Loton Park Results 090711

Was it lovely at Loton? Yes it was, in the beautiful setting of the deer park and with warm sunshine all day. The hill climb is longer than most with some tight corners and some sweeping bends; even after walking the course your scribe had difficulty in remembering all of the details and Ted Sharpe reckoned that they altered the course between his runs! It is an interesting and challenging hill with the bonus of a magnificent view from the top holding paddock.

Ted Sharpe with a 3 wheeled Cooper.

There were nine 500's entered but due to finding a problem with his car Mike Lawrence had to withdraw. So eight drivers completed their two practice runs during the morning.

All drivers were summoned to the scrutineers hut after the first run and informed that every car had failed the noise measurement check; to our surprise we were given a formal warning and told that we must conform to the specified 110 decibels or the cars will not be allowed to run at future events. This came as a shock to me, and I am sure it did to other drivers, especially as we are law abiding and want to adhere to sensible regulations. We are sure that the Motor Sports Association do not want to stop historic race cars from competing and we hope that they will either amend the specified noise measurement or issue historic race cars with an exemption.

Alistair Dent rounding Triangle in his over-steering Hornet.
 

All of the 500 Owners Association members ran together in Class 20A Racing Cars up to 500cc - Historic. Six drivers posted their fastest time on the first run with just two of us improving on our second competitive run. Xavier Kingsland, who's Norton engine sounded very good after its repairs, thought that perhaps the heat of the sun was affecting the timing equipment! Steve Lawrence came all the way from Chichester to compete and was rewarded with class FTD, but he was nearly beaten by the ever helpful and knowledgeable Jan Nycz; only 0.6 seconds separated them. Alistair Dent and John Dent were fast as usual, and Xavier Kingsland and Ted Sharpe were quick.

At a previous event, Tim Ross had declared that his car was a static exhibit due to technical problems, so it was good to see him complete all runs, albeit with his engine running 'a bit off tune'. Even though it was my first time at Loton Park I was disappointed with my times; I may have been quicker with our motor home!

It was good to have our Hill Climb and Sprint Secretary Paul Harris with us and we thank him for arranging such a good calendar of events. There were four ladies at Loton (sounds like the title of a song!) supporting their men and keeping them in order. We thank the Hagley & District Light Car Club for organising such an enjoyable day and our thanks go to all the hard working officials and marshals.

Steve Lawrence at Triangle

Jan Nycz in action at Triangle Bend