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FJHRA/HSCC "Millers Oils" UK Championship

Rounds 8 & 9
CROFT NOSTALGIA MEETING 3/4 AUGUST

This is indeed the Goodwood of the North – Spectators and competitors are treated to the fabulous array of WW2 Military vehicles and aircraft – moreover the circuit and all their cheerful staff really appreciate the presence of our iconic steeds – despite being sandwiched between Silverstone Classic and Nurburgring Oldtimer GP and a clashing FJ race in Copenhagen, the Millers Formula Junior round attracted 30 entries who enjoyed a “double header” with races on Saturday and Sunday.

Qualifying
No real surprises – local boy Jonathon Hughes edged out James Murray and Jack Woodhouse with Denis Welch representing shall we say “Senior Drivers” a closely shadowing 4th.
In the front engine B2 class, Championship leader Mark Woodhouse was well ahead of a very close group -  Stephen Barlow, Bob Birrell and  Bill Grimshaw covered in that order by 2 tenths.
John Chisholm was quickest in D2 outpacing rival Chris Chilcott.
Good to see Professor Peter Hawkey out in his immaculately restored ex Kenyan Lotus 20 in original spec.
Graham Barron appeared with an immaculate self restored Gemini Mk 2 – the writer has not seen this car before – superbly presented.
Peter Williams gave his seldom seen Class H Replica Brabham BT6 a run– scolding the writer for not being in his BT6 – in my defence I suggested he might take on the new owner – step up Dave!
Good to welcome Mauro Poponcini – now becoming a regular with us – his Cooper T76 fits nicely particularly since it runs on proper Dunlop 204 tyres rather than “cut slicks”.
Race 1
I usually find it impossible to report accurately on a race, positioned as I am toward the rear of the field and having to rely on the (sometimes “rose tinted”) stories of the combatants. On this occasion however my trusty steed broke a driveshaft yoke after about 100 meters and besides thinking that WW3 has broken out below, I had an extremely anxious time as those behind showing commendable skill, managed to avoid me – thanks guys! Anyway, I pulled well into the infield where I enjoyed a superb view of the action.
The first 3 engaged in a breathtaking battle -  Hughes, Woodhouse Minor and Murray set about trying to be first home – despite my unique viewing spot I wasn’t sure who had edged it – the confirmed order was Hughes, Woodhouse and Murray. With a second covering the lot.
            In the front engine B2 class, Mark Woodhouse cruised to 40 seconds clear of Stephen Barlow’s BMC – Mark made it look easy – I rather imagine he must have inherited his Son’s genes!
Chris Chilcott had a terrifying 360 spin in front of 4 following cars at Clervaux – by some miracle no one collected him and the experience clearly didn’t put him off as he won the D2 class from Sir John Chisholm.
Our intrepid auctioneer Michael Ashley Brown’s Volpini won class A from Tony Pearson’s Bandini while poor Gordon Wright collected some errant trackside furniture rendering his beautiful Stanguellini Hors de Combat for the remainder of the weekend.
Stalwart Vern Williamson continued his enduring struggle with the complex and recalcitrant Ausper T4 – managing only 1 lap.
Peters Williams and Hawkey enjoyed a spirited dice at the rear before Williams’ Brabham pulled clear – Hawkey, an experienced Hillclimber in a Reynard obviously took to having other cars around – at least one experienced front runner complimented him on his awareness and courtesy when being lapped.

Race 2
Thanks to Lola Guru Tony Steele, my Lola Mk 2 was healed by Sunday Morning – Tony arrived with his spare driveshaft – he and an impressive number of FJ drivers pitched in to help – so race 2 report is a little more 3rd hand!
Once more the leading 3 set to, there was some extremely close work and some deliberation by the Stewards but the results stood – Hughes, Woodhouse, Murray as before with Denis Welch a lonely 4th followed by a tight grouping of John Fyda, Peter Anstiss and Steve Jones.
This time John Chisholm finished a second clear of Chris Chilcott for D2 Honours.
In the front engine B2, Mark Woodhouse finished well clear of a fierce scrap involving Birrell, Barlow and Grimshaw – each took turns for the place but both Barlow and Grimshaw spun (separately) leaving a relieved Birrell to take the place (thanks Tony). Malcolm Wishart had enjoyed this company but sadly retired his immaculate Cooper T65 on lap 10.
Vern’s Ausper expired again after 1 lap and Michael Ashley Brown once again won Class A.
Reflections
A really great meeting – we all felt most welcome – plenty of entertainment including the flying displays – the writer had “hairs on neck stand out” as the Jet Provost made low passes – in the mid 70s I “talked on to target” the military “gunned up” version – the Strikemaster during the Dhofar War in Oman – these guys saved my bacon a few times in sticky positions. I had to stop myself trying to contact the Pilot!
The Pie & Peas Supper and 40s Music was as usual extremely popular.

By Bob Birrell