This was so much more than just another Race Meeting – Years ago, the HSCC couldn’t get entries for Oulton Park – with Grahame White’s leadership, the Gold Cup meeting was reinstated – and has never looked back – a triumph of vision and leadership.  It rather looks as if Grahame has done it again – the Circuit Manager – Tracey Morley was tremendously enthusiastic about the idea of a Historic Festival and laid on a full weekend of attractions including  classic car clubs, flying displays (particularly by Lotus 22 Driver Anthony Smith)  WW2 Military Vehicle Displays and encouragement for teams, drivers and spectators to dress in period gear – a la Goodwood. It was particularly noticeable that the majority of FJHRA entered the spirit of the occasion – or perhaps like the writer they don’t own more modern clothes!

PRACTICE
No real surprises  - that is to say that Jack Woodhouse’s 4th position overall didn’t come as nearly as much of a surprise as him driving coolly round the outside of me at Sunny Corner – Elva 100s aren’t meant to be able to run rings round Brabhams! Derek Walker who has probably raced at more Croft meetings than anyone still racing, had engine troubles which held him back (not for long)

RACE  1
In changeable conditions, it looked like we were going to have a dry race – no chance – it poured down as we set off for the collecting area.
Jon Milicevic couldn’t take the start after breaking his gear linkage so Mark Woodhouse dominated thereafter with John Fyda 2nd.

Derek Walker from towards the back scythed through the less committed (like me) and finished a remarkable 3rd overall. Jeremy Bouckley revelled in the slippery conditions and George Cooper’s pace seems transformed after his Antipodean foray last winter.
Deserving Class Winners were
Mark Woodhouse Class E
Derek Walker          Class B
Chris Chilcott           Class D
Robert Barrie            Class C
George Cooper         Class H

RACE  2

Normal service resumed with Jon Milicevic easing to a comfortable victory over Mark Woodhouse and John Chisholm.
While the Clerk of the Weather took pity on us all, this respite was cancelled out by the engine of Vern Williamson’s Ecosse Imp driven by Gordon Wright for the weekend – once more the feeble and timid (ie me) were separated from the young and committed (just about everyone else)
Class winners were
Jon Milicevic          Class E
Sir John Chisholm  Class D
Jack Woodhouse     Class B
Robert Barrie            Class C
George Cooper         Class H

Lt Col Bob Birrell