The Acorn

Founded 1954 May 2009

Sevenoaks & District Motor Club

Zoomworks Photography Zoomworks Photography

Above: Geoff Foot, 1st in class, AO Above: Richard Moore, 1st in class, B2

Zoomworks Photography

Above: Chris Judge on his way to Fastest Time of the Day

Zoomworks Photography Colin Shipway

Above: Mark Garner, 1st in class, B3 Above: Bill McKenna, 1st in class B4 and 3rd overall Club Contacts

Club Contacts

Club Contacts Sevenoaks and District Motor Club Ltd PRESIDENT: John Symes VICE PRESIDENT: Vic EIford

ACORN MAGAZINE May 2009

The Editor, Committee and Club do not necessarily agree with items and opinions expressed within ACORN magazine

OFFICERS and COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN, Chin TROPHY RECORDS [email protected] KEEPER:

VICE CHAIR, Dawn Travers CHILD PROTECTION: [email protected]

SECRETARY: Rosemary Mead [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP SEC: Andy Elcomb [email protected]

TREASURER: Clive Cooke [email protected]

ACORN EDITOR: Suze Bisping [email protected]

COMPETITION SEC., Ian Crocker WEBMASTER: [email protected]

SPEED LEAGUE David Balderson CHAMP CO-ORD: [email protected]

RALLY SECRETARY: Iain Gibson Tel: 01474 873573

CHIEF MARSHAL: Philip Fawcett [email protected]

SOCIAL SECRETARY: Situation Vacant – if you are interested in helping to organise the club’s social events, please contact a member of the committee.

PRESS & PR: Steve Thompson [email protected]

WITHOUT PORTFOLIO: Chris Scudder [email protected]

WEB ACORN: Ralph Travers [email protected]

Website - www.sevenoaksmotorclub.com

PLEASE NOTE: COPY DATE FOR JUNE ACORN WILL BE MAY 20TH

You can e-mail copy to [email protected] I will also accept copy on disc, CD Rom, memory stick etc or paper (typed or handwritten).

- 1 - FROM THE COMMITTEE FROM THE COMMITTEE FROM THE COMMITTEE

Editorial Ramblings Chin’s Chairman’s Chat

o, a new Acorn, and a new Editor! As I’m sure t was encouraging to see a reasonable number of you’re aware, Dawn Travers had been looking you at the AGM, together with those who took the S for someone to take over for a while and having trouble to send their apologies there seems to be a served on committee in a Press & PR capacity for two I good level of enthusiasm within the club. This may and a half years, I decided to have a change. But don’t have been generated by the presentation on Crystal worry, Dawn will be back—she’s already been asked Palace which followed but that would then indicate the to look after an edition or two of Acorn next year when support out there for this project. I get married and go on honeymoon! Thanks to her for all of her help and support, now I just need to try and Although I wasn’t directly involved in the running of our fill her shoes - gulp! (Size 8 Suze!!- The Ex-Ed) I’ve April North Weald Sprint, I managed to get to the met many of our members over the last few years event by about lunchtime having spent a worthwhile when I’ve been competing but for those who don’t morning at Sculthorpe launching the ASEMC Club

know who I am, you can find a “self interview” later in Stage Championship. By the time I arrived the meet- this issue. ing was well under way and everyone was having a good time so I managed to 7oaks have recently run two events, a scatter and a have a good chat with several of you and then get sprint at North Weald, and results, news and some roped in to dish out the awards. Well done top Chris pictures from those can be found in this edition. A Judge for FTD in his Jedi – he says it was the new good result on the scatter and a sunny day at North sticky tyres that made the difference. The organising Weald rounded off a busy week for me, being my third team did well and carried on our tradition of running an event in a week, and so the long Easter weekend is a event for everyone to enjoy. welcome break. I understand that there haven’t been many registrations for the Speed League this year, so As far as the 2010 Speed regulations go, I have made please send your forms in [it is free!!!] to David Bal- representations, under the ASEMC banner, to the derson. These are available on our website or at the Speed Committee of the MSA to check that the word- back of Acorn. ing of their regs properly reflects their intentions as I don’t think they do as they stand. Also I have made The Summer Autotest series kicks off this month and the case for the limiting, in the road going classes, of as always, Stacey Thompson is doing a great job of tyres to those from List 1A. We’ll see what happens in organising things. However, people always seem to due course. enjoy the competing but don’t step in and help. If you can get out and marshal an evening or two, or give As was mentioned by Dawn last month, Suze Bisping Stacey a hand in any way, I’m sure she would appreci- has taken over as Acorn Editor – thank you Suze. I’m ate it. sure she’ll make a great job of it and, as I can tell by the magazine being almost ready by the deadline and Also this month, we have two socials - Chin’s Quiz on Suze needing to chase me for this month’s drivel, she the 20th May at The Bell, Kemsing, and a Scalectrix has the enthusiasm of youth on her side. Dawn has Night at The Bell, Kemsing, on the 26th organised by edited the Acorn for over 8 years if my memory serves Nigel Mead. The Scalectrix Night has been organised me correctly which is a long time and an awful lot of for half term week so if you’re not away, hope to see hard work. The mag has grown in stature during that you there for an evening of competitive fun! period with more pictures, the electronic version and the availability on our website – thank you Dawn. Congratulations go to April’s Monthly Mug winner, Ben Webber, for being the youngest person to take part in Crystal Palace is coming together and the promotional one of our club’s Car Trials, sitting alongside his Dad package is almost ready for us all to go out into the Andy in his Lotus Elan +2. Ben is one of the youngest commercial world and achieve the partnerships we members, competitors, and helpers in our club and need to get this great event under way. The website is can often be seen marshalling along with his younger up (www.motorsportatthepalace.co.uk) and is beginning sister Jade - maybe he will be seen autotesting in the to take shape, so watch that space for developments. not too distant future! We need to raise a substantial amount of funding so please all members do what they can to raise that If anybody has any suggestions for anything they cash. Nigel Mead is coordinating this effort so, if you would like to see included in Acorn, or any changes, have any contacts that may be interested in joining us please feel free to get in touch with me either by on this event, please let Nigel know 01892 832420 or phone [details on the front page] or by email [email protected] [email protected]. I will try and live up to Dawn’s legacy, but only time will tell! Lastly, please do Well, that’s it for this month – I hope to see as many of try and send copy in on time - this magazine is what you as possible at the Evening Autotests. you, the members, make it with a little input from my- self, and event reports / photos / snippets of news are of course always welcome. Chin

So long until next month... Suze Bisping

- 2 - COMPETITION CALENDAR 2009

DATE EVENT ORGANISING CLUB / Contact LOCATION Status Open To/ Champ Round Speed League 2nd May Sprint BARC(Mids): Noreen Ward [email protected] Curborough Nat B

12 Car Regularity Eastbourne & Ram MC (Weald MC): Contact Tim 3rd May TBC CS Run Smith 01424 222662, [email protected]

Autotest Training MMKMC: Autotest Training Day, email 3rd May Headcorn Airfield CS Day [email protected] for more information

Evening Grass MMKMC: Evening Grass Autotest, email 6th May Headcorn Airfield CS Autotest [email protected] for more information

Evening Grass Autotest 7Oaks & MC (for Weald MC): Entries and Offers of 7th May Farningham CS (Summer Series help to Stacey Thompson Tel: 0208 3002609 Opener)

Miglia Quadrato UHULMC: Regs for this event can be obtained from City of London 9th May CS 2009 Dave Lygoe Eve Tel: 0208 363 9850 starting at Midnight

Speed Herts CAC: Tony Staines, 10th May Sprint Debden Nat B League [email protected]

12 Car Regularity Eastbourne & Ram MC (Weald MC): Contact Tim 10th May TBC CS Run Smith 01424 222662, [email protected]

Evening Grass MMKMC: Evening Grass Autotest, email 13th May Headcorn Airfield CS Autotest [email protected] for more information

Croydon DMC: Pam Douce 01883 343450, Three Counties Start 9.15am 17th May [email protected] CS Tour Whyteleafe FC Route: 130 miles on OS 187 and 188, £60 entry

Quiz Night organised by Chin, contact 20th May Quiz, May Social The Bell, Kemsing Social [email protected] for more information

Evening Grass 7Oaks & MC (for Weald MC): Entries and Offers of 21st May Autotest Farningham CS help to Stacey Thompson Tel: 0208 3002609 (Summer Series) Blackpalfrey MC (for Weald MC): Entries to Andy Gibson 01227 792740 or check out 24th May Hughes Rally Starts in Wrotham TBA www.historicroadrally.co.uk/hughesrally for more infor- mation.

Scalectrix Night, for an evening of family fun. Con- 26th May Scalectrix Night tact Nigel Mead for more information on 01892 The Bell, Kemsing Social 832420 or [email protected].

Evening Grass MMKMC: Evening Grass Autotest, email 27th May Headcorn Airfield CS Autotest [email protected] for more information

Kent Driver MMKMC: Kent Driver Autotest, email 30th May Sittingbourne TBA Autotest [email protected] for more information

For further information contact:

Competition Secretary: Ian Crocker 01892 546006 email: [email protected]

Speed League contact : David Balderson, 01689- 3 - 601661 email: [email protected] FORTHCOMING EVENTS NEWS FORTHCOMING EVENTS NEWS FORTHCOMING EVENTS NEWS The winter season is Club Social Calendar over, long live the Summer What’s On in 2009?

Grass Autotest Series 2009! Wednesday 20th May With Spring well under way, here are the dates for the new Grass Quiz Night—rescheduled due to lack of Autotest season events for Weald participants in January. Chin has been Motor Club by Sevenoaks & District MC. busy compiling devious and not so devi- ous questions to test your skill. Bring a Venue: team or join up with mates on the night for a fun evening. The Bell, Kemsing from Coldharbour Farm, Farningham, 8.30pm.

Kent MR 177/540670 Tuesday 26th May 2009 Dates: Scalectrix Night at The Bell Kemsing, from 7.30pm. Food will be available at the

Thursday evenings 7th and 21st May 4th and 18th June venue, and as this falls in half-term week, 2nd and 16th July hope to see you there! Contact Nigel and all day Sunday 9th August. Mead on 01892 832420 or Signing on 1800 onwards, last sign on 1930 [email protected].

for the evening events. £12 for evening

autotests, £18 for the whole day autotest or Wednesday 17th June £75 for all 7. Film Night at The Bell Kemsing—If you Regs to be published shortly and will be have anything Motorsport related of available to download from interest to bring along preferably on VHS www.sevenoaksmotorclub.com or DVD, please come along or ring a or from organiser Stacey Thompson committee member. Tel: 0208 3002609 Email: Wednesday 16th July [email protected] Skittles at the Haycutter Inn, Oxted. Got a youngster aged 14 to 18? Bring Following on from the skittles night last them along to have a go. A Production summer, we’ll once again be returning to permit will be applied for if there’s enough the Haycutter Inn for another evening of interest. Contact Stacey for more details. fun (and no doubt some friendly Autotests are an excellent way of introduc- competition!). ing car control to youngsters. And if they’re 7oaks members and under 21, they get free Wednesday 16th August entries too—bargain! Bat & Trap evening, please contact Dawn Travers for more information.

We are still looking for a new Social Secretary. The role mainly involves organising the club’s social events, and new ideas are always welcome. If you’re interested, please contact Chin or any other member of the club’s committee.

- 4 -

Sevenoaks Scatter 2nd April 2009

Thanks to all for your support on the night, it was great to see so many of you. I trust you enjoyed the event. Hope to see you all later in the year for more of the same when it gets dark again!

Andy Elcomb

Results below:

DRIVER CAR NAVIGATOR CLUB SCORE P’sn 1 Suze Bisping Micra Daren Hall 7Oaks / CMC 250-5 = 245 1 2 Clare Dane Polo Lee Bezuidenhout CMC 170 5 3 Steve Winter Discovery Chris Winter BPKMC 190-30 = 160 7 4 Kevin Ablitt Corsa Tarna Ablitt 7Oaks 150-40 = 110 9= 5 Darren Tyre MX5 Tracey Niel 7Oaks 110 9= 6 Jason Andrews Tiger Shelly Albrow 7Oaks 20-20 = 0 11 7 Andy Kilby Escort Chin BLCC & 7Oaks 150-5 = 145 8 Glyn Williams / Sam 8 Nick Powter Corsa Williams BLCC & 7Oaks 190-25 = 165 6 MMKMC & 9 Robert Sharpe MX5 Brian Sharpe 7Oaks 180 4 10 Nigel Mead Polo Rosemary Mead 7Oaks 230 2 11 Chris Morton BMW 320 Mick Sullivan 7Oaks 190 3

A big thanks to Andy for running the event. The sticker format worked well – it was the first time I had done an event where you were looking for stickers and not telegraph pole numbers etc. The clues were straightforward to plot, though of course with the event being on both maps 188 and 189, this got nav Daren Hall moaning, as Andy has been known to comment on before!

With Daren’s quick plotting and good calls, there wasn’t much for me to do apart from drive around some of Kent’s lovely lanes for the evening. We were deducted 5 points for allegedly being 1 minute late back to the pub, but we both say that was Andy’s dodgy watch!

We followed Nigel & Rosemary Mead and Kevin & Tarna Ablitt for a while, but lost them at one point. It was good to see so many crews supporting the event, the only downside of this being that Andy wasn’t expecting so many and had to hurriedly prepare some more copies of the clues! Jason An- drews and Shelly Albrow were out for the first time in their Tiger, as a “birthday treat” for Shelly and there was a wide variety of cars out, as you can see from above.

If you haven’t tried a scatter before, make sure you look out for the dates when they start up again later in the year. With very cheap entry fees (normally around the £10 mark) they are great fun for both driver and navigator, and one of the cheapest forms of motorsport you can try.

Suze Bisping

- 5 - SEVENOAKS & DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB EVENTS 2009

DATE EVENT CONTACT LOCATION Status Open To/ Champ Round

Entries and Offers of help to Stacey Thompson Coldharbour Farm, 7th May Evening Grass Autotest CS Tel: 0208 3002609, [email protected] Farningham

Entries and Offers of help to Stacey Thompson Coldharbour Farm, 21st May Evening Grass Autotest CS Tel: 0208 3002609, [email protected] Farningham

Entries and Offers of help to Stacey Thompson Coldharbour Farm, 4th June Evening Grass Autotest CS Tel: 0208 3002609, [email protected] Farningham

Entries and Offers of help to Stacey Thompson Coldharbour Farm, 18th June Evening Grass Autotest CS Tel: 0208 3002609, [email protected] Farningham

Evening Grass Entries and Offers of help to Stacey Thompson Coldharbour Farm, 2nd July CS Autotest Tel: 0208 3002609, [email protected] Farningham

Entries and Offers of help to Stacey Thompson Coldharbour Farm, 16th July Evening Grass Autotest CS Tel: 0208 3002609, [email protected] Farningham

26th July Autosolo TBA North Weald CS

Entries and Offers of help to Stacey Thompson Coldharbour Farm, 9th August All Day Autotest CS Tel: 0208 3002609, [email protected] Farningham

Enquiries to Clive Cooke 11th October MV Trial Kent, various CS Tel: 01732 353814, [email protected]

Enquiries to Chin 7th November 20/20 Rally Kent CS Tel: 01732 823132, [email protected]

13th 12 Car TBA Kent CS November

15th Enquiries to Clive Cooke Car Trial Stoneacre CS November Tel: 01732 353814, [email protected]

For further information contact:

Competition Secretary: Ian Crocker 01892 546006 email: [email protected]

Speed League contact : David Balderson, 01689 601661 email: [email protected]

- 6 - Wanted: Rally Car Parts SKI HOLIDAY IN ITALY 2010 Due to upgrading my 1.0 Micra to an Christine and David Balderson invite you Endurance Rally car, I am currently to join them for a skiing holiday in La looking for a few bits and pieces for the Thuile, Italy on Sunday 10th January car. 2010, to stay in the 4* Planibel Hotel which is opposite the slopes (details can If anybody has an old tripmeter lying be found in the Neilson brochure). around, or some buckets seats [preferably with wraparound headrests] The cost is £609 per person but please get in touch. depending on the number in the group, there should be a discount to this cost.

This is a good skiing resort for beginners as well as experienced skiers. La Thuile links up with La Rosiere in France to provide 150km pistes. Ski from Italy to France and back again in just one day.

Please let Christine and David know if you are interested by the end of June.

Call Suze on 01375 407124 or email Tel 01689 601661 or [email protected]. Thanks. email [email protected]

Three French Hillclimbs Extend hand of Friendship.

hree fantastic hills in three weeks…… The three top hillclimb venues in the west of France St Goueno in Brittany, Hebecrevon in Normandy and T La Pommeraye in the Pays de Loire have joined forces to welcome drivers from the UK and Ireland to take part in their events this May. All three are national status events held on closed public roads and are part of the Championat de France de la Montagne which is considered to be the one of the best in Europe.

La Pommeraye is situated between Nantes and Angers and at 250km from St Malo is the furthest away. The 2.5km course run up through a vineyard which produces the well-known Anjou wines. The middle section of this course is famous throughout France for it’s long flowing esses which are taken at well over 200 kph…. if you are brave enough. Hebecrevon’s course has a length of 2.2 km, it is narrow at the beginning but then joins the route nationale, which is very wide and flowing, cornering speeds have to be seen to be believed. The paddock is literally the vil- lage with the most sought after pitches being adjacent to the bar. St Goueno’s 3.2 km course winds its way up through a wooded valley, a bit like Wiscombe park in Devon only much longer and much faster. St Goueno is also famous for it’s evening soirees and it’s 350 volunteers.

Any MSA licence will enable drivers to take part in the GB Masters demonstration runs which are fully timed. Cars are subject to a few safety requirements. All three events are run by not-for-profit associations who are keen to make new friends and to show the French spectators how it is done a l’Anglais. Trailer storage is available for those wishing to return home between events.

La Pommeraye 9/10 May. Hebecrevon 16/17 May. St Goueno 23/24 May.

For more information contact John LLOYD. Email: [email protected]

- 7 - Rallye Sunseeker – 27th & 28th February 2009

The day dawned bright, clear and warm in Horsham and stayed that way as I set off for Bournemouth. I had a nice easy run down to my first stop, Rally HQ at the Highcliff hotel. After picking up my passes and most of my paperwork (I had forgotten to pick up my check sheets) I made my way to scrutineering at the little down centre to see long time family friend, John Monk. After a quick chat, I made my way to the Premier Inn at Ferndown where I found Clive and Judy Cooke waiting patiently for me. Chris Scudder had been delayed on route so Clive, Judy and I took a seat in the restaurant and began to set the world to rights. (Question, if you go out on a first date to a restaurant, is it ok to use a two for one voucher? NO!!! The Ed). Chris soon arrived and we ate our meal and checked into the hotel.

We made our way to the service park at Canford Arena where we made ourselves a cup of coffee and sorted out the clocks and paperwork and waited for the safety cars to arrive. While we were waiting sev- eral competitors asked us questions about time cards and start times as per usual. As night fell the first safety car, a Mk2 Escort, drew into the control and was dispatched into the night. Clive and Judy have experience of time controls, but mainly from inside the car so they kept a close eye on what was happening. Gradually the field filtered through, the Land Rovers Above: Class winning Mk2 Escort first who were doing a demonstration run through the Seafront stage.

Unfortunately, all did not go well on the seafront. First the stage was delayed when a Range Rover competing in the main event clipped a park bench, removing most of the left front corner in the process. Both of the crew were ok but later that evening a Impreza drifted wide on a fast left hander, felling a large lamp post before coming to a stop 120 yards later. The driver took the brunt of the impact and had to be cut free by the Stage Rescue Unit and County Fire & Rescue. The delay meant that the stage was cancelled with the top 17 cars not having had a chance to tackle the stage.

Slowly the cars filed back to the service area for the evening where we were waiting to sign them in for the evening. Job done we handed our paperwork to the Course Closing car driven by none other than Colin Billings who was amusingly sporting a Rugby shirt with the number ten on the back. We returned to the restaurant where we grabbed a light snack and had a few more drinks before getting our heads down for the night.

Saturday dawned bright and clear too and after checking out of the hotel we made our way back to the Service Park and set about sending the competi- tors out into the Dorset countryside for a days compe- tition. The results from Friday night were handed out by a team of students from Bournemouth University, showing the top 17 competitors tied for first place hav- ing been given nominal times. The first loop of stages was quite dramatic - pre-event favourite Marcus Dodd went out with engine failure, Paul Bird’s new toy, a 06 Focus WRC was retired after a wiring loom Above: A finds a ditch caught light during a stage and Steve Perez’s similar machine got stuck in a ditch. We also had a problem with Car 48, the co-driver had worked out the due time wrong and wasn’t happy that they were almost 15 minutes late. She was

- 8 - convinced that they’d been held up on the busy A31 and no amount of reasoning was calming her down. The problem was eventually solved when the driver realised that she hadn’t added the correct time from the previous stage finish. After the mistake was corrected and she apologised they were sent on their way.

The first Service wasn't a good one for ‘Team Sevenoaks;’ Stefan Davis had to retire his 205 after running out of oil and Colin Billings was delayed after running over a metal spike and having to change the resulting puncture. After the Service in control was done I checked on Clive and Judy who were running the regroup out control on the other side of the service park. Although they hadn’t much experience, they had settled into the flow of things comfortably and were doing a fine job. Above: Stefan Davis in his 205

The gap between the first and second services was spent listening to the radio, drinking coffee and spending the lunch vouchers we had been given at the burger van. Second service soon rolled round though and we were back in action, this time with Chris on the clock and time cards and me filling out the check sheet. Again we had to deal with crews that were late but they posed no real problem and everything ran smoothly for us. Car 48 was still running and managing to work out the times correctly and took my light hearted teasing with good grace. Eventually all the cars had come in and gone out again and it was left to us to drink some more coffee, use the rest of the meal vouchers and set up the final Regroup In/ Regroup Out controls.

Unfortunately all was not well out on the stages though, Stage 12 being stopped due to a spectator having a suspected heart attack. The mid point rescue & doctor were dispatched into the stage but the delay meant that those crews that had not fin- ished S12 or 13 were given nominal times and directed straight back to Canford and into the regroup in control. There we sorted out the top three cars and Above: The event winners, queued the rest up waiting to be dispatched to the Nicholls and Broom finish ramp in Bournemouth. The top three cars were given a police escort into Bournemouth and soon the rest of the cars followed one by one at minute intervals. Once all the cars had been dealt with we had a quick clear up operation and bid our farewells before hitting the road back home. I had a distinct advantage, being how I only live in West Sussex, so it was a short hop across the A31, along the M27 towards Chichester then up the A24 - home in no time.

Thanks to Chris for his ever continuing support, and to Clive and Judy who assure me that I haven’t scared them off completely for next year (last years victims, sorry volunteers, left the country!). Also thanks to whoever supplied the weather, dry and sunny - perhaps The Sunseeker isn’t such a silly name after all? That’s it from me for now; I’ve got to get back to sorting my pension out. Happy motor-sporting!

Phil Fawcett

All photos in this article courtesy of Andrew Bisping

- 9 - EVENTS NEWS EVENTS EVENTS NEWS EVENTS EVENTS NEWS EVENTS Miglia Quadrato - Night of 9th/10th May 2009 City of London

nited Hospitals and University of London Motor Club have issued regs for this year’s Miglia Quadrato. For those of you who may not have heard of it, this is a competitive U motoring event held entirely within the City of London, with the full co-operation of the City of London Police. As a treasure hunt it is an exempt event - for which a certificate of exemption (number 50834) is issued by the MSA. The 2009 Miglia Quadrato is the fiftieth such event and will run

on the night of 9/10 May starting at midnight. It is unique in that it takes place entirely within the City of London. The challenge is to navi- gate on a 1:10000 map and to locate points to within a ten metre square - where the answer to a question should be sought. There are no cryptic or catch questions - but that is not to say the task is easy. Indeed, many seasoned crews return each year and competitors with full rally ex- perience will be as challenged as those with no such experience. It truly is an event for all. A history of fifty years attests to that. With its accessibility to crews of up to six it can be a very enjoyable social event. But if you prefer the two-crew format there is a separate classification for this. Every year we get entrants from around the country. The fact that many travel consid- erable distance and return each year is another indication of its appeal. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to email John Gilbert at [email protected] GRAND LEIGHBRIDGE GARDEN PARTY 11th JULY Invitation Events A HAPPY gathering of all my friends who wish e have received an invite from the me and Diana well - I would like friends from all Owners Club to some of their events W the different phases of my (generally) very happy

Race Meetings life to mix and get to know each other. Donington Park 4th May Cancelled Silverstone 30th May Gates open at 1200. Unlimited car-parking on Snetterton 18th - 19th July grass. Bring your own picnic. Two barbecues will Thruxton 12th September be lit (1 charcoal, 1 gas); bring your own Oulton Park 3rd October `sacrificial sausages´. We will provide tea, cof- fee, squash, `vin plonc´ & beer. If your tastes are Sprints more refined, (off-licence & supermarkets within 2 Curborough 24th May miles) then bring your own. Officially, the event is Goodwood 11th July 1200 - 1800. However, if you want to camp, cara- Curborough 3rd October van or otherwise stay over (remembering our If you would like any further information about any of drink / drive laws), there´s plenty of room. the above, please let me know and I will try to find out more details of organisers for you. Jazz group will play `my sort of music´ between 1300 and about 1700 and `Course´ Croquet will Ian Crocker be played: if you haven´t tried it - DO. Competition Secretary Dress code - no black. A photo-board will be on display in the tent - if you have any pictures that will add to the fun, bring them along for the after- noon. There will probably be a TRA overhead, at some time! Deadline for copy for the June edition is 20th May. Remember - if it´s not fun, you´re doing it wrong! Anything received after this Gordon Franks date will not be included. If you plan on attending, please let Andy Elcomb know 01622 884856 or email [email protected]

- 10 - WELSH WOES FOR DAVIS

Rally Driver Stefan Davis contested the 2nd round of the British fastest one make series the Kick Energy Fiesta Sporting Trophy on the Bulldog International Rally of North . The rally was based around the welsh town of Bala. Stefan was co-driven by Kim Baker for the first time.

The team were in good spirits after nearly winning the first round just three weeks ago SO NEARLY DREAM DEBUT FOR and were very much looking forward to a flat out attack on the Welsh terrain. Things got off to DAVIS a bizarre start when the service crew managed to roll the car onto its roof at just 7mph before load- Rally Driver Stefan Davis contested the 1st round ing the car onto the trailer. of the fastest British one make car series this Weekend, the Malcolm Wilson Rally based near “It was the strangest thing that has happened the HQ in Cockermouth, before a rally, the car was basically destroyed on Carlisle. Stefan was co-driven by Rally Driver the driveway before it had left. Fair play to the apprentice and girlfriend Louise Cook who is boys, they worked flat out through the night to get planning to contest the 205 challenge herself as a the car driveable and had an emergency 24 hour driver in one month’s time. glass repair chap replace every window” said Stefan. “The car felt ok on the road section but as The crew had only purchased the car the day soon as we started the 1st stage it was clear before the rally and Stefan’s first drive of the car we had lost power somewhere”. was the road section down to the start ramp. Despite this Stefan was committed out of the box With the car spending a short amount of time and set a cracking 4th place time amongst the on its roof with no oil it would seem that the seventeen Fiesta crews. In Stage 4 Stefan engine had taken the brunt. Stefan also managed his first fastest time in the championship reported an electrical switch that was giving and not only that, Stefan had now taken the lead! inconsistent earth to the car making power issues even worse! It was all to come to an unfortunate end when the suspension lower arm fell out of the hub 300m “We had a good blast threw the last stage once from the end of stage 6. Stefan fitted the car back we had temporarily fixed the electrics, the car together at the side of the stage as nothing had didn’t die off and was pulling to 7,000rpm for the broke and drove the car out but the time loss was first time all day. We were still 3.5 seconds a mile massive. So, the service crew fitted a new arm off the leading pace, but we can work on the sus- after the stage but the problem and the worn pension and power for the next event to reduce component turned out to be the hub when the crew that gap.” Davis looks hard to gain the support were left stranded at the side of the long road back needed to get to the Pirelli International. to Penrith for the final 2.5 miles stage so were un- able to complete the rally..

“It was so near to a dream start. We thought before the rally that 5th place in a car we have never driven would have been a cracking result but to have pushed on to take the lead was like a dream come true. We have battled for two seasons with a complicated car and when I have a car less technical that I simply have to drive really fast, I have proved that I can do it,” said Stefan.

The Fiesta Sporting Trophy is the most hotly contested championship in Britain and the equal car strategy means that genuine driver talent can rise to the surface.

- 11 - The Backward Archive presents: 1970 Valence Hillclimb

Sevenoaks & District Motorclub ran the1970 Valence Hillclimb on 25th July. Spectators were asked to part with 2/6d, while a programme was just 6d. The man with all the power was Clerk of the Course David Stevens.

Class A saloons up to 850cc kicked off the event, with 7 Minis taking on sprinting legend (no, not Chris Judge), Wally Pratt in his Ar- barth 850TC. Next somewhat less logically was Class D saloons over 1300cc. This saw three Sevenoaks rally cross aces all in Escort Twin cams, fighting for class honours. Rod Chapman came out on top from John Taylor and Roy Edwards. Another 7Oaks ace, Peter Warren, was also in the class with his Cortina Twin-cam. A break from all the Fords saw Sheila Boulden in her Rover 2000 T/C.

Logic returned with the next class B 850 to 1000cc, with many Coopers including road saloon founder Tim Dodwell and Sue Above: Chin competing Walleans. One odd ball in the class was Chin (no comment!) in the Morris Chinspeed Minor. Class C followed for 1001 to 1300cc cars, mainly 7Oaks members in Mini Cooper S models. This included race ace Bernard Bird and rally star Harvey Crush. In non Minis were Ron Lewis’ Brabham Viva and Arthur Dann’s NSU 1200TT.

Next were the GT cars in Class E, up to 1200cc, with Sprites and a Triumph Herald! Class G was GT cars 1201cc to 1650cc, with Nick Ramus’s quick Midget and Tony Brown’s Austin Healy Lenham GT Sprite. GT cars 1651cc to 2500ccwas Class G and saw Phil Holliday’s do anything Triumph TR2.

There was a mass entry of with three 1800 GTs entered for Martin Ingall, John Classey and Dr Paul Scott. John Bloomfield had his road car Porsche 911 rather than his Group 2 race Escort. Another entry was Irvine Laidlaw in a Morgan 4/4. Was this Lord Laidlaw, today’s well known historic race ace with lots of mouth-watering cars, I wonder?

The final GT class was for over 2500cc cars and featuring BARC members with 5 Jaguar E-Types taking on 4 Austin Healy 3000s. The three Sevenoaks members had a touch of class with John Hig- gett’s pre-war , Bob Gooda’s Maserati Indy and Dick Faulks pre-war Bugatti Type SS road car.

The first sports racing car Class I for up to 1200cc cars and fea- tured Charles Saunders’ Lola Clomax Mk1 and Julian Dussek’s Lo- tus 7. The over 1200cc sports car class saw amongst the entry Gordon Viola’s Manta Jaguar and David Stare’s Ginetta G12. Above: A Mini clips the bank Class K for single seaters under 1200cc gave us our FTD man, the very quick Peter Voigt in his Formula 4 Ginetta Imp G17. His opposition came from a couple of very rare Formula Jun- ior cars, Roger Mortimer’s OSCA and David Wilson’s Caravelle. The final Class L for single seaters over 1200cc saw Peter Voigt out again in the Dove III with a supercharged bike engine in the rear. Roger Willoughby had also supercharged his quick Brabham Ford and also super- charged was John Playford’s wonderful Bugatti T51 pre-war Grand Prix car.

So there was the ninth Valence Hill Climb that was to continue to the last event in 1996. My grateful thanks to Geoff Turner for giving the photos for the archive, before going off to sunny . Chris Dennis

- 12 - ASEMC Car Trials Championship

Sevenoaks members are doing very well in the opening rounds of the 2009 ASEMC Car Trials Championship. Jay Grossmith in his 1400cc Metro is currently leading the championship overall, with myself, Dave Balderson and Ted Holloway fighting it out in Class 2 with few points separating us.

The Championship has now attracted 14 registered contenders with the next event being the Southern Autos run by Falcon Motor Club on 24th May. Sevenoaks positions are as follows:

Class 2

1st Jay Grossmith 13 points

2nd Chris Judge 8 points

3rd Dave Balderson 7 points

4th Ted Holloway 5 points

Class 4

1st Ted Holloway 3 points

If anyone would like details of the ASEMC Car Trials Championship please contact myself at [email protected] or ring 07765 663 258.

Chris Judge

Spring Fever Autotest

The Falcon Motor Club Ltd would like to in- vite the Sevenoaks & District MC to our Sevenoaks & District Spring Fever Autotest to be held on Sunday Motor Club 17th May 2009. Speed League 2009

The venue is 165 Biggleswade Road, Upper If you haven’t yet registered for this Caldecot, Biggleswade SG18 9BD year’s Speed League , now is the time Map Ref 153/175461 to do so!

The event is a duel permit Clubsport / Registration is free, and you can find a Production Car Autotest on a very smooth registration form at the back of Acorn, grass surface. which needs to be sent to David Balderson. Regs can be downloaded from Falcon’s web- site; http;// With rounds all over the country, there falconmotorclub.googlepages.com/ are events to suit everybody from air- field sprints to circuits, hillclimbs, and Please contact Dave Maitland, Competition many others in-between. Secretary, for more info. 3A Weston Road, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 3RH Tel 01438 210793 Email [email protected]

- 13 -

Self Interview - Suze Bisping

What’s your day job?

Administration Manager for a telecommunications company, having just given up working as cabin crew for BA.

What three random facts about you do most members not know?

• Before sport, music was my first hobby – I play the flute, guitar, piano and drums • My Dad was a member of a Weald Club [Croydon] many, many years ago before moving from Surrey to Hampshire and latterly Wiltshire – it’s just a co-incidence I’ve ended up becoming a member of a club in the same area • I got my race National B license a few days before taking, and passing, my driving license

When did you join 7oaks?

2006

What or who inspired you to get into motor sport?

My Dad – he always took me to watch motorsport at the weekend. When I was very young [4 onwards] my Mum worked alternate weekends, Above: The 1.0 Micra on The Preston, and so Sundays were for “Grand Prix picnics” with Dad – courtesy of M&H Photography we’d sit in the lounge on the picnic rug in front of the Grand Prix eating food my Mum wouldn’t normally let us have, like ravioli!

What was your first competition car, and why did you choose it?

A 1.3 Nissan Micra Super S – it was my first car, and I bought it because it was cheap! It later be- came one of my competition cars.

Brief competing history to present...

I first competed in 2006 on sprints, autotests and Car Trials [or PCTs then] amongst other things. In 2007 I expanded this to include a Formula Vee race at Silverstone and scatters, and in 2008 added autosolos, gymkhanas, 12 cars and a Nat B Road Rally, The Preston, to that list. In 2009 I’m doing more of the same, but hoping to compete on my first Endurance Rally too.

What’s your current competition car?

We have four cars in our household, all of which have been used to compete in! We have a 1.3 Nis- san Micra Super S, a 1.0 Nissan Micra which is currently being built into an Endurance Rally car, a standard Rover 214 and an Endurance Rally / stage spec Rover 214.

- 14 - What’s your dream competition car and why?

A Mk2 Escort – Dad had one, and I’ve heard lots about it, and you could permanently go sideways – fantastic!

What’s your favourite venue / corner and why?

I love Castle Combe having lived locally for 10 years. However, I love the Indy and Grand Prix Circuits at Brands Hatch, espe- cially Paddock Hill. Above: The rally Rover, courtesy of

M&H Photography

What’s been your worst or most expensive accident?

Touch wood, nothing major to date! Although I did once “bump” my fiancé Matt’s rally Rover into a tree, resulting in a dent and me paying for a new rear light.

What’s your dream event, to compete, marshal or spectate on and why?

I would love to compete on Rallye Sunseeker, simply because it’s the first rally I remember going to and I loved spectating in Ringwood Forest and on the sea front.

AEMC Sprint Championship Rounds:

Date Venue Club

1. Sunday 15th March North Weald Borough 19 MC 2. Sunday 5th April North Weald Sevenoaks & DMC 3. Sunday 19th April Honington Borough 19 MC 4. Sunday 26th April North Weald Green Belt MC/HarrowCC 5. Saturday 2nd May Curborough (long) BARC (Mids) 6. Sunday 10th May Debden Herts County 7. Sunday 17th May Bentwaters Parks Borough 19 MC 8. Saturday 6th June Lydden (am) Rochester MC 9. Saturday 13th June Abingdon Sutton & Cheam MC 10. Saturday 20th June Lydden Borough 19 MC 11. Saturday 27th June Goodwood Tunbridge Wells MC 12. Sunday 12th July Debden Borough 19 MC 13. Sunday 19th July Longcross Sutton & Cheam MC 14. Sunday 2nd August Hethel Borough 19 MC 15. Saturday 8th August Curborough (long) BARC (Mids) 16. Saturday 15th August Lydden 7 Oaks/London Irish 17. Saturday 12th September Brands Hatch (am) Tunbridge Wells MC 18. Sunday 20th September North Weald Harrow CC/Green BeltMC 19. Sunday 4th October Debden Herts County 20. Saturday 24th October Lydden (am) Rochester MC

- 15 - SDMC Car Trial Stoneacre Farm

n March 15th, Sevenoaks and District Motor Club ran a Car Trial at Stoneacre Farm, Otham, near Maidstone. A strong entry of 26 competitors turned up on a bright sunny day, to do battle O with the Kent Countryside watched by a field of sheep.

The first group of six tests out of eighteen saw Sevenoaks’ Daren Hall pull out a two point lead over MMKMC’s Ken Kimber, Daren’s Nova finding the slightly slippery conditions more to it’s liking than Ken’s immaculate 1972 NSU TT.

The second group of six tests saw Ken reversing the tables on Daren, as he took a two points lead as the Nova and driver struggled in the drying conditions. It was all to play for on the final six tests. A mighty charge from Daren saw him win the trial overall by two points from ken. Overheating in the rear engine NSU over the final few tests did not help Ken’s cause.

These two left the rest of the field behind, their nearest challenger in third was Ray Lane, another 14 points behind. Mention must be made though of Andy Webber, who used the most unsuitable car ever seen at a Car Trial. Andy brought along his sprint racing Lotus Elan +2. This much tuned car was skil- fully driven by Andy to complete the first six tests without any damage. Infact he took two top scores, but unfortunately then had to go to a christening. He is such an enthusiast he had to come and play, a true clubman.

Chris Dennis

Results:

BPD Daren Hall Vauxhall Nova 1.2

Class winners:

A Dennis Usmar BMC Mini 1300 GT D Hales Vaughan Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite E Ken Kimber NSU 1200 TT

ASEMC class winners:

2 Ray Lane BMC Mini 3 Dave Harvey Fiat X1/9 4 Ted Holloway Nimrod

ASEMC Speed Championship

Andy Webber proved the highest placed Sevenoaks member in the 2008 ASEMC Speed Championship. Driving his trusty Lotus Elan, he took a number of class wins and some very com- petitive performances saw him win the championship road-going up to 2-litre class by a country mile.

Stephen Thompson drove his Civic Type R to class victory in the standard production sa- loon category, while Bob Hoare came 5th in the road-going up to 1400cc class driving his (now his- toric) 1000cc Chamois Imp. Dave Balderson finished 6th in the over 2-litre road-going class.

The Overall winner of the Championship was Borough 19 motor club member Kim Adams driving his very quick Mitsubishi EVO. Kim, along with all the other prize winners, were awarded their tro- phies at the Brands Hatch Thistle Hotel recently. Next year's ASEMC prize giving will celebrate three championships due to the creation of a new Car Trial and Stage Rally championship. Both these new challenges have already begun to flourish. If you would like details of any ASEMC Championships please contact myself or Chin.

Happy motoring! Chris Judge

- 16 -

SDMC North Weald Sprint, 5th April 2009 Feedback from the event:

he second round of the Sevenoaks & Well done Andy, had a great day, lovely weather District Motor Club Speed League season as well. Thanks for allowing Jason to go out a T was at the familiar venue of North Weald. A couple of times. beautiful sunny day was a welcome change from Shelly, spectator and helper the snow experienced at the venue a year previ- ously! A good day thanks to all who did the work, and With varied entry numbers across the classes, arranged the weather. competition for the honours in classes B3 and B4 Steve “sideways” Stringer, car 67 was particularly close, but it was Mark Garner in his Renault Spider and Bill McKenna in his Por- sche who finally took home the spoils. Thanks to the organising team and the marshals, who I guess may be a bit red now! Fastest Time of the Day went to Chris Judge, Matt Endean, car 7 who had been out competing the previous day at Lydden Hill. His beautiful looking Jedi was on fine form and he took the overall award with the Just a quick thanks to Andy and co for their usual Seven of Paul Bowden not far behind in 2nd slick and professional running of Sundays event overall. A few car gremlins were experienced dur- whilst maintaining a friendly and informal atmos- ing the day including the Metro 6R4 of David phere. The few problems that did occur were Daniel which broke a driveshaft on the way to dealt with promptly and with minimum fuss, de- scrutineering and a few others who fell by the spite only managing third in class, I had a very wayside during the event. enjoyable day and was awarded with a very nice trophy for my efforts. As Andy Elcomb mentioned on the day, competi- Peter Moore, car 17 tor feedback is always valuable and appreciated. With a medium sized entry, there was some “spare time” at the end of the day, and as he Our thanks to all the team for putting it together - asked on the day, knowing what competitors Keith on entries, Phil for the manpower, Chris- would like is important. For the future, would you tine / Rosemary & Stacey for twiddling their prefer to see: thumbs in the donated caravenette (joke - hon- est!), Alan F for providing said office, Clive Cooke • A fun run for the van and equipment and of course Chin • A fourth timed run and Ian for their behind the scenes work - cheers • Two laps of the course (having completed all. the majority of the course once, instead of doing a hairpin right, turn right back down Thanks also to the competitors - not a single to the banjo and then complete the course). wrong route all day and a few entertaining spins to keep the marshals awake. What more could If you have any thoughts, please let him know. we ask. Drop him an email at [email protected] or give him a call; his contact details are at the front Andy Elcomb, Clerk of the Course of the magazine.

As most of you will be aware, there were photog- raphers attending the event and their photo- graphs can be found at http:// www.zoomworksphotography.com/ portfolio53683.html from where you can also pur- chase prints of the event.

Congratulations to all the class winners on the day, and of course thanks to all the marshals and organisers as always.

Above: The Spitfire was an appreciated sight (photo Andrew Bisping)

- 17 -

Photos from North Weald

Above: David Balderson and Nigel Mead catching up in the paddock..... Above: ....before David decided to go for a bike ride

Above: Keith Crocker doing his bit to promote the club Above: And the Clerk of the Course taking a well-earned break

Above: Some people didn’t make it home as quickly as planned, after an unscheduled Above: ...but after a quick tyre change, the stop on the M25... Thompsons were on their way again.

- 18 - NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS

- 19 - NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS

- 20 - NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS NORTH WEALD SPRINT RESULTS

- 21 - MSA: E MSA: E MSA: E - - - WHEELS WHEELS WHEELS e‐Wheels April 2009 allan.dean‐[email protected]

Apprenticeships — — — MAY 09 MAY 09 The MSA created the first apprenticeship in motor sport driving and has opened registrations for MAY 09 the first intake of 50 driversand co‐drivers. The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and is well established in many other sports.

The MSA is looking for the first intake of 50 competitors to enrol on the AASE motor sport

programme which begins in August 200. All AASE students must be aged between 16 and 24 and be able to demonstrate their potential to go on to become Elite performer within the sport. The MSA has drawn up a minimum level of performance that will be expected of successful applicants, which can be found at www.msauk.org/AASE.

Go regional

With the GoMotorsport.net website now attracting more than 2,000 new visitors each week, the focus of the campaign has moved on. Eight part‐time regional Development Officers have been recruited to visit schools throughout , Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They will advise children and students about the many opportunities for taking part in motor sport.

The MSA's Let's Go Karting scheme allows children between eight and 16 to have a go in a kart for just £5. For those aged eight and over, there are Junior Dragsters and Cadet kart racing, while special classes in autograss, autotests, , circuit racing and rallying cater for teenagers of 14 and older.

The Development Officers will work closely with the existing motor sport infrastructure in their areas, including Regional Associations, venues, events and MSA recognised clubs.

Their names and the areas they will cover are:

Mark James, South Wales (based in Swansea) Rob Manger, Southern England (Alton, Hampshire) Duncan Vincent, Scotland (Knockhill) Anthony Dunn, North East (Durham) Phil Glew, North/North West () Jonathan McDonald, Northern Ireland Ed Pead, Midlands (Northampton) Tom Gaymor, South East (London)

Meanwhile, www.GoMotorsport.net is worth visiting regularly as it is frequently updated. If your club is not listed, a club official should complete the questionnaire which can be downloaded from http://files.e2ma.net/2971/assets/docs/go_motorsport_questionnaire.xls.

- 22 - MSA: E MSA: E MSA: E Return questionnaires by email to [email protected] or by post to Ben Taylor at Motor Sports House. If you have any questions, contact Alex Birley, who is coordinating Go Motorsport, on 07841 673012.

- - - Code of Conduct WHEELS WHEELS WHEELS The MSA has incorporated a Code of Conduct in the 2009 Competitors' and Officials Yearbook (the 'Blue Book)’, which is shown below for information.

The Motor Sports Association expects you, and your associates, at all times to: — — — MAY 09 MAY 09 MAY 09 • Abide by the MSA regulations • Respect the decisions of event officials • Treat all competitors, marshals and officials equally with respect • Maintain the highest standards of driving behaviour • Conduct yourself in a proper manner at all times and always behave in the best interests of

UK motor sport • Make every effort to minimise the impact of your activities on the environment around you Abuse

The Motor Sports Association will not tolerate any form of abuse or aggression towards officials, marshals, spectators and competitors.

The Motor Sports Association and the National Court will impose the most stringent sanction against any transgression.

Safety You are reminded that participation in motor sport carries an inherent risk and the ultimate responsibility for safety lies wit the individual. The Motor Sports Association urges you to make the maximum possible effort to ensure your own safety at all times.

Picture post

The Bristol Pegasus Motor Club (BPMC) used a novel illustrated ‘stamp’ design when posting out regulations for its Wessex Sprint. If you want to consider such an option for your club, useful guidance can be obtained from the BPMC Vice President, Dick Craddy, at craddy@old‐down.freeserve.co.uk

Seats in Road Rallying

Extract from MSA SCRUTINEERS E‐BULLETIN #41 We have been made aware of concerns regarding the condition of some ‘standard’ seats used in road rallying. Concern has been shown over the strength of some reclining mechanisms. Please pay particular attention when scrutineering such vehicles that the seat is ‘fit for purpose’ and does not pose a danger to the competitor.

Downloading e‐Wheels

If a paper copy is required and to access back issues, Word and pdf versions of e‐Wheels can be downloaded from the MSA website www.msauk.org by clicking on MSA publications>Wheels>e‐Wheels.

- 23 - Sevenoaks Speed League 2009

Registration Form 2009

The championship is only open to fully paid up members of Sevenoaks and District Motor Club. No registration fee is necessary.

NAME...... ………………......

ADDRESS...... ………………......

...... ……………...... ….

………………………………………………… POSTCODE...... …

TEL No...... ……….(Home ) ...... …………...... …...(Work)

E-MAIL...... …………….

VEHICLE MAKE……...... MODEL...... C.C...... …....

IS THE CAR TAXED AND INSURED?...... YES / NO

SIGNED...... ……………...... DATE...... …......

Send to Scorer: David Balderson, 17 Glentrammon Close, Orpington ,Kent, BR6 6DL

------Sevenoaks Speed League 2009

Marshalling Qualification

In accordance with Rule 1.7.2 I confirm that I marshalled / officiated at the following event(s):

...... ………………......

Please note that only one FULL DAY OR 2 HALF DAYS/EVENING events are required to qualify, but please do more if you can.

Signed...... Please print name…………………………..

Signed 7Oaks Official ______Print Name ______

Send to Scorer: David Balderson, 17 Glentrammon Close, Orpington ,Kent, BR6 6DL

- 24 - Zoomworks Photography

Above: Russell Giddings, 1st in class, B5 Zoomworks Photography

Above: Peter Wilson, 1st in class, C6

Zoomworks Photography

Above: Paul Bowden, 1st in class C7 and 2nd overall. Zoomworks Photography

Above: Terry Brown, 1st in class, D8

Zoomworks Photography

Above: Malcolm Wise, 1st in class, D9 Colin Shipway

Above: Steve Stringer, 1st in class, D10

Zoomworks Photography

Above: Darren Tyre, 1st in class, E11 Zoomworks Photography

Above: Stuart Kingham, 1st in class, E12