With the last championship races under a week away it’s worth reflecting on the 2 Northern August events at Croft & Oulton Park. Both races included several returners and new drivers joining us.
Croft
At Croft it was great to see DAVID BARNETT out again in his Mk18 B Class car. Son GARETH BARNETT was having a first outing at an HSCC championship round in David’s ‘new’ Mallock Mk20 B Class.
The Barnetts dominated B Class. Gareth won both races and dad David finished second in both races too.
Gareth’s excellent performance, first time out in the Mk20, deservedly earned him THE DRIVER OF THE DAY champagne.
There would have been much to discuss for them both on the long trip home to Scotland !! Let’s hope it’s not so long before they join us again.
Also having his first race this year was SCOTT GOODFELLOW in his C Class Mk6B. After sorting out a clutch issue in practice Scott had two good drives, really getting to grips with the newly resurfaced Croft track.
Oulton Park
Then in late August on the Bank Holiday weekend we were back again at the GOLD CUP meeting at Oulton Park after last season’s break.
We were joined by PAUL MARSHALL and JERAMY BANKS in their Dave Harwood, prepared and run, B Class Mallocks. They both had a successful, enjoyable weekend with Paul achieving a 2nd and 3rd place over the two races. Young families and busy lives sadly keep ‘TEAM MANCHESTER’ as occasional entries only.
Was also great to have IAN MITCHELL in his self-built IM B Class car racing with us again in CLASSIC CLUBMANS 1965-80. Ian is the only driver to have raced in Clubmans continually since 1965. It is gratifying to have someone with that breadth of Clubmans history and experience still racing with us.
DAVID BAIN collected the C CLASS VASE TROPHY for the 2019 season driving his very original Mallock Mk11 1600. With its period ali bodywork and David’s open face helmet and goggles it evoked memories of earlier times. Well done David.
Unluckiest man in Classic Clubmans?? It has to be ADAM PATTERSON who drove from the Brands Hatch area in Kent to Oulton Park (not anyone’s favorite Friday afternoon drive.!) only to have an insect bite on his foot swell, get infected and prevent him from racing!! Poor Adam…he was beyond cross!! Better luck at SILVERSTONE.
