Safety Fast! Notes for September 2009

A quick look in the rear view mirror: In May/June a small group of SW members, all campervan enthusiasts, visited the Grand Prix Historique at Pau in south west France. The circuit is a gem, in the manner of Monaco but without the crowds. However, being in the foothills of the Pyrenees it is also without a harbour, but makes up for it with a grand park setting. Unlike previous years British entries were in recession, and only two MG entries appeared in the pre-race entry list, one each from Switzerland and France. Unfortunately both failed to show. The Pau circuit is set out in a combination of parkland and residential street with a pit straight along a river leading to a hairpin outside the railway station. The place is full of atmosphere and about as relaxed and friendly as a race meeting could be.

Alas the weather was not nearly as fine and sunny as back home in England and after a couple of laps of the circuit on Monday morning we headed southwest across the mountains into Spain and on to Tarragona to see ex-Wye Valley friends Robert and Linda Williams still enjoying outings in their T-Type. South West Centre members of long standing, especially those in the Wye Valley will remember Robert and Linda from their days in Trellech. The accompanying photo was taken at a beach BBQ on our last evening with them. By the way, they need help picking their olive harvest in October. So if anyone would like a few days of seriously hard work in Autumn sunshine let me know and I'll put you in touch. Volunteers anyone ?

The California Cup Autotest at MG Live, run by the South West Centre, enjoyed a reasonable entry of 45 spread over a wide range of age and ability of both cars. Results have been posted elsewhere. South West Centre regulars Jim Lott (MG Metro) and John Delafield (MG Midget) gained individual awards for 1st in Class I and the Kimber Trek Trophy respectively. Among the major awards the Lincolnshire Centre lifted both the California Cup and BMC Trophy, and the MMM Register won the Register Trophy.  <See pics here>

Events in September

This month the Midget Register Road Run takes a turn through Gloucestershire on Saturday 6th and MG's on Track are due to promote a track day at Castle Combe Circuit on Sunday 7th. Details of the Midget run (presumably) are available on their dedicated website. I assume the MGOT track day will not be open to the paying public at large, but production of a current MGCC membership card should gain you entry to the paddock at least if you want to spectate.

Our own major event Wiscombe Hill Climb takes place at Wiscombe Park, near Honiton, Devon on Saturday 12th. Entries close September 6th and entry forms can be downloaded from our website www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw, if there is time left when you read this. The event is a round of the Luffield Speed Championship as well as the corresponding championships of several invited clubs Lotus/Caterham 7's, Triumph and Reliant Sabre & Scimitars to mention only three. Spectator entry is at the gate or contact Chief Marshal Jon Pittard on 01275 879632 to marshal. Marshalling is great way to see competing cars on the move and at close quarters. And remember, these events could not happen without the volunteer marshals services. If you enjoy speed hill climbing and would like to help contact Jon Pittard and offer your services for Saturday 12 September.

Continuing with a speed theme, Phil Archer is co-ordinating an MG run to Prescott Hill Climb, near Cheltenham on Saturday 26th September. A number of us will be meeting up somewhere on the outskirts of Bristol (probably near the M4/M5 junction, consult elsewhere on the Centre website for latest details) and travelling together, otherwise meet at the venue. Prescott is a great location and better viewing facilities are not found anywhere else.

Meanwhile on September 19th Bristol Pegasus Motor Club have invited us to an Auto-Solo at Chepstow Race Course. Entry forms, or at least details, should be available here on our Centre website or contact Competition Secretary John Delafield on 01453544497. Essentially an autosolo event is a long driving test which all competitors tackle one at a time through the complete entry list. The test may be repeated or the course changed and everyone takes another turn. There may be as many as three or four tests depending on size of entry etc. The last time I checked Jim Lott had a link on his website to a video posted on YouTube showing his efforts at an autosolo at the same venue earlier this year.

Events in October

I am organising a National Trust Social Visit on Sunday 25th October. The venue selected for this year is The Kymin, at the northern end of the Wye Valley overlooking Monmouth. The property was originally opened in Victorian times as a pleasure ground and picnic site and has a hilltop viewing tower with splendid views over the surrounding countryside. Nearby is a naval memorial commemorating several (once) famous naval heroes [including Admiral Hawke!]. Admiral Nelson was an early visitor. Depending on the spread of “entries” we will post a few meeting points where members can meet and travel together. One will probably be at the Old Aust Services and then on through the Wye Valley and past Chepstow Race Course, another possible meeting point for members from South Wales. Again, check the SW Centre website for latest details or contact me directly preferably by email. As last year, this a purely social event therefore no entry, no fixed route and bring your own picnic. National Trust charges will apply for entry to the tower only, but the views are outstanding from the grounds.

John Bird
johnbird@fsmail.net

Bugatti's at Pau                                                    Pau '60's grid
 

MMM California Cup Team                                        John Delafield
 

Robert & Linda Williams in Spain