MGCC SW Centre Invited Event
Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance. So sang Paul Simon in 1983.
The Ellicombe Autotest field is less than a half mile from the West Somerset Railway and as the trains stop at Dunster Halt close to the Bristol Channel coast their steam whistles and puffing are a soundtrack to this lovely venue. Ellicombe nestles between Dunster and the outskirts of Minehead. The field is actually the local rugby club’s practice pitch which makes for a smooth surface for the event.
For this second running of the event this year, dry conditions and hot sun were the order of the day. The field at Ellicombe is quite small in comparison to our MGCC venues, being perhaps two or maybe two and a half acres, whilst our fields at Christon and Claverham are both in the region of six and a half acres. This means that each test at Ellicombe is on a small footprint, and in order to make the “sport”, tests are generally over two laps – so competitors head towards the finish the first time but then divert and go around again. As result, with an entry of 16 cars, some pylons are circled 32 times. Inevitably, the surface cuts up and becomes a little rutted and dusty. However, at no point is this too tough, as Clerk of the Course Tony Morse takes great care to relocate the course for the next tests.
Three MGCC SW Centre members made their way to Minehead. Regulars Mike Angwin and Chris Pelmear were joined on this occasion by Club stalwart David Starr from Appledore in his classic rally prepared frogeye Sprite. Once again, our fourth MG representative was Rob Woodward in the recently acquired Woodward MGTF from Minehead MC. Special mention should also go to former Centre member and MG owner Ken Rowe, who broke his holiday in Porlock to spectate and support.
Four tests were tackled during the day, with three runs at each. The first test followed the expected format of “points of the compass” and then tests two and three were squared compressed slaloms with a couple of 3600 pylons. The last test was quite disorientating with offset pylons and an option to drive between the rugby uprights. As the day progressed, the heat and the dust increased. A huge thank you must go to the marshals who bravely stuck to their posts in those tough conditions.
As with the event here in June, it was those with power and the well driven FWD hatchbacks that carried the day. Most of the hatchbacks were specifically prepared for off road events. Our MGs compete in class A which is for cars driven to the event (not trailered). The first seven class A places were filled by the FWD cars. However, it is not all about the result. It is always a pleasure to see our classics being used for what MGs are made for – that is being driven hard in competition, and whilst a rugby pitch is not exactly the Lands End Trial, it is off road and an event where our MGs are very much at home.
The results showed the MG contingent finishing only a shade off the overall class pace (I am being kind). There were 10 starters in class A. Chris was 6th with 965.3secs, just 0.9 secs in front of Mike Angwin who was 7th. David Starr followed in 8th place (with the satisfaction of beating James Douglas in his MX5 into 9th spot), and Rob was just 2.6secs behind the MX5 at 1012.2 secs. The rivalry with MMC member Clive Rayson in his Westfield continued as Chris was a close 3.8 secs behind the Westfield as Clive took 5th in class. We hope MGCC SW Centre honour can be restored at our next MGOG2. Much will depend on how dry the conditions are at Claverham.
FTD fell to Mark Batty in his Ford Fiesta at 800.9 secs, whilst John Webber took Class B in the Peugeot 206 at 846.7 secs. Overall Classes A and B made up 15 starters.
Once again, out friends in Minehead Motor Club provided a very enjoyable informal event with plenty of opportunity to show your driving skills at this fabulous venue. Many thanks to them for the invitation and their warm welcome. By the time you read this, our own MGOG2 may have taken place at Claverham. Some of the chaps from Minehead have indicated they will compete. Hopefully, we give them a reciprocal welcome.
Secretary of the meeting, Les Woodward did a great job on the results which are available by clicking here, but do note that Chris Pelmear should be 10th o/a and Clive Rayson 9th, although the class positions appear correct.
A really heartfelt thank you to Tony, Les, Chris Priddy and all the marshals for a great day of well organised traditional club motorsport.
Chris Pelmear