2009 Overall Champion Paul Moss the Annual General Meeting of The

The Club News Magazine Of The Darlington & District Motor Club The Annual General Meeting of the Darlington & District Motor Club Will Be Held at The Copper Beach Nesham Road Darlington 8pm Wednesday 31st March 2010 Calling Notice & Nomination Form Enclosed

2009 Overall Champion Paul Moss ADD Photos

We are the Champions

Pictures from the recent D&DMC Awards Night held at Scotch Corner Hotel

Pictures courtesy of Tony Todd

More on back pages Chairman's Chat

We are of to a flying start in 2010 we have already run our first event the “Cartersport Jack Frost Stages, and what a cracker it turned out to be. With the weather being slightly arctic with 2 weeks to go was it to be a rally or a sledge race, the Christmas Stages run slightly later than originally planned was, despite the efforts of the organisers a bit on the sledging side. They had cleared several inches of snow and ice off the circuit before the event and we were poised to do the same however the snow turned to slush and then to water and flooded several parts of the circuit just 24 hours before the event was it now to be a rally or a powerboat race? The day of the event came and just like the snow and ice most of the water had gone as well and despite being cold the track stated to dry in places. A special thank you to the “set up team” who worked in some really horrible weather the week before. Only to turn up the day before the event and have to move a lot of what we had laid out when it became apparent that the bales and tyres marking the route were not exactly where we planned them to be as it was the first time we could see the difference between Grass and Tarmac. The competitors seemed to enjoy the event and a big thanks to all the radio crews and marshals who turned up with out them it could not happen. We will also have had the Annual Dinner & Prize Presentation which will no doubt be mentioned elsewhere. Up coming is the AGM which gives you the members a chance to have your say in how the club is run you also to have the opportunity to put your name in the hat at the election of officials and committee members and help to run “Your” Club. It would be good to see some new blood in the ranks and especially find some willing volunteers to fill the motorcycle committee positions that still remain vacant. You don’t need to sell your soul just help out at events and attend half a dozen meetings every year. Enough for now Steve NSSCC

We start the season with the sad news that former coordinator David Dalton has died. As many of you know David has been ill for some considerable time, but he has still managed to come along and support the championship at Croft. He will be sadly missed by the many friends he made during his time as coordinator of the championship and the Sports Racing series. I have on behalf of the championship passed on our condolences to his wife Sue, son Alistair, and daughter Hillary. Sue has asked me to thank everyone who sent messages to the family over the last week; they have greatly appreciated the support shown to them.

2010 will see a change in the format of the events for NSSCC, we have opted for double header rounds this year. Having consulted with many of the competitors it was felt that this was a more cost effective way of going motor racing. The dates for the diary are 17/18th April Croft BARC 8/9th May Croft DDMC 3/4th July Croft BARC 25th July Knockhill SMRC 1st August Mallory Park BARC 22/2nd August Cadwell Park MSVR 25/26th September Croft DDMC Entry forms are not yet available but watch the website for updates. I will post them out as soon as I receive them. Registrations so far are moving quite quickly, remember that we are running combined grids this year so it will be important to get entries in quickly to secure a grid slot. I have received registrations from competitors new to the championship, regular competitors and even a couple of people who have taken time out to do other things are coming back. Everyone is welcome and this will add to the already varied mix of vehicles taking to the circuit. As ever if you wish to contact me please email me either via the club site or [email protected] regards Lesley NSSCC

This week sees the end of an era for Martin, Debbie and Tom Neale, they have decided that it is the time to close the Katie Trust. They have over the last 11 years worked tirelessly to raise money for research into the causes and detection of childhood Medulloblastoma, brain tumours. I have attached an email Martin sent to me this week to show the appreciation of they have for the club and championships support. They have achieved the staggering amount of £320,000. It has been a privilege for me to get to know them, through working at the same newspaper as Martin. We only met because I was trying to drum up a bit of free publicity for the motor club and the events. We became firm friends and the motor club and championship adopted the charity, initially for a year, but 10 years later we have still been happy to help. The club would like to thank everyone who has given so generously to events and raffles we have held. Please read the information from Martin, I am sure that you will find it extremely interesting and that like so many of us are amazed at how they have found the strength to do the work after loosing such a precious daughter as Katie.

Martin Neal on behalf of the Katie Trust Thanks again for the tremendous support we have received from DDMC over the past 10 years. I think I'm right in saying that you have contributed around £10,000 to The Katie Trust in that time, which is an incredible amount. We really can't express our thanks enough to everyone who has played a part. The support hasn't been just financial either - the stickers on cars in the NSSCC has helped to raise awareness, and on every visit to Croft I'm always asked how the charity is progressing and what we have been up to. It means a lot to know that so many people are taking an interest. We're going to miss it, there's no doubt about that. But the time is right we no longer have the time or resources to devote to it and, after 11 years, we think it's time to close The Katie Trust. Our intention was always to honour the memory of our precious daughter and the last thing we would want is to do it half-baked so we've decided to quit while we're on top. We fully believe we have fulfilled our aim of doing something worthwhile in Katie's name. Since launching in 1999, more than £320,000 has been raised by The Katie Trust and its supporters. When we first started I thought we'd do well if we raised £50,000! We've used that money to fund research into medulloblastoma brain tumours from a point where very little was known about them to the stage where clinical trials are being planned to target this type of tumour because so much more has been learned about their make-up and their reaction to varying degrees of treatment. In short, this means that the lives of little children like Katie will be saved as a result of money provided by The Katie Trust. We've also provided specialist equipment, helped the parents of children with cancer and put a well-deserved smile on many, many faces by organising annual summer parties for children in the North-east who are suffering from the disease and its effects. We now have around £2,000 to raise in order to pay the final instalment on our fourth research post at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research in Newcastle, and we expect to conclude that shortly. We've already started handing over some of our assets to a new charity called Victoria's Wish which was founded by the family of a school friend of Tom's who died suddenly at the age of 19 just over a year ago. Victoria and her family were big Katie Trust supporters so we are pleased that, although indirectly, we can still play a small part in brightening the lives of kids who deserve it by helping them in their efforts. We have already donated our collecting buckets and some stationary and we'll be handing over more in the next couple of months. Once again, we really can't thank you enough for everything you have done for us - for helping to make the Katie Trust the success it has been.

MARTIN Quiz Nights

The Tees Group of Clubs, of which DDMC is a member, host a number of Inter Club quiz nights through the year and back in December we took a turn. With the questions set by Paul & Julie, 8 teams settled down to a night of brain churning questions and picture rounds with a break half way through for supper. Out on top, as usual, came Stockton Sprinters on 100 with Whitby Wobblers following on 99 and Knackers (Northallerton) on 98. Of course good old Confused.com (DDMC) held up the rear! It was a shame that more Club members didn’t come and join the fun. The next quiz was hosted by Northallerton AC at Stockton Bowling Club with an even bigger attendance and, after a very interesting batch of questions, more picture rounds (Julie & Paul saving the day with their anorak knowledge of cartoons and TV!) we actually ended up 3rd. The next quiz is to be organised by Whitby at Middlesbrough Motor Club’s premises. DDMC Race Meeting’s

We are pleased to say that the May race meeting is now fully subscribed with races for The BRSCC Championships for Mighty Mini’s, Super Mighty Mini’s and Formula Jedi our own Northern Saloon & Sports Car Championship and then the “Britcar” championship will be coming to support us the format for them has to finalised but will be an endurance race of about two and a half hours.

The September meeting is already full with Ma5da racing bring their ever popular MX5 championship and the new for 2010 Mk3 Championship we will also have the Monoposto championship, Scottish Mini Cooper’s, MG Cockshoot Cup and of course the final rounds of the Northern Saloon & Sports Car Championship and we will probably have BBQ as well. Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Darlington and District Motor Club Ltd will take place in the Function Room at The Copper Beech, Neasham Road, Darlington on Wednesday 31st March 2010 at 8:00 pm. A copy of the audited accounts will be available at the AGM for members attending, if you are unable to attend and would like to receive a copy, then please send a stamped addressed envelope to :- DDMC, 99 Windsor Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 4DZ, quoting “accounts”. Election of Officials, nominations are invited for the following posts; Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Car Sport Secretary, Motor Cycle Sport Secretary, Marshals Secretary, Social Secretary, Rescue Unit Co-Coordinator. Nominations are also required for the following positions, Car Sports Committee x 2, Marshals Committee x 2, and Motorcycle Sports Committee x 4. Any members interested in making nominations for any of the above positions should use the enclosed nomination form. Nominations will only be accepted if the form is duly completed and returned to the secretary by the first post 24th March 2010. The AGM will include reports from the secretary and treasurer, elections of officials and any other business. Please remember the AGM is only open to fully paid up members so if you have not renewed your membership then do so now. Once again the club has been actively involved in many differing motorsport activities and has continually enhanced our reputation as an organising body. The financial reputation of the club is also continuing to thrive and all involved in organising and running profitable events should be congratulated. Our club nights are continuing to be a great success. The meetings are still held every 2nd Friday of the month at 8:00 pm, in the back function room at The Copper Beech in Darlington. Darlington & District Motor Club Ltd Annual General Meeting The Copper Beech 31st March 2010 This form, fully and correctly completed, must be returned to the secretary at the address below no later than first post on Wednesday 24th March 2010. Forms that are not correctly completed will be declared null and void. Only fully paid up members are permitted by law to attend this meeting, so please bring your membership card with you as you will be required to produce it, any non member or non paid up member will be required to leave the meeting. Please use block capitals.

I nominate; ...... Full forenames and surname must be given

Address ......

...... Post code ......

For the office of; ...... Please state which position

Date of birth ......

Nationality ......

Occupation ...... When completed return this form to TheDetails Secretary, of any other D&DMC directorships Ltd, held Mr Paul Griffin, 164 Eggleston View, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL3 9SJ

Proposers Name Print Sign Membership Number

Seconders Name Print Sign Membership Number

Nominees Name Print Sign Membership Number Tear here and return form………..Tear here and return form………..Tear here and return form………..Tear here andreturn form

Speed Awareness

The problem with speed cameras is they cannot tell the time. Travelling at 25 mph past a school in a 20 mph zone at 9.00 am will land you a fine. Travel past the same school at three in the morning will get you the same fine with not a child within half a mile. At least that is my excuse. A late night meeting in Doncaster had me caught at 49 mph in a 40 zone, timed at 0038 hours with not another vehicle in sight. The ever-efficient South Yorkshire police sent me the dreaded pink form confirming my name within three days followed by an extremely well written letter suggesting I would benefit from a Speed Awareness Course. Please send cheque for £71 within 5 days. As I have not, to my shame, opened a Highway Code since passing my driving test, in 1966, showing my age now, I thought it might benefit me. In due course I was one of fourteen people assembled in a hotel to receive our awareness training. But this was no ‘boy racer’ forum. Many of the attendees were older than me, none under forty years old, and some in their seventies. One had six points already on his licence but the majority were there for the same reason as myself – to keep a clean licence. Once our excuses for exceeding the speed limit were examined and found not acceptable, the most important fact to emerge from the meeting is to observe lampposts. If there are lampposts it is a thirty mph limit unless there are discs displaying the speed limit on every 4 – 5 posts. The mnemonic to remember is COAST – Concentration, Observation, Anticipation, Space and Time. Two other points are worthy of mention. One is that by 2013 all new cars sold in Britain must have LED running lights, similar to those on several new models most noticeably new Audis. Our course leader, who was a driving instructor for 22 years, drives a Ford Focus but drives on dipped headlights at all times. The course has certainly made me slow down a little. The next time you follow a Vauxhall Astra through Darlington at 29 mph to the de-restriction sign, it’s probably me. Tony Curran Motorcycle Trials 2010

As some of you may know Elizabeth is retiring as results secretary in March. We need someone to replace her, so far the response has been deafening!. I am willing to carry on doing the rest of the paperwork but my interest is more toward Pre 65 and Twinshock and I would like to run a few of these, again it needs some new blood to run modern trials so we need someone (the more the merrier) to take over this side of things, we have struggled on for a few years and if it hadn’t been for Nigel a lot of the trials would not have happened, Neil Metcalfe and Andy brown have marked a few out for us (and done a sterling job), but a lot of the time it’s me and Nigel, this won’t go on. Unless some help is forthcoming then most of the modern trials won’t happen, some will (maybe). If you want to ride then you are going to have to help. The next trial on March 21st at Pen Hill will be on, but after that who knows. In short for the trials to continue we need a computer literate Results Secretary and some volunteers for marking out. The ball is in your court—we won’t hold our breath. Graham & Elizabeth Club Trial Round 1 28th Feb Haggs Gill Club Trial Round 2 21st Mar Penn Hill Club Trial Round 3 25th Apr Telfit Farm Club Trial Round 4 13th Jun Braidley Club Trial Round 5 4th Jul Oxnop Club Trial Round 6 15th Aug Underbanks Keith Burnicle Memorial Trial 12th Sep Park Gate Farm Club Trial Round 7 31st Oct Woodyard Club Trial Round 8 21st Nov Fremington Edge Championship Round entry fee is £12.00 for members, and £15.00 for non-members, to qualify for points you must be a member or before the date of an individual round you cannot score points in rounds ridden before joining. 5 OUT OF 8 ROUNDS MUST BE RIDDEN TO QUALIFY FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP. PLEASE NOTE THE KEITH BURNICLE MEMORIAL TRIAL ON THE 12th SEPTEMBER IS NOT A CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND. Wright On

Well Guys this should be my last newsletter as Car Sports Secretary. I’ve had a great time doing it but feel that the time has come to let someone else with a new slant on things take over the reigns.

When I look back I can remember being involved in the organisation of 12 car rallies, Gymkhanas, Treasure Hunts, bringing Autocross to the Club, the depression of loosing Croft Autodrome only to see it reborn for Rallycross under George Shield & Wally Richmond, the Inter-Nations Cup rallycrosses followed by a round of the European Championship, the re-emergence of Croft Circuit and with it the re-growth of DDMC with its own Race Championship and, of course, the creation of the Jack Frost Stages rally and the Easter Sprint. All in all a tremendous time, a few sleepless nights, a lot of hard work but great camaraderie and some brilliant motorsport.

DDMC is now a Club with a strong reputation in motorsport for Organisation, a friendly approach and a strong marshalling base much sought after worldwide (well at least in Dubai!). We are sound financially and, I believe, the only amateur club to have its own Rescue vehicles.

I also think that being involved with the Open Rallycross Championship will bring its own rewards developing expertise running at other circuits and an influx of new club members.

I’ll still be involved, as Secretary of some events (if I’m needed) and as a competitor (hopefully) and will obviously give as much help as possible to the new incumbent. The work for 2010 is complete until about September.

Have a great season,

Terry D & DMC Committee Contacts

Name E mail Phone Steve Gibson [email protected] 01642644201 Phil Lee [email protected] 01429267047 Terry Wright [email protected] 01325359895 Bob Wright [email protected] 0113 2691997 Chris Gibson [email protected] 07990594915 Graham Sanderson Not known to do e mail 01740652391 Elizabeth Simpson [email protected] 01325332054 Lesley Starkey [email protected] 01429869407 Mick Starkey 01429869407 David Bone [email protected] 01913849319 Michael Bone [email protected] 01913860229 John Travis [email protected] 01642890154

Tony Curran [email protected] 01325 469821 Craig Hope [email protected] 01833 660962 Paul Griffin [email protected] 07882340567 Dave Lea [email protected] 01748830854 Tom Alden [email protected] Darlington Rescue

We are replacing the original DDMC Rescue 1 unit with a new Mercedes Sprinter so we will have for sale a 2002/ 02 plate Peugeot Boxer 350 LWB 2.8 Hdi Van. This vehicle was originally a Peugeot Media Vehicle and then used by Simon Bailes Peugeot, 52,000 miles (may rise a little) full service history, recently fitted with a set of tyres, will have a few drill holes where we have removed the Blue Lights etc. For more details contact Chris Gibson. 07990594915 or [email protected] Marshalling Matters

It may be the close season for our NSSCC racers, but there is no rest for the marshalling fraternity of DDMC. Following on from the picture of our marshals in Abu Dhabi for the F1 GP, picture in the last edition of Wheelbase, three members of the club were invited at the beginning of January to Dubai for the fifth running of the 24-hour sports car race. For this event only post chiefs are required, most marshals being students from universities in Dubai. Unfortunately again there was a major accident, this one involving NASCAR ace Michael Waltrip who ran into a spinning Seat Leon which had itself touched an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 at the fastest straight on the circuit. However everybody enjoyed the sight of the BMW M4’s giving the numerous Porsche 997’s a good run for their money No sooner had we returned from Dubai than we received another letter from the BARC informing us that further British marshal presence would be required in Abu Dhabi in February for two events, a round of the Asia GP2 championship and the Australian V8 Touring cars. For these events, incident marshals & incident officers would be required in addition to post chiefs. A total of nearly 130 marshals were required at each event, again with many members of DDMC and other regular Croft marshals. The Yas Marina Circuit is very modern, as we have seen on the television and rather isolated from Abu Dhabi town. I attended the first event and compared with the F1 GP, conditions were much cooler and this made for a very pleasant experience. Another advantage of the circuit is there are numerous hotels within easy walking distance of the track and daily access was much easier – we didn’t need a bus! Penrith driver Oliver Turvey took a win in the feature race but a second place followed by a win in the sprint race by Davide Valsecchi maintained his series lead. All marshals who went on these events would like to thank the BARC who truly did a marvellous job. The area has no ‘tradition’ of motor sport and it is probable the organizers will require assistance in track marshalling for many years to come. There will be many more opportunities for marshalling in the Middle East. Tony Curran Rallycross

The 2010 dates are as below, please note that dates marked* are still provisional. Round 1 Mallory Park - March 28th Round 2 Nutts Corner - April 24th Round 3 Nutts Corner - April 25th Round 4 Pembrey Circuit - May 22nd Round 5 Pembrey Circuit - May 23rd Round 6 Tockwith - July 4th* Round 7 Knockhill - August 1st Round 8 Tockwith - August 29th* Round 9 Knockhill - October 23rd 2010 Rallycross Superprix Knockhill - October 24th

Ty Nicholson

It is with sadness that we record the Death of Ty Nicholson who succumbed to the illness that he had fought for a long time. Ty was a dedicated motorsport marshal and rescue crew member and was known for helping and teaching people from his vast knowledge from many years of working in our chosen sport. Marshalling has lost a true ambassador and gentleman. We as a community extend our sympathies to his family and friends. At the above training day we held a collection and raised about £80, the DDMC are going to double that amount and it will be sent to the oncology unit that treated Ty Marshals Training Day

The annual training day was held on Sunday 21st of February and was attended by a goodly number of people who amongst other things set about setting fire to stuff and putting out the flames, but that’s enough about the catering team’s antics! The weather treated us to snow all day and with that in mind a few decided not to make the journey, I can understand when you might be travelling a fair distance but a couple could not get there from about 4 miles away! (snowed in or could not be bothered). To those that attended, a big thank you. I hope that a little more knowledge was imparted. May I hope that the learning will be put into action during the forthcoming season. I was delighted to see a large number of ‘New to Marshalling’ people … welcome and more delighted that several attendees did not take lunch .. more for those that travelled early before breakfast. To those new members that were cramped into the signing on cabin, my apologies. Had I known the numbers of new people, there would have been a change round. My thanks to the trainers who travelled from Scotland, Andover and the darkest parts of Knottingley, but my biggest ‘thank you’ goes to Steve Gibson and his team of ‘little? Helpers’ who braved the blizzards to cook outside for the assembled marshals revenge for the nice weather in September?” Sessions were held for all aspects of marshalling from the total novice to the most experienced and fire training as well, we hope that all those that attended found it informative and interesting and those that did not come this year will join us next time, as I am sure everyone could learn something.

D&DMC Meetings @ Croft 2010

Easter Monday Sprint - Monday 5th April Spring Race Meeting - 8th & 9th May Big BBQ Race Meeting - 25th & 26th September Marshalling Matters

Marshals and cameras do not mix. With the world wide web and social networking sites open to the world seeing a marshal taking a picture of another marshal taking a picture whilst a spectator walks straight across a junction on live rally stage just goes to prove that if as a marshal you have got your eye glued to a camera viewfinder then you are not serving the purpose to which you have volunteered to do. 1 Keep yourself safe. 2 Keep your fellow marshals safe. 3 Keep spectators in a safe place. You know who you are a large number of other people know as well, if you want to be a marshal then do the job correctly if you want to take photo’s get a press pass! … or agree as a group you are going to take your tabard off for a break and retire to the spectator area and take pictures. Marshals Regalia

Anyone requiring overalls etc see Paul Griffin at any race meeting where supplies will be available, or if you have any queries e.g. sizes, or availability then I can be contacted on 07882340567 or via e-mail [email protected] Why not have your items personalised, for a small charge you can have your name embroidered onto your overalls. Club Nights

DDMC club nights are held on the second Friday of every month at the Copper Beech Nesham Road in Darlington why not come along and join us

Winners of the recent Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Paul Bird & Kirsty Riddick More Award Winners

We are the Champions

Pictures from the recent D&DMC Awards Night held at Scotch Corner Hotel

Pictures courtesy of Tony Todd