of note were Championship second placed man Graham Blackwell who came back to the paddock losing coolant. Lengthy further investigation revealed a leaking core plug on his Mygale EcoBoost’s cylinder head. Aided by a willing volunteer in the form of Ian Metcalfe, temporary repairs were attempted involving a coin and epoxy resin. Unfortunately for Graham, the lengthy repair resulted in him missing the first run-off of the day. The other casualty was Simon Bainbridge whose SBR Crono had had another tantrum, this time breaking an normally considered unbreakable differential output flange, possibly related to the previous day’s episode of diff failure.
With the track almost dry before the first run-off was due to begin, competitors were changing their tyres for slicks. The weather then played mind games with them by introducing a fine wet mizzle to the air which caused uncertainty and saw most swapping back to wets in fear of the worst. As it turned out, those on wets were regretting not having persisted with slicks as it was just about dry enough for them. With the side-lined Blackwell still making repairs, the run-off commenced and completed, also minus Simon Bainbridge who didn’t qualify. Alex Summers was still leading the field home in first, with Robert Tonge having his best result of the weekend, coming home in second, followed by Steve Miles in third who was one of the brave who remained on slicks. Pete Goulding came home in fourth, which was not enough to widen his Championship lead, with Graham Blackwell unable to take part. John Loudon came home in 5^th just behind Pete Goulding. Grahame Harden was in sixth, complaining of understeer and Graham Porrett came home in seventh admitting that he ‘must try harder’.  Nick Scott came home in eight, still with the distraction of a low battery warning light on his dash.

1. Alex Summers (2.5 AFS P4t) 82.51
2. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 86.26
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 86.45
4. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 87.69
5. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 87.95
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 89.31
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 100.77
8. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 104.72

Graham Blackwell now had his car running again and joined the end of the second timed runs to prove his car repair. Alas, it was now misfiring and further investigations revealed that the spark plug wells were full of water, which were dried for the next run. Simon Bainbridge’s SBR Crono had also had repairs made, but with a part that the SBR Racing team had no confidence in being able to withstand the traumas that the 4.2 twin turbo V8 Audi power plant could throw at it, so a cautious run was the instruction from the team chief mechanic John Hansell. Steve Miles had lowered his rear ride height in order to try to get more rear end stability which seemed to work. All competitors were now on slicks and setting their fastest times of the day, and acclimatising themselves to conditions for the last run-off of the day which was to come. Unfortunately, this was not to be as there were too many incidents during the day which resulted in the event finishing before another run could take place, meaning that qualifying times were to be used for the finishing run-off results. Alex Summers had dominated the weekend by winning every run that he took part in. He admitted several times over the weekend that he had loved the BSC experience, had been made to feel welcome and would be back for more. Steve Miles eventually avoided spinning and bagged himself second, with Pete Goulding coming home in third. John Loudon came home in fourth, leading home the three Force TAs involved in the weekend, just ahead of Robert Tonge in his. Graham Blackwell limped home in sixth, still misfiring with lots of investigation and work to do before committing to travel to Knockhill the following weekend. Graham Porrett came home in seventh, complete with a snagging list to take home for his new Mygale EcoBoost steed from the weekend. Nick Scott found an eight second improvement to come eighth and Grahame Harden brought his Radical home in ninth, whilst preserving tyres for the run-off which didn’t materialise. Simon Bainbridge nursed the SBR Crono home in tenth as instructed by his team.

1. Alex Summers (2.5 AFS P4t) 76.42s
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 79.83s
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 80.37s
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 81.10s
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 82.80s
6. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 94.49s
7. Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 95.57s
8. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 96.29s
9. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 97.02s
10. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 97.93s

FTD went to Alex Summers with a time of 76.42 seconds.

Championship positions at the end of the weekend leave it all still to play for in the remaining rounds at Knockhill and Castle Combe.

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 444 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 443 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 432 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 413 points

5=  Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 386 points
5=  Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 386 points
      7.   Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 371 points
      8.   Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 360 points

9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 333 points
10. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 328 points

A wet Summers’ British Sprint debut

Event 18 at Anglesey on 30/09/2023
The British Sprint Championship visited Anglesey circuit for a double-header sprint weekend organised by slick event operators Longton and District Motor Club.

Entering the weekend’s rounds, just two points separate the leading contenders Pete Goulding and Graham Blackwell as they battle for the title. A welcome guest appearance from hillclimbing superstar Alex Summers driving his impressive self built and designed AJS P4T race car added additional excitement to the mix. Also joining the party for the first time this year was BSC regular Graham Porrett in his evolving Mygale EcoBoost which is still mid development and as yet undriven, accompanied by his familiar accomplice Terry Holmes as helping hand for the weekend. Non-competing Mark Anson also made a spectator visit for the second weekend running.
Practice was dry, but as it turned out, it was to be the only dry run of the day as the weather changed for the worse, delivering varying degrees of wetness throughout the day. Being the first cars out, most thought the start line was slippery; little did they know that it was only going to get worse when the rain came. Steve Miles sheepishly confessed to having forgotten to put fuel in and had to pootle round, but declared that the previous evening’s attentions to his brakes and clutch had paid dividends. Robert Tongue was bedding in new brakes and Graham Porret was wishing he was back in his V8 Lola. Not unsurprisingly, Alex Summers was fastest which set the tone of the day. The best snippet received from initial interviews of the day came from a competitor who had recently washed his race suit only to put it on at the start of the day and find a pair of frilly lady’s knickers attached to the velcro!

The first qualifying round of the day was in wet conditions. Robert Tonge was the only contender on Michelin wets — the rest were on a scattering of either Avons and Pirellis. Pete Goulding was resorting to a ‘granny’ start without too much success. Simon Bainbridge surprisingly managed to find enough grip in the wet to break the diff and propshaft flange on his SBR Crono, which is usually renowned for loving wet conditions, on the approach to the final hairpin and limped over the line. Frantic work from Team SBR commenced to fit a replacement for later in the day.
Run-off 1 saw Alex Summers confessing to being nervous of crossing the ‘river’ which had slowly been forming across the track on the exit of School on the approach to Rocket, as were plenty of others, yet still came home fastest securing his first ever run-off win and BSC points for his AJS P4T racing car. John Loudon came home second in his Force TA having found some grip in areas of the track not normally encountered. Graham Backwell set a new PB for a wet Anglesey and came home in third, which unfortunately for him did not gain any additional points to aid his quest to catch Championship leader Pete Goulding. The later repaired SBR Crono brought Simon Bainbridge home in 4th. Pete Goulding and Steve Miles both span at Rocket, but remained on track and able to trail home.  Graham Porrett was regretting the absence of working wheel speed sensors to enable traction control. The weekend was to produce a snagging list for the car as it was the first time it had been used by Graham since he purchased it. Robert Tonge’s car had developed a cracked exhaust header which caused initial alarm, but he managed to remedy the issue with help from fellow garage buddy Terry Holmes which seemed to hold for the rest of the weekend. Grahame Harden and Nick Scott had no drama to report, only than that Grahame was looking forward to a cup of coffee having brought his Radical home in 5th.

Run-off one results.
1.            Alex Summers (2.5 AFS P4t) 55.54
2.            John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 57.19
3.            Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 57.58
4.            Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 59.89
5.            Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 60.53
6.            Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 65.50
7.            . Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 68.77
8.            Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 72.46
9.            Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 73.39
10.         Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 77.54

Qualifying for run-off 2 saw little drama but the damp had affected a few competitors’ judgements, with one reporting having seen ducks! Pete Goulding nearly outbraked himself into the final hairpin and had to pump the pedal ABS style. Steve Miles had Championship sponsor SBD remotely connected to his car trying to improve his traction settings, given his new-found talent for pirouetting on track. Nick Scott was complaining that he could not see, but somehow managed to spot a low battery warning on his dash.

Run-off 2 again saw Alex Summers fastest despite being nervous of the rivers running across the track on the approach Rocket and braking too soon. Graham Blackwell’s launch and traction settings were proving to be good and he came home in second, closing the gap to Championship leader Pete Goulding to now just one point. Simon Bainbridge’s repaired SBR Crono was holding out and gradually regaining its prowess in the wet to come home third. Robert Tonge came home in fourth and Pete Goulding made an improvement after discovering that his traction control settings were set for slicks instead of wets to come home in 5th. John Loudon was unable to find the areas of track where he previously found grip on the first run off again and came home in 6th. Grahame Harden described the run as wet and horrible despite a 7th place and went into detail about how Radicals let water into the cockpit to soak the driver’s feet and seating area. Steve Miles was pushing his newly input traction settings courtesy of SBD to the limit and spun again at Rocket but again managed to stay on track and make it home in 8th. Nick Scott just looked relieved to have survived the day in 9th. Graham Porrett was still learning his new car and came home in 10th.

1.            Alex Summers (2.5 AFS P4t) 54.41
2.            Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 57.62
3.            Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 58.18
4.            Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 59.47
5.            Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 59.68
6.            John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 60.15
7.            Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 63.78
8.            Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 66.61
9.            Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 74.29
10.         Graham Porrett (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 83.47

FTD went to Alex Summers with a time of 54.41 seconds.

Championship positions at the end of the day
1.            Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 444 points
2.            Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 443 points
3.            Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 431 points
4.            John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 411 points
5.            Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 386 points
6.            Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 383 points
7.            Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 370 points
8.            Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 360 points
9.            Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 333 points
10.         Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 324 points



 

It's tight at the top after Blackwell's run-off wins

Event 17 at Blyton Park on 24/09/2023
Steve Miles reports

Overnight rain had left the track damp and very slippery and many runners chose to practice on wet tyres. It was interesting to note that the three runners on slicks all used series sponsor SBD’s traction control system and had faith in it!

By the time came for timed run 1, everyone was on slicks — again varying makes and sizes of wheels as everyone put the worst tyre combinations on to post a qualifying time and not over use the better ones. There were no incidents, despite the track being damp in places and everyone got through.

Nick Scott had a steady run, perhaps cautious of yesterday’s chain incident for 8^th position. Carole Torkington was remonstrating with herself afterwards about ‘not enough throttle’ going in to the ‘Wiggler’ after being so close to Simon Wallis ahead in 6^th. Wallis’s time, despite a few mistakes and nearly entering the field at ‘Bishops’ after taking the wrong line and selecting a few wrong gears. Steve Miles had a return of the clutch creep issues which slightly affected the start to take 4^th.

John Loudon improved over his Q time but lacked confidence in the grip available going into ‘Wiggler’ and ‘Jochen’. Pete Goulding also reported “More grip there than I thought” and understeered over the finish bend.

The driver who had the right philosophy was the winner, Graham Blackwell. He said “I assumed the grip was there and went for it like a hot dry track”. An impressive win in tricky conditions.

Top 12 Run-off: Blyton Outer Rd 33
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 57.28 (+0.00)
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 58.76 (+1.48)
3. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 60.40 (+3.12)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 61.15 (+3.87)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 62.94 (+5.66)
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 66.36 (+9.08)
7. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 67.03 (+9.75)
8. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 70.91 (+13.63)

For Timed run 3 for qualifying the big drama was the championship leader Goulding, now under pressure from the charging Blackwell, he pushed too hard and didn’t make the finish after spinning on the final corner, this meant he wasn’t in the mix for points scoring in Timed run 4.

Scott in the Force TA had a stronger run to 7^th after taking some rear wing off the car and was happy with his final run of the day. Torkington was pushing hard enough to have an oversteer moment in Lancaster. Wallis was very pleased after some technical points on the gear linkage were highlighted by the withdrawn Martin Pickles and a sterling effort driving the OMS resulted in a time 4 secs faster than the morning.

Equally happy was Harden, who went sub 60 for the first time and his highest finishing place in a run-off. Loudon was 3^rd despite a nearly 2 second improvement compared to earlier in the day. Just ahead was Miles, his time initially being disallowed due to observer reporting ‘wheels off over the finishing line’, but after a frame-by-frame video review by Clerk of Course and Judge of Fact, this was overturned as the evidence was clear.

This just left Blackwell using all 400bhp of maximum boost and describing the car as “planted” for another run-off win, his 3^rd of a successful weekend, leaving him only 2 points behind in the title race.

Top 12 Run-off: Blyton Outer Rd 34
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 56.48 (+0.00)
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 58.01 (+1.53)
3. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 58.63 (+2.15)
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 59.78 (+3.30)
5. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 61.60 (+5.12)
6. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 66.75 (+10.27)
7. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 68.04 (+11.56)

BSC Positions after Blyton Outer Rd 34 24-Sep
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 444 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 442 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 431 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 407 points
5. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 386 points
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 368 points
7. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 364 points
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 360 points
9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 333 points
10. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 321 points
11. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 227 points
12. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 195 points

Run-off success for Loudon at a busy Blyton

Event 16 at Blyton Park on 23/09/2023
Steve Miles reports

The Nottingham Sports Car Club Roger Carrington Memorial Sprint weekend always draws a regular full entry and a diverse mix of cars and championships. The ten BSC entries became nine as Martin Pickles had to withdraw his Jedi at last minute due to gear change issues the previous weekend. This left a small field, but still with intense competition from top to bottom as no championship positions are decided yet with the best 18 scores from 41 rounds to count and still 12 rounds remaining.

The start was dry, if chilly and this gradually warmed during the day with everyone staying on slicks. Qualifying in timed run 1 saw the usual suspects at the top, with the interloper of the 1,100cc John Loudon, his times putting him ahead of the 2 litres and the EcoBoosts in the classes above. A sad sight was the demise of Steve Brown, when the newly rebuilt engine that delivered FTD at a shakedown event the week earlier said ‘enough’ and Steve took an early bath. Whenever the car hangs together, Brown can set run-off winning times.

The usual swap of tyres for each driver’s dwindling stocks of Pirelli or fresher Avon rubber took place and then the all important Timed run 2 for points for the Championship.

Although Nick Scott pipped Carole Torkington in qualifying, Carole found a few tenths to secure 7^th, leaving local Nick in 8^th. Simon Wallis was pleased to find two seconds over his qualifying time for 6^th and had no issues just under a second behind another local, Grahame Harden in his Radical in 5^th and pleased with a PB time. Steve Miles was hoping for a higher finishing position despite improving his time over qualifying due to choosing this weekend to deploy new Pirelli rear tyres purchased in the spring. When changing to the run-off rubber, it was noticed that a brake pad had delaminated and half the friction material was missing. This necessitated a quick swap of pads from front to rear, and all was (temporarily) well. Current championship leader, Pete Goulding had smoke coming from the dash as he crossed the line which turned out to be a burnt fuel sensor but no damage was done. John Loudon had a great run, especially after leaving Pembrey two weeks earlier with a blown up engine to fit a spare in time and this effort was rewarded with a fine 2^nd place, and a bonus record breaking point, just 12 hundredths behind winner Graham Blackwell who closed the Championship gap to the leader by a point.

Top 12 Morning Run-off: Blyton E Rd 31
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 61.12 (+0.00)
2. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 61.24* (+0.12)
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 61.56 (+0.44)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 62.81 (+1.69)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 64.79 (+3.67)
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 65.61 (+4.49)
7. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 69.34 (+8.22)
8. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 69.62 (+8.50)

The only non qualifier (Timed run 3) for the run off was Nick Scott whose chain let go as he left the line and didn’t post a time. Thanks to sterling work from Colin Torkington, Loudon and a non competing visitor Mark Anson, he was out for a run to check all was well for tomorrow.

It was a surprise last place for the electrician Goulding as the car stopped after leaving the line, then started again to complete the lap. This turned out to be air pressure issues that were rectified from the cockpit to give the Essex driver gears again. Pete is now dropping 2^nd place finishes, so only run-off wins will improve his score which is currently 5 points ahead of title challenger Blackwell. SBD employee Carole again tripped the circuit noise meters but posted a good time after leaving her braking what she initially thought was too late at the first corner and had a ‘moment’. The Cambridge-based software compiler Wallis was pushing hard despite a leaking head gasket and secured a solid 5^th place just a few tenths behind Harden who locked up into Bishops — the fast corner at the end of the back straight. Miles posted his best time of the day on this run off but only good enough for 3^rd with Blackwell 12 hundredths ‘up the road’. Blackwell also tripped the noise meter and had some technical issues that were not prepared to be declared to the event report writer when pushed further!

As John Loudon returned to the paddock, he was surprised to see everyone around his car in celebration mode as he wasn’t sure what he done especially after excessive down-changing in Curva Grande, but this was his first ever run-off win and was celebrated with a paddock photo.

Top 12 afternoon Run-off: Blyton E Rd 32
1. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 61.89 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 62.04 (+0.15)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 62.16 (+0.27)
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 66.64 (+4.75)
5. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 66.98 (+5.09)
6. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 72.36 (+10.47)
7. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 76.18 (+14.29)

The well-run meeting had a 5^th timed run for the field and finished by 4pm and cars were fettled in preparation for the following day’s run on the conventional outer circuit.




 

Bainbridge revels in the conditions at a wet Pembrey

Event 15 at Pembrey on 10/09/2023
Martin Pickles reports:

In contrast to the sun of the previous 24hrs, Sunday was enveloped in grey cloud with glimpses of the blue sky of Saturday and the threat of rain to all quarters. BARC Wales swiftly progressed through the early practice ready for qualifying but the warm moisture however was not from the inside of the helmets but now a slow drizzle from the unavoidable grey. The choice between slicks and wets was marginal, the rain stopping to allow the warm track and breeze to disperse the majority of the damp before further rain dampened the surface. The circuit had now been switched to the new Clubman layout for Pembrey which dissects the Esses and instead introduces a short straight, left/right complex.

Of the early runners, Kingham misjudged the grip and spun out at Hatchets Hairpin, taking with her the starter motor. As a shared drive, this instantly removed Saturday's star, Broughton.

Due to attrition, the first run-off was depleted to just eight runners headed by Goulding who had opted for slicks but adapted to the conditions by turning the power down to 300hp(!) and increasing the traction control. In contrast, Blackwell had opted for wets to test the conditions and brought the Mygale home for an incident-free outing. Conditions now were heading into Bainbridge and Miles territory, both of whom excel in the wet.

Qualifying
1. Peter Goulding – 1.6t Mygale FF200:                  122.80
2. Graham Blackwell – 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost:         126.11
3. Simon Bainbridge – 4.2t SBR Crono:                   126.12
4. Stephen Miles – 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm:         139.02
5. Carole Torkington: 1.5 OMS CF08:                      141.79
6. Simon Wallis – 1.1 OMS 3000M:                         142.97
7. Martin Pickles – Jedi Mk1:                                  143.36
8. Nicholas Scott: Force TA 1.6:                              150.95
    Zoe Kingham – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:             DNF
    Steve Broughton – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:        DNF

The run-off got underway with damp conditions remaining, but probably favouring slicks. Headcount was again to suffer as Bainbridge changed down into the new section past through the Esses for the differential to create a 3D jigsaw of a drive flange. Scott meanwhile gained enough confidence to carve a huge chunk from his qualifying time, only for the trio above him to do likewise. Wallis was still dealing with an intermittent dashboard and mental counting for gear position, but improved significantly on his qualifying time to return his highest place finish for the season. Of the leading trio in the Championship, Blackwell was the only runner to use wets, and although he reported good grip throughout the lap, he was perhaps losing some adhesion compared with the slick-shod cars. Goulding took an opposing view to rubber and opted for his primary Avon slicks to improve his time significantly and  nudge ahead of Blackwell. Neither however could catch the storming Miles who revelled in the variable grip on slicks to take top spot.

British Sprint Championship Round 29 - Pembrey, Wales.

1. Stephen Miles – 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm:         116.07
2. Peter Goulding – 1.6t Mygale FF200:                  116.88
3. Graham Blackwell – 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost:         117.59
4. Simon Wallis – 1.1 OMS 3000M:                         122.82
5. Martin Pickles – Jedi Mk1:                                  127.67
6. Carole Torkington: 1.5 OMS CF08:                      129.03
7. Nicholas Scott: Force TA 1.6:                              135.72
    Simon Bainbridge – 4.2t SBR Chrono:                 DNF

The ever creative and resourceful Broughton had been busy and contacted a number of SBD suppliers in the area to source a starter motor. Simon Rogers from Raceshocks UK was the saviour and drove the 1hr to the circuit to pass the motor over the perimeter fence to a marshal, who in turn relayed it across the track during a slight pause to hand to the waiting Broughton — installed and operational inside 10mins. Also busy before the next qualification run were the Bainbridge camp, principally John Hansell who removed the differential, sifted through the bucket of spares and rebuilt and installed the unit ready for Bainbridge to qualify.
There were no further breakages, misdemeanours or catastrophes to report during qualifying although Blackwell was on a mission to put right earlier tyre misjudgement and promptly set the FTD for the meeting. It was also the last chance for a quick time as the rain became more persistent to the point of damp patches and rooster tails on the track.
Torkington half-spun at Hatchets Hairpin which had been the frustration of many throughout the weekend and in trying to recover the time lost. Scott completed a secure run to ensure the Force TA was put back in one piece and Pickles now the only competitor on slicks added to his jeopardy with a jammed throttle to add to the cockpit intensity. Kingham neatly redressed the balance from the morning excursion whilst Blackwell slipped to a lowly 6^th, unable to repeat his dry weather form. Although cautious, Wallis’ run was good enough for 5^th and the returning Broughton — just off the leading pack through being over-cautious and restricted by a 128mph top speed, netted 4^th to close the gap on the Championship table to Loudon. Further SBD development is in the pipeline, which is a worry for the rest of the paddock!
As each competitor finished, the time to beat was gnawed away to tempt the brave that followed. Miles, with confidence-inspiring traction control was able to set the target to beat, despite overshooting the left after the Esses but ultimately was only good enough for 3rd. A points-laden weekend which closes the gap to Blackwell in 2^nd. Goulding responded after a poor start and despite a scruffy second lap, was neat enough to open a sizeable gap to Miles and increase his Championship lead over Blackwell. Bainbridge had been returned to the start line for a re-run, so the smart money was now on the Crono. Followed home by the ubiquitous rooster tail of the rumbling V8, Bainbridge duly delivered a faultless performance to take the win by over 1.4secs.
Competitors may nod appreciation when mention of marshals is offered at events, but on behalf of the paddock we would like to submit a standing ovation for their steadfastness and a professionalism in the steaming heat and streaming rain; thank you.
British Sprint Championship Round 30 - Pembrey, Wales.

1. Simon Bainbridge – 4.2t SBR Crono:                   115.96
2. Peter Goulding – 1.6t Mygale FF200:                  117.41
3. Stephen Miles – 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm:         118.84
4. Steve Broughton – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:        119.19
5. Simon Wallis – 1.1 OMS 3000M:                         125.50
6. Graham Blackwell – 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost:         127.34
7. Zoe Kingham – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:              135.93
8. Martin Pickles – Jedi Mk1:                                  147.42
9. Nicholas Scott: Force TA 1.6:                              151.36
10. Carole Torkington: 1.5 OMS CF08:                    153.78

BSC Positions after Pembrey

1. Peter Goulding – 1.6t Mygale FF200:                  443
2. Graham Blackwell – 1.6t Mygale EcoNoost:         435           
3. Stephen Miles – 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm:         429
4. John Loudon – 1.1 Force TA:                     390
5. Steve Broughton – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:        386
6. Simon Bainbridge – 4.2t SBR Crono           364
7. Grahame Harden – 1.6 Radical PR6                     355
8. Simon Wallis – 1.1 OMS 3000M                          352
9. Carole Torkington – 1.5 OMS CF08                      319
10. Nicholas Scott – 1.6 Force TA                            296

 

Broughton leads the pack at Pembrey

Event 14 at Pembrey on 09/09/2023
Martin Pickles reports:

Formerly an RAF Supermarine Spitfire base, the 2.33km circuit of Pembrey has evolved from the runway layout to today's combination of sweeping bends and fast straights, favouring the BHP laden cars over the agility of smaller engines. The greats have all visited this south Welsh circuit including Senna who set the unofficial lap record in testing of 44.43secs. 
Saturday was met with a glorious dawn, the rolling Welsh hills surrounding the circuit cloaked in mist and the sun rising to produce a sticky 20°C for breakfast. Noticeable absentees from the event were current champion Matt Hillam and recent round winner Chris Jones, creating the opportunity for those at the top and lower down the rankings to bag a few points.
Practice was duly completed, the only notable incident being that of a continuing oil leak for John Loudon  in the Force TA. The chain had also snapped the side plates of a link, but close enough to the finish to be able to coast home. The situation became terminal during the qualifying run however, when the engine punched two holes through the block, resulting in a DNF for the weekend. Stephen Miles in the 2.0l Van Diemen RF96mm was suffering from the clutch issues that have been a badge for the season but the problem this time was quickly traced to the master cylinder contents in the cockpit and the cap in the side-pod. At least the wheels were all in the correct place!
Championship challenger Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) led the qualifying times, shod with Avon rubber that was providing confidence-inspiring handling. A further second back and managing brake fade was SBD boss Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk). The car was also shared by Zoe Kingham who normally pedals the SBD Westfield, but as Steve had broken that car’s differential at the Brighton Speed Trials the week before, was offered the opportunity. She posted a tidy introductory time without drama to round out the top ten. Current Championship leader Peter Goulding in the sister Mygale FF200 to Blackwell was third qualifier, believing that lack of practice accounted for the two secend gap to Blackwell. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) had a steady run to 4^th with an operational clutch but a complaint voiced by many was of particular concern for Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) who reported suffering a persistent lack of rear end grip despite having made adjustments. Simon Wallis (OMS 3000M) led home the remaining 1,100cc drivers, followed by a rusty Martin Pickles (Jedi Mk1) who was returning to the BSC after a three year break and who needed to resolve engine issues. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) had a 'safe and steady' run joined by Nicholas Scott (Force TA 1.6), rebuilding confidence after his unnerving Cadwell Park incident into the barriers.
Qualifying

1. Graham Blackwell – 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost:    96.37
2. Steve Broughton – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:   97.38
3. Peter Goulding – 1.6t Mygale FF200:             98.07
4. Stephen Miles – 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm:   101.21
5. Simon Bainbridge – 4.2t SBR Chrono:           103.77
6. Simon Wallis – 1.1 OMS 3000M:          106.03
7. Martin Pickles – Jedi Mk1:                   107.82
8. Carole Torkington: 1.5 OMS CF08:                111.39
9. Nicholas Scott: Force TA 1.6:                        116.00
10. Zoe Kingham – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004 117.02
11. John Loudon – 1.1 Force TA:                         DNF

The first points-scoring run-off of the day produced an adjustment to the qualifying order with a few surprises!
Kingham, building confidence in the SBD creation improved by a significant chunk, but not enough to catch Scott who had closed the gap to Torkington. In the 1,100cc battle, Wallis locked up into the hairpin and in his excitement missed a lower gear, bogging the exit and allowing Pickles to sneak ahead for his highest ever BSC finish. Bainbridge managed the rear end grip to thunder his way around, the ground and air reverberating to the rumble of that glorious V8 for 4^th. Goulding gained a little more practice with a re-run, but slowed during the run due to a concerning engine knock, then decided to ignore it and continue to claim 3^rd.  His closest rival Blackwell spun at Hatchets Hairpin and took a trip across the grass. Play was stopped during the recovery process allowing those in the start line queue to poach a little further. Miles — now revelling in a working clutch claimed 2^nd whilst the top spot was left to Broughton who was now 'flat through the complex' which comprises of all the bends from Hatchets Hairpin to Brooklands Hairpin, whilst still managing progressively deteriorating brake fade. It was a dramatic finish to round one of the day and thoroughly deserved, from the now broadly-grinning SBD guru.

British Sprint Championship Round 27 - Pembrey, Wales.

1. Steve Broughton – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:         97.62
2. Stephen Miles – 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm:         98.07
3. Peter Goulding – 1.6t Mygale FF200:                  99.01
4. Simon Bainbridge – 4.2t SBR Crono:                   103.96
5. Martin Pickles – Jedi Mk1:                                  105.13
6. Simon Wallis – 1.1 OMS 3000M:                         105.81
7. Carole Torkington: 1.5 OMS CF08:                      109.03
8. Nicholas Scott: Force TA 1.6:                              111.59
9. Zoe Kingham – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:              112.71
    John Loudon – 1.1 Force TA:                               DNF
    Graham Blackwell – 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost:         DNF

With the field reduced to only points scoring positions, the second round of qualifying was dispatched without further competitor loss, individuals using the opportunity to practice their lines and braking points.
The run-off focused attention, but Scott was unable to match his morning’s times with the increasing track temperature. Pickles, Torkington and Kingham all improved their times but finished in that order above Scott. Wallis, aided by a functioning dashboard and gear indicator (removing the need to count gears on fingers!) completed a clean lap, the real gain being on clean tyres through the latter stages of the complex from Dibeni to Brooklands. Bainbridge also improved with the rear now sticking a little better in the demanding bends. Goulding expressed 'disappointment' which was perhaps an understatement for his time, frustrated by the sweat dripping onto his steamed up glasses that made for a foggy view at 140mph. Miles improved his morning time but was nudged by 2 hundredths from 2^nd by a recovering Blackwell; having adjusted his traction control settings, he was now able to push through the see-saw bends of the complex without traction loss. Top of the pile with an improvement of over 1.4secs over his morning time was Broughton. A change of brake pads had restored the stopping potential of the Firehawk and widened the grin of the already jubilant SBD boss.

British Sprint Championship Round 28 - Pembrey, Wales.
1. Steve Broughton – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:         96.23
2. Graham Blackwell – 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost:         97.82
3. Stephen Miles – 2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm:         97.84
4. Peter Goulding – 1.6t Mygale FF200:                  98.24
5. Simon Bainbridge – 4.2t SBR Crono:                   102.13
6. Simon Wallis – 1.1 OMS 3000M:                         103.15
7. Martin Pickles – Jedi Mk1:                                  104.38
8. Carole Torkington: 1.5 OMS CF08:                      107.94
9. Zoe Kingham – 1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004:              111.89
10. Nicholas Scott: Force TA 1.6:                            113.36



 

Goulding regains form

Event 13 at Snetterton on 27/08/2023
With no casualties from the previous day, the same runners and riders were to do battle again on Sunday, albeit a little blurry due to the lack of sleep from a swarm of Citroen 2CVs racing through the night in a 24 hour race. The weather was a little unusually chilly and misty for an August bank holiday early on but soon cleared as the sun started to come out later on.

Practice saw no dramas except for Steve Miles who was still suffering from clutch issues despite several attempts to resolve it overnight and John Loudon was frustratingly again suffering from oil breathing issues which were marginally improved from the day before. More attention during the period between practice and timed run discovered the root cause of his season long issue thanks to Pete Goulding’s future son-in-law who happened to spot the elusive leak whilst the engine was revved.
Qualifying went better for Simon Wallis had taken to a sprocket change between runs to increase gearing which reduced his times by a margin but at least he wasn’t bouncing off the rev limiter for the length of the straight. Carole Torkington was gradually regaining confidence after the previous days spin and reducing her times with each run. Graham Blackwell was now taking Hamiltons in 5^th gear and pulling a reported 96mph. Simon Bainbridge promoted himself above the clutchless stricken Miles and was edging closer towards his class record. John Loudon was now smoke free for the first time all weekend with a freshly sealed timing chain tensioner which was the cause of his long standing oil loss issue to the congratulations of the frequently visiting scrutineer to his paddock spot. Graham Blackwell was still leading the field and faster overall qualifier.
Run off one saw Pete Goulding (16.t Mygale EcoBoost) finally regain his form to record his fastest time of the weekend and win the opening runoff and in the process break his class record to also score a bonus point. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA), now with the weight off his mind of his persistent oil issue, was flying and ran to within 0.04 of Pete Goulding for second place and break the 1100 racing car class record in the process to score a bonus point. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) despite posting his best time of the weekend came in 3^rd and despite also beating his class record, unfortunately for him losing out on taking a bonus point to the victorious Goulding. Steve Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) managed to wrestle round for 4th, just ahead of the still improving Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) who was progressing ever closer to his class record. Grahame Harden was out to enjoy himself as usual and brought his Radical PR6 home in 6^th. Simon Wallis (1.1OMS 3000M) took advantage of his newly improved finish line speed to finish 7^th and Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) was still improving as she regained confidence from the previous days spin to come home in 8^th. Nick Scott (1.6 Force TA) was overjoyed to dip below 90 seconds for the first time over the weekend in 9^th whilst Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) had a major ‘moment’ at Palmers to come home in 10^th.

1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 78.88* (+0.00)
2. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 78.92* (+0.04)
3. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 79.10 (+0.22
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 81.04 (+2.16
5. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 82.65 (+3.77)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 84.98 (+10)
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 802 (+8.14)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 89.45 (+10.57)
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 874 (+10.86)
10. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 94.29 (+15.41)

The third and final run of the day was to be both the qualifying and run off in one. However, the weather put paid to that as the storm clouds arrived five minutes before the start and gave everyone a soaking. A quick change to wets for those that had them, saw the contenders line up at the start in pouring rain. Graham Blackwell went first but found the conditions too tricky and left the circuit at Hamiltons and failed to finish. Steve Miles was next and did exactly the same thing, then went on to spin for a second time after Oggies. Thankfully no damage to either. Pete Goulding also failed to complete the full course but got to within spitting distance of the finish line before doing a full 360 degree spin as he attempted a power squirt towards the finish line. Despite remaining on track, unfortunately for him the car stalled and his battery refused to restart his engine, not to the joy of the marshals who had to venture into the now monsoon like conditions to rescue him. In the intervening delay, the clerk of the course decided to abandon the proceedings which were now considered too dangerous due to the track conditions, much to the relief of most but to the disappointment of Simon Bainbridge who rather enjoys the wet in his mighty SBR Crono which works rather well in such conditions. As a result, no scores were recorded for the second runoff.
As a result of the abandonment, the number of scoring rounds for the overall championship has been reduced from to 18 from 41 possible rounds instead of 20 from 42.
FTD went to Pete Goulding in his 1.6t Mygale EcoBoost with his run off 1 winning time of 78.88.


BSC Positions after Snetterton Rd 25 27-Aug
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 441 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 434 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 422 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 390 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 355 points
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 339 points
7. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 331 points
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 293 points
9. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 283 points
10. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 227 points
11. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 226 points
12. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 195 points
 

Blackwell bags a double to keep title hopes alive

Event 12 at Snetterton on 26/08/2023

August bank holiday weekend saw the British Sprint Championship travel east for two days’ sprinting at Snetterton, organised by BARC Midlands. There were a few unexpected absentees due to other interests on a bank holiday weekend and an unfortunate illness.
The paddock was extremely busy with the main circuit being used for a Citroen 2CV 24-hour race BARC Club Car Championship race events. Paddock space was at a premium, but British Sprint contenders found a suitable berth amongst the interlopers.
During practice, Steve Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) found himself with an engine that didn’t run, but after switching traction control off it settled down and TC was later reintroduced successfully with support from Steve Broughton of title sponsor SBD. However, his clutch slave bearing wouldn’t deploy sufficiently all weekend, making starts somewhat problematic. Championship leader Pete Goulding (1.6T Mygale EcoBoost) reported suffering from understeer. Graham Blackwell (1.6T Mygale EcoBoost) was using brand new Avon tyres and found grip levels less than ideal on the green as yet, un rubbered up track. Several others also reported the same conclusion. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)  was again suffering from an oil leak which has plagued him for much of the season, despite having made several plumbing modifications in an attempt to find a remedy.
Run off one saw Graham Blackwell take the win from Pete Goulding (both 1.6t Mygale EcoBoosts). Blackwell’s new tyres played dividends for him whilst the rest of the field had to make do with the best of what they could muster. Both Blackwell and Goulding were inside the 1600T racing car class record but the runoff winner took the bonus point. John Loudon came in 3^rd  and in the process also set a new 1100cc racing car class record in his Force TA to score a bonus point to cheer him up for still not having found the solution to his oil loss issues. Steve Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) was still suffering with launch issues but now complicated further by having a malfunctioning clutch despite having spent much of the previous week replacing his slave cylinder. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) and Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) came in 5^th and 6^th and both victims of not having the best of rubber but still both enjoying themselves. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) came in 8^th and complaining of having made the wrong choice of gearing as he was spending much of the finish straight on the rev limiter. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) finished 8^th and not far behind and improving with each run. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) came home in 9^th, narrowly ahead of Nick Scott (1.6 Force TA) who was on his first visit to the venue.

1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 79.50
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 79.83 (+0.33)
3. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 80.90* (+1.40)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 81.30 (+1.80)
5. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 84.82 (+5.32)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 85.04 (+5.54)
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 830 (+7.80)
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 805 (+8.55)
9. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 92.49 (+12.99)
10. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 92.62 (+13.12)

Run off two again saw Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) take the win with a class record breaking time, but this time a little short of his previous runoff winning time. Pete Goulding (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) again came in second and admitting to having pinpointed the reason for his ‘poor’ performance by not having set his turbo boost level back to a dry setting from the previous event at Kirkistown which was wet. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) again came in 3^rd, again with the 1100cc racing car class record but a touch slower than his previous attempt. His oil issue was now causing the unwanted attentions of the scrutineers as smoke was reported by marshals and a resolution had to be found by the morning. Steve Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) was again in 4^th still struggling with clutch and launch issues. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) was steadily lowering his times as he attempted to make inroads on his class record but was still some way off and also having to fend off Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) who was keeping with close range of him. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) came home in 7^th and Nick Scott (1.6 Force TA) promoting himself to 8^th ahead of Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) in 9^th and the unfortunate Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) who pushed too hard, span and failed to score.

1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 79.66
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 80.25s (+0.59)
3. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 81.18s (+1.52)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 82.02s (+2.36)
5. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 83.94s (+4.28)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 85.22s (+5.56)
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 88.52s (+8.86)
8. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 90.97s (+11.31)
9. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 92.08s (+12.42)

Pete Goulding’s lead at the top of the championship was now down to 5 points ahead of the closing Graham Blackwell.  FTD for the day was taken by Graham Blackwell in his 1.6T Mygale EcoBoost with at time of 79.19 seconds.



 

Challenging conditions and a party atmosphere on day 2 of the Kirkistown weekend

Event 11 at Kirkistown on 06/08/2023
Steve Miles reports:

After the full entry and dry meeting on the Saturday, a much smaller field started the Sunday event at midday, to observe the noise requirements of this County Down circuit. This fast turnaround meant that engines were often still at 80°C when called for the next run. The paddock was alive with leaf blowers!

A dry practice was without major incident for most; John Loudon chose not to run to avoid risking any incidents but Simon Bainbridge saw a wastegate signal failure which meant the boost jumped from 1.3 to 2 bar on one side of the engine, instantly delivering well over 1,000 bhp. “I’ve never felt such ridiculous acceleration” said Simon excitedly describing the incident, and now wondering if this could be something he could call on in the future if needed, as nothing in the transmission blew up!

Slicks were still the order of the day for qualifying and no issues for anyone after Loudon found a way to eliminate the hub bearing movement issues with fabricated spacer washers over the drive pegs, courtesy of the ‘Two Petes Repair Service’ – Goulding and Championship coordinator Howgate!

A huge deluge just before the run-off forced a quick change to wets, then the blazing sun came out, heating the Tarmac and rapidly burning the puddles off. The paddock was transformed into an ethereal mist as the cars went to the line.

Graham Blackwell was first away on Avon wets. A steady run, the only reported difficulty was seeing the apexes amongst the rising steam off the track posting a time good enough to finish 3^rd.

The EcoBoost of Pete Goulding was running wets, but on dry settings in the launch and traction menu as well as mechanical. This didn’t seem to slow him down as he posted the fastest time to take maximum points in the run-off! In a ‘do or die’ effort, Steve Miles carried too much speed into the chicane after Fishermans and with all four wheels off, didn’t get a time.

The 4.2l Audi Crono, now restricted to 750bhp had a trouble free run. The weight of the car and the Avon wets helped Simon to a 2^nd place, just 2.33 secs behind Goulding.

Grahame Harden in the radical had his best ever run-off finishing position with 4^th and reported a well balanced car!
The first time visitor to Kirkistown, Nick Scott also scored a best run off position of 5^th despite running on slicks and spinning at the last chicane, but vowed to be back. The final placing was taken by Loudon, who with a few mechanical, gear changing and niggling oil issues had to take it easy to get round.

Run-off 21 Sunday Kirkistown 2023
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 126.43 (+0.00)
2. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 128.76 (+2.33)
3. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 133.60 (+7.17)
4. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 150.31 (+23.88)
5. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 158.46 (+32.03)
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 162.47 (+36.04)

Ten minutes later, the field were out again putting steady qualifying runs in in, still on wets. Nick Scott decided to call it a day after some electrical issues caused signal and misfire concerns.

Loudon’s issues continued, now with flat shifter not working and revs severely restricted, finished 6th. Harden had no issues and was pleased with the Radical’s performance for 5^th place. Miles took 4^th , perhaps cautious after the previous run off DNF.

The 2^nd and 3^rd spots were occupied by the two EcoBoost drivers. In 3^rd by less than a tenth of a second was Goulding who had turned the boost down to 300bhp and now ran with damp settings. “In hindsight, leaving it 330 would have been better”. Blackwell posted 2^nd fastest, despite a cloth gradually emerging from under the dash, then moving to the steering wheel, and before it potentially covered the visor, Blackwell grabbed and tucked it away as he entered the famous Debtors!

But six seconds ahead of these two, Simon Bainbridge took his 3^rd win of the season. No lock ups were reported and smooth application of power in the bends. Maximum power however on the straights could be deployed and the sight of the magnificent Crono at 138 mph, throwing up plumes of water was a sight to see.

A leisurely pack up due to finishing at 15:30 meant the party atmosphere continued on the 19:30 ferry out of Belfast. Most elected to stop over a short drive from Cairnryan, but winner Bainbridge drove though the night — ready to take delivery of 1,000 piglets at 08:00 Monday morning at his farm.

Run-off 22 Sunday Kirkistown 2023
1. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 123.14 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 129.78 (+6.64)
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 129.84 (+6.70)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 133.49 (+10.35)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 157.32 (+34.18)
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 164.23 (+41.09)

2023 British Sprint Championship Positions after Rnd 22
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 477 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 469 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 455 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 407 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 379 points
6. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 331 points
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 326 points
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 257 points
9. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 227 points
10. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 220 points
11. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 195 points
12. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 175 points

Blackwell draws level

Event 10 at Kirkistown on 05/08/2023
Graham Blackwell reports:
Nick Scott made his first ever trip overseas with the Force, and he was hoping, after a quick holiday, to have a reset and restart his attack on the Championship. Blackwell and Bainbridge had both mistakenly booked the Belfast to Cairnryan crossing on Friday, Bainbridge realising his mistake the night before, so making the trip to catch the earlier and less busy 07:30 crossing to get over. However, Blackwell didn’t know until he presented his ticket at Cairnryan for the 11:30 crossing and had a very anxious wait while the Stena staff tried find him a place on the fully-booked crossing. It was his lucky day however — they squeezed him on at the very back of the ferry, so he was able to join the convoy to the circuit with the other competitors.
Saturday
Overall, it would turn out to be a surprisingly trouble free day for most of the seven drivers who crossed the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland for the weekend.
However, with the Met Office’s forecast that Storm Antoni would cause disruption, there was heavy overnight rain and yet more heavy rain forecast for Saturday, so some drivers initially opted for a full wet setup for first practice while others braved it on slicks.
On to the first practice, and the organisers had delayed the start of the meeting by 45 minutes to allow the track to continue to dry.  With the surface still wet with lots of deep puddles — typically on the apexes and kerbs — the organisers had asked the first batch of saloons to try to disperse the water as best they could. Some drivers misheard the request and dispersed oil instead, which led to many long delays later in the afternoon, with several big offs, depleting the circuit owners’ stocks of bags of cement quite considerately.
On a damp track, some drivers opted for slicks whilst others went for wets. Afterwards, Goulding had no time as there were two cars carrying the number 5 as local Allan Cassells was sharing the same permanent number; this would be resolved during the day. And Blackwell’s run on full wets was red flagged with no reruns given, so he only managed one full lap.
On to the first qualifier of the day, and by now the circuit was dry, the sun was out, and everyone had changed to slicks; Stephen Miles said he was surprised how bumpy it was, and that his clutch was dragging again; meanwhile, Goulding had battery problems all day, and needed the auxiliary battery to start his engine.  The power had gone off in his garage overnight, so nothing was charged.
Qualification: Kirkistown Rd 19
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 113.89s (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 116.00s (+2.11)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 118.41s (+4.52)
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 120.84s (+6.95)
5. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 121.43s (+7.54)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 130.53s (+16.64)
7. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 139.11s (+25.22)

Further delays for oil spills meant that the first run-off of the weekend, which was the third timed run, eventually took place at 13:45. In 7^th place, Nicholas Scott said he was enjoying himself on his first ever visit. In 6^th, Graham Harden has no issues and was pleased not to finish in last place. In 5^th was John Loudon, a few seconds away from his PB. In 4^th was Simon Bainbridge, with Pete Goulding in 3^rd, finding a time penalty had been added because he’d hit a cone on one of the two chicanes. Stephen Miles was in 2^nd, saying the car was very twitchy under power. And in first place, over two seconds ahead, was Graham Blackwell with a new PB of 112.22s, his win moving him in to equal first place in the Championship with Goulding. The time was set on Graham’s only set of Pirelli Ultrasofts, which were celebrating their first birthday this weekend.
Top 12 Run-off: Kirkistown Rd 19
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 112.22 (+0.00)
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 114.36 (+2.14)
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 115.33 (+3.11)
4. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 116.45 (+4.23)
5. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 117.49 (+5.27)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 122.29 (+10.07)
7. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 133.83 (+21.61)

BSC Positions after Rd 19
1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 435 points
1=. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 435 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 423 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 345 points
5. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 331 points
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 326 points
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 315 points
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 257 points
9. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 227 points
10. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 195 points
11. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 152 points
12. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 134 points

The second qualifier
With the sun still out, and further delays from the oil spills and offs, the track was really warming up nicely, and drivers improved where they could; it was an adventure discovering where the latest fresh trails of cement were, the final chicane receiving what looked like several bags, following a very big crash by one of the local single seater drivers, who thankfully was unharmed. For this run, Goulding bolted on a stickered up set of brand new Avon HC3s, and set a reasonable pace ready for the next and final run off.
Qualification: Kirkistown Rd 20
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 112.38s (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 113.91s (+1.53)
3. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 116.42s (+4.04)
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 117.19s (+4.81)
5. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 118.84s (+6.46)
6. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 130.63s (+18.25)
7. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 132.95s (+20.57)

Before the final run of the day, held at 17:45 and with a strong wind blowing across the track, arriving drivers discovered that the tyre warming area and start line were almost completely obliterated by cement dust, following a Ford Escort losing its oil filter and the contents of its sump before the run-off. Picking a line to avoid driving over the dust was quite tricky, and launching the cars also proved difficult on the oil-covered track.
On the run-off, finishing in an uncharacteristic 7^th place was Simon Bainbridge, his car suffering a mysterious lack of power which when he returned to the garage, was traced to a loose boost pipe from one of his two turbos. In 6^th was Nick Scott, 5^th was Graham Harden, 4^th was John Loudon, mysteriously getting slower on every run. The top three comprised again of Stephen Miles in third, in second place was the main title challenger Graham Blackwell with another strong 112.79 second run, and just seven tenths ahead were run off winner Pete Goulding exploiting the extra grip from his new tyres, with a time of 112.06s, which was just under a second slower than his 2022 class record of 111.08s.
Top 12 Run-off: Kirkistown Rd 20
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 112.06 (+0.00)
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 112.79 (+0.73)
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 115.35 (+3.29)
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 119.30 (+7.24)
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 122.94 (+10.88)
6. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 135.00 (+22.94)
7. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 169.84 (+57.78)

BSC positions after round 20
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 460 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 459 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 446 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 367 points
5. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6) 336 points
6. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 331 points
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 326 points
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 257 points
9. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 227 points
10. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 195 points
11. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 171 points
12. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 154 points
 

Blackwell and Jones top the tables at a blustery Lydden

Event 9 at Lydden Hill on 15/07/2023
Blackwell and Jones top the tables at a blustery Lydden

British Sprint Championship – 15/7/23 Lydden Hill, Kent
Steve Miles reports:

Despite the Goodwood Festival of Speed just a few miles down the road being cancelled for the day due to high winds, Borough 19 Motor Club didn’t let the conditions phase them and a great day was had at this undulating Kent circuit.

John Loudon managed to arrive with three out of four wheels working on his trailer and a freshly rebuilt race engine and proceeded set a storming fastest time in a damp practice. Qualifying for the British runners was never going to be difficult as there were only ten in the class. Nick Houston had an accident driving to the circuit, there were some last-minute withdrawals and subsequent places that then became available the day before were too short notice for Simon Bainbridge and team to travel from north Yorkshire.

Graham Blackwell deployed all 375bhp from his 1.6 EcoBoost and qualified fastest on an Avon front/Pirelli 12” rear mix, before swapping to conventional 10” and 8” Pirellis for the run-off. Since Pembrey six weeks ago, he had repaired a damaged section of loom that caused the variable valve timing error and run-off shutdown, as well as hoped for improvements to launch control. This obviously worked as he won the first run-off with an impressive 66.85s that was to become the FTD time as well.

Chris Jones, in the 998cc Force, nearly didn’t make the run-off after a spin, but stayed on the track and did record a time. Not wanting to repeat this perhaps held him back a fraction come the run-off, but he posted a superb mid 67s time to come second.

The Laser Tools sponsored Loudon team had some significant oil clearing up after qualifying, but a re-plumbed system worked better and John was flying to take the last podium spot ahead of Steve Miles. The moleracing garage had seen another engine out strip down to replace a head gasket and leaking radiator after Pembrey. The car ran well all day this time, but Miles was strangely struggling to find the pace he had two months earlier at this event all day.

Carole Torkington in the SBD OMS had her best result in the BSC with a 5^th place, despite turning in early for Paddock Bend and almost exploring the gravel trap! 0.9 seconds down the road was the ‘for sale’ Radical of Grahame Harden who was pleased with his PB run.

Fresh from a recent FTD at Abingdon, there was early concern in the Wallis paddock when the car wouldn’t start at first, but Simon came in 0.8secs behind Harden for 7^th. In an uncustomary position of 8^th was Essex electrician and current leader Pete Goulding. Since the last outing, he had repaired and replaced the throttle pot and re-set the tracking so thought all was good, but a reoccurrence of the electrical issue that shut the car down at Pembrey meant that he was well off the pace. This wiring issue was detected with some remote diagnostics from Northampton Motorsport and a bypass wire was rigged which worked for the rest of the day.

Championship sponsor Steve Broughton had taken the calendar gap to rebuild the engine and repair the oil sump, but couldn’t enter the DJ Firestorm as the radiator was not back from the repairers in time, so arrived in the SBD Westfield, shared with daughter-in-law Zoe Kingham. A full 360° spin in qualifying added to the excitement, perhaps due to the additional 150bhp Broughton had given the EcoBoost since its last outing at this venue. He took 9^th with Zoe the final placing.


Morning run-off      
Pos       Driver                                                              Time
1          Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)     66.85
2          Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA)                               67.54 (+0.69)
3          John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)                            68.28 (+1.43)
4          Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)    68.93 (+2.08)
5          Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08)                 70.84 (+3.99)
6          Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6)                71.71 (+4.86)
7          Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M)                      72.46 (+5.61)
8          Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200)              3.54 (+6.69)
9          Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)     78.53 (+11.68)
10        Zoe Kingham (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)           84.94 (+18.09)

 
Any showers had long since gone and the only issues facing everyone were the gale force gusts that most drivers felt made the cars nervous, at times in an unpredictable way.

Qualification for the afternoon run-off was a relaxed affair and all got through apart from Torkington, who spectacularly lost a chain on the launch and the second chain at Devil’s Elbow. There didn’t appear to be any major damage done apart from a clutch actuator spindle, but it was a promising points-scoring opportunity lost.

Kingham wrestled the powerful Westfield around to record a PB, chopping three seconds off the previous run off time and Broughton also improved on the final run of the day into the 71s, after adding a new anti-lag upgrade.

Harden dropped a few 10ths — as did most of the drivers compared to the morning — blaming a few opposite lock moments at North Bend at the top of Hairy Hill. Wallis was very pleased with his 6^th place and newly-purchased Avon front tyres — one of the last available HC1 soft compound, and this was his best time of the day.

Despite improving the handling by softening the rear antiroll bar to counteract oversteer, Miles knew exactly where he was losing time according to the datalogger and overlays but couldn’t overcome the ½ second loss at both Pilgrims and Devil’s Elbow. As these are repeated, that accounts for the two seconds he was down and took 5^th place.

The 1,098cc methanol-powered Force driven by Loudon stormed to 4^th place, 3/10^th ahead of Miles, and as a bonus, his three-wheeled trailer made it all the way home as well!

The EcoBoost battle continued with Goulding’s 330bhp outperforming Blackwell’s more highly tuned version and just 0.08 separated them in the end. Blackwell thought this time loss was due to a big gust at Chesson’s Drift upsetting the rear end.

Star performance of the day was the winning run and new class record from Chris Jones in the Force TA. When quizzed, he modestly put it down to the best tyres delivering the grip he was looking for.



Afternoon run-off      
Pos       Driver                                                                          Time
1          Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA)                                           67.05*
2          Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200)                          67.56 (+0.51)
3          Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)                 67.64 (+0.59)
4          John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)                                        68.49 (+1.44)
5          Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)                68.85 (+1.80)
6          Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M)                                  71.09 (+4.04)
7          Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6)                            71.97 (+4.92)
8          Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)                 77.32 (+10.27)
9          Zoe Kingham (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)                       81.31 (+14.26)

Still everything to play for in the BSC as there are now 18 rounds completed, with the best 20 scores to count from 42 rounds in total.


BSC Positions after Lydden Hill Rd 18 15 July 2023
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200)                      412 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)             410 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)             399 points
4. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)             331 points
5. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M)                              326 points
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)                                    324 points
7. Grahame Harden (1.6 Radical PR6)                        295 points
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08)                         257 points
9. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)             227 points
10. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA)                                     195 points
11. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono)                      130 points
12. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA)                                115 points
 

Jones takes FTD and a Run Off at Pembrey

Event 8 at Pembrey on 04/06/2023
Day two of BARC Wales Pembrey Sprint week-end was held on the venue's Clubman layout which adds a tight and tricky left right after Dibeni.

Like the day before the weather was glorious and warm under a cloudless sky and the well organised BARC Wales team completed a practice run, followed by four timed runs by mid afternoon.

Practice was largely uneventful with the exception of John Loudon (Force TA) who coasted in after hearing some worrying noises coming from his engine. He was out for the day.

Chris Jones in the 998cc Force TA led the way early on and in qualifying for the first Run Off set a time of 105.24s, over a second ahead of Steve Broughton (DJ Firehawk) and Graham Blackwell (Mygale Ecoboost). This time was to remain unbeaten all day for the FTD.

In the first Run Off both Mygales of Blackwell and Pete Goulding were well up on the splits until Goulding somehow managed to knock the master switch off for a Fail. Blackwell completed his run with a 105.85s but was just pipped by Jones who had a strong second lap to to post a 105.71s. Broughton took third, still working on the handling of the Firehawk, ahead of Steve Miles (Van Diemen RF86) with the top four covered by 9 tenths. Then there was a gap to Grahame Harden, making the Radical PR6 work on the AVONs a few hundredths ahead of Simon Wallis (OMS 3000M). This left Carole Torkington (OMS FC08) and Nick Houston (OMS Hornet) to round out the finishing order with Houston trying to overcome the wrong gearing and old tyres!

Qualifying for Run Off two saw Jones ahead of Goulding, Blackwell (after a small problem getting the motor started), Miles and Broughton but times were slower as competitors were saving their tyres.

In the final Run Off of the week-end Miles put in a quick first lap and held on to take the win - the traction control upgrade and new clutch worked well and apart from some overheating issues had a largely trouble free week-end. Goulding took second from Jones (also managing overheating issues all day), Blackwell and Broughton. Again the top four were covered by less than a second. Wallis took sixth with a PB to complete a trouble free week-end.

Results:

Pembrey, Clubman Circuit June 4th 2023

BARC Wales

SBD Motorsport UK British Sprint Championship Rounds 16 & 17

Run Off 1 (Round 16)
1. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 105.71s
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale Ecoboost) 105.84s
3. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 106.02*s
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 106.61s
5. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 113.27s
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 113.32s
7. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 115.25s
8. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 122.75s
9. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) FAIL

Run Off 2 (Round 17)
1. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 106.13s
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 106.31s
3. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 106.41s
4. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale Ecoboost) 107.07s
5. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 108.50s
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 111.49s
7. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 112.70s
8. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 113.99s
9. Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet) 122.66s

British Sprint Championship positions after round 17:
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 370 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale Ecoboost) 362 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 356 points
4. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 296 points
5. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 287 points
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 279 points
7. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 256 points
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 236 points
9. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 227 points
10. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 145 points
11. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 130 points
12. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 115 points
etc.

Goulding and Jones share the spoils at Pembrey

Event 7 at Pembrey on 03/06/2023
Goulding and Jones share the spoils at Pembrey.  Graham Blackwell reports

For most, the journey across Wales on Friday was one to forget, the M4 throwing up many challenges. Aside, that is, from Stephen Miles, who having avoided the M4, followed his way along the A40, finding himself at one point surrounded by villagers celebrating an eisteddfod.

In the evening, current Championship leader, Pete Goulding made tracking and camber adjustments to the Mygale, realising he had overlooked the car’s geometry since an accident at Blyton the year before. Grahame Harden was running fresh 195 Avon HC3s, which were smaller than the 210s that the PR6 was setup for, so his concern was the lack front ride height and the potential impact on handling. Chris Jones had relocated the oil catch tank on the Force TA, moving it away from the oil cooler, so allowing better airflow and cooling.

Saturday morning greeted everyone with blue skies and bright sunshine; the forecast was the same for both days, with temperatures reaching 22°C. The event was using the National circuit layout, one which last year was run on the Sunday due to a mix-up in track permits. The organisation this year was noticeably better however, and many drivers commented on the smooth running of the event. They even allowed use of the new garages, with electric hook-ups, which were most welcome.

The ten British Sprint drivers were lined up at 9am, for the first practice, which passed with no dramas. Barely 70 minutes later, the drivers were called again to the line, for the first timed runs, where we’d have the chance to see the pecking order for the weekend. Fastest was Chris Jones, with Graham Blackwell in second, 3/10^ths under the 1600T class record. After the run, Steve Miles was happy to report that the replacement clutch setup was working properly, following an incorrect installation over the winter. Pete Goulding complained that the car was too stiff, so had work to do to address that. Chris Jones was very pleased with his pace, pushing very hard, and reported that his hands were shaking after the run. Nick Houston said his gearing was too low, and he could do with a second engine to give him some more power.

Steve Broughton said his run was a bit hairy, the DJ was still smoking on tick over, keeping the local midge population at bay. Regular Matt Hillam was due to fly overseas for work on Friday, so had skipped the weekend. Unfortunately, the flight was postponed to the following Monday, so Matt was watching from home, probably wishing he could be at the venue.

Morning qualification
Pos         Driver                                                                                    Time
1             Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA)                                   95.33s (+0.00)
2             Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)           96.06s (+0.73)
3             Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)           96.24s (+0.91)
4             John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)                                  96.77s (+1.44)
5             Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)            97.83s (+2.50)
6             Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200)                     98.37s (+3.04)
7             Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M)                             104.79s (+9.46)
8             Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08)                        106.15s (+10.82)
9             Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6)                       106.44s (+11.11)
10           Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet)                              117.79s (+22.46)


For the first run-off, Goulding put in a strong run on his freshest rubber, finishing first with a 94.25s run. In second place, Chris Jones was just four tenths behind, followed by Broughton. The top three all setting new class records in the process. Closely followed by Loudon and Blackwell, the top five covered by less than a second. Blackwell said he was happy with knocking 4.2 seconds off his PB. Smiles said his confidence was growing, though he was still someway off his PB. Back in the paddock, a burning smell was traced to Carole’s OMS, and after rapidly removing the seat, the battery was found to have moved, the terminals shorting against the carbon bodywork. The problem was soon rectified for the third timed run.

Morning run-off
Pos         Driver                                                                                    Time
1             Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200)                        94.25*s
2             Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA)                                        94.64*s
3             Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)               94.73*s
4             John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)                                       94.96s
5             Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)                95.11s
6             Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)                95.41s
7             Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6)                          104.18s
8             Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M)                                 105.37s
9             Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08)                            108.83s

During the lunch break, the announcement was made that there would be at least two more runs in the afternoon, and around 2pm, it was time for the third timed run. Blackwell launched his Mygale off the line, to find the ECU had gone into ‘limp mode’ at the start of the second lap, and despite power cycling the ECU, this occurred a second time, leading to a very slow qualification time. Simon Wallis improved by over a second, as he gradually approached a new PB. Chris Jones said his run felt slower, and Goulding was complaining about understeer in the hot conditions. Stephen Miles, having been baulked by Blackwell, was allowed a rerun, and he took the opportunity to make changes to the rear anti-roll bar, which he said proved beneficial, although the overheating jelly tyres didn’t help.

Afternoon qualification
Pos         Driver                                                                                    Time
1             Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA)                                             96.49s (+0.00)
2             John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)                                           96.91s (+0.42)
3             Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200)                             98.24s (+1.75)
4             Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)                    98.38s (+1.89)
5             Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)                    98.95s (+2.46)
6             Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M)                                     104.15s (+7.66)
7             Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08)                                107.65s (+11.16)
8             Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet)                                     118.91s (+22.42)
9             Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6)                               127.29s (+30.80)
10           Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)                     145.45s (+48.96)

On to the second run-off, Blackwell — having made what he thought would be repairs to prevent a further limp mode — led the pack off the line. This time, his engine went into limp mode immediately as he launched the car, leading to the slowest lap of the day, and last place in the run-off. He clearly had work to do to ensure the car was fit for the following day’s competition. Next up was Nick Houston, who had been struggling with an under-geared car all day. Eighth place went to Torkington, with a new PB, reaching 137mph in the process. Simon Walls was in seventh, again with a new PB. Graham Harden put in his best run of the day, and another new PB. Pete Goulding was fifth, nearly three seconds slower than his first run-off, complaining about understeer having over-driven the car. Steve Broughton was in fourth. Inside the top three was John Loudon in the Force TA, well under the class record, however suffering from gear shift problems for most of the day. Stephen Miles in second was 4/10ths behind the winner, Chris Jones, who set an exemplary run of the National layout, showing the others how it should be done, with another new class record in his Force TA. Chris was ecstatic after the run, which is understood to be only the second time in BSC history that a 1,100cc has won a British Sprint run-off (the only other occasion being John Chacksfield at Three Sisters in 2004)


Afternoon run-off
Pos         Driver                                                                              Time
1             Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA)                                             94.99s
2             Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm)                    95.42s
3             John Loudon (1.1 Force TA)                                           95.70s
4             Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004)                    96.54s
5             Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200)                              97.04s
6             Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6)                               102.81s
7             Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M)                                      103.00s
8             Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08)                                 104.62s
9             Nick Houston (1.0 OMS Hornet)                                      117.34s
10           Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost)                     160.03s
 

Blackwell and Miles trade the top spots at Lydden

Event 6 at Lydden Hill on 20/05/2023
The British Sprint Championship contenders trekked to the south east corner of Kent for rounds 11 and 12 of the 2023 Championship at the tight and twisty undulating Lydden Hill circuit on Saturday 20^th May. Some notable faces were missing from the field having been casualties from the Blyton Park rounds only one week prior, notably Simon Bainbridge (SBR Crono) and Steve Brown (Empire Evo). Other regular competitors from previous years were also not yet out of the starting blocks for this year’s campaign but it was a welcome return for Chris Jones, driving a Force TA, having had a difficult few years curing reliability and development issues with the car’s new engine installation, and for Zoe Kingham, driving the immaculate highly-developed and powerful SBD works EcoBoost Westfield which was making a reappearance after a full two-year rebuild following an off-script scenery visit two years ago at Pembrey.
With such a short time between the previous event, competitors’ modifications were limited to minor adjustments which included a change of gearing, the replacement of a burnt out regulator pack and the procurement of additional wheel nuts for those who had lost some at Blyton.
A track walk on Friday evening revealed that the course was extremely dusty and the Lydden Hill ground staff were sweeping and jet washing areas of the track. Optimism for good grip from the off was diminished as a result. Practice on Saturday morning confirmed this, with no real dramas aside from Steve Miles who seemed to have inexplicably lost several litres of coolant and developed clutch issues.
Track conditions gradually improved and by the time that the morning run-off had materialised, there was enough grip for several notable performances, particularly Graham Blackwell (Mygale EcoBoost) who won the runoff with a new class record time, Steve Miles (Van Diemen RF96mm) who had overcome his car issues from practice to finish 2nd and Chris Jones (Force TA) who managed 3^rd place, also successfully breaking his class record and making up the podium positions. Championship leader Pete Goulding (Mygale EcoBoost) claimed 4^th despite a slipped rear anti-roll bar giving him understeer issues and Steve Broughton came home in 5^th in the ever-evolving and changing DJ Firehawk just ahead of John Loudon (Force TA) and co-driver and current champion Matt Hillam in 6^th and 7^th respectively. Simon Wallis brought his OMS 3000 home in 8^th place despite being unable to see his shift light in the bright sun, followed by Grahame Harden in 9th (Radical PR6) who was taking sizable bites from his times with each run and enjoying himself once more. Carole Torkington (OMS CF08) was happy enough in 10^th having improved with each run and gaining more confidence with each outing, as was Nick Scott (Force TA) in 11^th on his first visit to the venue. Zoe Kingham (Westfield SEiW EcoBoost) in her first outing for three years came home 12^th, getting faster with each run.

1. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 66.13s
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 66.68s
3. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 67.13*s
4. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 67.39s
5. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 68.16s
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 68.54s
7. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 68.56s
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 70.73s
9. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 72.10s
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 72.63s
11. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 81.89s
12. Zoe Kingham (1.6T Westfield EcoBoost) 83.41s

After lunch, the qualification runs for the last run-off the day saw little drama but several competitors were using older tyres to preserve their diminishing best ones for the run-off itself which resulted in marginally slower times for most.
Now back on their favoured sets of tyres for the last run-off of the day, the majority of the field saw little or no improvement over their first run-off times. A shuffling of the finishing order saw Graham Blackwell (Mygale EcoBoost) down to 2nd with 2021 champion Steve Miles (Van Diemen RF96mm)  promoting himself to 1^st for the run-off win with Matt Hillam (DJ Firehawk) gaining some time to promote himself to 3^rd to round off the podium positions. Chris Jones (Force TA) slipped to 4^th with a self-confessed ‘scrappy’ run ahead of Championship leader Pete Goulding (Mygale EcoBoost) in 5^th who was ruing his fluffing of the hairpin at the top of Hairy Hill. Steve Broughton (DJ Firehawk) again managed to stay a place ahead of John Loudon (Force TA), the pair finishing 6^th and 7^th respectively. In 8^th, Simon Wallis (OMS 3000) was celebrating his best time of the day followed by Grahame Harden (Radical PR6) whose smile had widened given that he had bettered his PB in coming home 9^th. Not to be outdone, Carole Torkington (OMS CF08) had also bettered her PB and was rather happy too. Nick Scott (Force TA) has gone slightly slower than the first run off but managed to hold onto 11^th place ahead of Zoe Kingham (Westfield EcoBoost) who was getting back into the swing of things and had made notable improvements in time with each run.
 

1. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 67.09s
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale Ecoboost) 67.24s
3. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 67.44s
4. Chris Jones (1.0 Force TA) 67.51s
5. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 68.05s
6. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 68.48s
7. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 68.80s
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 70.70s
9. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 72.27s
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 72.80s
11. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 82.03s
12. Zoe Kingham (1.6T Westfield EcoBoost) 82.36

Graham Blackwell’s (Mygale EcoBoost) run-off one  time of 66.13s was enough to earn him FTD.

 

Hillam and Goulding share the honours on the second day of Blyton weekend

Event 5 at Blyton Park on 14/05/2023
Sunday 14^th May saw the British Sprint rounds 9 and 10 on the longer outer circuit layout of the Lincolnshire Blyton Park organised by the ever-efficient Longton and District Motor Club. The day’s field was a little reduced due to casualties from the previous day’s proceedings which included Simon Bainbridge in his mighty SBR Chrono (bodywork damage), Steve Brown in his supercharged Empire (engine failure) and Nick Houston in his OMS (electrical issues).

Several competitors had made overnight tweaks including team SBD who had made some spring changes to their DJ Firehawk in an attempt to find a better balance, Steve Miles who had adjusted his ride height to suit the smoother outer circuit and John Loudon, who was the busiest, by changing gearing and his engine oil system breather layout on top of his previous days exploits with gear position sensor replacements.

Most of the competitors were trying to preserve their tyres given the current lack of supply of suitable slicks and many of those on display looked to have seen better days. With the season having barely begun, the remainder of the season could be quite challenging as a result.

The first of the day’s run-offs saw reigning British Sprint champion Matt Hillam in his shared DJ Firehawk bag himself an early run-off win by just holding off current Championship leader Pete Goulding (Mygale EcoBoost) in 2nd followed by Graham Blackwell (Mygale EcoBoost) to complete the podium positions. Steve Broughton (DJ Firehawk) managed to hold off John Loudon (Force TA) for 4^th. The remaining places fell to Grahame Harden (Radical PR6), Simon Wallis (OMS 3000), Carole Torkington (OMS CF08) and Nick Scott (Force TA) all of whom were making steady improvements to their times.  The only non-finisher was former champion Steve Miles who saw one of his front wheels disappear into the distance whilst he ground to a halt awaiting rescue. Returning former Championship runner John Munroe was sadly unable to take to the start line whilst side-lined with drive chain and starter motor issues on his OMS.

Morning run-off results
1. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 55.85*s
2. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 56.00s
3. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 56.96s
4. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 58.13s
5. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 58.58s
6. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 62.38s
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 63.66s
8. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 64.70s
9. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 68.65s
10. N/A
11. N/A
12. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) FAIL

With all four wheels now attached, Steve Miles was able to re-join the game for the next qualifying run and make the final run-off of the day, unlike the unfortunate John Munro who was still side-lined and unable to qualify.
Pete Goulding (Mygale EcoBoost) took the run-off win to make it a first and second placing for the day and improving his Championship lead. Steve Miles (Van Diemen RF96) made up for his earlier misadventure to bag himself a fine second place whilst Graham Blackwell (Mygale EcoBoost) again rounded of the podium placings in third. Matt Hillam (DJ Firehawk slipped to 4^th after experiencing a mini spin on the one of the fastest bends of the circuit but still managing to hold it together. Steve Broughton (DJ Firehawk) again managed to stave off John Loudon (Force TA) by a small margin for 5^th and 6^th respectively. Grahame Harden (Radical PR6) was pleased with 7^th and admitted to enjoying himself throughout the day, Simon Wallis (OMS 3000) managed to again stay ahead of the improving Carole Torkington (OMS CF08) for 8^th despite Carole beating her previous PB by nearly a second. Nick Scott (Force TA) made up the final placing having inexplicably gone slower than his previous runs.

Afternoon run-off results
Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 55.91s
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 56.31s
3. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 56.48s
4. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 56.79s
5. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 58.24s
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 58.55s
7. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 60.77s
8. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 62.48s
9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 63.26s
10. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 70.77s

The day was rounded off with a torrential downpour to give everyone a soaking whilst the remainder of the entry list were taking their final runs and others were packing away which seemed to be limited to within a five mile radius of the circuit.


 

Blackwell and Goulding take the top spots as Bainbridge toils

Event 4 at Blyton Park on 13/05/2023
Blyton Park Eastern Circuit – British Sprint Championship report by Steve Miles
Saturday 13 May 2023

Excitement was clearly visible in the paddock on the Friday evening after a six-week gap since the last round. The ever-flexible Longton & District MC juggled the parking allocation to allow us to keep off the boggy grass and all worked well with no one left behind after the weekend!

14 drivers started the Saturday, the first retirement being Nick Houston who couldn’t manage any track time due to electrical issues. Another welcome return was John Munroe, back in the BSC after eight years following a spell of circuit racing. The OMS had a few shakedown events and was declared ‘good to go’! Nick Scott had his car back in one piece after the Cadwell crash while someone else having an expensive few weeks of preparation was Steve Brown with a complete new throttle body system and dyno time on his Empire EVO.

Qualifying saw the demise of Steve’s Empire, not sounding good and possibly running a bearing, and he was out for the weekend. Next not to make the cut was Simon Bainbridge, who blew a CV driveshaft joint. He did have a spare, but unfortunately forgot to load it into the bus. Championship coordinator Pete Howgate kindly loaned him his car to go back to the farm to fetch it!

Despite suffering from ‘ManFlu’ the run off was won by Graham Blackwell in his REIS-sponsored Mygale EcoBoost, who had designed and fitted a 3^rd spring and was very pleased with the new found compliance in the car. Just 8-hundredths behind was the similar car of Pete Goulding, fresh from FTD at Goodwood, who put this time loss down to a lock up at the first corner. 3^rd was Steve Miles in his 27-year-old heavily-modified Formula Ford.

The SBD DJ Firehawk had new developments of a rear antiroll bar now fitted — which was taking some fine tuning to find a sweet spot, but Steve Broughton managed 4^th and Matt Hillam 6^th. Splitting the pair was Munro in the OMS, which apart from high coolant temps was running well. Simon Wallis also locked up first corner but was a no drama run and the same applied for the rest of the placings further down, with Graham Harden, Nick Scott and Carole Torkington all running well and ‘dialling themselves in’. In uncharacteristic last place was Laser Tools sponsored John Loudon with gear related trouble again. “No Comment” was the reply when pushed further!

Top 12 Run-off: Blyton Park E Rd 7
1.         Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 62.55s
2.         Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 62.63s
3.         Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 63.39s
4.         Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 64.17s
5.         John Munro (1.4 OMS CF07) 64.72s
6.         Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 65.42s
7.         Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 69.73s
8.         Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 70.01s
9.         Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 73.82s
10.       Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 74.48s
11.       John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 82.11s

With the cloud cover starting to ease, the strong wind kept the temperatures down and everyone readied themselves for the final points scoring opportunity of the day.

Matt Hillam jumped up the field with a spring change and was just 3 hundredths behind Miles in top qualifying spot, joined for the afternoon by his sponsors from Roundworks IT. Blackwell qualified 3^rd, a few seconds slower as he qualifies on Avons and then swaps to Pirellis for the run off, generally finding a second or two as a result.

Electrician Goulding dominated the run-off however with a 60.55 to take 25 points, and this despite nearly not qualifying after a turbo pipe came loose and also not starting and having to solder the throttle pot loom connection minutes before heading out!

Miles improved to second this time with Blackwell just 3 hundredths behind and then Hillam — still with no electrical charging on the DJ and running a total loss system — another 3 hundredths behind, but with a class record to add the bonus point.

The remaining up to 1600 racing car class saw 0.13 separating Broughton from Munroe after some dampener softening. Loudon was struggling with oil leaks and missing gears for a  midfield placing.

Grahame Harden got the heavy circuit Radical around for 8^th and Torkington was happy with improvements all day and finishing 10^th.

The big drama was Bainbridge’s 850bhp 4.2 litre Crono. After the impressive rebuild and repair of the CV joint in rapid time, it made the start line and qualified 5^th, but come the run off the team believe a rear engine cover fixing failed and it ripped off on the start straight —this in turn affecting the rear aerodynamics and at the highest speed point on the circuit the rear end broke loose and the Stokesley farmer went ploughing, causing extensive damage and withdrawal from St Gueno and other upcoming events.

Top 12 run-off Blyton Park Eastern Rd 8
1.         Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 60.55s
2.         Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 61.66s
3.         Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 61.69s
4.         Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 61.82s
5.         Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 62.98s
6.         John Munro (1.4 OMS CF07) 63.11s
7.         John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 63.44s
8.         Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 66.93s
9.         Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 68.01s
10.       Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 71.85s
11.       Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 75.01s
12.       Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) FAIL
 

Goulding asserts his position after the second Anglesey round

Event 3 at Anglesey on 02/04/2023
British Sprint Championship, Anglesey International Circuit 2 April 2023.  Steve Miles reports:

The weather improved further overnight and by the end of the day, there were many faces sporting an Anglesey tan!

The big retirement was Steve Brown in his Empire Evo. Repairs to the plenum chamber had worked, but some pressure issues caused the butterfly valves to bend and some serious sorting was required before it would run again.  Early departure meant he was the only driver not to feature in the group photo.

Qualification with eleven runners took the pressure off, but everyone was pushing, with Steve Miles leading the way despite some clutch issues that were worked around before the run-off.

In timed run 2, which is when the scores for the run off are set, Pete Goulding improved by a few tenths on his best tyre set, despite two stalls on the line and a warning that ‘one more and you’re out’. The improvement he put down to using all the rumble strips on the exit of the first left hander and a ‘do or die’ attitude to late braking at both big stops. Sparks from the undertray certainly were flying.  Next up was John Loudon in the methanol-powered 1100 Force, a rerun due to a timing error helped offset the delayed upchange and leaking coolant issues he had to post his best ever finish in a BSC run off with an over three second improvement. Miles went slower by a second after running deep at the tricky 1^st left-hander for 3^rd place and just three-hundredths behind was current Champion Matt Hillam — a crash test dummy engineer during the week, despite some downshift issues, that he felt could be almost overcome with a change of driving style. Graham Blackwell, also a software engineer, let loose his 375bhp of the Mygale to come 5th, a few tenths further back and clocking 147mph compared to 145.3 mph of the similar EcoBoost of the winner.

Robert Tonge, in his Force TA also got a rerun due to timing and found his brand new Michelins were working well for 6th. The used Pirellis on Steve Broughton’s similar engined DJ Firehawk, plus down change issues that didn’t suit his ‘brake first, downchange rapidly after’ style meant he was 0.15secs back in equal 7^th with Dr Harden in his circuit car Radical matching times and posting a PB. Last place of the remaining runners was Simon Bainbridge hustling the nearly 1 tonne of Crono around. He did confess to a small moment when he put a wheel fully in the grass at 150mph coming into rocket!

Carole Torkington also had a scary moment at 130 braking into rocket but PB’d with an 85.07 for 10^th. Leaving Simon Wallis with a freshly repaired puncture – thanks to Pete Goulding, but overall progress slowed with a return of the engine intermittently cutting out again as it did last at Cadwell.


Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Int Rd 5
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 79.15s
2. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 80.07s
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 80.55s
4. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 80.58s
5. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 80.90s
6. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 81.85s
7. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 82.00s
7=. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 82.00s
9. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 82.37s
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 85.07s
11. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 88.99s
The last run of the weekend saw improvements for most, apart from Miles who went backwards, but at least was getting multiple reminders all day to put fuel in the tank after yesterday! The big improver was FTD man Pete Goulding who took yet another run off win to make 3 from 4 from the weekend to lead the championship. A leaking tyre valve just before the start caused some paddock stress however!

The next 3 places were very tight. Blackwell led the way in second place although he had a scare going to the line when the engine refused to start 4 times! Matt Hillam was just 4 hundredths down the road, setting another record for a bonus point and Miles another 4 hundredths back. Loudon said his run felt OK, but yet it was his worst time of the day for 5^th.

7 hundredths behind was the SBD boss Steve who is now planning on more work to fabricate a rear antiroll bar before Blyton on the new car. 1/3 second in arrears was the SBD powered 1.4  identical engine in Tonges Force, who couldn’t figure out why he was a second off his PB, but this was quite a common discussion point amongst the drivers. On a positive though everyone was pleased how just over 2 seconds covered the middle 6 drivers so everything is close and all to play for as they move into the season.

Harden had some sideways launch issues as his traction control (right foot and associated leg muscles) played up he declared! Torkington stayed ahead of Wallis again with a new PB despite Wallis putting his best time of the day.

No time recorded for Simon Bainbridge after he attempted to take Church flat in the big Crono and put in a double 360 degree spin on the outfield mud and grass. No points but great style marks from the judges. This incident damaged one side of the radiator and cooling intakes and will need some repairs over the coming break.

Another good Longton & DMC run event and the BSC and club will be reunited in 6 weeks time when they put on their Blyton Park sprint.

Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Int Rd 6
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 78.00s
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 79.46s
3. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 79.50*s
4. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 79.54s
5. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 81.16s
6. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 81.23s
7. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 81.59s
8. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 83.29s
9. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 84.38s
10. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 85.91s
BSC Positions after Anglesey Int Rd 6
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 145 points
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 135 points
3. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 132 points
4. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 120 points
5. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 117 points
6. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 100 points
7. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 94 points
8. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 81 points
9. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 78 points
10. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 70 points
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 64 points
12. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 61 points
 

Goulding and Miles share the spoils on April Fool's Day

Event 2 at Anglesey on 01/04/2023
British Sprint Anglesey National Circuit 1 April 2023. Steve Miles reports:

After the soggy Cadwell the previous weekend, the threatened deluge that had been forecast to last all day gradually diminished during the week, and everyone was changing their wets first thing Saturday on the cold but dry day that greeted the twelve runners at the wonderful Welsh circuit on April Fool’s day.
First practice was a good awakener for several drivers, including Robert Tonge, Carole Torkington and current British Sprint Champion Matt Hillam who had all not driven a racing car since last season. Steve Miles laid down his intentions with a fastest time in practice, but everyone was very close. Come qualifying, Steve Brown posted his reply with an impressive 48.26s to lead the field, and the first four were covered by a mere 0.8 secs.
Steve Broughton and Hillam were debuting their new car, a 1,440cc engine, normally-aspirated DJ Firehawk and both were getting to grips and dialling the chassis in following midweek testing for Steve. The Championship sponsor was, how shall we say it, “tired” after the testing, sorting multiple rally cars out as well as significant mods to his own car following the test and driving up from Surbiton.
When the points were handed out in the run-off run, Miles’ early intentions were to come to nothing after he admitted to forgetting to put fuel in the car and coasted round to save the engine after a low pressure alert to post 12^th. Next up was Simon Wallis, who had his first clean run of the year without the engine cutting out on track (it did after the finish but that doesn’t count!) six-tenths quicker was Torkington who despite feeling rusty was pleased with the time. Graham Harden, the scientist from Lincolnshire wrestled the heavy 1.3 Radical around Anglesey’s National circuit bends for 9^th position. The gear selection upshift issue John Loudon experienced at Cadwell was solved after an intermediate mounting bracket for the potentiometer was changed. Now he could work on improving the speed.
With times for the last seven cars now under 50 seconds, Broughton was pleased to finish and keep the development going, but the gearbox ratios were all wrong after 3^rd and will need changing. Simon Bainbridge came to the event on a borrowed tow car and trailer after the bus engine went into terminal demise on the Cadwell journey home, and he was pleased with his 950kg car being a couple of tenths ahead of the Broughton/Hillam 350kg DJ Firehawk. Tonge was pleased with a clean run to leave him 5^th, until he came across the mud on track after the finish line left by Steve Brown who managed a full double 360° spin, after posting a 48.68 to secure 4^th.
A debut run for Hillam saw the 3^rd spot on the podium taken by 12 hundredths ahead of Brown and he was pleased with the car saying it had potential. The 1.6l turbo power for Graham Blackwell set a new PB to take runner up spot, after a traction control tweak, leaving the winner Pete Goulding driving a similar Ecoboost taking his first win of the season by less by than 4 tenths.

Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Nat Rd 3
1. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 47.81s
2. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 48.20s
3. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 48.56s
4. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 48.68s
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 49.10s
6. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 49.16s
7. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 49.34s
8. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 50.25s
9. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 50.46s
10. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 52.52s
11. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 53.14s
12. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 76.95

No incidents in the timed run 3, which meant everyone qualified for the run off scoring point in T4. The meeting was extremely well run by Longton and District MC and eventually gave nine timed runs!
Miles, enjoying his new retirement status made up for his errors in the first run off and with a new PB took the 25 points and FTD with a 46.53 even if the exit kerb after the finish gave the floor of the car a good beating! Matt Hillam demonstrated the ongoing potential being just 0.04 secs for second place and a new record with a bonus point. Goulding took the EcoBoost battle over Blackwell again, just 0.6secs in it. Tonge split the DJ drivers of Hillam and Broughton in the Up to 1,600cc class with a new PB on his Pirelli tyres, and was putting a new set of Michelin rubber on for Sunday, watch this space!

Behind Broughton in 7^th was the Laser Tools sponsored John Loudon who was making good progress now he could select gears. After setting an interim FTD at one point Brown was disappointed with 8^th but a cracked plenum chamber was diagnosed which resulted in loss of boost pressure. Overnight repairs with epoxy were made.
Bainbridge went 3 tenths slower than first run off for 9^th and Harden was pleased to break the 50 second barrier posting 10^th. Torkington kept her nose ahead of Wallis again with a 51.66 in 11^th, leaving the software engineer from Cambridge in 12^th, perhaps hindered by a rear puncture in qualifying and having to run on four front tyres as he had no spare rears available.

Top 12 Run-off: Anglesey Nat Rd 4
1. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 46.53s
2. Matthew Hillam (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 46.57s
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 47.20s
4. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 47.83s
5. Robert Tonge (1.4 Force TA) 48.47s
6. Steve Broughton (1.4 DJ Firehawk CT004) 48.54s
7. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 48.61s
8. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 49.32s
9. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 49.57s
10. Grahame Harden (1.3 Radical PR6) 49.88s
11. Carole Torkington (1.5 OMS CF08) 51.66s
12. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 54.37

Bainbridge masters the conditions to dominate the opening weekend

Event 1 at Cadwell Park on 25/03/2023
Steve Miles Reports from a wet first day in the British Sprint Championship

Cadwell Park 25.3.23 Rounds 1 & 2

The cackling crows in the trees above Cadwell Park, were rudely awakened with the full 750bhp of Simon Bainbridge’s 4.2 litre Crono, as he stormed to two run-off wins to lead the British Championship after the first two rounds.

BARC Midlands organised the opening sprint of the season and were tested and responded excellently with multiple driver ‘offs’ and even a paddock medical emergency.  This inevitably caused track delays, but they managed to get a practice and three timed runs in despite the ‘inclement’ conditions.

Competitors were greeted with heavy showers before the practice run, and all the BSC field were on either Pirelli or Avon wets, and these stayed on all day. After the withdrawal of Grahame Harden in the Radical, which was surprising after he had run well in testing at Blyton Park the week earlier, there were only eight runners, so as long as everyone posted a qualifying time, there were points to be had. The current British Champion Matt Hillam was still putting a new bike-engined car together with Championship sponsor Steve Broughton of SBD and they hope to be out for Anglesey next weekend

The tight opening section through Hall bends, The Hairpin and Barn were all extremely slippery in the rain and being under the trees, were slow to dry. The Force TA of Nick Scott was to fall victim to this on the final run-off; the rear end broke loose and he went off backwards at some speed into the Recticel barriers. Luckily, all was OK after a medical check over, but the car will need some attention and he is unlikely to be out in six days’ time for Anglesey.

Practice saw partial runs due to red flags for Steve Brown, who declared pre-event that the newly-loomed Empire Evo2 had too much power for the conditions! Both EcoBoosts of Pete Goulding and Graham Blackwell also got caught up in this red flag and due to delays all round, were not given reruns. Despite having successfully completed testing, Steve Miles encountered problems with the new clutch that had been fitted for 2023; it had ‘settled’ meaning that he found on the start line that it didn’t work and the car crawled forward. Advice from the SBD support line back in the paddock saw this adjusted out for the rest of the day to run OK.

When it came to qualification, Bainbridge showed his intent for the day posting a 94sec run, with the Mygale of Goulding 2.6 seconds back. Due to the conditions, Pete had detuned the engine to just 300bhp. Miles was a further two-tenths behind in his 27-year-old space-framed chassis that was once a 1996 Formula Ford, but after 20 years of development, only a few original elements remain. Graham Blackwell, also in an EcoBoost, hadn’t been to the track for twelve years and the new traction control system was working well. He kept a clean sheet all day and got progressively faster. Steve Brown headed the bike-engine racing cars twelve seconds behind Bainbridge, after which there was an even bigger gap to John Loudon who was having gearchange issues. Next up was local Lincoln property developer Nick Scott in his relatively new Force TA, followed by Simon Wallis who nearly didn’t make it as the 1,100cc engine in his OMS kept cutting our and needed restarting or bump-starting on track several times. The source could not be found all day, but high on the suspect list were some winter modifications to the intake.

More rain bursts, and then came the Timed run 2 from which the Championship scores are counted. Whilst most of the field went slower by several seconds, amazingly, the North Yorkshire pig farmer in the SBR Crono went four seconds faster to take the full 25 points. There is some great YouTube coverage of the top 4 cars doing circa 140mph in the wet if you search for “CF Photos, British Sprint Championship Round 1 Cadwell Park”

Miles seemed chuffed to come 2^nd, albeit ten seconds behind, having now got the clutch working and able to hold position on the start line. Goulding was a further 2.3 seconds back, although lucky to have an undamaged car after he went off after the finish and took to the grass, luckily without contacting anything solid! Blackwell, 2.2 behind Goulding was happy with 4^th and no drama, was clearly pleased with his traction control modifications made over the winter.

The last four places were taken by the bike-engined cars. The excessive power and no traction control — yet, watch this space we are told! — was a handful for Steven Brown who finished 1.4 seconds back. Then came Nicholas Scott, also running an RLM engine but 1.6l as opposed to Brown’s 1.4l supercharged, who finished some eight seconds further back. Simon Wallis was still having engine cut-out issues and came in 7^th another eight seconds down. And finally came John Loudon in his 1.1 Force Tam propelled by a new engine after last season’s seizure.  He was still suffering gear change issues and therefore wasn’t able to rely on any gear above 3^rd, but that was the least of his worries as he made a full 360 degree spin to post a time of 234 seconds — might this go down in BSC history as the longest ever point-scoring run?

With many other offs, time was short but BARC managed to squeeze in another timed run, which for BSC purposes was declared beforehand the points-scoring run, with no qualification needed. In case proceedings needed livening up, the heavens promptly opened with another heavy downpour, although the strong winds partially dried the Lincolnshire Wolds undulations and times were quicker.

Working from the tail end upwards, we had two non finishers. Nick Scott’s accident has already been mentioned; the car was manhandled back into the trailer at the end of the day but I am pleased to report that the driver is fine. Next was Steve Brown “I braked 2m too late for Mansfield (the final downhill left hander) and decided to go up the escape road rather than risk the grass”. Wallis found 13 seconds, despite the engine still cutting out, and took the class win.

Blackwell and Goulding got red flagged in the aforementioned Brown incident and got given reruns this time, making up for practice, Blackwell took 4^th but going 0.7 secs faster was Goulding who was pleased to secure 3^rd.

Some 1.4 secs up the road, the moleracing Van Diemen of Miles had another tidy run for 2^nd, but the almighty SBR Crono, designed, run and built by John Hansell and driven by Simon Bainbridge stormed to a win six seconds ahead. If only Simon’s famous big green double decker bus hadn’t blown a hole in its 40-year-old engine on the way home, it would have been a perfect weekend for him!

Results:

Cadwell Park Sprint March 23^rd 2023
BARC Midlands
SBD Motorsport UK British Sprint Championship Rounds 1 & 2

Run-off 1 (Round 1)
            
1. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 90.45s
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 100.47s
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 102.79s         
4. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 104.97s
5. Steven Brown (1.3s Empire Evo2) 106.39s 
6. Nicholas Scott (1.6 Force TA) 114.36s                    
7. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 122.77s    
8. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 234.61s


Run-off 2 (Round 2)

           
1. Simon Bainbridge (4.2t SBR Crono) 87.38s            
2. Stephen Miles (2.0 Van Diemen RF96mm) 93.41s              
3. Peter Goulding (1.6t Mygale FF 200) 94.84s           
4. Graham Blackwell (1.6t Mygale EcoBoost) 95.61s
5. Simon Wallis (1.1 OMS 3000M) 109.44s
6. John Loudon (1.1 Force TA) 115.90s