Doesn't time fly? I changed the oil on the GT this week and was surprised to see "May 01" engraved on the filter. With a 'service' clearly somewhat overdue, I fitted some new air filters (a steal at £30) and a new set of plugs (highway robbery at another £30!). All that attention didn't make the slightest difference - the car steadfastly refused to start. I'm off to Halfords tomorrow for a battery charger - with costs this high, it's a good job the service interval is three years….!
Having delighted in having an event to tell you about in last month's notes, I find myself again bereft of reports. Still, there's plenty going on in May and June.
We have two of our own events in May, plus invites to two others. The Wessex Sprint on 3rd May could well be oversubscribed by the time you read these notes, but a call to Bruce Morgan on 01275 790855 may secure one of the remaining places. The Wessex Sprint is held at RAF Colerne near Bath. Spectators are not allowed; you can get a grandstand view (not literally, unfortunately) as a marshal though - give Bruce a ring if you are interested. The Wye Valley Social Run on 23rd May is organised by Terry Davies. This is event that is normally very well supported, so book early to avoid disappointment - Terry's number is 01989 562366. We have an invite to the Llandow Sprint organised by the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club on 31st May. If you need details, give Competitions Secretary John Delafield a call on 01453 544497. We also have an invite to Bristol Motor Club's 'Solo' Autotest on 16th May. Give John a call for details on this one too.
Now for some advance information on a couple of June's events. The date for the Charity Gymkhana and Flying Day is shown as 'tba' on the programme card. I can confirm that the event will be held on 27th June, at Oaksey Airfield near Malmesbury in Wiltshire. Organised in conjunction with Oaksey Airfield, the event is a new venture for the Centre that combines classic aircraft with classic cars. There will be a range of aircraft to look at, with the chance to win a flight in an aeroplane and a helicopter. We shall be organising a Gymkhana and a Pride of Ownership, our first for a few years. It's all in a good cause too: the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. I'll give you more information next month, but if you cannot wait then please call Tony Blake on 0117 969 0650 for details. The Bath Gymkhana will be held in the afternoon of Sunday 6th June. I am sure that Peter Jones will be delighted to explain the reason for this break with tradition when you call him on 01225 837545 to reserve your entry!
Finally, this month's picture is of Mike Hawke and his J2 Midget, waiting to start one of the tests at our Pucklechurch Gymkhana in 2002. The car is more than 70 years old, and Mike has owned it (should that he 'her'? and competed in it for more than 50 of those years. Try asking for a 70 year, unlimited mileage warranty when you buy your new ZT-T diesel!
01275 817915 (before 9pm please)