“It’ll just waft around the circuit” so said George Shackleton when sitting in his XJ6 whilst waiting to be scrutineered.

George’s car is a typical example of the varied, not to say eclectic, collection of vehicles taking part in this annual event. Of course every year produces the same types of vehicles so it’s not unusual. In George’s case, he was possibly out wafted by Dougal Crawley in his Rolls Royce Silver Shadow!

This event traditionally kicks off the UK’s national circuit activity. Although trials, rallies and autotests continue throughout winter, it is here that some novices, of all ages, get their first taste of circuit activity. One such was Edward Smith in his road going BMW M3. Sadly Edward would retire with a damaged engine during the last of the three 40 min tests.

Of the approximately 150 entries, there were road going cars (requiring a valid MOT Certificate); and, there were competition cars, (no MOT but needed the full race safety gear).

Classes:

The cars were broken down into seven classes spread over three groups. Each group comprised examples of each class of car based on assessed capability and age. The classes are: 1a Pre War Road Legal; 1ba Post War Road Legal pre 1963; 1bb Post War Road Legal Series Production; 1bc Post War Rood Legal Modified; 1bd Post War Road Legal Sports Libre; 2a Non Road Legal Cars; and, 2b Non Road Legal Modified Cars.

Tests:

There were five tests. Tests A to D were held in the morning, starting with the “wiggle woggle” on the Wellington Straight, a quarter kilometer long test which required the cars to zigzag between a series of cones without hitting any.

Test B was a 206m acceleration and braking test held on the “national straight”. Test C was a standing start quarter mile timed test followed by a flying 250m. Hitting a cone in any of the tests resulted in penalties. These tests then led to the lunch break.

Test E was a 40 min trial where each car had to hit its targetted laps, thus not a race.

Test E:

There would be three of these tests, one for each group.

1300hrs saw the start of Test E for Group A, Pre War cars. There were some lovely examples on track but this year only one “Edwardian”, the Monarch GP of Leslie Searle. There were plenty of Bentleys and quite a few Frazer Nashes (or is it “Frazers Nash”?). Dee Searle in her MG PB was possibly the smallest capacity car in the group.

Group B included this very pretty TR3 S pedalled by John Sykes.

Group C allowed George Shackleton’s XJ6 to demonstrate its wafting capabilities meanwhile, Matthew Moore’s Ford Galaxie 500 monstered its way around the track.

results:

And the Trophy Winners are:

The Densham Trophy

Best performance of a road legal VSCC eligible Pre-war car.

Gordon Spice Cup

Best performance by a Class 2 car.

Pomeroy Voiturette Trophy

Best performance by a road legal VSCC Pre-war car under 1494cc

Pomeroy Edwardian Trophy

Best performance by a road legal VSCC Edwardian car.

The Pomeroy Trophy

Best performance overall for a Class 1 car.

Acknowledgements:

None of this would happen without the VSCC and its staff, or indeed the marshals and officials who voluntarily give up their time so that drivers and those in the media can enjoy themselves.

Special thanks to Ben Crosby (Media and Admin Coordinator) for giving me accreditation as part of Tripos Media.

And finally:

Well done to all the entrants and drivers who entertained throughout the day.