Gurston Results 080913

Gurston Down 8th September 2013

The rolling hills of Wiltshire welcomed 10 drivers and 8 cars to the season finale meeting at Gurston. John and Andrew Forsyth were sharing the Alfa Dana and Charles and Nick Reynolds the Mark 9 Cooper. Unusually John and Alistair Dent were not entered.

Practice
Under a cloudy we all hoped the rain would hold off long enough to achieve meaningful times. The first run went by and the first gremlins put in an appearance. The rubber connector holding the carb on Charles car split causing poor running and he only just made it back to the paddock. Nick had no time to fit a replacement, supplied by Mark, before his run. Tim’s clutch also failed and he only just made the finish line. At this stage the field was led by Andrew followed by John.

Just before our second run was due, there was a heavy downpour that caused a pause in proceedings. This was lucky for Andrew as the electrical connection to the fuel pump came adrift as John was on the return down, so there was time for a quick repair. The track was now soaking so times were much slower when runs recommenced.

Stuart had been unhappy with the engine running, which was diagnosed as the carb, so adjustments were done over the lunch break. Tim’s clutch was finally replaced and adjusted and the electrical connections on the Alfa Dana sorted.

Timed runs
With blue sky visible through the clouds, everyone was hopeful for the runs proper. Unfortunately for John, the gremlins were not finished with him, as on trying to leave the line, a half shaft broke and the nearside wheel fell off! This was to be the last problem of the day for our merry band and the remaining 8 drivers all posted two times. Stuart’s fettling brought about the biggest change, nearly 10 seconds, and times improved for everyone over their last visit.

Classified Results

Pos Name Car Run 1 Run 2 Best

N/T: John Forsyth - Alfa-Dana-JAP, Andrew Forsyth - Alfa-Dana-JAP

Words and pics: Mike Wood

Irony: Basil Fawlty

1 Mark Riley Creamer-JAP 41.45 40.96 40.96
2 Nick Reynolds Cooper Mk IX-JAP 42.64 41.36 41.36
3 Charles Reynolds Cooper Mk IX-JAP 43.18 42.30 42.30
4 Fin Mackintosh Cooper Mk VI-JAP 41.37 43.21 41.21
5 Ted Sharpe RGR-JAP 44.82 45.33 44.82
6 Mike Wood CBP-JAP 45.60 45.17 45.17
7 Tim Ross Cooper Mk IV-JAP 55.39 56.06 55.39
8 Stuart Barnes Iota-JAP 57.16 56.47 56.47

Don't say I didn't warn you, I've laid it on the line time and time again. This is it, I'm going to give you a damn good thrashing......(with apologies....)