Liverpool Motor Club

Report courtesy and copyright of Steve Wilkinson & Liverpool Motor Club

It’s Oliver’s Title as Pickett falls away

The final day of the SBD Motorsport British Sprint championship was blessed with good weather so there would be no recriminations about wet and dry runs. It was going to be a straight fight for the title between Matt Oliver & Dan Pickett but this would be played out as a sub-plot as Roy Dawson had the orange GR55 out again and was hunting down Aintree’s outright record set by John Garnett in 2000.

Practice as always saw problems for a lot of the competitors. Phil Short had a suspension failure before he got out of the Paddock so a quick phone call to Mini Sport of Padiham had the bits en route to Aintree. Robert Tonge blew up the Seat so dropped out. The Whiteheads had problems which meant Barry had to make a quick trip home for some spares. Mark Smith had the fuel pump fail and with no spare available ‘Orville’ was loaded back into the trailer ready for the ‘short’ journey home to Wales. The Potters also had a problem with the gearbox which manifested itself after practice and precluded young Tom getting any run. So it was into the timed runs.

The running order this weekend had the Road Modified Kit Cars leading the way. In 2A ‘veteran’ George Hardman led the way but he was overhauled by Chris Jones who was guesting in John Loudon’s Puma engined Westfield. Third spot went to Henry Moorhouse with Loudon down in an unaccustomed fourth! In 2B it was the battle of the Dax Rush Cosworths; Dominic Allen led throughout but local hotshot Martin Rose in the four wheel drive version was a meagre 0.03 in arrears. Third spot went to Andy Dunbar in the first of the Westies a further half second adrift.

Into the Mod Prod classes and in the 1400s Phil Short managed to get the Mini fixed in time to get back into the fray. Martin Depper ran out the class winner with Alan Cox second and Phil Short’s rapidly repaired Mini third. In the two litre class Paul Perkin managed to vault one of the Grand National fences in the 205. Perkin was shaken and the 205 only had slight body damage but was out for the rest of the day. Up front Gary Thomas in the road legal Elise that runs on List 1B tyres set the pace and was never headed. Martyn Stott’s more modified Elise was second whilst Ian Butcher, also on List 1Bs, completed the Elise rout! In the final Mod Prod class Richard Carroll ran out a convincing winner over a second clear of Steven Brown (Westfield) and Roger Fish (Cyclone).

There were then two classes of Sports Libres – makes a change from a single amalgamated class! In the Up to 1700 division Stuart Nelson put in three runs all inside the old class record set back in 2001. His father, Peter, was second whilst Phil Major in the ADR was third ahead of a brace of Radicals. In the over 1700 class Simon Bainbridge had the Audi fixed after his abortive trip to Colerne and wowed the crowd with his ground shaking starts. Simon’s pace was such that the class record set back in 2006 was well and truly trashed as he took 1.8 seconds off the standard. In second was Mark Walton driving the car Howard Parkinson set the old record with (the Nemisis-Vauxhall). Paul Bond was third and hard-charging Paul Norris a game fourth in the Cossie engined Talbot Sunbeam.

In the Racing Car classes there were lots of heated and close competition. In the 1100s with the demise of the Potters it was Glyn Sketchley in the Megapin who set the standard. He led on each run with Jonathan Toulmin getting closer on each successive run in the Marengo. Third went to local Phil Burton in the OMS with Andrew Dobson’s similar car fifth. Paul Marvin, who last competed at Aintree in a Citroen AX, was sixth whilst Alan Wood took a fine seventh. Into the Formula Fords and the usual suspects were battling for the win. Frazer Graham, making one of his rare appearances away from the WRC, led initially only for Graham Curwen to take the lead. On the third and final runs it was Frazer Graham who emerged victorious with Curwen second, Derek Martlew a disappointed third whilst Martin Pickles and Mark Moran were a whisker apart in fourth & fifth.

The small, but select 1600 class, saw several new additions. Ian Clarke & Martin Waller were out for the first time in their ex-Terry Davis Reynard-Suzuki whilst Barry & Eve Whitehead had supercharged the RBS and moved up a class. Up front Nick Algar was in record breaking form as he also trashed the class record. Drew Dawson made it a Firehawk 1-2 with Martin Waller taking third. The Whiteheads struggled and only managed one timed run a-piece but the potential is certainly there.

Having ‘lost’ Mark Smith the two litre class ended up with Mike Musson taking a convincing win over a second clear of Steve Miles and Terry Holmes. David Sims was fourth and despite not getting into the run-off he was pleased to have beaten Dad Roy! Emma Williams was sixth as she just pipped Graham Porrett, Peter Howgate & Tony Ellis.

Eight drivers in five cars lined up for the over two litre class. Roy Dawson was already inside the old class record during practice and John Garnett was trackside to see his Outright Record consigned to the history books as Dawson galloped to an easy class win. Matt Oliver was second with Stewart Robb Junior third just ahead of the senior Robb. Dan Pickett was a disappointed, but not unexpected fifth, in the MP58.

There was an abrupt change of pace as we moved into the Classic Car class where despite setting the fastest scratch time Malcolm Evans ended up second on handicap to Dave Shiers in the Elan. The Wilsons were second and third – son Chris in the Sprite beating his dad Alan in the Big Healey. Next to the line were the Road Modified classes. In the up to 1400 split Martin Rowe held off a spirited challenge from Martin Addison in the Peugeot 106 battle for the lead whilst John Marsden took third in his elderly Austin Cooper S. Harewood specialist Steve Foster was fourth in his 205 with Les & Steve English chasing hard in fifth & sixth respectively. In the massive two litre class Dave Coveney in the Elise only took the class win on the third run after Dave Marshall had led the first two runs in his 205. James Kerr rode shotgun in his 205 back in third finishing ahead a brace of David Omerods in their shared Elise. Russell Thorpe and ‘Doris’ were sixth as they just shaded out Adam Potter in the Integra. In the over two litre class Mark Wallwork was once again in stunning form in his last drive at Aintree in the Sierra Sapphire. He once again nailed the starts and finished over two seconds clear of the rest. John Biddulph in his 3.2 litre 911 was second as he held off a stern challenge from the similar 3.6 litre 911 of Keith Calder. Jason Limb won the battle of the MR2 Turbos for fourth place as he also beat Brain Ball in the rotary powered RX7 twin turbo.

TOP TWELVE Run-Off

With three shared drives, all in the over two litre class, it was the V8s that led the way. John Payne was in his first run-off of the year at his favourite venue. His first run was certainly his best of the day so far and was building on his improving pace. Then Bill Oliver came to the line. His starts have been superb of late and it was another sub 2 second 64 foot effort which was the basis for his first sub 40 second run and put him into the lead. Stewart Robb Senior was next and he also set his best time so far and cruised into the lead ahead of Oliver. The first of the two litre brigade was next in the shape of Terry Holmes. The Chichester Chippy was a little off his qualifying pace with a bogged start on the very sticky startline and slotted into fourth place. Steve Miles then more or less repeated his Q-time to move ahead of Holmes. Mike Musson was next in the turbocharged Force, or is it Morce? Musson clipped a little over a tenth of his Q-time and moved into third. There was a slight delay before Phil Lynch rolled forward in the first of the shared cars. He set off well but somewhere round the short course dropped time and fell behind Musson.

Then it was the heroic Nick Algar who had already reset the 1600 racing car class record. His first run was a couple of tenths slower but did earn a valuable extra point as it was inside the old record. Then it was Dan Pickett, the Pilbeam driver was up against it as not only had he to beat Matt Oliver but he had to finish first or second if he was to have any chance to taking the title. Off the line he was tremendous and despite setting a personal best by some margin he was slower than Matt Oliver’s qualifying pace – would it be enough? Stewart Robb Junior was next and the youngster was in dazzling form in only his second outing in the new car! He promptly took a full second off his Q-time and moved effortlessly into the lead. Then it was Matt Oliver’s turn. The blue Gould leapt off the line, not as quickly as Bill but never-the-less impressive! Matt kept his foot hard down and when he crossed the line he had just edged Robb Junior out of the lead. Meanwhile sat watching all this unfold before him was the reigning champion Roy Dawson. The Scot rolled the GR55 forward and when the NME V8 sprang into life there was an air of expectancy. He already had a new Outright Record under his belt but he was determined to go even faster. Off the line he was way down on both the Oliver’s times. Through Country and Village the Gould was electrifying. There was an orange blur reported round Becher’s as the Gould settled down for the run for the line. As the Scot hit the brakes the clock at the final corner registered 36.03 and yet another new Outright Record – who said he was rusty!

As the cheers started to die down we awaited the start of the second runs. The situation looked bleak for long time championship leader Dan Pickett whilst Matt Oliver looked set to become the youngest ever British Sprint Champion, or did he?

John Payne finally moved forward to get the second runs under way and despite a better start he was slower overall and destined for 10^th place. Bill Oliver, surprisingly, then rolled forward for his second run. Off the line he stopped the 64 foot clock at 1.81 and eventually clipped over half a second off his time; however he was still back in sixth. Stewart Robb Senior was on the one hand impressed with Junior’s pace but on the other determined to put him in his place! He stormed off the line and through Country and when the pale orange missile crossed the line he was still over half a second adrift. Never-the-less he had moved ahead of Dan Pickett into fourth. As he came to the line terry Holmes was down in 12^th – an unaccustomed position. He was swiftly underway and was looking good through Country & Village until he arrived at Becher’s where he slid off onto the grass and proceeded to slither out of control. He finally came to rest millimetres away from one of the Grand National jumps. The Reynard was towed in by John Harden behind the Escort and a rather bemused Holmes had to settle for 12^th. Steve Miles then brought the Van Diemen forward for his second effort and again despite a slightly better start he was nearly half a second off his Q-time and firmly in 11^th. Mike Musson then clipped a few hundredths off his first run time to stretch his advantage over Phil Lynch, but was it enough?

Lynch was next and when he finally set off he was soon into his stride. Through Country he did seem to turn in a tad early but he managed to carry the pace through Village and beyond. The final run to the line saw the Midlander dip inside the 40 second mark for the first time during the day and slip ahead of both Musson and Algar. Nick Algar was next and when the blue Firehawk left the line he was not only back in 8^th in the run-off but he was also fifth overall in the championship. Through Country & Village Algar kept the pressure on and as he swept towards the line there must have been a broad grin when he saw the time freeze on 39.89 as he had not only claimed another point for being inside the old record but he had also moved ahead of Phil Lynch by the narrowest possible margin. Next up to the line was the dark blue MP58 of Dan Pickett. He had been relegated to fifth in the run-off and his championship dreams were in tatters – could he recover the situation. Well off the line he was quick but as the clocked ticked down en route top the line the season long battle was lost. He was slower than on his first run and remained fifth – a very disappointing end to the season long battle for the championship.

Stewart Robb Junior was next and the rising star of the sprint championship was looking to better his time and possibly challenge Roy Dawson! First though he had to get ahead of Matt Oliver who currently lay in second place. Young Stewart was lightning quick off the line and was soon through Country & Village. He flew round Becher’s and was over the line to clip six hundredths off his first run time and move ahead of Matt Oliver. Could the champion elect retake second place? Off the line it looked possible but a moment out the back slowed him and he cruised home well off the pace but secure in third place and with the championship won. Roy Dawson’s second run was a bit of an anticlimax! Despite being inside the old outright record the Scot was over eight tenths adrift of his first run time but still took the win.

One of the first to congratulate Dawson on his new record was former record holder John Garnett meanwhile Matt Oliver was quietly enjoying champion status, how do I know? Well he was smiling, possibly for the first time this year!

Rd 14 SBD Motorsport British Sprint Championship: Aintree

1 Roy Dawson (3.5 Gould-NME GR55) 36.03secs – Outright Record; 2 Stewart Robb Junior (4.0 Pilbeam-Judd KV MP88) 36.90secs; 3 Matt Oliver (4.0 Gould-Judd/Connaught GR37) 36.95secs; 4 Stewart Robb Senior (4.0 Pilbeam-Judd KV MP88) 37.63secs; 5 Dan Pickett (3.5 Pilbeam-Judd/J&F MP58) 38.58secs; 6 Bill Oliver (4.0 Gould-Judd/Connaught GR37) 38.72secs; 7 Nick Algar (1.6 DJ Firehawk-Suzuki/Mistral) 39.89secs; 8 Phil Lynch (3.2 Ralt-Judd RT37) 39.90secs; 9 Mike Musson (1.3t Force-Suzuki/Holeshot M8) 40.79secs; 10 John Payne (3.2 Ralt-Judd RT37) 40.96secs; 11 Steve Miles (2.0 Van Diemen-Ford RF96M) 42.25secs; 12 Terry Holmes (2.0 Reynard-Ford/Tegra SF84) 43.14secs.

SBD Motorsport British Sprint Championship Final Positions: 1 Matt Oliver 122pts; 2 Dan Pickett 119pts; 3 Mark Smith 90pts; 4 Nick Algar 83pts; 5 Bill Oliver 81pts; 6 Tom Potter 72pts; 7 Stewart Robb Snr 69pts; 8 Kevin Lealan 64pts; 9 Steve Miles 57pts; 10 Dave Sims 54pts; 11 Terry Holmes 53pts; 12 Andrew Platt 44pts; etc.

Class Winners: Martin Rowe (1.4 Peugeot 106) 55.16secs; Dave Coveney (1.8 Lotus Elise) 52.57secs; Mark Wallwork (2.0t Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth) 49.02secs; John Loudon (1.6 Westfield-Puma SE) 49.36secs; Dominic Allen (2.0t Dax Rush Cosworth) 50.66secs; Martin Depper (1.4 Rover Mini Cooper) 52.02secs; Gary Thomas (1.8 Lotus Elise) 50.73secs; Richard Carroll (2.0 Westfield-Vauxhall SEiW) 45.14secs; Stuart Nelson (1.6 Haggispeed-Rover) 45.14secs – Record; Simon Bainbridge (4.2t Audi TT V8 Replica) 43.78secs – Record; Glyn Sketchley (1.0 Megapin-Yamaha CFM9) 43.25secs; Frazer Graham (1.6 Van Diemen-Ford RF91) 49.13secs; Nick Algar 40.30secs – Record; Mike Musson 40.98secs; Roy Dawson 36.69secs – Record; Dave Shiers (Lotus Elan S4) 59.56secs – Handicap.

The following files contain full details of results and awards:

Full Results

Awards

Top 12