Classic and Sports Car Action day
Click on any photo to see a larger version
Copy right © Rob Fenton, Andrew Cluett, Mick Dwyer and Mike Stokes
The sun shone, the cars arrived, the engines revved, and
breakfast was taken. Yes, 25 shining Healeys lined up at the very centre of the
Track at our own Display Parking Area for a great day of fun. Thames Valley
Centre had arranged a track day at the Circuit together with our own lounge and
viewing area overlooking the track right at the pits and start line - so
whatever weather was to come along, we at least would be dry as we watched and
took refreshments throughout the day.
Well we were fortunate in that the day was sunny and dry
and so we could wander around and view cars racing around the track and others
parked in the main track areas. Jaguars, MGs , supped up more modern motors and
even 3 wheel Morgans were there - all getting ready for their runs around the
Track .A lovely Bristol 301 took my eye !
Castle Combe had assigned the day to the Austin Healey
Club and we were selected to be marquee for the Day. Our shining two ranks of
lined up cars did not disappoint. We were the best looking and smartest bunch of
cars there at the circuit.
Well we were all off on our own laps of the circuit in the
morning. This had been arranged as a 3 lap Parade solely for our Healeys. We
were all lined up on the start grid - to left and right all on our own marker
lines and when the light went green we were off in procession behind the
Marshal’s car for our own runs around the circuit.
As we went along the circuit, the bends were clearly
marked and places for braking, passing and overtaking were identified. This was
not of real concern in the Parade laps, but were all noted by those of us who
had booked for the speedier Track Session of the afternoon.
Well lunch was well earned and that was enjoyably taken in
our lounge room overlooking the ongoing car runs. After a mandatory Briefing
session by a Track Marshal , a number of us were getting ready for our booked 15
minute Track session of the afternoon, with the hope we could open our cars out
a bit to see what they could really do and have a real run at the circuit. But
before that happen, all cars had to be noise tested as only 100 db was permitted
on the track. Well that became a real “ bomber” for the cars of Barry Marsh,
Richard Winter and Andrew Cluett who had hoped to show us all how to get a
Healey round the track at a fast rate !! Their cars were above the 100 db limit
and so these drivers put on sad faces for 5 minutes, but quickly recovered to
assist the other quieter cars to get ready for their runs. After helmets were
fitted and put on, it was our turn for a blast at the track. The 15 minutes
controlled “ belt” around the track soon passed and I learnt that my car did
not have much more to give after about 85 mph and if I was to race in earnest ,
then that is how specialist companies get their clients.
Tea , jam and cream scones and cake were welcome before
all packed up and departed the track having had a day of fun, much chatting and
a run at a famous circuit where many of the great racing drivers first started
their careers.
Thames Valley’s next Event Day is Henley on 16 / 17 th
July and then followed by Blenheim with real joisting on August 6th.
Both are too good to miss !!